MINI celebrated the spirit of the new MINI Clubman with an auction of exclusively crafted bespoke suits, designer hats, limited-edition furniture, and one-of-a-kind accessories and artworks. The proceeds of the auction went to Modiri Secondary School in Ga-Rankuwa, which the BMW Group South Africa has been supporting since 2010.

As BMW South Africa Group Automotive Communications Manager Edward Makwana pointed out in his opening address, despite its refinement and sophistication, the MINI Clubman was designed in the spirit of going with your gut. “It’s about moving on impulse, and going where you feel like,” said Makwana. “Tonight, we celebrate this – that’s why we’ve brought together a carefully selected collection of highly exclusive items by South Africa’s top creative talent for you to bid on.”

Every item in the catalogue was carefully chosen according to the discerning principles embodied in the new MINI Clubman. MINI invited a select group of creatives to donate specially made items, giving guests a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. “You can get it here only and you can get it tonight only,” said Makwana. “So go with your gut and make it yours.”

The catalogue included a custom-designed Cavalier suit valued at R17 500, and the winning bidder received an unforgettable VIP tailoring experience with a master tailor with over 40 years’ experience.

Designers Adriaan Hugo and Katy Taplin of Dokter and Misses donated a table in walnut ash and graphite black valued at R5 150, while illustrator, designer and creative consultant Lazi Mathebula contributed an artwork worth R12 000. Accessories designer Maria McCloy assembled a carefully curated range of shoes and accessories worth R6 000, Colony Design put forward a full-grain bovine leather bag to the value of R3 600, and fashion and film all-rounder Trevor Stuurman collaborated with hatmakers Simon and Mary and contemporary fine artist Nelson Makamo to develop a limited-edition collection of hats for the auction.

There were many other one-off experiences up for grabs, including a shoot with Destiny magazine’s fashion editor and an exclusive online feature on DestinyMan.com, a private dinner for 10 at top Joburg restaurant Gemelli, and a private performance worth R18 000 from DJ Kenzhero.

The BMW Group has supported Modiri Secondary School in their endeavour to bring learners the highest quality of science and mathematics education. Together with the dedication of the principal, school management and teachers, the BMW Group has helped the school consistently outperform the national averages by more than 11% every year.

By supporting the school, the MINI Clubman auction continued this quest to help develop the skills that will define the country’s future leaders – the engineers, scientists and doctors who will contribute significantly to South Africa’s development. Specifically, the auction raised funds towards providing a much-needed football field for learners, and a computer for the school’s administrative staff. “It just proves that by going with your gut, you can follow your heart and help others realise their dreams,” said Makwana.

Makwana and MINI South Africa would like to thank all who attended the auction and congratulate the successful bidders.

PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED