Best and worst dressed: presidential inauguration 2024
Queen Masenate, Nandi Madida, Pemmy Majodina and more take on the ceremony's red carpet
Image: REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko
Fashion and politics come together in many ways, specifically in how leaders choose to portray themselves to their followers or contrarians. For attendees, the inauguration of South Africa's president and other high-profile appearances have become an opportunity to promote local artisans, from designers to accessories designers.
At this year's ceremony, guests opted for a mix between traditional garb and sleek formal wear that deviates from the theatrics that the state of the nation address is often critiqued for.
With less being key for more, not all attendees were laid-back with their fashion choices, which can come off as crass and ostentatious in the sociopolitical climate of South Africa. Here are some of the top and flop moments that graced the day's red carpet.
Not all great outfits need to be dramatic. The best fashion choices can be found in colours that suit your skin tone, items that fit like a glove and accessorising that does not clash with what you've put together.
The Lesotho queen nailed this with her cobalt blue ensemble that marries the ostentatious impulse of many stylists and self-styled dignitaries with the need to embody the minimal glamour found at a formal ceremony.
She brings bold shapes, accentuating her figure in a manner that is not overly cinched and looks comfortable. Her satellite fascinator is already a spectacle, so she opts for a simple bow in black rather than feathers and layers of tulle.
The star of the show is her calf-length coat dress which features an asymmetrical button closure. Rather than overstyle the look with diamonds or sequins, Masenate's lapel features matching blue beads to draw attention to the elegant wide cowl neckline.
Image: Thapelo Morebudi
In South African fashion, bold silhouettes and sparkling fabrics are used to display success, power and glamour. The problem is that it takes on the extremities of yesteryear — more is more and bigger is better.
Luckily, Nomvula Mokonyane found a stylish balance between being ostentatious and dressed for business. The bright canary yellow two-piece is an eye-catcher, with sophisticated finishes seen in the cinched waist and side zip that give it a modern finish. Rather than dramatic puffed shoulders, her outfit instead features bows which could have been left out for stand-alone straps.
Keeping to formal attire outside of sweeping ball gowns and My Fair Lady-esque hats, Madida set the tone in a chic yet trendy ensemble.
Sporting a deconstructed white blazer with textured details creates the illusion of an oversized blouse tucked into cropped black trousers with a slim Louis Vuitton belt to elongate her body. To add a bit of colour to her bag she rocks a Chanel boy bag with a top handle all brought together by an eye-catching black flower detail on her shoulder.
Image: REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko