Accessories such as hats, handbags and shoes stole the limelight at the state of the province address at the Bhisho legislature yesterday.
Men and women did not miss the opportunity to make fashion statements with bright colours, although most male MPLs opted for conservative black suits.
Flamboyant MEC for sports, recreation, arts and culture Pemmy Majodina was the centre of attention with her imported dress.
She drew photographers’ attention with a bronze and gold dress, with a trail.
“These two colours – gold and bronze – represent richness in our people,” Majodina said.
Majodina bought her dress in the US, and the “frills were by my designer Linda Sithole”.
“I have my particular way of dressing up. If the dress does not have a trail it does not represent me. I dress to make a statement.”
She says her dress also represents rural women because they always wear long dresses.
“I woke up at 5am. I had to do my nails, my hair. I have to make sure that I look good. I dress up for the occasion ... make no mistake and I am not going to lower the standard.”
Although most male MPLs wore black suits, ANC MP Christian Martin – famous for his animal-skin attire during legislature gatherings – was dressed in his school uniform.
“The whole inspiration this year, other than other years, where I had my Khoisan skin on, is the encouragement for education colleges to be re-opened,” he said.