Who wore it best at the 2019 L'Ormarins Queens Plate

Organiser Katherine Gray mentioned that they made record sales this year. Since the inception of the two-day festival, she is pleased that the event was accepted so graciously. “The Queen’s Plate is not just a prestigious event where guest can look forward to as an end to their holiday, it is also a wonderful employment creation initiative,” says Gray.

There are many reminders of the origin of the event: from the silver plate donated by Queen Elizabeth to the blue and white colour requirement, reminiscent of Mrs Rupert’s stud farm, which is beautifully celebrated and showcased in guest attire and the event decoration.

Dressed to the nines

The fashion, style, and elegance seem to have been on an unsurpassed level this year and it was clear that everyone put their best foot forward. Styles and fabrics varied from thigh-high satin slit maxis, plunging necklines and sequins as worn by Noluvuyo and Vuyiseka, to more sophisticated, feminine dressing as worn by last year’s best dressed female Mala. We also saw beautiful African elements in styling shown by Sinako Dynykwa and stylist Sya, who happened to have dressed the best-dressed male. Well done, Sya!

Sinako Dynykwa

Sya

What was quite apparent is that many of the celebrities made use of young designers and design emporiums, who showcased up-and-coming designers.

One such example was Tamaryn Green, Miss SA 2018 and Miss Universe first runner-up, who wore a gorgeous white tuxedo dress from Cape Town Dress Hire.

Tamaryn Green

Liezel van der Westhuizen

Presenter and businesswoman Liezel Van Der Westhuizen supported The Best Friend’s Closet. “It is such a great initiative, where you are able to rent designer dresses and some of the returned dresses are donated to charity,” says Van Der Westhuizen.

I caught up stylist Elrico Bellingan and his wife Ritza who are no strangers to receiving nominations for best dressed at fashion events, in fact, Elrico dressed Ritza, his mother Diana Bellingan; Diana came third in the best dressed female category. Well done, team!

Ritza and Elrico-Bellingan

Diana Bellingan

Another stylist and designer Craig Alexander, owner of Camen Menswear, looked dapper in his three-piece suit and claimed the third prize for the best-dressed male.

Congratulations to all our best-dressed winners: Catherine Fivaz (best-dressed female); Top Billing presenter Fez Mkhize (best-dressed male); and Elizabeth Charleston (best-dressed hat). It was indeed well deserved.

Best dressed females

Best dressed males

We could not overlook the presenter of the best dressed - Leigh Anne Williams who looked gorgeous in her bespoke Kobus Dippenaar ensemble.

Horses, music, cars, and the Cape Minstrels

As the stylish were strutting their stuff on the fashion walkway, the horses continued to gallop their way to victory, and the true winner on Saturday was Do it Again, who literally took the race at the eleventh hour!

The entertainment continued as China Ensemble entertained guest in the BAT lounge with sensational jazz, while DJ Leighton Moody entertained the VIP guests in the VIP STUD Club.

DJ Leighton Moody

Guest who decided to remain for the after party were treated to the DJ – talent of none other than Major League DJz and DJ PH!

For those who decided to call it a day, were sent off by the Cape Minstrels and proceeded to beautiful cars displayed by Franschhoek Motor Museum and BMW.

Congratulations to all our winners and the Katherine Gray and her team. This was indeed an eventful day. We cannot wait for next year!