This year's theme for the J&B Met was "Larger than Life" and, as a first timer at this prestigious event, I was absolutely fascinated by the guests' portrayal of their "larger than life" personalities through their amazing outfits and accessories. But seriously - it felt like I was on the set of Pretty Woman - you know, the horse-racing scene with the big hats and dresses, but with a touch of Alice in Wonderland. What can I say, people got pretty creative!
The Most Elegant Couple competition did not disappoint with its carefully selected finalists and fantastic prizes. A Brazilian couple won first prize, which included a Seekers travel voucher worth R25 000, a L'Oreal Paris make-up, a skin-care and hair-care product hamper to the value of R15 000, and each received a pair of stylish Police sunglasses worth R1950 each. The inspiration for her winning most elegant dress was "Simplicity and Beauty is larger than life" - which, by the way, is my new favourite quote. Okay, maybe it was her Brazilian accent that made it sound so cool.
After all the hype and excitement, a day full of socialising, racing and parading (humans as well as horses) thousands of Pocket Power fans were sad to say farewell to their favourite horse, which is retiring after approximately eight years. Pocket Power has won 20 of his 42 starts and is the only horse to have won the Met three times consecutively. It was quite an emotional moment, but even though he will not be going to Durban this year he might surprise us with a few more local races in 2011. Now I know I am no horse-racing expert, but I do know that this is one special and very talented horse - so if I don't see you again Pocket Power, it really was nice to have "Met" you.
Photography by Sofi Buys
