This World Cup will be hosted in 10 stadiums in nine cities across eight provinces, with 32 teams from six confederations. The stadiums are Soccer City in Johannesburg (formerly known as the FNB Stadium), Moses Mabhida in Durban, Green Point in Cape Town, Ellis Park in Johannesburg, Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, Nelson Mandela Bay in Port Elizabeth, Free State in Bloemfontein, Peter Mokaba in Polokwane, Mbombela in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga and Royal Bafokeng in Rustenburg.

Green Point Stadium

The newly-built Green Point Stadium in Cape Town has a capacity of 70 000 and is one of the two semi-final venues for the FIFA World Cup. It is also going to be used to stage major events and concerts. Fans will be a stone’s throw from the ocean and the mountains of Cape Town will also provide the backdrop for matches.

Moses Mabhida Stadium

Also newly-built in Durban, the Moses Mabhida Stadium will also host one of the semi-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The 70 000-seater stadium has been specifically designed as a multi-purpose venue and an amphitheatre. The stadium was built on the site of the old Kings Park Stadium, Moses Mabhida, the ground’s namesake was born in Thornville near Pietermaritzburg on 14 October 1923 into a poor family who were later forced off their land. He underwent military training and became the chief political instructor of new military recruits. He later served as the commander of MK.

Soccer City

Located in Johannesburg’s southwest, the Soccer City Stadium will host the first and final matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The ground’s design is inspired by the iconic African pot known as the calabash and its aesthetic appeal will be heightened when the stadium is lit at night. The original stadium known as the FNB Stadium had a capacity of 80 000 and the new stadium now has a capacity of 94 700. It hosted the first mass rally of Nelson Mandela after his release from prison in 1990, in 1993 mourners lamented Chris Hani’s assassination and it has also hosted the 1996 CAF African Cup of Nations final with South Africa winning 2-0 over Tunisia.

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

Set on the shores of the North End Lake, the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth will host the match for third place and a quarter-final in a total of eight matches during FIFA World Cup. Completed in 2009, this venue has a gross capacity of 46 082. One of its first major test events was the coveted Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, a game that attracts capacity crowds in South Africa.

The word circa is used in an approximate context relating to historical events, particularly in the paleontological world where no exact dates are possible. So it is fitting that patrons of the palaeontological world name their building CIRCA to represent an approximation, or something that is undefined as a space but versatile in its ability to serve as function.

CIRCA is essentially an extension or annex of the Everard Read Gallery in Rosebank. It’s on a highly prominent corner of Jan Smuts and Jellicoe Avenues, so a real expectation of a bold architectural statement could well have influenced both the client, Mark and Christine Read, and the architect, Pierre Swanepoel of studioMAS. As it turned out, a bold statement never entered their minds, it was always about the most efficient and innovative solution to a gallery space on a small site.

Watching the construction process was fascinating. I wandered how the building would connect with the existing gallery across the road and how the strange forms emerging from the foundations would become what I envisaged the building to be. I was fascinated by the external ramp, all the time wandering how it would be enclosed and what influence Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim might have had on the incorporation of the ramp into the design. As far as the architect is concerned it didn’t.

Once the scrim went up I understood that CIRCA was about transparency; textural diversity on precise geometry; a sculptural veil that conceals inner mystery.

In plan the building is celestial in form, true to Kepler’s planetary movement models of an elongated orbit. As you ascend the structure on the external ramp, you circle the centre as a planet would the sun and then become enveloped within the building as the ramp becomes the inner gallery space in an unconscious metamorphosis.

The space is organic in shape and completely flexible, dispelling any pre conceived ideas of galley architecture – in fact the Reads weren’t sure that it should be limited to a gallery space and herein lies the rub. It’s a unique internal space in the context of the building – a pause for a look, a lecture, an exhibition, a piece of theatre, a brief reflection – before you continue your journey around the core, on and upward to the top.

