CAPE Town’s horse racing season is in full swing. The L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate (LQP) kicked off the season with a glitzy two-day affair earlier this month .
Next comes the inaugural Sun Met celebrated with Mumm, an event which has been hailed as the “the richest horse racing day in Africa”. Punters, bookies, fashion leaders , entertainers, celebrities and socialites from around the country will gather at Kenilworth Racecourse to watch South Africa’s top thoroughbred horses race. The day is also about showing off fashionable threads and with the theme of “Decades of glamour”, fashion lovers are spoilt for choice as to what to wear.
Guests will spend the day networking while sipping on fountains of Mumm’s legendary Champagne.
“Now officially the richest
day of racing in Africa, the Sun Met, celebrated with Mumm, is the new crown jewel on the South African social calendar,” said Mumm Champagne brand manager Etienne Cassuto.
The glamour theme spans several fashion eras - from the hippie and bohemian style of the 1960s which ushered in boho-chic, to the 1980s shine and glitter as the disco era took over, bequeathing the metallics and shimmering eye shadow we enjoy today, and the 1990s denim and minimalism.
Some of the exciting collaborations to look forward to will be with the ace designer duo KLUK CGDT team which will dress entertainer and presenter Minnie Dlamini; haute couture designer Warrick Gautier will be dressing Cape Town media darling and Top Billing presenter Jeannie D while hip hop star Da Les will be working with bespoke brand House of Ole.
KLUK CGDT says:
The theme “Decades of glamour” is as much about the “now” as it is the past it is an accumulative influence of fashion from history with a contemporary silhouette. It is about making a statement, about a sense of occasion and about appropriate dress for the event.
“We love Dlamini she is a strong empowered woman who is classy and elegant and has dared to stand out and make her mark. It is this quality we want to celebrate! KLUK CGDT is all about luxury and exclusivity and unique design and this is why we associate ourselves with Minnie Dlamini.”
WARRICK GAUTIER says:
“For me it’s all about high voltage sensual couture meets elegance, refinement and beauty, It’s a celebration of art of
savoir-faire”.
“Jeannie D is a sensual, glamorous woman who celebrates life to the full. She is the perfect lady to have fun with at the races. Her dress will define just that, high voltage sensual couture meets elegance and style, with a touch of fun for a great day at the races!”
Ole Ledimo from the House of Olé believes creativity is intelligence having fun. “In pure celebration of such fine sentiment we can expect to see one of SA’s truest upbeat hip hop stars, Da Les, in wearable art, the greatest form of fashion rebellion.”
Expect to see something stand-out and daring, which also encapsulates what the Mumm brand stands for, alongside the main Sun Met Celebrated with Mumm Theme-Decades of Glamour.
TIPS: We have compiled a style guide with the help of the designers to guide you in putting together a winning race day outfit.
KLUK CGDT tips:
Our take on the theme is Elegance, grandeur and sophistication
It’s the principles of glamour through the ages. Referencing the past but having feet firmly in the now.
Outfits should be cool on account of the weather and being outdoors, think what you would wear to a garden party at Buckingham Palace.
Headgear can be fun but not costume - it’s not a fancy dress but formal (we think the queen would not approve).
There are so many glamorous themes over the last century alone that can be accessed - drop waist flapper dresses from the twenties, floral tea dresses from the 30s, fitted suits from the 40s.
A feather boa is not for the races!
Block heel shoes appropriate to grass and sunglasses are important and remember to wear sunscreen!
WARRICK GAUTIER tips:
This year Sun Met’s theme is “Decades Of Glamour”and it’s just that - more about glamour, elegance with a degree of high octane fashion relevance.
It’s all about a glittering day at the races that will inspire belief in others and less about crass theatrical costumes with overt pursuit of seeking attention.
For colour, metallic is still very strong; also fresh yellow, greens and pink.
Hats are in the extreme, oversized, or miniature and fascinators should be minimalist, exaggerated with a large plume.
Men should be sartorial and elegant. Perhaps a hat if the weather is harsh; however, this is not always necessary.
House of Ole tips:
Men should draw inspirationfrom the glam-guys and try to incorporate glamorous accessories as opposed to glamorous outfits.
Evolution of men’s fashion has been on detail and colour, not silhouettes. When you take decades of fashion, what we’ve seen change is lining, colourful buttons and use of prints.
The dos and don’ts of any horse-racing event include:
Guys must draw inspiration from social media not copy; the flower lapel needs to go to rest - its been “killed”.
But don’t focus too much on what you see on social media, use it as inspiration but remember your body type and what looks best on you.
A must-have-item: A crisp white shirt and cool shades.
Colour-wise, white shirts with dark suits with a twist are always a winner.
To bring in some Mumm personality - add a touch of daring red.
* Event information: The
Sun Met takes place at the Kenilworth Racecourse next Saturday. Gates open at
11am. For more informarion see www.sunmet.co.za. Twitter:
@SunMetZA and Instagram: @officalsunmet.Hashtag: #DAREWINCELEBRATE