Cape Town - Celebs and socialites all came out to play at Saturday’s J&B Met, one of the biggest events on the country’s social calendar.
But there was a cloud over the race as news of Top Billing presenter Simba Mhere’s death spread. He died in a car crash on Saturday morning as he was headed to OR Tambo Airport.
The show’s other presenters cancelled their plans to attend the Met after hearing of his tragic death.
Festivities were centred on the newly introduced Racing. It’s a Rush general access village, a playground of food, massages, drinks and music. This included DJs in the Schweppes and Good Hope FM Gig Rig, and songs from local band Mi Casa.
Tickets to the VIP marquee allowed guests to rub shoulders with Miss SA contestants and enjoy bubbly and canapés.
The J&B VVIP marquee was an intimate affair in which guests were treated to oysters, sushi, ice cream and endless whiskies.
The general public could enjoy meals from food trucks, ribs from a grill station and other roasts. As a DJ played from a central stage, people took selfies and tweeted them with the hashtag #madeforthemix, this year’s theme.
These were later printed and made available for collection.
As the crowds milled about, those fashionistas who needed a break from their killer heels could rest in hanging bubble chairs.
Celebrities arrived in the late afternoon, some dressed over-the-top and others opted for a more understated look.
US actor Zach McGowan, who stars in the TV series Black Sails and Shameless, was spotted in the crowd wearing a white muscle-hugging T-shirt.
He sat with fellow actor Hakeem Kae-Kazim.
Elsewhere in the marquee, controversial actor and socialite Khanyi Mbau swanned around in a butterfly-winged dress. Her boyfriend, Tebogo Lerole, was at her side in printed white pants.
Khanyi’s dress was made by journalist-turned designer Craig Jacobs.
Cape Town’s Liezel van der Westhuizen, Leigh-Anne Williams, Tanya Nefdt and Siv Ngesi mixed and mingled among the guests.
Comedian Marc Lottering’s snappy outfit was inspired by Scotch and Soda.
“This theme allows people to let their hair down and go crazy,” he said.
South Africa’s got Talent judge Lalla Hirayama showed off her legs and turned heads in a stunning pair of gold shorts.
Independent Media