Feathers, flowers and fashion open the Cape Town Carnival festivities

The Cape Town Carnival opened with a fashion show that mixed Cape Town style with a little bit of Rio

Style is what it was all about last night at the Cape Town Carnival Fashion Show. The city's top designers gathered at the V&A Waterfront Lookout Deck to present their couture inspired by the glamour of the city.

Two large figures in red and blue stood around; their feathers touching everyone within 3 meters. Models in green, yellow and blue bodysuits was swinging bands like gymnasts, while polka dot skirts and huge beehive hairstyles set the scene for the fashion show.

South African fashion icon Hip Hop opened the catwalk with Rio style bikini dresses. Some of the models wore masks; others had giant (even blonde) afros and carried protea flowers, while the floral prints were also echoed on the dresses. Huge flowers added a festive touch to the hairstyles.

Fun colours, masks and bows

Craig Port, one of Cape Town’s most definitive designers, presented menswear in silver and interesting unusual patterns. The guys donned big flowers on their suits, which had a private school uniform feel about it. Funky jackets and the colour pink, always in combination with big flowers suggest a gentle fashion sense for men. Big buttons and checks as well as patent leather shoes also featured in the collection.

Zinzi Couture Africa and Uwe Koetter Jewellers stood out with hairy, big and bright cuffs and a sexy blue Rio style dress. A modern, white wedding creation added some fantasy to the collection. Carducci showcased pure elegance paired with stylish masks while Elsbeth Gillis Couture added some Venetian elements. The much loved Paul van Zyl had fun with dresses that shouted royal elegance. However, Kobus Dippenaar took the night with a giant bow dress. The gown was made up almost entirely of an over-sized shiny bow, creating the impression of a luxurious gift and adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

Irit Noble performed at the Cape Town Carnival fashion show wearing a purple feather creation, while Sterling EQ added some drama to the evening with their modern twist on the flute, violin and cello.

Don't we all actually want to dress a little more adventurous and crazy? The Cape Town Carnival on Saturday 20 March is the perfect opportunity to do so and Cape Town’s fashion designers are always ready to ensure that whoever is in town looks good.

By Antonia Heil & Lize de Kock

Photographs by Desmond Louw

Find out more about the exciting Cape Town Carnival concert and the main parade in our overview of the Cape Town Carnival.