Fashion fever hits Parliament

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Cape Town - From traditional African attire to the latest high-end designer wear, the opening of Parliament is a glitzy affair this year.

President Jacob Zuma will deliver his 6th State of the Nation Address in just over an hour.

The red carpet, leading up to the National Assembly in the parliamentary precinct, has been transformed into a runway with Members of Parliament, dignitaries and invited guests showing off their outfits.

They are dressed by the country’s most accomplished designers, including David Tlale and Khensani Mangani of Stoned Cheri.

Dali Tambo and his wife Rachel smiled and posed for a few pictures as photographers hustled to get the best image of the famous couple. He was wearing a black suite and Rachel adorned a green and turquoise Africa-inspired dress with a matching fascinator.

Deputy International Relations Minister Marius Fransman arrived wearing a black suite and a silver tie and his partner wore a fitted lilac dress, while International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabanelooked stunning in a blue fitted dress.

For his part, Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba took a leap of faith and flew the flag high for SAA, as he came dashingly attired in a flight captain's uniform, in demonstration of his support for State Owned Enterprises.

The late former President Nelson Mandela’s eldest grandson Mandla Mandela and his wife Nodiyala were dressed in their finest royal traditional Xhosa attire.

Madiba’s former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela was dressed in a black dress suite with lace detail.

Valentine’s Day also seemed to have left an imprint on the day’s fashion with many dressed in pink and red.SAnews.gov.za