I have been covering SONA fashion for a few years now. The red carpet offering has never astounded me. Except perhaps when Thuli Madonsela donned this canary yellow gown by celeb favourite designer Gert-Johan Coetzee.
But it was also not particularly because I liked the dress. It was because she slayed it so hard. Because Thuli.
Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba and his wife Norma also got a few nods last year from the fashion crowd for her Coetzee creation.
And while I'd admit that this dress was made for her killer curves (probably also literally custom-made for her), it's not particularly interesting.
Sure, relying on the designer or silhouette you are comfortable with or the particular cut that fits your body or is fitting for the particular occasion is expected. Like auntie Zille always opting for blue (except for that year the DA all opted to wear black)...
And Mmusi Maimane's beautiful wife Natalie always sticking to monochrome.
Images: Gallo
But I want them to showcase our hottest local talent on the red carpet, those that break fashion molds and inspire a new kind of 'red carpet ready' approach that is a (happy) cry from the matric ball chic we've gotten used to.
In a world where I could dress MPs or MPs wives; I would do this:
Last year Grace Tseke, ANC MP, looked great in blushing pink.
#SONA2017 red carpet: ANC MP Grace Tseke pic.twitter.com/x7eBVRXZhI
— Sowetan LIVE (@SowetanLIVE) February 9, 2017
But I think something silky like this Matte Nolim outfit designed for Sarah Langa would be a much more slick and modern version of this dress.
Or this Thebe Magugu creation...
And for Tannie Helen's love of blue, this Rich Mnisi silky dream dress...
As for ANC MP Tasneem Motara, the dress she wore to last year's red carpet was a beautiful colour and a stunning fit on her. But it's still very matric ball, circa 2000.
#SONA2017 ANC MP Tasneem Motara is owning the red tonight pic.twitter.com/mQ7nzykTgu
— Qaanitah Hunter (@QaanitahHunter) February 9, 2017
I'd love to see her in this vibrant coat by Matte Nolim.
For Natalie Maimane, I'd put her in a fresher silhouette. Like something from AKJP. Their design aesthetic is chic and classic, but always with a twist.
She could wear this sheer wonder, adding a black slip underneath to make it appropriate for the occasion.
Images: Supplied