From Palm Springs to Pretoria – on your Marks

NICOLA MILTZ

The South African-born couture handbag designer has officially been re-nominated by her close friend, United States President Donald Trump, to be the future ambassador to South Africa. This is a formality in that although she was nominated in November last year, the nominations need to be resubmitted if a new congress begins and all the nominations have not been acted upon.

Marks is already planning to pack for Pretoria, and has started preparing to leave her home in Palm Springs, according to media reports. However, there is still a way to go before she can board the plane.

“With our new congress having begun its work this January after US general elections in November, the White House re-nominated Lana Marks for the position of ambassador to South Africa on 16 January,” said Robert Mearkle, the spokesperson for the Embassy of the United States of America this week. “We look forward to working with Ms Marks as she prepares for her senate confirmation hearing, which has not yet been scheduled.”

The US has not had an ambassador in South Africa since Patrick Gaspard vacated his post in December 2016, with its mission being overseen by a chargé d’affaires. Trump’s nominee to serve as the next ambassador to South Africa was born and raised in East London, and has no experience in diplomacy.

Marks left South Africa about 40 years ago, but claims that she is fluent in Xhosa and Afrikaans.

She is best known for her showpiece five and six-figure exotic leather handbags, worn by red-carpet celebrities like Benoni-born Charlize Theron, Jennifer Aniston, Angelina Jolie, Reece Witherspoon, and Helen Mirren; as well as her friendship with the late Diana, Princess of Wales. She is the owner and chief executive of Lana Marks Collections.

In an interview with New York Magazine earlier this month, Marks, who owns several upmarket stores, explained that if confirmed as ambassador, she would have to give up any personal business interests within 90 days. “Essentially,” she told the magazine, “I’d say that I’m getting ready to sell.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa is believed to be considering her nomination.