Kensington’s Montparnasse Café is peacefully tucked away from the borough’s bustling streets, and as I was admiring the pretty French pastries, the equally beautiful Sarah gracefully glided in. This South African personality needs little introduction. From her humble beginnings as a stylist while studying, to famed content creator and working on the acclaimed Woolworths “Styled by SA” campaigns – she has carved out both a sizable and fashionable space for herself in the world.
Settling into our coffees, I chatted with Sarah about her self-designed mantra of ‘Discovering the world, Feeding the mind, and Finding the heart’, allowing that to guide our conversation. Beginning with discovering the world, my curiosity was piqued as to how London fitted into that. With a British father, the country was no stranger to her, however, it was in a liminal space after COVID when she decided to spend time in London as part of figuring out what lay next for her.
Familiarity also breeds comfort, and in London, she had no choice but to discover: “It’s easy to be in South Africa and be around like-minded people, but in London, I was challenged. Having to put myself in places where I was pushed and inspired.” And inspired she was – with feeding the mind she decided to pursue further studies and has only just graduated from the British Institute of Interior Design. Her eyes lit up as she described her love affair with British design: “Nothing is overlooked. Everything has a reference – something I feel is sometimes missing in South Africa.” South Africans wanting to glean from her creative skills need not worry – spending time back home is definitely on the cards.
Lastly, on finding the heart she gushes: “I’m a hopeless romantic”. One of her intentions in moving to London was also to find love. After a few misaligned dates, a year ago she met someone special and is thoroughly enjoying her new journey. While parts of the destination are unknown, Sarah will certainly sojourn with a spirit of discovery that will enrich her mind and heart.
London with Sarah
Your go-to breakfast/brunch spot? Granger & Co. on Pavilion Road in Chelsea and I would say Daisy Green too has to be a daily fav!
A memorable London first? Attending Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee Year celebration.
Your favourite weekend getaway spot? Soho Farmhouse – I love the English countryside.
A hidden shopping gem? Club 19 (an exclusively members club private shopping experience based in Chelsea), and I would also say Harrods Penthouse Suites.
Your favourite park/green space in London? Hyde Park
An unmissable London cultural experience? The Chelsea Flower Show, Naomi Campbell’s V&A first exhibition and the Royal Ascot.
What do you miss most from back in South Africa when you’re in London? I would miss having so many different options for everything, never running out of things to do and being exposed to so many different and interesting people. South Africa, I feel is so far away from the world so it’s so difficult to meet new people. Being in a country that is so central has really exposed me to such an incredible international community
