JEANNE BOTES
One of SA’s top stylists tells us about her design and lifestyle inclinations. Words by Mila Crewe-Brown
Mention the name Jeanne Botes and most in the editorial and design sector will nod approvingly. Having worked as a stylist for some of SA’s top magazines, she now freelances as an art director, stylist and consultant and has added her name to some heavyweight clients. Think L’Occitane, BOS and Hertex, among others.
“As a child, I always redesigned people’s homes in my head, rearranged furniture, changed paint colours. I still do,” she reflects. “I also took textile design at school as an extra subject and it ignited my great love for pattern.”
Do you have a recognisable approach that defines you on set?
I always bring too much to set and then I start editing. I end up with something paired down and simple, but I love to have options.
Who instilled this passion in you?
Laureen Rossouw “found” me when I was her children’s art teacher. She taught me the important lesson of visually making a statement in one sentence and not a paragraph.
Ingredients you believe make a great image?
Good lighting helps to create the mood. And great design pieces. I love including lots of flowers or plants. Lastly, simplicity.
Your best shoots as an art director?
My editorial shoots for House and Leisure. Editor Naomi Larkin trusted me and I had free rein from concept to execution. Now the challenge is to create something beautiful within the restraints of advertising.aa
Some of your favourite sources when prepping for a shoot? On Site Gallery, Robert Sherwood, Delos, Artefect, Design Afrika and Africa Nova.
What do you relish in your home right now?
Our art collection.
The last things you bought for your home?
A new cushion I had made for my Ercol Studio Couch and a riso print by Wim Legrand.
Your most precious belongings?
My rings and jewellery by Geraldine Fenn and Eric Loubser.
The last memorable design shop you found yourself lingering in?
Liberty in London; it is so well curated and I love the building.
Top holiday destinations?
I love the Spanish island of Menorca. I love the calmness and the warm sea in the town of Ciutadella, the buildings are incredible. Madrid is one of my favourite places for food, art museums and incredible architecture. I love the Hotel Barceló Torre Madrid designed by Jaime Hayon. I’m a huge fan of his use of colour and the playfulness of his designs.
The last inspirational building you experienced?
The Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris designed by Frank Gehry; it’s like a floating spaceship. And the Prada Foundation in Milan by Rem Koolhaas, with its Bar Luce designed by Wes Anderson.
Your daily wardrobe?
Anything black with good sneakers. I’m on my feet the whole day, so sneakers are my new obsession. I love Kenzo’s Move Low Top sneakers and Puma’s Future Rider Play On sneakers in black and fizzy orange.
Thing you won’t/can’t stop collecting? Sneakers, art and crystals.