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The crème de la crème of the country’s A-listers, fashion fundis and businesspeople gathered at the 158th edition of the prestigious Sun Met horse-racing event, held at Kenilworth Racecourse in Cape Town yesterday.
The biggest and richest equine event on Cape Town’s social calendar, it celebrates the long history of horse-racing in South Africa.
This year, TV personality and businessperson Bonang Matheba was announced as the face of Sun Met, and her luxury beverage brand, House of BNG, was an official partner at the event.
The ever-glamorous Matheba wore a stunning high-slit dress with crystal detail and a touch of turquoise – an elegant design by top Nigerian celebrity fashion designer Matopeda “Tope Fnr” Abiola. She completed her extravagant outfit with American Swiss luxury accessories.
“I am very grateful that South Africa has supported the House of BNG. It is now part of all celebrations, such as baby showers, weddings and graduations. I am excited to inspire our people to strive for African excellence,” Matheba said.
Last year, G.H. Mumm was the official champagne sponsor of this, Africa’s richest race, which was previously known as Sun Met Celebrated with G.H. Mumm.
And last year, the ambassadors of Maison Mumm, TV darling Minnie Dlamini-Jones and superstar sprinter Usain Bolt, were the emcees of this glamorous event.
Both stars did not attend this year’s celebrations because G.H. Mumm confirmed in December that it would no longer continue its sponsorship with Sun Met.
City Press also spotted Miss SA Sasha-Lee Laurel Olivier gracing the red carpet.
Looking like an African goddess, she wore a customised Ryan Keys burnt-orange gown with a touch of African print detail on the flouncy train.
Among the other celebs who graced this year’s event were influencers and bloggers Kefilwe “Kefibo” Mabote and Sarah Langa, digital entrepreneur Aisha Baker, designer Palesa Mokubung, and well-known designers Paledi Segapo and Rich Mnisi.
Spotted on the racecourse was award-winning musician Holly Rey, dressed in a gold jumpsuit.
We also bumped into new mum, actress Linda Mtoba, who wore an elegant orange dress designed by Orapeleng Modutle.
The lounge in Sun Met’s VIP marquee was decked out with a beautiful centrepiece food display, ranging from tasty appetizers and cheese platters to roasted veggies with cured meat and salmon. House of BNG champagne was the order of the day.
Speaking to City Press, celebrity designer Gert-Johan Coetzee praised the efforts that punters had gone to, to interpret this year’s theme, African Luxury: Visionaries.
“I am glad that everyone has a touch of print; it shows that they are proudly Africans,” he said, adding that this year’s fashions had improved compared to the previous year.
When asked who was his best-dressed fashionista this year, he singled out Matheba’s second outfit, which she wore later in the day.
“She is definitely my best dressed,” he said, adding that every year, men never disappoint when it comes to interpreting the theme.
“Guys are very stylish; they always get it right.”
As a designer, he would give this year’s fashions a spectacular 9/10.
There was a twist to the fashion show at this year’s event as Sun Met partnered with jewellery company American Swiss.
The much-anticipated show displayed dazzling jewels.
Judges included power couple Precious Thamaga-Mazibuko and her husband, Sifiso Mazibuko.
Thamaga-Mazibuko, a wedding planner known as “Precious the Planner”, said that, as judges, she and her husband were looking for “something that stands out boldly and screams ‘proudly African’”.
Like Coetzee, Thamaga-Mazibuko praised those attending the Met for embracing the African theme and accessorising their outfits.
“I noticed that people had more extravagant crowns than hats. I still prefer hats at the races. Obviously, luxury is a big thing currently. We want something that’s creative but still luxurious. The Sun Met sets the tone for what’s to come in fashion and beyond it,” she said.
“It is a space to play and take things to the next level. Some people go all out; others keep it safe and timeless.”
Mazibuko added that he was excited about the new American Swiss collection.
“They are listening to what people want and are tapping into the millennial and Gen Z audience, which is crucial for the digital world we are currently in,” Mazibuko said.
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