By Igsaan Salie
Kenilworth racecourse was turned into an extravaganza that, at times, resembled an outdoor fashion show with a catwalk laid out in the crowd.
Models draped on the arms of designers were among the thousands at the J&B Met on Saturday for one of the city's largest outdoor social events.
For the first time, year organisers suggested a dress theme which was meant to be along the lines of the 1920s.
| General feel was understated and, in some instances, pretty dull |
But those expecting the race-course to be overrun with Cotton Club gangsters in two-tone shoes and pin-stripe suits with Coco Chanel look-alikes on their arms, would have been sorely disappointed.
Although there was some fashion flair, many designers missed the mark completely.
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The adventurous showed off their assets and in many instances there was more skin than fabric. Plunging necklines and a well-placed pink feather boa doubling as pants were among the most risqué of the skimpy outfits at the event.
Designers produced some stunning outfits in a rainbow of colours to mark the occasion and accentuate the beauty of models, but, overall, the general feel was understated and, in some instances, pretty dull.
The highlight for fashion connoisseurs at the event was the search for the "most elegant couple" which focused on 16 of the best-dressed pairs in the crowds.
| Coming in second were Durbanites Kevin Ellis and Karen Lombard |
Winners of this year's award, Rehan and Kathy le Roux, clinched victory after being pipped at the post at last year's Met when they came second.
Wearing a Johan Kruger creation and carrying an umbrella to complement her 1920s-style dress and hat, Kathy le Roux was a popular winner.
The local couple were overjoyed at their victory and said that they had attended the Met for the past 13 years and had been in the best dressed couple final for the past four.
"This really is our event and it's absolutely stunning, we wouldn't miss it for the world," Rehan le Roux said.
Coming in second were Durbanites Kevin Ellis and Karen Lombard, who looked stunning in an orange and black feathered hat and an outfit designed by Ellis.
This was the first time he had attended the Met and he was impressed by the occasional outfit, although he felt many people did not get the theme right.
Among the most elegantly dressed at this year's event was Miss South Africa Claudia Henkel, who towered over everyone else in a light blue dress by Cape Town designer Gavin Rajah.
Former Miss SA and television personality Jo-Anne Strauss was also spotted wearing a stunning, form-fitting gown designed by Gideon.
- This article was originally published on page 4 of Sunday Argus on January 30, 2005
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