The world of horse racing and fashion are set to collide at this year’s The World Sports Betting Cape Town Met.
Also known as The Cape Town Met, the spectacular gathering has become a staple of the South African social calendar.
And while all eyes will be on the track at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth on Saturday, January 25, much of the focus will also be on the attendees and their striking outfits.
This year, A-list celebrities and other guests will be lending their own interpretation to the “Cape Splendour” theme, which celebrates vibrant elegance and creativity.
In addition, the event will once again host a fashion showcase under the “Couture Unleashed” theme, which celebrates South Africa’s talent and diverse creative energy.
It will be curated by renowned designer Gavin Rajah and will feature twelve of South Africa’s top designers, including Mzukisi, Craig Port and Kim Govaars, among others.
Their shows will present everything from Afrocentric prints to modern sophistication, while Rajah’s collection will bring opulent couture-inspired pieces to the runway.
“The excitement around South African fashion is growing and we’re thrilled to showcase the bold and creative talent we have here,” said Rajah.
He added that guests can look forward to a mix of timeless elegance, experimental shapes and top-tier designs.
Meanwhile, the Cape Town Met after-party will keep the festivities going. Grammy Award-winning musician Zakes Bantwini will headline it, with DJ Zinhle, Neon Dreams and GoodLuck also expected to take to the stage.
But as fashion is set to be a big highlight of the occasion, we spoke to some celebrities ahead of the day to see why they love The Cape Town Met, what they will be wearing and their style advice to newcomers.
Sivuyile “Siv” Ngesi: South African actor and comedian
The renowned entertainer is thrilled to be attending the event.
“I absolutely love the Met and I love seeing people looking beautiful, looking confident and enjoying the horse racing.
“The thing that I love most is seeing people from different walks of life looking beautiful and having a great time.”
This year, he will be donning a monochrome look by local designer Craig Port and will add his own unique touch.
“I am wearing black and white as well as a big flower thing on my chest.” “I am keeping it classy and simple.”
Ngesi added that the Met is a chance for the Mother City’s residents to match Cape Town’s beauty.
“Fashion is such an important part of Cape Town because when you live in a city which is as beautiful as Cape Town, you need to look as beautiful to match the beauty of the city.”
His style advice to those who will be attending for the first time is to be confident.
“When it comes to fashion, I believe that if you have the confidence and grace, you should be able to wear a black paper bag and still rock it so I think that a lot of the time it's not necessarily what you wear but how you feel.”
Jody Alexander: a frequent Cape Town Met attendee
This will be Capetonian Alexander’s fifth Met and he is excited to dress up yet again this year.
He has won the Best Dressed Man honours three times and is hoping to walk away with the title again on Saturday.
“This year, I plan to be bold and unique,” he explained, adding that his favourite Met look was when he rocked a gold and pink look.
He also encouraged newcomers to “be excited, express their individuality and enjoy the day.”
Juliet Harding: GoodlLuck lead singer
Harding, who will be performing with GoodLuck at the Met after-party, is also looking forward to the “good vibes” at the event.
“I am excited to be part of it again,” she said. “It is always a fun time and everyone makes an effort to look good and to be creative.”
The musician said she will be wearing “something classy and fun but not too formal.”
“I like to be comfortable and you will definitely be seeing some leg!”
She also believes that the gathering is a wonderful opportunity for designers to showcase their craft.
“They don't get many opportunities on the ground but at the gala, a lot of ordinary people will be wearing their clothes and it is a chance for them to better integrate their clothing to the public.”
Her advice for attendees is simple: “Take some flat shoes with you!”
Frank Kadillac: Neon Dreams lead singer
Kadillac (real name Jahmal Wellington) is one-half of the Canadian alternative-pop duo which also comprises drummer Adrian Morris. He will be performing solo at this year’s Met as Morris is currently overseas.
But he is thrilled about attending as well as performing at the after-party.
“I’ve seen events like this in movies and on TV but never in real life so I’m excited to experience this on all levels.”
He is also excited about his Met look.
“I’m wearing an incredible custom jacket made by the incredible Jen Boyne from my home town in Halifax, Canada accompanied by tailored pieces by a local brand called Choas and Calm from Cape Town.”
He also shared the following advice to those who will be attending for the first time: “Your clothing is your armour and an external representation of your heart just be you.”