Ode to a dome from inside giant bubble
Store relaunch draws glittery guests to city
THE sleek and the stylish turned up in Durban’s city centre last week — after dark.
The guests, many in glittery evening wear, made the trek to the middle of “town” for the launch of the newly revamped JetMart. The double-storey store has expanded not just in size but in range, and it now includes beauty items and electronic goods in addition to clothing, which has been the brand’s staple for decades.
Despite the guests arriving for the cocktail event, some shoppers were loath to leave, continuing to browse among the racks.
The guests were shepherded upstairs to the store’s second floor, where a corner of the expansive children’s department had been transformed into a chic orange and white lounge area.
The guests were greeted by musician Cathy del Mei enclosed in a huge plastic bubble. Del Mei made for quite a picture in her flowing white gown, all the while accompanying recorded tracks with her saxophone playing.
One of the event organisers, Precious Thamaga, provided some insight into the new building structure, telling anyone who would stop to chat about the beautiful stainedglass dome that was unearthed during building renovations.
The decision to put Del Mei in a bubble, Thamaga said, was inspired by the beauty of the dome.
The dome was uncovered last year when engineers and project managers started to demolish the second floor.
The JetMart management decided to have the dome — which had been added in 1925 — restored. It now offers a little bit of rainbow sunshine to shoppers.
The event was a little late to kick off, leaving the guests to mingle and chat to the evening’s emcee, 5FM’s Sureshni Rider.
She went for a classic look in her black and white chequered cocktail dress and handled proceedings with her usual aplomb, while barmen in black suits and orange bow ties showcased their cocktail mixing skills.