The final destination takes you by surprise. It’s an open space extending off the Darwin Lounge – a private room, encapsulating Christine Read’s private collection of furniture and archaeological artefacts, including replica casts of the famous Taung and Mrs Ples’s skull. The scrim encloses the space in a ‘kraal’ like surround which is sculpted at the western end to form a balustrade and opens up the finest view of Johannesburg’s green canopy that you’ll see.

The sensual perception of the rooftop is rings within rings, convex forms that surround and envelope. You’re open to the skies and to the view before you – vulnerable yet comfortably secure. I could sit up there for hours. The external form of CIRCA is extraordinary in its inconsistency and changing façade. It is mysterious as much as it is open and its soul gradually reveals itself as you make your way through its core. Christine Read says they wanted to give something beautiful back to the city of Johannesburg. That they certainly have done with aplomb.

Imagine yourself being there when the ball soared through the posts when South Africa won the 1995 World Cup Rugby… or being at the opening of the first Soccer World Cup match in Africa… what about meeting Charlize Theron or even better Nelson Mandela himself… …Now wouldn’t that be a Live Out Loud moment?

Joburgers were greeted by a masculine Lamborghini and a feisty Ferrari while sharing their Live Out Loud moments, sipping on some bubbly and rubbing shoulders with some of the country’s most famous celebrities, but most important, the ordinary people who Live Out Loud in their own unique ways. Key radio personalities as well as the public will have their Live Out Loud moments placed on www.liveoutloud.co.za where subscribers can vote on the moment they think truly encapsulates the lifestyle of a high flyer. Each entrant will stand a chance of being awarded with a lavish luxury experience.

The lucky winners of the decisive Live Out Loud moments will be transformed instantly into patrons of luxury. Couples will be jetted off to Cape Town, where they will be welcomed at a leading 5-star hotel for two nights of splendour. All meals will be hosted at popular Cape Town eateries, including the stylish Grand Café and Beach will be included in the package, as well as a cruise in the Atlantic Ocean on an exclusive yacht courtesy of Pershing.

These are your Live Out Loud Moments:

Catherine Nel – Living out loud onboard a 72ft yacht, travelling from the Hamptons to New York drinking champagne and just relaxing and taking the most fabulous photo of the woman of independence – The Statue of Liberty. Then dancing like nobody was watching and cruising around Liberty Island, enjoying every moment.. best of all the memories will never fade.

Elma Vertue – When, after 6 years of heartache and sadness, caring for my cancer-ridden son of 20 years old, I wrote my story and sent it in to a local magazine, won the competition and was treated to a weekend of Spa-treatments. My son’s story and life has brought so much heartache and sadness, but at the same time touched so many lives and brought many smiles.

McDonald Kgare – Being the first generation in my family to get a university degree – cum laude!

Andrew Dinnis – Proposing to my wife with just a diamond, champagne and rose petals and yip.. she said YES!

Sudesh Singh – Met cricket star Sachin Tendulkar at a dinner.

Micheal Andreas Pashiou – Modelling for Live Out Loud to promote the brand and lifestyle at Lanseria Airport in 2009.

Andre Nel – The moment my child was born.

Francine Nel – Travelling on SA Blue Train, sitting in the tub with a glass of champers and looking out of the great Karoo.

Andre Gardner – Eating python in Taiwan.

Matthew Mansfield – The day I celebrated by MBA Graduation was the day I met my love and future wife. I remembered it as the happiest day of my life thus far.

Simon Bush – Champagne Hot Air Balloon breakfast over the Kruger National Park. Habiba

Yasmin Maconha – Thanks to the LIVE OUT LOUD magazine I chose my engagement ring from it and my fiancé actually took the magazine with him to Franschoek Jewellers to buy it!

Claudeen Coetzee – Completing my LLB and passing the Law Society exam then find out at the same time that I was pregnant.

James Ferraris – Being born!

Shamiema van Heerden – I met Eddy Grant – partied with him, it was a time in my life I will never forget.

Andrew Garcia – After skydiving for the first time my life was racing past me in the sky, when I landed on the ground I wanted to call everyone I know and tell them how precious they were to me. I felt life coursing through my veins and in that moment I felt alive.

