It was lights, camera and action as celebrities and fashionistas hit the red carpet for the opening party of South African Fashion Week.
Held at The Marc in Sandton, the occasion kicked off the festivities for the week ahead. A total of 59 designers will showcase their collections as the fashion body celebrates 21 years of existence.
While some looks on the carpet were questionable, others shone.
Style influencer Sarah Langa Mackay was one of the women on the red carpet who dressed the part. Her golden, figure hugging gown was a Gert-Johan Coetzee creation that made her look like a princess straight out of a fairy tale.
K Naomi looked stunning in a silver number. Picture: Simphiwe Mbokazi/ANA/African News Agency
Coetzee also dressed Dr Mathew Knowles and his wife Gena in an African inspired gown and suit. The couple have been touring the country to promote Knowles' new book- The Emancipation of Slaves through Music.
"I've always been asked to do more of an Afrocentric look and I think this was the perfect opportunity to dress the Knowles' in something proudly South African yet international," said Coetzee.
His and hers Gert-Johan Coetzee new AW2019 collection for SA Fashion Week. Picture: AART VERRIPS
About his collection showcase he said: "I am excited to debut my men's range,including swimwear and underwear for men.II have been making bespoke suits as special requests for a while and decided it was time to formalize it.
For the ramp we take it to the edge with striking prints, incorporating playful pop of iconography and Italian art references. My women's wear collection is focusing on ready to wear, which is beautifully made but accessible and perfect for everyday wear to the office and weekend lunches.
Crystal Norman wears a shimmering, translucent mermaid gown with sequins and feathers from Gert-Johan Coetzee AW19 for SA Fashion Week. Picture: AART VERRIPS
And of course there will be something for the fashionistas who come to see glitzy red-carpet glamour."
The colour palette includes delft blues and pale pinks, complimented with golden tones.
"We are going to blow you away," he added.
Meanwhile, another style star was K Naomi who walked the red carpet in an elegant silver grey pleated pantsuit. The off the shoulder roped sleeve gave her look a flirty feel.
Ever bubbly Khanya Mkangisa knows how to dress for her petite frame. The TV presenter came dressed in a feathered Ryan Keys creation.
. @KhanyaMkangisa is a fan of #ryankeys"He gets me through and through" #CruzSAFW @ReporterStar pic.twitter.com/u1V4ZVqvgG
— Mpiletso Motumi (@mane_mpi) October 22, 2018
A face we haven’t seen much of recently, Phuti Khomo came to the party dressed in a classic number from Quiteria & George.
House of Luke dressed a number of celebrities on the red carpet including singers Kelly Khumalo, Cici and Londie London. The looks weren't well received on Twitter with tweeps questioning how the celebrities chose them.
CICI was dressed by House of Luke. Picture: Simphiwe Mbokazi/ANA/African News Agency
The opening party was hosted by Cruz Vodka and ambassador hip hop star AKA walked the red carpet in House of Ole. Choreographer Bontle Modiselle matched his look in an orange, feminine version of his mint suit.
Actress Buhle Samuels went lilac in Rubicon while presenter Lunga Shabalala was ever dapper in Ephymol.
The SA Fashion Week collections will be showcased from Tuesday until Saturday in Sandton.
@mane_mpi