Politicos parade in style

THIS was indeed a Valentine's Day to remember as the country's premiers seemed determined to outdo each other in the fashion stakes.

THIS was indeed a Valentine's Day to remember as the country's premiers seemed determined to outdo each other in the fashion stakes.

The red carpet turned into a catwalk ahead of the State of the Nation speech .

All nine premiers walked in line to the National Assembly ahead of the president and his entourage.

Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane strutted her stuff in a sexy cerise suit, killer blue stilettos and a matching clutch.

A few paces behind her was the Western Cape's Helen Zille gliding along in a flowing, off-the-shoulder chiffon gown.

MP Masizole Mnqasela arrived in a beige suit carrying a "genuine leather" man bag.

"I don't really like speaking about my clothes but this is a design from Paris. It's Armani," said Mnqasela.

"In my bag are my phones, cologne and car keys."

It became evident that cerise and red were the colours of choice this year. The reasoning? "It's Valentine's Day!" many explained.

The deputy minister of Human Settlements, Zoe Kota-Frederick, was one of the first cerise lovers on the carpet. She came with a Valentine - her son, Aphiwe - who dazzled in a perfectly tailored maroon suit.

"I liked this colour because it suits my mother's dress," said the 21-year-old.

Rachel Tambo wowed her in a cerise Sun Goddess ensemble with hubby Dali in tow. He opted for a black suit with a cerise handkerchief dangling from his pocket.

"I chose cerise because it is Valentine's Day - a celebration of love, it is a celebration of our love," she said. And then, much to the delight of the photographers, they shared an intimate kiss before sashaying up the stairs.

Lindiwe Zulu, the international adviser to the president, rocked the carpet in red satin pants and a Congolese printed top designed by her daughter, Phindile.

Lindiwe Mazibuko followed in a sexy black number and her signature combination of red lips, c onfidence and a Colgate smile.

"I thought I would do something different. The skirt is silk and this is a tulle, mesh, beaded top," said Mazibuko.

"I love it. It is cool, comfortable and I feel very glamorous."

Minutes later, Zille and husband, Johann Maree, made a grand entrance.

The two perfectly polished politicians struck some poses together.

"Do a Kardashian," came a scream from the crowd.

"Who should I be? I like Khloe," said Mazibuko laughing.

Zille was asked who designed her turquoise ensemble.

"It's aqua marine," she said - her husband's favourite colour.

Johan Smith from Paarl chose the colour and designed the striking gown.

Patricia de Lille opted for a navy blue crochet top, shiny pants and matching navy shoes. However, her outfit did not come from a second-hand store - but from Malcolm Klûk.

Undeniably one of the most stylish men at parliament was Zakes Bantwini in tight black pants, a velvet jacket with a satin lapel and a matching black sequined tie.

"I bought this jacket and tailored it. I would like to hear the President speak about the arts even if it is four paragraphs," he said.

The first ladies looked gorgeous with Sizakele MaKhumalo-Zuma wearing an elegant chiffon pink dress, a white fascinator and gold sandals. Thobeka KaMadiba-Zuma sizzled in a body-hugging salmon number and pink suede shoes.

Bongiwe Ngema chose a metallic blue animal print top with a black pencil skirt and black kitten heels and Nompumelelo MaNtuli-Zuma donned a long Eastern-inspired dress.