The Studios has opened at Lifestyle Centre, incorporating an eclectic mix of bespoke stores and offerings in a beautifully designed, multi-functional space, which creates a unique and intimate shopping experience. In addition to The Market and Eat Street, it is another area that has been custom-made within Ballito’s open air shopping centre for locals to meet and connect, to feel comfortable and to enjoy an exceptional experience.
Plenty of glass, steel and natural materials provide a stunning backdrop to showcase a variety of interesting retail offerings for the discerning customer. Additionally, a mixed-use mezzanine level features three health and fitness studios in a unique, modern and spacious environment. The energy of the mezzanine is transferred into the retail space below, so that shoppers can enjoy the vibe and vitality that is generated from the exercise studios. This is a space in which you look after, indulge, pamper, treat and appreciate yourself.
The Studios, situated opposite Weylandts above the undercover parking, provides a platform for local businesses and operators to showcase their offerings in a handsomely constructed, collaborative and interactive setting, thereby adding to the unique personality of Lifestyle Centre.
According to Lifestyle Centre owner, Bruce Rencken, “Although our plans for The Studios were delayed due to Covid and lockdown restrictions, this special new space is set to become another meeting point for Ballito and will create the connection between the retail component of the Centre and Eat Street, thereby completing the flow of retail right throughout Lifestyle Centre. It has taken nearly five years of redevelopment to get to this point, but we are finally there.”
The following offerings can be found at The Studios:
New local lifestyle and fashion brand, ONE Mind Body Soul, anchors the retail offering at The Studios. ONE Mind Body Soul was born out of a shift in purpose by a collection of like-minded individuals on a journey towards positive change. Their growing range of beautifully crafted, on trend fashion clothing for men and women, homeware and wellness products is carefully curated as an extension of who and what they stand for. They are big on local, conscious, sustainable, the right attitude and on a path for positive change!
This Cape Town-based leather bag company, established in 2012, was originally built on providing beautiful and affordable leather rucksacks to local students. ROWDY’s mission has evolved to make a refined range of practically designed and quality leather bags that encourage thoughtful consumption while empowering their talented machinists who hand-make each piece. ROWDY’s range of genuine leather bags and accessories combine clean silhouettes with leather which shows its age beautifully with wear. They use premium grade, free-range and full-grain aniline and nubuck leather cowhide sourced from their specialist tannery in Namibia.
Durban-based sisters, Che and Stacey, are spreading their wings! Their Sweet Peas shoe and fashion collection is a rustic yet elegant brand that is simplistic and sustainable with a flair of sophistication – aimed at delivering only the highest quality product and a collection that strikes the perfect balance between international influences and a South African everyday style. Their ‘Linen and Leather’ concept forms the framework of their brand to converge two respected raw materials in a sophisticated symphony of styles that understands what it truly means to be stylish and comfortable.
Petit Bisous, translated as Little Kisses, is a brand new concept from the stylish, fashion-forward owners of French Kisses, the Garden Route luxury brand that has recently opened in Lifestyle Centre. Offering a unique combination of Maaji Activewear, Loungewear and Beachwear from Colombia, and a range of Boody bamboo Ecowear, this little boutique store is sure to become a local favourite.
The Coffee Lab, owned and run by Barista, Sbusiso Nkolothi, takes pride of place at the heart of The Studios, allowing customers to take some time out after an exercise session or whilst browsing. Their menu has been expanded to add delicious and healthy smoothies, smoothie bowls, pressed juices, paninis and more delectable treats to their now-famous cappuccino, iced coffee, carrot cake and almond tart.
Following the success of the pop up concept over the 2020/21 season, The Gallery returns to deliver an infusion of culture to The Studios. Curated and managed by local artist and oil painter, Jane Digby, a range of art and design will be showcased for art lovers or browsers in a unique space within The Studios, including paintings, drawings, print, mixed media, photography, sculpture, ceramics, woven ware and more! The Gallery provides a platform for selected local artists to showcase their talent, at the same time nurturing the enjoyment and appreciation of arts and culture on the Dolphin Coast.
FITPOD is a collection of multidisciplinary fitness and exercise studios, offering world class instruction and training, all under one roof. Choose from a growing selection of disciplines, including yoga classes with Helen Garner or Kerry Zedde, functional fitness with Gina Mazzoni, taekwondo for kids with Humaira Khan, Zumba with Chantelle Nicholson and various forms of dance classes with Footworx Dance Centre, Move Insync Dance and Dance Café. FITPOD is coordinated, managed and delivered by a professional team with a collaborative mindset, with the aim to personally, professionally and passionately host Ballito families who choose to live healthily, move their bodies, and feed their souls, whatever their chosen fitness regime.
TashB Pilates, owned and run by well-known Ballito-based local, Tash Barnard, takes up residence in a beautiful new space in The Studios. TashB is a full-service Pilates studio offering Pilates classes, private appointments, and semi-private appointments to local and virtual communities. With the excellent environment, state of the art BASI Systems equipment and passionate instructors, TashB is a safe and inspiring space to find healing, wholeness, strength and stability for body and mind.
RUSH Activewear, as well as a new concept, NEXT LEVEL, a collective of 4 beautifully-appointed meeting rooms for business meetings, clubs and small social gatherings, are also set to open in The Studios later in the month.
“In addition to the recent opening of Rain Natural Skincare and beautiful boutique clothing store, French Kisses, the transformation and relaunch of White Summer, and the imminent launch of Outdoor Warehouse in November 2021, The Studios will add further points of interest to Lifestyle Centre and more reasons for customers, from the North Coast and beyond, to visit and shop with us. It has been a journey to undertake this transformation and we are finally reaching the end, although we will never stop tweaking, improving and enjoying life, the Ballito way,” said Rencken.
Find out more about The Studios at www.ballitolifestylecentre.co.za/thestudios or follow Lifestyle Centre on social media (Instagram: @lifestylecentreballito; Facebook: @ballitolifestylecentre) for information about the launch weekend of The Studios, from 10 to 12 September 2021.