Robert Davies – Getting over 300km/h on my bike, skydiving, bush walks.. etc.. all fail in comparison to having my sons put into my arms.

John Collin Wright – When my wife and I spent a weekend in the South of France cruising through the yacht club then heading up to Monte Carlo.

Neil Meyer – Winning my first gold medal at the South African athletics championships.

Ricardo Tau – When my dream came true on the 2nd and 3rd of January 2010 when I got married to a beautiful wife Khomotso.

Joshua Greenberg – Everyday: My first cup of coffee early each morning.

Thimbedi Nthite – My Live Out Loud moment would be to create my own brand of fashion and exclusive furniture which would be appeal to people for years to come.

Joseph Mpusheng Matebane – 2003 – 15th birthday went for a spin in a Ferrari Berlienetta 355 F4 from Imperial Exotics. 2009 – Graduated Top Draughting Student in the Gauteng Province and won an internship with a UK architect firm, leaving in February and coming back March as I have then been invited to judge a Design Competition hosted by Saint-Gobain Construction Products, got an exclusive tour of the Coppola Suite in Sandton and Raphael suite when they were under construction.

Boni Masdle – The day I decided to move to South Africa and settled in Harties.

Mark Foster – Watching the Americas Cup in Valencia Spain – incredible just being there, and I am going again!

Eddie McCosh – Climbing up one of the pyramids then being arrested, then the cop telling me to come back later to climb the largest pyramids with him.

Taryn Harding – Sailing a yacht through the different European Islands.

Melissa Mpotu – When I travelled to a GrandPrix Formula 1 in Brussels in 2008, it was amazing.

Desmond Waite – It must be scuba-diving in Mauritius with my wife.

Ilana Freidman – After a challenge by my personal trainer to do something “extra-ordinary”, I started a charitable organisation called MAGICAL MOMENTS in March 2004. We have indulged over 22 000 underprivileged children to magical moments, giving them a change to experience something beyond their own world – ultimately a chance to LIVE OUT LOUD….

Luleka – I was a waitress in 1998 at the Michael Angelo and I served Michael Jackson. He was in a meeting then about a Sun City deal that was being brokered. He met with Alec Erwin and some other hot shots. So the catering company I worked for was hired for the day. He only had bottled water. He was so sweet, we took a photo with him. I was over the moon I spilt the wine on the table when I tried to pour that’s how badly I was shaking. But it was the best ever he was so soft spoken he wore a maroon shirt white socks black pants I could never forget!

Ms Jenee Phasuniramol, Network Manager at ASIAN News Network

The glitzy gala ceremony in Thailand hosted at the world renowned lebua at State Tower, Bangkok in November last year. The glamorous red-carpet gala ceremony evening was opened by Ms Jennee Phasuniramol, Network Manager at the ASIAN News Network followed by a key note address to VIP’s including senior management from leading hotel brands by Mr Tawatchi Arunyick, Executive Director Tourism Authority of Thailand, Europe, Africa and Middle East regions.

The World Luxury Hotel Awards is about congratulating hotels that have taken the extra step with regards to their facilities and service excellence and as such differentiated themselves from ‘good hotels’ to ‘exceptional hotels’. There is enormous competition in the Luxury hotel sector. The standards are constantly being raised to almost unprecedented levels of luxury and service. Good is no longer acceptable. Only the absolute best has now become the requirement for the seasoned luxury traveller said Executive Manager of the WLHA Marinique Truter.

The Dome of lebua at State Tower, Bankok, the venue for the gala ceremony of the WLHA

Throughout the evening category winners and finalists where unveiled including luxury hotels, lodges and resorts situated across the globe. Amongst the 22 categories South Africa proudly walked away with 2 winners. Cape Royale Luxury Hotel & Residence won the Luxury Suite Hotel category, and Lion Sands Private Game Reserve was named as the world’s best Luxury Game Lodge.

