Rainbow red carpet at Sopa
Glamorous fashion had that ‘wow’ factor
IT WAS a day of colourful fashions on the red carpet at the opening of the Gauteng Legislature yesterday.
Even though the weather was dark and wet, members of parliament went all out to dress to impress.
The opening and State of the Province Address (Sopa) was held at the Greenhills Stadium in Randfontein.
While the men stuck to typical suits in blacks, greys and browns, the ladies went all out with bright traditional prints.
Glamour was the order of the day with many choosing hues of gold and orange in their attire.
Member of the Gauteng Legislature Pinky Mncube wore a stunning gold and brown traditional number with a mermaid skirt.
“It’s one of those things where you have to appear ‘wow’ and just look your best, she said.
Mncube finished her look with a beaded neck piece and bracelet.
Gauteng ANCWL spokesperson Jacqui Mofokeng also kept to the gold theme choosing to wear a knee-length dress with intricate lace detail.
Lindiwe Lasindwa, a chairperson in the Gauteng legislature, wore a two-piece satin suit to lighten up the day. Her floral navy and cream choice was elegant and she topped it off with a white and coral Fascinator.
Social development MEC Nandi Mayathula-Khoza spiced up her patterned orange traditional dress with lace sleeve detail.
“It was designed by a lady by the name of Lerato in Tshwane. I’m always supporting and promoting women,” she said.
Valerie Sithole looked regal in a fuchsia and purple design. Her button-on cape gave the outfit a flirty look.
“I always get my clothes designed for every occasion and this one was designed by Kobie van der Westhuizen,” she said.
Communications specialist Caroline Setsiba said she designed her own colourful traditional outfit. She wore a golden Nigerian style Gele (head wrap) to give the look a glam feel.
“The same way I write poetry is the same way I am inspired to design my items. I always have a picture in mind for what I want. I was feeling very African and colourful and wanted to exude that vibrancy, that positive energy. I want to radiate it because that is how I feel.”
Another stand-out was Thuliswa Nkabinde, GPL chairperson of social development, who wore a golden ball gown with a sleeveless embroidered bodice. The look was effortless with a strappy heel.
Also in attendance was Infrastructure Development MEC Faith Mazibuko who wore a two-piece golden suit, with a large lapel. Meanwhile, Finance MEC Barbara Creecy chose to dress for the event in a modern, orange dress.
I’m always supporting and promoting women