Oh how I love it when our local magazines do something that just blows everyone else away. Like when Elle SA shot such a brilliant cover of Solange. Now rival fashion magazine - Marie Claire South Africa  - raises the bar even higher with this incredible exclusive Chanel beauty story for their December issue.

The model is one I have profiled several times here on this blog, Sudanese-born Ajak Deng. I love her striking looks and sweet smile. And she combines both of these elements in this shoot, as the pastel softness of the Chanel cosmetics are paired with fierce styling.

The photographer is also a local gal, although based in Europe — Marguerite Olofse. Marguerite has often shot spectacular and fantastical stories for SA Marie Claire, and this may be the best conceived of the whole lot.

All the garments are from the Chanel cruise collection, designed of course by the one and only Kaiser Karl Lagerveld.

The make-up was done by Chanel make-up artist Christine Lucignano, hair by Nino Allegro and of course fashion director Sharon Becker was in charge of it all. Very well played. Congrats.

PS: Now go and buy a copy of this issue to see all the other cool stuff inside!