Enigmatic, drop-dead gorgeous and armed with a double Masters, Noni Gasa is a silent mover and shaker, whose work does all the talking. Noni is the epitome of style, grace and humility. After launching her career as a Features Editor at Media 24 in 2004, she joined our sister publication GLAMOUR as Associate Editor in 2007. She went on to lecture Fashion Media at LISOF and obtained her double Masters in Luxury Brand Management from China and Italy. The luxury fashion pundit is a sought-after PR specialist and one of SA’s most revered media personalities.
The proud Durban native recently starred on the hit reality series, Project Runway South Africa as a resident judge. Noni is currently working as a PR consultant and is a Brand Network's speaker, amongst other projects. She shares some of her best travel memories and essentials with us.
Most bizarre travel story/experience?
I was living and studying in China in 2013 and, as any African expat would tell you, every day can be a bizarre experience. The pointing, the laughing and the stares are a reality for people of colour.
What is the best meal you've had on a trip?
I recently visited the ancient city of Matera in southern Italy, a UNESCO world heritage site where The Passion of the Christ was filmed. One night, my partner and I had the most decadent 5-course dinner at Dedalo, a multi-level cave restaurant carved in to limestone rock. The meal, the storied interiors and the sheer knowledge that nobody I know may ever go there, made the moment that much more indelible.
Must-pack items/Travel essentials?
White sneakers and a black leather biker; MiuMiu sunnies; Byredo ‘Accord Oud’; a Longchamp expandable ‘Le Pliage’ bag for extra hand luggage; my Nikon D5500; rooibos teabags and a pack of Airmune.
Your all-time favourite vacation?
I’ve visited many unique and unforgettable places but, for sentimental reasons, I’d say my very first overseas trip remains the most significant. I was 12 years old and traveled as an unaccompanied minor to Melbourne (a very big deal if you knew how strict my parents were! I wasn’t even allowed to attend sleepovers in Durban, okay). I was hosted by my dad’s best friends, Leon and Stephanie Gleeson, and the whole thing was one mind-blowing, first-time experience.
My first-time cashing traveller’s cheques, my first time riding a tram and my first time tasting McDonald’s. It was also my first time seeing white men working as garbage collectors (yes, this was shocking!) and the first time I was ever asked my opinion on “the situation back in South Africa”—which I knew very little about at that age. I’ll never forget that trip and 23 years later, I’ve still kept every memorabilia in a box at my mom’s house, including the Qantas amenity kit.
Travel motto?
Ukuhamba ukubona. (Zulu saying that loosely means travelling opens your eyes to possibilities).
Most recent stamp in your passport?
Italy.
Hotel beauty products - take or leave behind?
If they’re decent, take. You can never have too many shower caps and travel-size shower gel.
The most important thing travel has taught you?
The omnipresence of God.
Feature Image: Supplied; Images: Pexels, Unsplash