Finalists from South Africa included :

Sandton Sun – Luxury Hotel & Conference Centre, D’oreale Grande Hotel – Luxury Airport Hotel, The Point Hotel & Arabella Western Cape Hotel & Spa – Luxury Coastal Hotel, Grande Roche Hotel – Luxury Country Hotel, The Palazzo Montecasino – Luxury Casino Resort, Sheppard Boutique Hotel – Luxury Boutique Hotel, Pondoro Game Lodge, Riverbend Lodge & Tropicana River Lodge – Luxury Lodge, Aquila Private Game Reserve, Chitwa Chitwa Private Game Lodge, Kwantu Private Game Reserve, Londolozi Private Game Reserve & Morukuru Lodge – Luxury Game Lodge; Riviera on Vaal Hotel & Country Club – Luxury Golf Resort; Budmarsh Private Lodge, De Hoek Country House, Cosmos Cuisine, Le Pommier Country Lodge – Luxury Country House

Ms Rattawadee Bualert owner of lebua Hotels and Resorts, host property for the 2009 World Luxury Hotel Awards said at the event, “We are not simply competing with other hotel chains, but with exclusive luxury brands worldwide. What we offer is an experience that is incomparable and truly memorable like visiting the wonders of the world. We aim to deliver an experience that will truly move you.”

To quote the WLHA’s Ms Marinique Truter, “I firmly believe that a World Luxury Hotel Award is the highest accolade that a hotel can receive because it says more about the property than any brochure can communicate, any picture can portray and any personal testimonial can express. Despite the global economic recession, our winners have survived and even thrived. They have seen challenges as opportunities and are leading the way as industry leaders. You make us proud to be in this challenging but rewarding industry.”

Winners and finalists of different categories are listed on the World Luxury Hotel Awards website www.luxuryhotelawards.com

WLHA's Ms Marinique Truter and Mr Siddharth Biswas of Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi, the 2009 WLHA overall winner

The World Luxury Hotel Awards is an inspiration to nominees and other luxury properties on the global front to raise their levels of service excellence in order to feel comfortable in competing on an international level and to set a benchmark for themselves. Winners and finalists were selected from votes cast by travel industry delegates.

The overall 2008 World Luxury Hotel Awards winner lebua at State Tower’s CEO Mr Deepak Ohri proudly handed over the coveted trophy of overall excellence to this year’s proud winner Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi which has set an industry example in 2009 with regards to overall excellence. Congratulations!

Live Out Loud

It is about congratulating hotels that have taken the extra step and differentiated themselves from “good hotels” to “exceptional hotels”. The World Luxury Hotel Awards are accepted as the pinnacle of achievement for Luxury Hotels, Resorts & Lodges worldwide. The World Luxury Hotel Awards accounts for all categories in the Luxury Hotel industry & recognises Hotels/ Lodges & Resorts on the global front that fall within the “luxury niche”.

Award winners set the benchmark for luxury establishments in achieving recognition for their world class facilities and service excellence. The 2009 World Luxury Hotel Awards Gala Dinner will take place on the 27th of November 2009 at the world renowned lebua at State Tower Hotel – Bangkok, last year’s overall winner. WORLD LUXURY HOTEL AWARDS OBJECTIVES:

To encourage and maintain service excellence in the Luxury accommodation industry; Luxury establishments to receive acknowledgement for their world class facilities and service excellence provided and available to guests; To participate in the prestigious World Luxury Hotel Awards means promoting your company’s excellence on a global scale; To promote and expose nominees and participants on the global front by means of our international website for one year; The possibility for a nominated Luxury Hotel/Lodge/Resort to become the overall winner/one of the finalists in the selected category for 2010 or any particular year; To provide media coverage for participating Luxury establishments at the annual Gala Ceremony; The official World Luxury Hotel Awards 2010 logo are supplied on an annual basis to all the finalists/winners per category to use on all marketing material, therefore building of a companies credibility by means of a visual concept; International marketing exposure for nominees through online e-brochures, as well as at numerous international travel fairs;

Some of the 2009 South African Nominees include:

