INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPERS

Patrice Motsepe with his wife Precious. Photo: Cindy Waxa

On Thursday, one of SA’s greatest fashion runways will be crowded.

The red carpet will be rolled out for the opening of Parliament, and all guests must make their way towards the president’s State of the Nation address under the harsh glare of the Mother City’s summer sun and the photographers’ lenses.

Onlookers will be captivated by bright colours and expensive suits.

The gaudy and ill-fitting will mingle with designer garb and traditional dress.

Last year, the DA’s Helen Zille caused a stir with her bright-blue evening dress – a colour she chose because it was an election year.

But she says her dress this year, created by Hendrik Vermeulen Couture, is a bold combination of colours and was bought in support of people with leukaemia.

A woman from logistics in Zille’s office will do her hair and make-up.

“The State of the Nation is one time of the year that I really get dolled up. It has become a fun thing that involves everyone at home and at work.

“My fashion sense is even worse than my cooking skills, so everyone tries to save me from myself on the night,” said Zille.

Statistician-general Pali Lehohla stunned the crowds last year with his bright yellow suit. But this year he will be dressed “vastly more simply”.

He said: “I wore the yellow suit to herald the coming of Census 2011, which was 10 months away then and I am sure it did the magic.”

Lehohla has since retired the yellow suits. One will be going to a museum and another was given to census enumerator Siphiwe Mnguni, from Memel in the Free State, who took a particular liking to the garment.

President Jacob Zuma’s office did not respond to requests for information on what the man or his wives may be wearing to the prestigious event.

However, Bronwyn Day, fashion director at Glamour magazine, helped The Star to conceptualise what the average person in attendance may choose to wear.

“Expect bold, bright colours, traditional African prints and beadwork,” said Day.

“The ultimate accessory (for the opening of Parliament) is the headscarf/turban for added drama.”

She said that by looking at pictures of previous openings, it was clear that African-inspired, traditional prints and silhouettes were popular.

“It’s a state function, not a fashion function,” said Day, cautioning against extreme fashion garments or overexposure.

Heat was a big factor, and attendees should stick to breathable fabrics like cotton, Day added.

Bright sun in previous years has led to women posing in evening gowns with their partners in men-in-black-style shades to protect their eyes.

Men should not be tempted to be funky or bright, but should rather wear traditional colours and add a pocket hanky or a bright tie for a splash of colour.

“It’s good to express personal style within the event and remember to feel comfortable. It’s a long day, with a lot of walking and socialising,” said Day.

As DA parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko put it: “You don’t want to look like you are doing the walk of shame when you come up the red carpet, but you can’t be too casual as it is a formal event.

“It is tempting to try to stand out and throw off your normal, boring greys and blacks, or in Mazibuko’s case – blues.

“The opening of Parliament is a rare opportunity to try to experiment. It’s the one time I get to be glamorous and not wear a DA T-shirt,” Mazibuko said.

It’s a very tough balancing act, and we can’t wait to see what the politicians come up with. - The Star