.

ELEGANT: Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe with his partner, Gugu Mtshali, at the State of the Nation address yesterday. Picture: Kopano Tlape / GCIS

Michelle Pietersen, Michael Mpofu and Jabulani Sikhakhane

OVERSIZED hats, six-inch rainbow heels, a coral suit, quirky kilts and a kwaito star in gold and black had the cameras flashing at this year’s State of the Nation address.

But it was the lady in the elegant, low-backed purple gown walking two steps behind Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe who had observers and guests gasping.

While Motlanthe stepped out solo last year, he was accompanied last night by his partner, Gugu Mtshali, to the most prestigious event on the political calendar.

Observers on the sidelines of the red carpet seemed impressed, with one remarking that Mtshali looked every bit a future first lady.

Shortly after Motlanthe and Mtshali had passed, the man of the hour arrived – President Jacob Zuma, looking dashing and confident in a pinstriped suit, crisp white shirt and deep purple tie.

In step: Joyce Piliso-Seroke and Brigalia Bam arrive for the opening of Parliament. Picture: Cindy Waxa

INLSA

Zuma, walking alongside Speaker of the National Assembly Max Sisulu, was in good spirits, and waved and greeted the pupils and members of the public who formed the guard of honour, at one point stopping to enjoy a dance and song by a group of Indian and coloured children.

Kwaito star Arthur, in sunglasses and gold and black suit, had the women swooning.

Cope MP Graham McIntosh stood out in what he labelled a “Scottish Beshu”. His wacky ensemble included a kilt, tweed jacket, green socks and brown shoes.

DA leader Helen Zille stepped out in a sweeping, multicoloured gown inspired by a False Bay sunset.

Zille said she had won the dress, made by local designer Hendrik Vermeulen, at an auction – with all the proceeds going to the Sunflower Fund.

ANC MP and chairwoman of the National Assembly police committee, Sindi Chikunga, strolled down the red carpet in a beautiful red and gold, sari-like dress, which she said she had bought in Durban.

CATCHING: Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille pointedly stated that the colour of her suit was coral. Picture: Cindy Waxa

INLSA

Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille, who has a reputation for donning quirky outfits, wore a coral suit and silk blouse. She was at pains to explain that the colour of her suit was coral and not orange.

DA parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko, who brought her mother along for the occasion, looked princess-like in a pink, purple and cream gown.

As Zuma started his address, Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel was spotted texting on his cellphone and Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale scrolled on his iPad.