Not just the rain gives goosebumps

Johannesburg buzzed with laughter and fashion this week - despite the chill and drizzle that hit Egoli around Wednesday.

The party of the week was the launch of SA Fashion Week at the swanky Randlords nightclub in the once-forgotten Braamfontein on Thursday. With its lovely rooftop deck, which offers sweeping views of the city, the venue had a relaxed, outdoor feel.

And the nippy weather didn't bother the partygoers one iota.

Even though the invitation explicitly stated that the dress code was city chic - no jeans - the place was awash with denim: you'd swear the guests were rebelling against the stipulation.

It's common to spot miniskirts at Joburg parties, but not this Thursday: thanks to the weather, few legs were on display. Pity.

As is the norm, celebrities were "fashionably late", some even arriving as the party was about to end. To be generous, maybe they had other events to attend beforehand.

I couldn't help noticing how short the red carpet was - no more than 7m, definitely not long enough for the glamorous launch of a fashion week.

And the women outshone the men in the fashion stakes. While most guys opted for jeans, shirts and jackets or suits, the women were more imaginative - some in stylish coats, some in vintage dresses, and others in unbelievably high heels. Come on fellas, you can do better!

Among the men, model Masego "Maps" Maponyane, son of soccer legend Marks, was one of the few who stood out in his perfectly tailored suit.

Actress Gail Nkoane, of The Wild, turned heads with her stylish Rachel de Mardt dress, which showed off her well-toned arms and shoulders.

"I just went out of my comfort zone," she said. "This was a fashion risk for me but, hey, I feel fresh and amazing."

When it came to clothes, Nkoane said, she usually preferred to play it "safe" but on this evening she decided to be a bit "outrageous".

Another actress who caught my attention was Jay Anstey of Isidingo. She looked great in a long, maroon-and-peach-coloured dress. When I quizzed her about her sartorial choice, she said: "I show my legs enough on Isidingo. So today it's time for me to be a lady."

Anstey and Maponyane were stuck to each other the entire evening.

Singer Tamara Dey, who said she was busy writing music, showed me her nails, which were nicely done in silver-and-black nail polish. "Nails are now as important as clothes in fashion. I take inspiration from people like Lady Gaga and Beyoncé, who really do exciting things with their nails," she said.

Socialite Uyanda Mbuli was in a white jacket, tight top and tight torn jeans - a simple look, I thought. The redeeming items were her snakeskin Red Bottoms shoes and a turquoise Ferragamo bag. "I'm simple, chilled, but my shoes speak volumes," she said confidently when I asked her about her rather bland look.

Aside from the weather, the food was also a bit of a trial. The uninspiring menu featured only a roasted butternut pasta, spring rolls and chicken satays with a peanut sauce.

The caterers could have learnt a thing or two from the organisers of the Comedy Central event on Wednesday night at Montecasino.

Now that was a menu: tasty meatballs, beef kebabs, samoosas, mini chicken pies and spring rolls served with a variety of sauces.

But, eish, the comedy crowd and fashion don't mix. I saw people who attended the do - to launch a new show on Comedy Central - dressed as if they were off to a park, not a party. Jeans and sneakers reigned. Some were even in shorts. Not funny at all.

Singer Louise Carver and comedian David Kau were among the few celebrities to attend. As always, Louise kept to herself, spending time only with a female friend. Kau, who arrived late, sported his trademark pantsula hat. Other than that, there wasn't anything memorable to say about him.

Comedy shows at Parker's Comedy & Jive at Montecasino will be recorded on the last Wednesday of every month, and then flighted on channel 122 on DStv.

Evert van der Veer, head of the channel, said they were creating a "one-stop destination" for comedy in the continent, but that the act "has to be good". "We believe in the power of comedy in putting things in perspective," he said.

Mantombi Makhubele will be back in a fortnight