Aquila Private Game Reserve

Arabella Western Cape Hotel & Spa

Budmarsh Private Lodge

Cape Royale Luxury Hotel and Residence

Chitwa Chitwa Private Game Lodge

D`oreale Grande Hotel

Grande Roche Hotel

Kwantu Private Game Reserve

Lion Sands Private Game Reserve

Londolozi Private Game Reserve

Morukuru Lodge

Pondoro Game Lodge

RiverBend Lodge Riviera on Vaal Hotel & Country Club

Sandton Sun

Sheppard Boutique Hotel

The Palazzo Montecasino Johannesburg

For more info or to nominate a hotel go to www.luxuryhotelawards.com

Departing from &Beyond Kwandwe Private Game Reserve which offers excellent Big Five game viewing, this historic safari includes visits to ancient San rock art sites, neighbouring forts and military towns such as Fort Beaufort and Grahamstown. The three-kilometre hike to view the ancient Bushman Paintings – a well-preserved San rock art site on a farm near &Beyond Kwandwe – will either begin at 07h00 or 15h00 (depending on the weather.)

This enjoyable climb is also a bit steep so a fair degree of fitness is required. Guests will also journey to the historic town of Grahamstown to participate in the Spirits of the Past talk which covers the history of the people of this region and the events that shaped South Africa as it is today. As Alan states, “Frontiers at Kwandwe will leave guests with an entertaining and unconventional overview of  The South African Story, which has its origins in the confluence of people, culture and climate in the Eastern Cape”.

Alan’s approach to history helps guests understand the Frontier country’s rich legends, traditions and long struggle for land. A gifted raconteur, he focuses on the people and the colourful military and archaeological past. Alan has won Tour Guide of the Year in 2005, as well as the SA Tourism Grand Prix Welcome Award, and is contracted to &Beyond. Besides full day historical tours, he also offers half day tours to the Valley of the Ancient Voices, where guests can stand on historic battlefields. This exceptional adventure is just one of the many Specialist Safaris that can be booked at &Beyond Kwandwe and costs R8 150 per person (excluding accommodation). A maximum of six guests can be booked for this journey.

Character:
High-performance concept study with BMW ActiveHybrid technology visualising the dynamic performance typical of a BMW against the backdrop of future demands in sustained mobility. BMW Vision EfficientDynamics as a symbol for the future of Sheer Driving Pleasure in harmony with trendsetting efficiency.

Development aim: The performance of a BMW M Car and a highly emotional character combined with the fuel economy and emission management of a modern small car in the premium class. As a result, this unique sports car offers the most consistent rendition of the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy.

Innovative approach in the context of BMW EfficientDynamics: The exceedingly good balance of CO2 emission management and driving pleasure results from a revolutionary vehicle concept developed all in one from the ground up, achieving a new level of efficiency combined with a unique driving experience.
The overall result goes far beyond the sum total of the individual features and components in this concept car.

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics offers a realistic impression of the unique potential of BMW ActiveHybrid technology and the great innovative thrust of BMW EfficientDynamics.

Technology:
Offering a full-hybrid concept, the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car is powered by a three-cylinder turbodiesel and two electric motors. Overall system output is 262 kW/356 hp, maximum torque 800 Newton metres/590 lb-ft. All-wheel drive featuring an electric motor on both the front
and rear axle.

Anticipated performance: Acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, top speed 250 km/h (155 mph) (electronically limited) , fuel consumption in the EU test cycle 3.76 litres/100 km (equal to 75.1 mph imp), CO2 emissions 99 grams/kilometre.

As a plug-in hybrid, BMW Vision EfficientDynamics is able to cover the entire fuel consumption drive cycle under electric power alone. Taking the sources of energy used for generating the electric power consumed into account (EU electricity mix), this reduces the CO2 emission rating to just 50 grams
per kilometre.

Electric power is generated without the slightest increase in fuel consumption through a particularly efficient concept of Brake Energy Regeneration. Energy is stored in 98 lithium polymer cells. The car is able to cover a distance of approximately 50 km/31 miles in the electric mode alone.

Aerodynamics developed with know-how from Formula 1. CX drag coefficient optimised to just 0.22. Forward-looking energy management uses the maximum potential available in each case to minimise fuel consumption.

Design:
Technology-oriented body design as a clear expression of consistent lightweight technology and aerodynamic quality. Design language typical of the brand, setting clear signals in terms of sporting performance and optimum efficiency.

The 2+2-seater concept combines dynamic performance and supreme efficiency with an enhanced level of all-round function. BMW Vision EfficientDynamics symbolises BMW’s commitment to offer an unprecedented driving experience for up to four occupants.

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics comes with gull wing doors opening up to the side. Innovative, weight-optimised door kinematics makes entering the car at both front and rear convenient and very easy.

The interior of this unique 2+2-seater intentionally demonstrates the very latest in modern technology. At the same time the use of natural materials underlines BMW’s strategy of sustainability borne out through this concept car.

The roof and door inserts made of polycarbonate glass automatically become darker as a function of incoming light.

MINI South Africa will be celebrating the brand’s historic anniversary with a MINI festival taking place in Clarence in the Free state on the 17 October 2009. A highlight of this event is expected to be the presence of veteran MINI racer and rally champion Rauno Aaltonen, who will be on hand to take guests on a thrilling ride in one of the MINI John Cooper works models. Aaltonen’s career highlights include among others, winning the Monte Carlo Rally, the RAC Rally and the European Rally Champion in the days before the WRC.

The event will see MINI owners from around the country gather to celebrate the birthday of one of the most iconic motoring brands in history. Festivities will include a concert by some of the country’s top bands and DJ’s as well as the first public viewing of the two special 50th anniversary commemorative editions, the MINI 50 Camden and MINI 50 Mayfair.

Deborah Bell
Based in Seattle, USA

Introduction:
At first glance, Deborah Bell’s paintings defy the laws of gravity. Yet, as the viewer’s eye is drawn closer, what seems so free and airy reveals the ties of being human – those bonds we all forge with our hearts and eyes. What does it mean to behold, to believe and to feel? These are the questions Bell’s art poses, with a unique and exquisite decisiveness.
This artist views her shapes, marks and lines as a method of writing, her personal and lyrical version of musical notation. Thus, the works Bell forges can transmit a vivid range of reflections, from the warm breath in an ecstatic lick of pink to the sharp stabs of grief that emanate from a forest of tear shapes – somber and tenebrous hues buoyed by touches of garnet and gold.

Each piece of Bell’s work lives fully in the present. Yet no work is ever standing still. The lines and colors here are not content to merely resonate; instead they flame and float, soar and plunge, dance and rise. The spectacle of Bell’s palette, which can be audacious or delicate, also draws on disparate rhythms. It embraces songs, echoes and repetitions; from the gentlest breeze to the most profound ecstasy. Bell unites color and movement with a rare exhilaration. In her paintings – sometimes made on antique maps or bearing snippets of actual language- she confronts the tasks of starting out, starting over and starting afresh. The sense of sacred poise this generates is appropriate, for with each work Bell’s renews of her vows to our world.

Background:
Bell describes herself as a seasonal painter, but that word embodies changes she deliberately cultivates. “Variety is what I love in every aspect of my life. I crave variety where I walk, in what I eat, even in the music I play.”
This curiosity also underwrites the scope of her art. “I drink pink lemonade; I eat both tofu and tarte tatin. I’m very lucky because I can talk with a cinematographer, but I have other friends whose greatest love is gardening. I listen to Stephane Graphelli but also Patti Smith or Chet Baker.” Her work interprets an inner world using the language of outward existence. “My art is how I think about who we are in this world; it’s my own version of trying to make the invisible visible.”

