Durban - Fashion is a passion many politicians do not seem to have.
Who would best represent South Africa at a state dinner with the Obamas or the Camerons? Which leader opts for local designers rather than international labels?
The Sunday Tribune spoke to designers and fashion commentators, asking them which political party leader, based solely on their fashion style, they would vote for.
Durban designer Haroun Hansrot, said his vote would go to Economic Freedom Fighters leader, Julius Malema.
“Malema knows how to make a fashion statement; he might not be liked by many people in the country but he follows style and he pushes the envelope.”
Hansrot said DA leader Helen Zille would also get his vote. “She is a big supporter of local designers, at every State of the Nation address she has worn local designers and she is easy to dress. She has a strong personality and she carries her outfits beautifully.”
Hansrot said President Jacob Zuma would not get his vote because of his uniform dark suits.
“Unlike Nelson Mandela, who set trends with the shirts that he wore, you will never look at Zuma and say, ‘Wow he looks good’ because his look is boring. He looks very unapproachable.”
Fashion commentator Lupi Ngcanyisa said his vote would go to Zuma.
“The president carries himself well for a 72-year-old. His suits are always fitted well and he always looks dignified. He also looks like an average South African man, which is welcoming.
“Helen Zille is certainly a very sophisticated lady and seasoned politician, but the recent traditional Xhosa outfit that she wore was just horrendous and for that she will not get my vote. Her style is much better than Patricia de Lille’s,” he said.
David Tlale said it was difficult to pick an overall winner.
“There are just too many fashion faux pas that happen with South African politicians, they all need a stylist, they all need designers and make-overs,” he said.
However, he said the DA’s Mmusi Maimane gets his approval.
“He is a new breed and he knows how to put his outfits together so I would vote for him,” Tlale said.
He said that although not in active politics anymore, Thabo Mbeki would get his vote.
“He never got it wrong, he always looked great while in office and still does look good, his suits sit well on him. Baleka Mbete also makes an effort.”
Echoing Tlale’s sentiments, Durban designer, Karin Monk-Klijnstra, said she would spoil her vote if it were not for Maimane.
”Maimane has a great sense of style, although a little conservative, he puts his best foot forward and he appeals to both the youth and the older generation,” she said.
Life designer Andre Martin also said his vote would go to Maimane. “I like his style, he dresses for his role, the suits that he wears are cut beautifully and he keeps up with the latest trends. He would look very good at a state dinner with the Obamas.”
SUNDAY TRIBUNE