Fashion steals show at horse race
SERIOUS punters were there for the horses but most people who turned up for the 152nd running of the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate on Saturday were more interested in the fashion and glamour.
Thousands, including Olympic gold medallist, Ryk Neethling, TV and radio personalities, models and beauty queens, attended the exclusive horse racing event at Kenilworth Racecourse.
Although most of the guests stuck to the blue and white colours of the Drakenstein Stud Farm at L’Ormarins in Franschhoek, others wore gold and red.
The country’s who’s who mingled and posed for pictures in the exclusive VIP Stud Club marquee, where free beer and scrumptious food were on offer. Elsewhere around the venue, people milled about in the stands, the Style Lounge marquee and picnic areas.
TopBilling presenter and TV producer, Jo-Ann Strauss, looked stunning in a flowing turquoise gown by local designer Stefania Morland. Newly crowned Miss South Africa Marilyn Ramos, showed off her petite frame in a navy-blue Anel Botha dress, complete with a lace-embroidered collar and back. Summit TV news anchor Jen Su wore a navy-blue short dress by Pallu. “I love the fantastic and intimate atmosphere of the L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate, and off course I look forward to the fashion here… people really dress up,” said Su.
Kfm presenter, Elana Afrika wore a vintage Malcolm Kluk and Christiaan du Toit of KLûK CGDT number, complete with plastic flowers. She described her dress as a “show stopper”. Afrika was one of the judges for the Best Dressed and Best Hat competition, along with Sam Walker (PopYaCollar), Emily Bell (Marie Claire), Jacqui Kolbe (Milliner) and Tammy Tinker (British Vogue). Ritza van Rensburg walked away with the Best Dressed title. Her white peplum dress and blue suede shoes assembly, won her an Errol Arendz dress valued at R10 000, as well as an Elizabeth Arden hamper.
Lace, chiffon and sequins, in all shades of blue, were a favourite with most guests. Debbie Nicholls, from Bantry Bay, won the Best Hat competition with her wide-rimmed white hat. Among her prizes was a hat from The Little Hattery and a fragrance from Cartier. Joburg’s elite also came out to play in the Mother City. Former Isidingo actor Tumisho Masha and DJ Lulo Café wore slim-fitting suits.
Race favourite Variety Club, ridden by master jockey Anton Marcus, galloped away with the R1 million L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate prize.