Bubbly, down-to-earth and totally stylish, Nicole Norman is the kind of girl you wish you had as a mate. The blogger, model and TV host of SABC 3 techno show Exfrontiers lets us in on why she loves Cape Town.
1 How does Cape Town influence you or your work?
Cape Town is such a dynamic city that allows you to enjoy the best of a truly multi-faceted lifestyle. Whether you want to lead an ultra-cosmopolitan life or are more of a relax and chill on the beach kinda girl, you can access it all right here. I believe this inspires me to express myself how I see fit as there’s always a place for it in such a dynamic city.
2 What do you love most about this city?
From the mountains to the ocean to the greenery, the city’s scenery is absolutely breathtaking! In addition to this, I love the crafty, artisanal flair Capetonians possess.
3 If your friend was visiting Cape Town for the first time, where would you take them?
I would definitely have them try all the typical tourist activities then take them to a couple of cool spots on Kloof street, maybe the Biscuit Mill in Woodstock or bike riding on the Sea Point Promenade. The tourist attractions are attractions for a reason but I also want them to experience Cape Town from a non-tourist perspective.
4 Describe the city in three words.
Beautiful, vibrant, dynamic.
5 If you were to create a souvenir that represents Cape Town, what would it be or look like?
In an effort to avoid cliche-looking souvenirs, I’d attempt to create a custom piece that tells a story. Perhaps something like a bomber jacket with elements added to it that represent every new experience I have.
6 What’s your favourite Cape catchphrase?
I don’t know if I have a favourite because ultimately a lot of Cape Town and South African slang has become the norm in everyday language. I think the phrases ‘now-now’ and ‘just now’ are two I use quite often and, like many South Africans, I don’t entirely know what I mean when using them!
7 Three Capetonians we should be following online?
I’m a total fashion girl, so I’m definitely more clued up when it comes to following the top fashionistas. I love following fashion blogger Aisha Baker as she’s always visiting new and interesting places – and doing it stylishly, of course. I also think somebody like Juanita from Juan Leo Lifestyle really puts forward the best this city has to offer – simply put, almost every one of her photos will have you thinking ‘I want to go there’. And finally, I think everyone should follow at least one or two incredible photography pages: Mark Wijsman is an amazing Cape-based photographer who captures beautiful people in beautiful locations – you wouldn’t believe the variety of scenery is all from the same city!
Photography Kris Nagel