The state of fashion

GERMAN sedans, many with diplomatic numberplates, lined the streets of Bishopscourt in Cape Town where the British high commissioner, Dame Nicola Brewer, hosted a cocktail reception the day before the state of the nation do at parliament. And it was a grand occasion.

At the gate, guests went through a metal detector. Inside, ladies with the guest list loaded on iPads ticked off names.

The Cape Town Welsh Choir sang outside the front door. Inside the house, which was surprisingly homey, the commissioner and her husband, Geoff Gilham, welcomed guests individually.

When it was my turn to greet them, Gilham recalled how, in a picture we took of the couple at the local premiere of Skyfall in Rosebank last year, he had posed in his black suit with one hand inside his jacket - authentic Bond-style. Outside, people mingled under a marquee, next to which the South African College Schools band were playing. Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, Minister of Women, Children and People with Disabilities Lulu Xingwana and IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi were among those who attended.

I told DA parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko that she had one of the best ombre weaves I had ever seen. She told me she'd had it done at an old friend's hair salon, Wade & Co in Green Point. I should have recommended the establishment to public protector Thuli Madonsela, who told me that she was weary of the media complaining about her hair.

Canapés of salad sticks with black pepper and mini Yorkshire puddings did the rounds. I absolutely loved the "fish and chips" served on a skewer. Brilliant idea.

I spotted satirist Pieter-Dirk Uys, who told me this type of party was the perfect place to get the best material for his work. Buthelezi shared his musical tastes with me. Some of his local favourites are Judith Sephuma and Sibongile Khumalo, whose dad, Khabi Mngoma, was among his prefects at Adams College.

The evening ended early. I guess people had to rest before the main event the next day.

Red-carpet winners and losers

I DON'T generally like the red tape that accompanies government events, but I enjoyed watching politicians parade on the red carpet. They were awkward, colourful and over the top, but I loved it.

DA leader Helen Zille wore an aquamarine dress by designer Johan Smith. The trail on her dress could have rivalled any Miss South Africa contestant's. The dress was inappropriate, but I will say this: after seeing her Botox work up close, I'm "team Botox". Dali and Rachel Tambo also attended, she dressed in a cerise pink Sun Goddess creation. She said the outfit, which incorporated elements of various cultures, represented her family. Yawn.

The most dramatic award undoubtedly went to Deputy Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni. She arrived with an entourage talking on her cellphone. She walked the carpet in her Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses and got back on her phone as soon her photo shoot was over. The best-dressed was definitely Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe's partner, Gugu Mtshali. No surprises there.

As for the president's speech, it was his fourth year of delivering it. We're bored now. I guess I'm going to be saying that for the next five years.