Parly transformed into fashion parade

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Cape Town - Parliament was transformed into a fashion ramp this afternoon when MPs, diplomats and a host of other dignitaries put their best foot forward in the most colourful fashions.

MP Gloria Borman went all out in an African inspired outfit. Her attire was green with a splash of blue and matching head gear. "I decided to go with the African look. I wanted something different that was purely African," she said.

MP Mduduzi Manana decided to go with the colour of the season. His purple outfit was designed by popular South African designer Ephraim Molingoana.

Manana was decked out in a purple blazer with black trimmings and a black shirt with a black bow-tie and black pants. His shoes also had a splash of purple. Manana looked like he had just stepped out of GQ's fashion pages.

"This outfit is by Ephraim Molingoana from his Ephymol range. I decided to go with the colour because it is the colour of the season. I love Ephraim because when he designs an outfit for you, he always goes wild and I definitely love this outfit."

Gauteng MP Pinky Mncube decided to use the opening of Parliament to show how proudly South African she was. Her Tsonga-inspired outfit was her way of promoting South African tourism. She said she was looking forward to hearing about job creation.

South Africa's "fairy godmother", Donna McCallum, stole the show. She wore a South African flag inspired corset with fairy wings and black linen pants.

"I flew from Johannesburg so that I could sprinkle fairy dust on the occasion. I come every year and I'm looking forward to hearing what the President will say about the vision and goals beyond 2010," she said.

Her outfit was designed by a Zambian designer - Nicholas - and her wings were designed by a designer Rosemary Knysna.

Also in attendance at the event is Western Cape Premier Helen Zille, and former speakers of Parliament Baleka Mbete and Frene Ginwala.