Cape Town - The series of outdoor summer events in Cape Town is well under way, and one of the most prestigious is the Le Kap Lifestyle Fair which takes place this weekend.
Described as an event enjoyed by those who appreciate the finer things in life, the affair on December 5 offers fine wine, gourmet food, high fashion, artisanal drinks, show jumping and live music. Held at the Webersburg Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, the annual event is the brainchild of Steve Swanepoel, the editor-in-chief and publisher of Le Kap, a national lifestyle magazine.
Swanepoel says this year’s event also marks the debut of its partnership with Lamborghini, the Italian supercar manufacturer. Lamborghini will feature some of their latest cars, as well as old classics, and will also be revealing a new model on the day.
Now in its third year, the lifestyle fair attracts a number of celebrity and VIP guests to a dedicated lounge where French champagne Veuve Clicquot flows and canapés prepared by the celebrity chefs do the rounds.
Chefs include Nadia Roux from the Webersburg Wine Estate; Gregory Czarneki from Waterkloof Restaurant, Somerset West; Roland Gorgosolich from Bosmans Restaurant at Grande Roche Hotel in Paarl and Chris Erasmus of Foilage Restaurant in Franschhoek.
The chefs will be preparing their signature dishes from a “demo-kitchen” which will be a treat for foodies.
The day will also include a 6-Bar horse jumping competition, where horse and rider will compete for a “winner-takes-all” cash prize.
Live entertainment for the afternoon is the all-woman instrumental pop group, Sterling EQ, while some of South Africa’s premium wine estates will host wine tastings. Their wines will also be available to purchase by the bottle or case.
Guests will also enjoy craft beer, as well as a variety of speciality cocktail bar options.
The occasion includes a world-class fashion show where of South Africa’s established couturiers, including Jacques LaGrange, Craig Port and Thula Sindi will showcase their latest creations.
Italian fashion brand Luisa Spagnoli will present their summer collection, as well as the bespoke male fashion brand, Carducci.
LaGrange’s custom-made and delicately detailed designs are worn by A-list personalities here at home and abroad, from the Royal Ascot in England to the Cannes Film Festival in the south of France.
LaGrange has over the years featured at the Cape Town Fashion Week, South Africa Fashion Week and the Mozambique Fashion Week, as part of the Pan-African Designers.
“For the event, we have created something very easy, very chic, racy and elegant. With lots of sex appeal, as that is very much my brand,” says LaGrange.
With the dress code theme for the event being “Royal Ascot-inspired chic”, clean looks and smart detailing will be the order of the day.
LaGrange and Ilsje Crots de Beer, of Luisa Spagnoli, share some of their style tips for the event.
“The event is in the Winelands and it’s super hot. Use sunblock, wear a hat and dress is sexy, smart and comfortable,” says LaGrange.
De Beer says a stand-out headgear will be a must-have for the occasion.
“It’s not often that you get the opportunity to don a hat, so take advantage of the smart Le Kap dress code and wear a hat, classic or extravagant,” she says.
Luisa Spagnoli, which is a bespoke ladies luxury label with stores at the V&A Waterfront and at Hyde Park Corner in Joburg, will be presenting their Spring/Summer 15/6 collection that offers fashionable options suitable for the event.
“This will be a day to dress-up, formal daywear is essential.
“My favourite choice for the day is one of our ’70s-inspired dresses, or in the lead of the fashion stakes is the jumpsuit – a must-have this season,” says De Beer.
“We have fully beaded dresses in ice-cream shades, perfect for looking glamorous on a hot summer day.
“Cool white is hot this season; go all white or add black accessories for a classic monochrome look which never goes out of style”.
Cape Argus