It was a fine French affair for the launch of natural cosmetics brand Panier des Sens.
The brand, exclusively distributed in sub-Saharan Africa by 51 Beauty, wants to change the way South Africans view sustainability.
Designer Craig Jacobs and Earth warrior Catherine Constantinides are the ambassadors of the brand as it takes on the African market.
Known for her work as a climate activist and former Miss Earth, Constantinides has been championing for a world conscious of its consumption, waste production and impact on the Earth through education and activism.
"It's wonderful to learn about brands that really have the ethos and value of sustainability at their core. It's important in the age we live in that people don't just do things because it's a quick PR exercise but because it makes business sense when we talk about the environment and the impact of the beauty and skincare industry on the environment," she said.
Constantinides said championing sustainability issues came to life when brands like Panier des Sens supported the movement.
"As an activist and Earth warrior it's an honour to be part of this. We've championed a much more focused approach to the way we live. Waste stops with each one of us as we are intrinsically linked to the environment we live in. You have the power to make the right kind of choices."
She said it was important for consumers to interrogate the brands they buy, what they have in their cupboards at home.
"We don't take the time to understand what we're putting on our bodies. When we value the planet, we don't only look after it for now but for the generations that will follow us."
Jacobs has been creating garments using sustainable materials for a long time. When he started his clothing label, Fundudzi, he wanted to be the change.
"We need to be the change we want to see. I tell African stories through clothing. We hear about sustainability around the world, but Africa has always been organic. It's a way of life here and we need to return to the source of who we are, embrace it and remain true to it."
He said everyone could start by taking baby steps to sustainability by being more conscious and mindful.
"People like to think sustainability is such a hard thing to do but it isn't if you take one step at a time, it makes a world of difference."
Panier des Sens is inspired by the natural resources of France and old Mediterranean know-how. The company creates perfumes, soaps, luxurious creams and oils as well as candles and home fragrances – all of which aim to exemplify the beauty of Provence, France.
Over the last 20 years the brand has developed its product with master soap makers from Marseille and master perfumers from the Grasse region.
