Last year at the Sona 2024 as seen in this photo - guests dressed to the nines. But there was not a strong south easter to contend with. Picture: GCIS
Gale-force winds in Cape Town threaten to dampen the red carpet glamour as politicians and celebrities will be clutching on to their skirts and hats as they make their way to hear President Cyril Ramaphosa address the nation tonight.
South Africans can only hope that the violent and gusty South Easter augurs the winds of change from the usual non-eventful speech that president Cyril Ramaphosa delivers.
One thing is for sure as guests prepare to walk the red carpet - they will be anxiously trying to find ways to pin down their glamorous wares.
Meanwhile, all members of Parliament were urged to wear clothing produced in South Africa in a bid to support the local fashion industry.
“The campaign, ‘Wear Local at Sona’, aims to elevate the local fashion industry calling on the nation’s leaders to showcase South African designed and manufactured fashion at the Sona,” chairperson for the NCOP, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane said.
Earlier this week, local designer Gert-Johan Coetzee was excited to see what fashion will be on the Sona red carpet fashion.
While he’s not dressing anyone specifically this year, he remains passionate about the evolving fashion landscape at the event.
“It’s South Africa, and we’re all very proud of our heritage. So I always try to bring out my version of South African heritage and a South African aesthetic,” Coetzee explained.
“This year, I’m sure we’re going to see lots of traditional elements and a mix of styles. Over the years, I’ve noticed that the Hollywood-inspired trends have been fading, and there’s a stronger emphasis on celebrating our South African identity.”
One of Coetzee’s fondest Sona memories is that viral moment with Madonsela. “We broke the internet that year,” he recalled. “She arrived in what we call a ‘sundress’, and for me, when I design, I treat my work as art - I always try to tell a story.”