STAYING IN: WALEED PARNELL

Interview: Nhlanhla Masemola | Images: Supplied

You’d be forgiven for thinking that Waleed Parnell’s wife, Aisha Baker, is the star of the show when it comes to style in their relationship. There’s no question that her dress sense is impressive, but Wayne has also been quite prolific with his slick hairstyles and passion for clothes. When it comes to menswear, he’s continually sat high on our list of stylish men. But with most sporting events being cancelled under lockdown and fewer opportunities to dress up as the accomplished cricketer that he is, he's been affected by the ever-present pandemic just as much as we all have. With our collective ideas of home being interrogated and reinterpreted, we touched base with Parnell to get a sense of how he’s managing indoors and what he’s wearing while he’s there. In his own words, Parnell lets us into his home and his revised ways of living.

With one word, tell us how you’re feeling?

Anxious.

Outside of sports, what are the things that you’re particularly missing?

Going out with my loved ones. Coffee dates with friends. Long walks along the beach with my family.

How has parenting been for you under lockdown?

It started off being really challenging, as my son Khalid needed to be kept busy mentally and physically, but I feel like I’ve managed to strike a good balance to keep him (and myself) sane.

The first thing I’m going to do post-lockdown…

Go for a massage.

How are you taking care of your hair?

A week into the lockdown, I got my wife to shave it all off and since then I haven’t touched it. I'm happy it’s grown back, because it’s starting to get cold in Cape Town.

And your skin?

I’ve been using all my wife’s products. She’s been teaching me a lot about skincare and the different types of products I need. It takes too much time, in my opinion, but it’s essential to look after your skin.

When I wake up, I…

Have some water, either black coffee or peppermint tea, make breakfast for my son, have some porridge and have a look at what’s scheduled for the day.

What are you wearing right now?

A comfy outfit for chilling around the house. Charcoal joggers from The Kooples, a black Nike crewneck jumper that I actually got off Superbalist in May and socks and a beanie to keep my head and feet warm.

Style or comfort?

Comfort always, unless I’m going to an event, then I don’t mind being slightly uncomfortable while being super stylish.

Any specific music or podcasts you’re listening to at the moment?

Baked The Podcast, and then I have a playlist on Apple Music that I’ve created myself. I might post it on my social media platforms if people are interested.

Any eating habits you can recommend to stay healthy?

Eat more whole foods, fruits and veggies and try cutting down on processed foods and refined sugars. It’s a struggle, but I’m a big believer in making small changes rather than making a massive change in your diet.

Are you staying active?

It’s been a bit of a struggle to stay motivated, but I’ve been able to do some training at home. I have some kettlebells and a watt bike, so that’s how I’ve been able to keep busy physically. That’s also helped me mentally during lockdown.

Any workout tips you can share that people can do at home?

Again, do little bits often. No point going for a 10km run and being sore for a week and not wanting to do it again. Build it up. You’ll be able to sustain it and improve quickly.

Greatest advice you’ve ever heard on staying active?

A little bit every day is a lot in a month.

What does home mean to you?

A sanctuary, a place where I can be and feel whatever I want. A place of happiness and love. The outside world can be a brutal place, but I know at home I have a space where things are always fun and positive.