Fun and flashy cars for fab set

Designer sunglasses, shoes, bags and luxury cars distinguished between the haves and the have-nots at Ballito's Fairmont Zimbali last Sunday morning.

The launch of International Bank Vault's (IBV) Supercar Club at the swish resort was an opportunity to peek into how the other half - or probably how the other one-eighth - live and play.

DIVINE DISTRACTION: The opulent pool setting, glorious sun-kissed morning and freshly baked mini-croissants made a welcome distraction for some guests, who waited patiently for the Supercar Club members to make a throaty arrival in their Ferrari, Maserati, Porsche and Rolls Royce convoy. Once the cars were arranged in a semi-circle at the hotel entrance, radio presenter Abigal Nadar - who would have given J-Lo a run for her money in an electric blue, figure-hugging Sissy Boy mini - kicked off formalities.

MONEY TALKS: IBV boss Ashok Sewnarain apologised for the delay during a short welcome, saying it was because a helicopter circling overhead had to first shoot aerial footage of the cars. He noted proudly that this was the first launch event of the prestigious car club and he was hoping to grow membership from 100 in Kwa-Zulu-Natal to 1000 throughout the country.

A granola parfait of lavender, as well as vanilla-flavoured yoghurt and muesli, preceded the mains of an Oriental prawn egg roll with smoked salmon, onion and cream cheese.

BATED BREATH: A fashion show featuring 16 ready-to-wear garments by fledgling designers Jacqueline Emmanuel and Ishanie Munn - understudies to fashion darling Haroun Hansrot, who was instrumental in pulling the event together - impressed guests. Then it was time for the much-anticipated lucky draw. Prizes on offer were a R55000 Chopard watch (won by KwaMashu GP Pinglan Covender); a R60000 accommodation and spa package from the luxury Fairmont Zimbali (to be enjoyed by former Miss India Worldwide Sarika Sukhdeo Ramlakan); and designer sunglasses, which were scooped up by Emmanuel.

OVERHEARD: One guest, who jokingly complained to Nadar that her "om-nama-shivaya" prayer to win one of the prizes had not been answered.

OUCH: A perusal of some of the designer accessories and jewellery on display was a jaw-dropping experience - R1800 for an alice band, R6000 for a gorgeous scarf, R17000 for a to-die-for leather bag and R110000 for a fashionable watch (with moving diamonds). Unfortunately, the exhibitors weren't doing much business despite their persuasive sales pitch.

OVERALL: While the snob potential was high, given the exclusive club criteria, it was a fun morning of fashion, fabulous food and of course, flashy, fast cars.