The Bolt and the beautiful

With the theme of African luxury: precious metals, the 2019 G.H.Mumm Sun MET was going to be a glittering affair regardless of what happened, but this year proved to be a social event with global appeal.

Arriving on a helicopter to launch his own line of champagne, super-athlete Usain Bolt’s second year at the G.H.Mumm Sun Met definitely kicked off the 2019 social season. But this year also showed cohesive and elevated red carpet looks as celebrities poured into Kenilworth Race Course. With live performances from Lira, Micasa, and the Soweto String Quartet at the growing VIP marquee – there’s no denying that Africa’s biggest race is where you need to be seen.

That’s why Bolt launched his line of tipple at the MET.

The Mumm Olympe Rosé was exclusively revealed at the GH Mumm Paddock Club where the glitterati got a first taste of the unique champagne which Usain Bolt, CEO (Chief Entertainment Officer) of GH Mumm has been creating with Maison Mumm since 2016.

“When we were busy planning, I asked if anyone ever tried to mix champagne and cognac. And this inspired some creative thinking,” Bolt revealed. “They really embraced the idea and we did what we had to do to make it possible. The results were amazing. This champagne is the first of its kind. Thank you to the GH Mumm for believing in me. I love the taste, I’m sure you’re going to love it too. Enjoy it responsibly.”

But while he was bubbling to the top, so were South African stars and the designers who dressed them for the 2019 MET.

Mumm’s master of celebrations, Minnie Dlamini-Jones, hit the red carpet in Gert-Johan Coetzee. She said: “Gert and I went full couture with an interpretation of melting precious metals so as to create the illusion of looking like I’ve been literally dipped in gold.”

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“We went for sheer, loose fabric to switch up from my usual body-hugging gowns, but to still maintain a sense of naughtiness.”

Cleverly, the look ensured she was cool under the beaming sun at the races.

Minnie added her look was all about comfort without compromising style.

Superstar Moozlie went straight for gold in a Ryan Keyes mini dress – a stunning re-imagination of the flapper dress.

Moozlie | Image: Adriaan Roets

Makeup artist Stacy-Robin’s Midas touch is the reason behind Moozlie’s dazzling gold eyelids. The finer details of Moozlie’s Precious Metals interpretation are seen in her iridescent nails, metallic stilettos, and a Maison Goyard clutch. This is a look worth its weight in gold.

Boity | Image: Adriaan Roets

Screen queen and now hip-hop star Boity Thule arrived in a dramatic Jessica Molebatsi gown.

“There’s no better duo than gold and silver. Even though they don’t always go together, I thought with the MET you can go as extreme as you want,” she says about the dress and its dramatic bow.

Durban-based fashion designer Nolanga Made ensured TV darling Kamo Modisakeng was glimmered on the red carpet in this gold pleated gown.

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Top Billing’s Fez Mkhize opted for a suit in a golden mustard hue from Markham, styled by Siyabonga of Style Candy, proving that outfits from the rack can also dazzle on the red carpet.

Fezile Mkhize | Image: Adriaan Roets

Siv Ngesi’s fun shirt is by Cape Town-based designer Imprint ZA.

Siv Ngesi | Image: Adriaan Roets

Mbali Nkosi’s dress by Scalo Designer shone with it’s silver opulence.

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Cape Town socialite and radio presenter Liezel van der Westhuizen kept it simple in a black and gold Jacques Lagrange gown – but opted for drama with a majestic hat also by Jacques Lagrange.

Liezel van der Westhuizen | Image: Adriaan Roets

Trevor Stuurman wore a Balmain blazer.

@trevor_stuurman #sunmet2019 pic.twitter.com/jRrw2bQU3X

— Sibulelo Diba Tsholoba (@sibulelo_STP) January 27, 2019

Nina Hastie’s literal interpretation of metal by fashion design duo Quiteria & George was a striking moment on the red carpet.

Nina Hastie | Image: Adriaan Roets

If these are the looks celebs will be delivering in 2019 – the award show season promises to blind us with its brilliance.

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