Awards:
1995 Artist in Residence, Printmaking, Centrum, Port Townsend, WA
1989 GAP Grant, Artist Trust, Seattle, WA

Her work at Delaire:
1. Staff Series I- VI – Location: Restaurant, placed along left hand wall
2. Mace II – Location: Restaurant, placed along left hand wall
3. Unearthed Series I- VII – Location: To be placed
4. Conjunction – Location: Reception area, left of door
5. Oracle – Location: Reception
6. Red Chariot – Location: Restaurant
7. Couer Rage – Location: Vinoteque, above right board
8. Chimera I – Location: Restaurant
9. Hieros Gamos – Location: Water pool to right of Tasting Lounge
10. Memory of Wood – Location: Restaurant, Next to fireplace
11. Empress Dominion – Location: To be placed

Durban’s designer to the stars, Terrence Bray (he dresses Prince Albert of Monaco’s girlfriend, Charlene Wittstock) was inspired by the human element of game playing, delving into the darker side and the psychology behind it. His soft, all-white ensemble with geometric overlaying of patterns suggests the supposed purity of religion juxtaposed with an asymmetry of line that can be seen in some religious doctrines. Voodoo doll facial muzzles and hand, head and foot appendages in red leather alluded to games of bondage and violence, certainly not to be worn by the faint hearted. “This theme wasn’t going to be pretty,” said Bray, “I wanted to create an image that would stir an emotional reaction, make people feel slightly uncomfortable. I like to push the boundaries, to take things to a different place”.

Stark black and white was the choice of Capetonian team Malcolm Kluk and Christiaan Gabriel du Toit of Klûk CGDT, their race-day ensemble more contrived than playful. Her look of black netted jockey hat, jockey-style pants and white flared sleeves set against his of slim fitting pants, white satin shirt and tie and black bib, provided elegance but lacked the necessary wit for game playing.

The graphic shapes and patterns of flamboyant Durban designer, Karen Monk Kljinstra’s creations seemingly rolled off multicoloured snakes-and-ladders boards, with added inspiration from iconic pop artist Andy Warhol. “My garments are very animated so I took the theme right off the playing board,” said Monk Kljinstra. An African edge was evident in the beaded head gear and necklaces with the bold use of primary colours and geometric pattern suggesting an Ndebele print.

Cutting edge Joburg designer, David Tlale’s modern take on the 18th Century dandy produced a head-to-toe black combination of patent leather, chiffon and pleated silk organza. “I was influenced by the games people play behind closed doors. The psychological warfare and sexual dominance within relationships is sometimes baffling but always intriguing,” said Tlale. Elements of hardcore baroque in bejewelled front detail play with the humour of the joker’s ruffled collar and the jockey’s silhouette. Very sexy, very urban, very Tlale.

Black leather, chiffon and lace dictated the designs of Durban’s Madelain Clark, who took her Queen of Hearts inspiration a step further with a ‘good queen gone bad’ theme. “I’ve mixed up a Victorian style using lace and different shapes, with a bit of rock chic using leather and lots of bling,” said Clark. Her vampish showstopper outfit showed off skin aplenty, its backless halter neck and plunging neckline adorned with gold and bronze beading.

Glamour and impact were the way of Joburg’s Craig Jacobs of Fundudzi who was inspired by Marabaraba, the traditional African board game. He used the midnight blue and silver reminiscent of the board colours, in organic hemp and a variety of satins. Jacobs’ layered showstopper dress literally glided, so large and wave-like; it could be mistaken for a sailing vessel.

“When in doubt wear red” might have been the inspiration for Durban’s Sean Dugen and Nosipho Diko of Nguni Shades. Their fabulous array of pleats, layers and petal-like shapes in chiffon and satin, offset by a striking feathered headpiece made for a breathtaking image. Basing their theme on playing cards, their playful yet glamorous dresses in show-stopping red drew crowd appeal.

Black and white was skilfully matched in the monotone design of Cape Town’s Stefania Morland. “I drew inspiration from the game of dominoes and elements of the king and queen,” said Morland. Layers and pleats were again used to striking effect in a silk organza ball gown and a domino-shaped headpiece added the pièce de résistance.

Undeniably track-stopping, these edgy interpretations by eight fashion icons would surely stun any aspiring fashionista, as much for their technical brilliance as their imaginative execution. But would you dare to wear one anywhere but The July?