Buhle Mbonambi
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The L'Ormarins King's Plate 2024 showcased a fusion of equestrian elegance and high fashion, with attendees painting a portrait of luxury fashion in tones of blue and white.
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Renowned designers Thebe Magugu and Sindiso Khumalo, serving as judges, brought their unique perspectives to the event, evaluating the Best Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Man, and Best Hat Competitions.
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The best-dressed moments at the event showcased a diverse range of captivating looks, including by notable figures like Liezel van der Westhuizen, Sarah Langa, Seth Shezi, Mohale Motaung, and Jo-Ann Strauss.
The L'Ormarins King's Plate is always a sartorial spectacle like no other, and this year was no exception. It’s where the highest of fashion and equestrian elegance converge as Cape Town transforms into a mesmerizing abyss of blue and white.
As the horses raced, so did our hearts for all things fashion at this prestigious event.
Ahead of the event, which was the 163rd running of the King’s Plate, we gave tips on how to attract the attention of the judges for the all-important Best Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Man, and Best Hat Competitions. Was our advice heeded? Definitely.
The dress code is not a mere suggestion but a canvas upon which one can use to paint an exquisite portrait of luxury fashion. The tones of blue and white resonate with the language of opulence. And the attendees certainly delivered.
The LVMH Prize-winning designers, Thebe Magugu (2019) and Sindiso Khumalo (joint winner in 2020) took on the role of judges of the fashion competition. They undoubtedly brought their unique perspectives to the event, which is always interesting, especially since as designers, they will look at things the untrained eye would not look for.
Thebe Magugu is known for his innovative approach to fashion. His designs, which seamlessly blend contemporary style with traditional elements and relay the stories of African lives, have garnered him international recognition.
Sindiso Khumalo is another star in the world of fashion. Her label focuses on sustainability and ethical practices while showcasing her vibrant African heritage through intricately patterned textiles.
So, whose looks caught our attention? Let’s go through the most interesting looks spotted at the L'Ormarins King's Plate 2024:
The Stylish Ladies of the King's Plate 2024
As always, the ladies delivered looks that were timeless, chic and event appropriate. We particularly like how summer-ready the looks were, but also how they allowed their personal style to shine. The King's Plate is not always about making trends, but rather finding new shows to show race-wear elegance.
The Stylish Gents of the King's Plate 2024
When we say menswear has become edgier and much more interesting, this is what we mean. It's still traditional menswear, but it's fun, exciting and just so much more interesting. The attention to detail, fit, the materials and textures are refreshing to see. We especially love how many more gents are finding inspiration in suiting and giving it a new life with different silhouettes.
EFFORTLESS STYLE
Is there anything left to be said about the effortless style of Sarah Langa and Seth Shezi? Just, sublime! From Sarah's MmusoMaxwell dress, to Seth's unexpected take on the white sock trend, the duo's appearance at the King's Plate wasn't just a display of fashion; it was a celebration of style that transcended trends, making them stand out as true fashion icons.