The Cape Quarter Shows us How Alternative Shopping is Done

Exclusive lifestyle shopping and top-notch grub, under one Greenpoint roof

We are wearing: exclusive Victoria Beckham sunglasses. We are carrying: a one-of-a-kind, Italian leather satchel, in orange. Our dog is wearing: a wedding dress. Slaves to style are turning their heads, wondering ‘Where did they get all that?’ Yesterday, we discovered Cape Town’s secret to being cool: The Cape Quarter. We browsed art, fashion, beauty and home décor. We stopped for lunch in a bustling piazza, to dine on award-winning food and wine. Sound like shopping heaven? We’d like to share the secret to shopping for the alternative lifestyle.

The Spar & Andiamo
For simple, easy food that you can grab and go on the way to the office, the Spar is your one-stop, gourmet accessory. Stock up on fresh fish, baked breads and organic fruit and vegetables. The Spar is also home to Andiamo, a charming café that stock their own product range including, biscuits and chocolate chip cookies, plus a range of coffees juices and sandwiches. Why not give their winter ice-cream flavours a lick?

The Square | 27 Somerset Road | Greenpoint | Cape Town

Vanilla
The interior of this star-studded restaurant screams Hollywood glamour - a solid glass interior, an Absolut Vodka grand piano and a glitzy sushi bar. Set in Cape Quarter’s stunning piazza, this restaurant is the perfect spot for a shopping lunch or an evening meal. Vanilla serves up salads, meat and decadent sushi  (sushi is half price between 12-6 every day).

Shop 017 | The Square | Cape Quarter Extension | De Waterkant | Greenpoint | Cape Town

Extreme Eyewear
Make a statement the next time you step out in Cape Town, with a pair of over-the-top, high-end boutique sunglasses. Extreme Eyewear stocks exclusive ranges such as Chrome Hearts and Victoria Beckham’s new vintage range. Owner, Justin Belcher, has added a modern twist to a classic and refined interior, that complements this unique range of eyewear.

Shop 125 | Cape Quarter | 27 Somerset Road| Greenpoint | Cape Town

Wild Olive
Wild Olive’s hypnotic scent beckons customers from the piazza. Their skincare products, made with natural vegetable ingredients and essential oils, certainly put the ‘green’ back into Greenpoint. Their Florae range, made from natural products, was recently awarded the Prix d’excellence de la beaute 2010 citation for Florae range, by South African magazine, Marie Claire.

The Cape Quarter Piazza | 72 Waterkant Street | Greenpoint | Cape Town

Movie Magic
You can rent movies on every corner in Cape Town, but what sets Movie Magic apart is the focus on art house, foreign and classic movies. And of course the stunning wall paintings of great actors such as John Travolta and Audrey Tautou. Rent a movie here for three days for the magical price of R14. Can’t find the movie you so desperately wanted to watch tonight? Movie Magic will order it in for you.  

27 Somerset Road | Cape Quarter | Greenpoint | Cape Town

Coco Li
Adorable, sweet and cute. That is what best describes this little treasure trove on the first floor of Cape Quarter. Coco Li’s clothing is made by local designers such as Suede, Metalicus, Coppelia, August and Strip. But it’s not all clothing and shoes; Coco Li is the ultimate gift shop with body products, jewellery and fashionable bags.

27 Somerset Road | Cape Quarter | Greenpoint | Cape Town

The Kraal Gallery
Walk past this gallery and it catches your eye immediately. You can see women –  known as, ‘weaver birds’ - sitting behind large looms, working on colourful rugs and tapestries. All products are handwoven in the shop and made from recycled and washable material. The Pilani range is unique for Kraal Gallery. The weavers decide what they want to make. A recurring theme is the colourful Tree of Life. ’Bring colour back into the home’ is Kraals motto. But it’s not just about the rugs. It’s about the women weaving the rugs. Kraal Gallery wants to impact the lives of the weavers so they can support their families.

27 Somerset Road | Cape Quarter | Greenpoint | Cape Town

FreeRange Jewels
Love jewels and not afraid to be different? Then take a peek at FreeRange Jewels, where Marele Laeprecht designs jewels with organic and natural elements. From snake rings to rings with a small message engraved: Laeprecht will make it. She does not confrom to any design stereotypes, so challenge the mainstream with FreeRange Jewels!

Shop 037 | The Square | Cape Quarter | 27 Somerset Road | Greenpoint | Cape Town

Planet Woooof

The “out of this world pet store” offers everything you need for your pet -  from mainstream products like toys and food to exclusive grooming products like brushes, combs, shampoos and colognes. They also have special wedding dresses and tuxedos for dogs. Planet Woooof supports South African suppliers and caters for dogs, cats, birds, fish, hamsters and guinea pigs – you’ll find everything that makes your pet feel and look pretty! 

Cape Quarter | The Square | Shop D04 | 27 Somerset Road | Green Point | Cape Town

Crucafé Wine bar & restaurant

Wine Magazine SA voted Crucafé as the best new Winebar in 2009. In fact, it’s a very special place: Not only that the arty décor plays with wine terminology and the wine list is comprehensive, Chef Wesley Petterson creates contemporary and continental dishes like the Onion Tarte Tatin – puff pastry topped with a filling of caramelized balsamic onions, goats cheese and optional chilli. The Dutch owner Jacques Castelein opened a Wine Shop, next door, which acts as a cellar for their 120 different wines. 75% of the wines are local, but they also sell French, Dutch, German and Australian wines. Check out their special offer, “Wine Flights”: Taste three different wines of 50ml with an accompanying snack that complements the wine.

Cape Quarter Extension | Piazza Level | 27 Somerset Road | Green Point | Cape Town

Campo Marzio Design
The Italian design and manufacturing company produce leather fashion accessories like wallets, diaries, business card holders and passport holders, that come in more than ten colours that suit their large customer base. This is definitely the place to go when you’re looking for a gift for a person who has everything but still wants more. They offer a huge collection of pens, as well as calligraphy collections, art seals and a variety of briefcases and PC bags. Campo Marzio Design is the only store in South Africa but there are boutiques in London, Madrid, Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo as well.  Here you’ll get 100% Italian design and manufacturing!

Cape Quarter | The Square | 27 Somerset Road | Green Point

Cape Town caters for lovers of all shops lifestyle and alternative. Be sure to check out our Shopping Section

By Susanne Klatt, Elske van der Velden and Lisa Nevitt