Parliament - Despite the cold and wet start to the opening of Parliament, colourful dresses and vibrant fashion have once again lined the red carpet.
From knee high stockings that sneaked out of knee-length dresses, to bizarre hats and blue two-pieces, the fashion on the red carpet today has warmed up a very cold morning in Cape Town.
Never before has a State of the Nation showcased such mismatched gear, highlighting the melting pot that is South Africa. The umbrellas were out and invitees ran down the side into the entrance to avoid getting wet.
Designer two-pieces with matching shoes and hats to locally-made suits, a man dressed in a black and white cow-skin jacket and a bright yellow suit have all been spotted this morning.
While some were dressed in high street fashion, others, it was clear had to add warmth to outfits that were clearly too cool to don in Cape Town's winter weather.
Among the notaries who have arrived are Independent Democrats leader Patricia de Lille, Congress of the People's Mbazima Shilowa and the African National Congress Youth League's Julius Malem and Fikile Mbalula Deputy Minister of Police and Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoane-Mashabane.
Spirits were high and laughter was aplenty as everyone looked forward to what President Jacob Zuma was going to tell the nation during his first State of the Nation Address.
He is expected to deliver this in a joint sitting of Parliament at 11am.
"With the economic meltdown, it is clear that the President has to prioritise issues and work on them," said Ms De Lille, dressed in a bright blue pants suit, white shirt and red tie and a blue hat with a red ribbon.
Mr Shilowa, dressed in a chic pinstripe suit and trench coat, said the people would serve as arbitrator.
Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson on health matters and Member of Parliament, Desiree van der Walt wore a stunning red dress with gold coat outfit, which was set off with a matching hat and red shoes.
The creation was designed by a local designer David Tlale.
Juanita Telebrach also from the DA, wore a gold two piece with a matching hat. She told BuaNews that the dress code was an important part of the day's events.
"[The outfits] are diverse and each displays south Africa's different cultures encourages its citizens to identify themselves in terms of their culture," she said.
