MY week of social shimmying started last Thursday when I sent my sexy behind off to the launch of Sosofab, the hot new salon and boutique in Richmond Hill. Classy-looking ladies flocked there in killer heels and dressed to the nines, but some needed an L sign – for Learner – on those soles as it was clearly a struggle to teeter around on them!
Nangamso Thobela looked like a goddess in her peachy-hued maxi-dress. Sosofab brand ambassadors Bongi Mafani and Lerato Thipa also looked radiant. Bongi was there with her hubby, Umhlobo Wenene’s Putco Mafani.
The food seemed especially healthy – are we all trying to slim down before the Christmas gorge?
It was an intimate evening and some of those gals splurged out big-time. Bongi shared that, before the opening of Sosofab, she used to go all the way to East London to have her hair relaxed – talk about taking beauty to the next level.
In between meeting all my pressing social obligations I also managed to hot-foot it to Middelburg, of all places, where the sister of a dear chum of mine was getting married.
I was hoping to meet Mr Right while I was there, but my dreams were dashed when, after spotting Mr Almost-Right, I discovered he was already taken. Eish, what is a girl to do?
The bride, Vuyokazi Lesele, a radiant lass with a beautiful and distinct birthmark, walked down the aisle in a V-neck sleeveless dress with pearl and lace bodice and ruffled chiffon skirt.
A Princess Diana-style pearl choker was used as headgear as she did not want to wear a veil. We partied the night away in the middle of the street – what memories, I tell you! Come Sunday morning I prepped myself for the traditional ceremony.
Even though I am a proud woman of Africa, I’d never attended this kind of wedding before.
As I put on Umbaco (traditional African wear) the mercury began rising. It was going to be a scorcher and the poor makoti had to be covered in a thick blanket to hide her face, as is tradition. My own traditional attire also attracted a second glance from a handsome fella, who ended up giving me digits. And guess what? He is from PE! So, there might well be truth in that whole business about weddings and falling in love!
I giddily high-tailed back to the Friendly City to attend the launch of the Nelson Mandela Bay Legacy Project at the grand old dame, the Feather Market Centre. This project aims to promote the values that Madiba lived by. The organisers transformed the upper level foyer into a beautiful, intimate setup with magnificent blooms by Fayette Scherwinski.
The fashion stakes were a mixed bag of fabulosity and drab. The ever-stylish Mandlakazi Skefile (OMG! another Cindy Nel moment by the honourable deputy mayor as he called her Mandlakazi Stofile!), rocked a black and white ensemble.
Noxolo Nqwazi, the executive director of recreaction, arts and culture in the Bay, wore a pink suit paired with black kitten heels. However, Councillor Marion Harning missed the boat completely – it was neither cold nor hot and yet she came dressed in black winter boots and a summery top.
And can she please do something about that hair? The gents were especially stylish. Roland Williams wore a gunmetal grey suit while Mazizi Msutu sported a brown suit. That brother is always stylish – and finally I know his name!
Xolani Yisaka was equally dashing and finally seems to have found his niche in the fashion department.
I just could not say no to an invite to attend the launch of the Mandela International Film Festival at Athenaeum on Wednesday. Madiba’s grandson Mandla Mandela was there, and looked rather good in Laduma Ngxokolo knitwear.
His wife, Nodiyala and mother Nolusapho Mandela were also there, as was his uncle, Mapilisi Mandela, who is really getting on in years.
I am sure our mayor, ‘Oom’ Ben Fihla, was happy to see someone his age at the event. I am sure it must get very lonely if you’re the only oldie.
The venue was swarming with famous actors and actresses. Bubu Mazibuko, whom I haven’t seen in a very long time, opted for what looked like a silk dress. The rainy weather was not on her side though. I am sure when she left her hotel room she must surely have noticed it was drizzling.
Zikhona Sodlaka, one of the axed Generations actors who played Mandela’s mother in the movie Long Walk to Freedom, was nasty to Bay TV presenter Suliwe Sihlwayi. She was very angry when she was told Sihlwayi looked like her – talk about diva tendencies.
What was that all about, Zikhona? I am not even sure about the white mini dress with black dots that you were wearing – you could have done a whole lot better or grabbed something at our Traduna Mall. She finished off her look with a yellow doek – where are the fashion police when you need them?
Oh my golly gosh, Yonda Thomas, who played a detective on Mzantsi’s Saints and Sinners, looked yummylicios in a purple blazer and white shirt, while actor and producer Kenneth Nkosi went for a simple look in a white shirt and white All Stars. We were entertained by Lumanyano Cultural Group from Pumlani Village outside East London.
Ciao, darlings, let’s catch up again next week!
- SKINNERBEK
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