Due South
LINDIWE SUTTLE
Lindiwe Suttle lived a life in the States many would envy – styling celebrities like Beyoncé, working as a personal costumer – but it is here that she is forging a life closer to her heart’s true desire
Why Cape Town?
When my friends abroad ask me that, I send them pictures of the view from my home in Camps Bay! Cape Town does something to people, it’s very special. I have many friends who have visited me from the States and who are now trying to rearrange their lives so they can live here. We’ve travelled the world together and they have never felt this way about another place.
What do you think it is?
The natural beauty of course, the incredible combination of mountain and ocean, but it’s deeper than that. It’s unseen, there’s a peace here that draws people.
What made you move?
It began with 9/11 – my apartment was right near the World Trade Centre and I was caught in the blast. It was the beginning of a major re-evaluation. I moved to Atlanta first, to be closer to my family, but I never felt at home there and also really needed a career change. My mom (well-known personality Felicia Mabuza-Suttle) is South African and I’d always loved our holidays in Cape Town so I came here.
Are you home?
Yes. I’m content, at peace and I think when you feel that way, you’re home. I’ve realised that I was living very far away from what my heart wanted, floating around on the tails of celebrities’ lives. It’s a crazy world that, not as glamorous as it’s made out to be. Cape Town has allowed me to focus inward and come to an understanding of what makes me happy. I’m doing things I love here – developing a show on fashion in Africa for The Africa Channel is one – for the right reasons and they’re not about chasing the dollar.
What excites you about being here?
What we can create! It’s like a rebirth – there’s new energy, passion and room to do things for the first time. I love the freedom, the lack of a prescribed way of being and the attitude that we can create in a number of ways. I find it more open-minded than America. Americans are taught to think America is Number One; the best. South Africans are not and are more open to the rest of the world as a result.
I’ve never heard Capetonians being referred to as open.
I know, it’s a tough place to make friends. People need to step out of their comfort zones, interact more, get rid of the separatist mentality. We’re all human after all.
Describe your lifestyle?
Independent, a mix of social and introspective. My boyfriend is in Switzerland so I’m forced to live a sociable bachelorette life without him. I enjoy the finer things in life – good meals, good wine – I love driving out to Franschhoek with a friend for a slow meal at Reuben’s. I travel a lot too.
What do you miss when you’re away?
The weather! I’m negatively affected by a lack of sunshine.
The best part of your day?
Watching the ocean from my balcony in the mornings and evenings.
What would you say is typically Cape Town?
Like any other beach city, it’s a city of posers andI mean that in the best way. It’s more healthy than, say, Miami, where silicone is king – more Bohemian and natural. People are aware of themselves, even the guy watching the waves. It’s a great fusion of different people and cultures. A flow of international visitors also keeps it fresh.
Your advice to visitors?
Get to know a local, Cape Town doesn’t open up easily otherwise. Stop in at the cafes – especially Vida for the buzz and the guys behind the counter, and Birds on Bree if you’re looking for the creative community.
RELAX
Kirstenbosch
SUNDAY
La Colombe
DRIVE
Cape Town to Greyton
SOUND
Hadedas
WINEMAKERS
Rupert and Rothschild
TRADITION
Cable skiing at Blue Rock
VIEW
The ocean from my balcony
DISH
Bhuna Gosh at Bukhara and Peking Duck at Haiku
PASTIME
At home making music
SEASON
Summer
SPACE
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