Long one of the creative industry’s favourite fashion editors and stylists, Sahil Harilal’s move into luxury jewellery felt less like a pivot and more like destiny. Since taking over as marketing manager at Charles Greig Jewellery, something has simply clicked.
The ever-immaculate dynamo has brought his razor-sharp eye – and deep love of narrative and history – to one of South Africa’s most revered luxury brands. The result? A seamless fusion of 127 years of exceptional jewellery with a distinctly contemporary cool. We’ve especially loved the campaigns he and his team have crafted, weaving Joburg’s design history together with some of the country’s most covetable gem-set pieces.
What’s the best book you’ve read in the past year? And why?
I turn to Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet again and again; somehow its knowledge never fades. More recently I’ve also loved a collection of grotesque and decadent fashion illustrations by famed 19th-century illustrator Aubrey Beardsley.
How do you keep fit?
I’m thankful my job keeps me pretty fit, from all elements of production, visiting designer showrooms, carrying heavy bags of clothing, running around on set, there’s a lot of unconscious exercise. Consciously the only exercise I’ve returned to over the years is yoga and swimming.
Week-night, lowkey restaurant go-to?
Tortellino d’Oro – the pasta fagioli is on my mind more than I’d care to admit.
What is the one artwork you’ll always love, and why?
As dark as this may seem, Goya’s Black Paintings have been etched into my soul; Saturn Devouring His Son (1820) has bewitched me like no other. On a lighter note I’d pick, No. 7 by Mark Rothko (1964).
Do you have a hobby? What is it?
Does thrifting count as a hobby? I thrift furniture, art and clothing. Otherwise there are the sporadic bursts of inspiration at 3am to sort out my cupboards, so organising maybe?
The one unusual item you can’t live without?
Definitely incense. Perfume is the first love of my life, and incense is burned into my daily rituals.
Who was your high school celeb crush?
I can admit this now without shame – I dreamt of marrying each member of Westlife.
Three songs that you’d take to a desert island?
Westlife, Uptown Girl (see above); Hans Zimmer, Chevaliers de Sangreal (from The Da Vinci Code soundtrack); and Max Richter, Dream 3 from his Sleep series, composed to work with your different brain waves as you navigate the stages of sleep.
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Top image: supplied.
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