Time for fashionistas to shine
THE Sun Met, celebrated by GH Mumm, attracts visitors from all over Africa because it caters for everyone – from the punters out to win big on the main race, to the partygoers there to check out their favourite music artists, to the fashionistas dressed to impress, to those there to catch a glimpse of celebs in outrageous outfits.
Every year fashionistas are challenged to step up their style game by dressing to match the theme. This year’s theme is “African Luxury: Precious Metals”.
We spoke to the design duo behind the fashion label Ruff Tung, Bridget Pickering and Ludwig Bausch, known for their love of sequins, about how to rock the theme and shine on the day. Here are their ideas:
1. Be prepared to steal the show: We see our Ruff Tung sparkle as exactly that – “precious metals”, which seem to take on a life of their own.
2. Sequins are commitment: When it comes to wearing them you must be aware of the practicalities of wearing something made of sequins. They are heavy to wear and tend to be warm.
3. Accessorising: In the words of Bausch, “let the fabric be Beyoncé and your accessories be her backup dancers”. Keep hair and makeup and the rest of your accessories on the down low. When selecting accessories, don’t try to match your metals – neutral is the key word.
If sequins are too way out for you, opt for anything metallic in earthy tones such as gold, copper, silver, or jewelled tones such as emerald and sapphire.
Wear one metallic tone head to toe. Or tone it down by wearing one metallic item and keeping the rest of your outfit simple. Don’t be afraid to mix metallics with prints. Be bold and creative.