Inside the SA Style Awards judges dinner

IT WAS an explosion of colour at the Zebra Square Art Gallery as South Africa’s influential creatives, media personalities and business leaders gathered for the SA Style Awards Judges Dinner on Sunday.

The glamour stakes started on a high note, thanks to the dress code that required guests to be in their black-tie best while incorporating bright colours. Add the fleet of luxury vehicles that would make a car collector weep, and you have a scene out of a James Bond film.

Due to the pandemic and the many losses on the creative scene, SA Style Awards founder Jillian Grogor said they had to push the awards ceremony, which was meant to have been the 25th instalment of the event, to February as celebrating this year would be in bad taste.

“We decided to instead host a special judges dinner, where all the guests could vote for those people who have made an impact in their career over the past year.

“As much as the South African Style Awards has pivoted in its format and celebration style, it will always remain anchored in celebrating those who have not only made an indelible mark on local soil, but who have become powerful vehicles for change around the world,” Grogor said.

Attending were actors Terry Pheto, Mampho Brescia, Blood & Water’s Ama Qamata and Legacy’s Anton David Jeftha, who arrived with Boity Thulo. Pheto wore an animal print two-piece suit with fuchsia Christian Louboutins. Brescia was in a risqué bottle green knit dress and platinum blonde hair, Boity wore a buttercup yellow beaded evening gown, and Jeftha a yellow, red and black brocade jacket.

Former Miss SA Tamaryn Green opted for a gold bustier and ball skirt and former Miss SA Tansey Coetzee a crimson pants suit and with no shirt.

Lee-Ann Liebenberg wore a sparkling minidress and her restaurateur husband, Nicky van der Walt, was in his signature black.

Tshepi Vundla, in a teal gown, made her first public appearance since announcing her second pregnancy. Fashionista Blue Mbombo wore a dramatic yellow gown with a bodice festooned with 3D feathers.

Muso Lira opted for a pink print jumpsuit with a black furry off-theshoulder top, while Tamara Dey glittered in a gold gown and added colour with a tuft of blue hair.

Taryn Louch, the MC, brought Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Ronald Lamola on stage to sing Happy Birthday, à la

Marilyn Monroe.

Lalla Hirayama took to the decks and had the crowd dancing after dinner at the Southern Sun Hyde Park Hotel, before the Naked DJ took over.

It was probably the final social calendar event of the year and guests made sure that they partied as much as they could before curfew hit.