Our favourite GLAMOURzon Bonang Matheba was announced as the official spokeswoman for the upcoming 155th L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate, which is taking place on Saturday, 9th January 2016 at the Kenilworth Racecourse in Cape Town.
“Ms Matheba embodies the style, grace and sophistication of LQP. She’s an icon in fashion and entertainment – everything we could want in a spokeswoman. She’s also a big fan of horse racing, and her enthusiasm for the sport will undoubtedly resonate with guests on the day,” said Katherine Gray, LQP co-ordinator.
We caught up with the stylish Queen B to chat about the upcoming race day – and you won’t believe who her dream plus 1 is!
GLAMOUR : How does it feel to be selected as the spokeswoman for such a prestigious event with 155 years of internationally rich history?
Bonang: I am so excited to be part of such a magnificent event! It always feels good to know that one is appreciated and worthy of hosting an event of such a high calibre. The entertainment goes far beyond the track! The L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate is an amazing way to kick-start 2016’s social calendar.
GLAMOUR : LQP strives to achieve great standards of elegance and leisure, what can we expect on the day of the event?
Bonang: Other than it being set to be an exhilarating day of horse racing, the fabulous guests dressed in the LQP colours will exhibit the elegance of the event. Music and entertainment on the day will include a line-up of DJs and artists guaranteed to compliment the energy generated by the horse racing action. I am thrilled to see the guest’s take on the blue and white theme at the soiree! I cannot wait for the hats, fascinators, gorgeous frocks and the dapper suits. And after the race ends, the signature LQP after-party will keep spirits high long after sunset.
GLAMOUR : Your outfit to last year’s LQP event was absolutely exquisite. Any hints on which designer is going to dress you for this year’s event?
Bonang: At this moment, I cannot reveal what I will be wearing. I mean a little surprise has never hurt anybody. But I think everyone knows who my fave is, so let us wait and see!
GLAMOUR : Having attended a number of horse racing events, can you tell us something that you think our readers won’t know about horse racing?
Bonang: I was honoured to have had a shoot with the two favourite horses for this year’s R1 million trophy and I learnt that even though the horses have never met each other, they are aware of the fact that they are each other’s competition. We were warned to be careful around the two horses during the shoot because they are rivals after all.
GLAMOUR : In addition to being spokeswoman, you will also act as a judge for the blue and white Best Dressed and Best Hat competitions. What do you think makes for a winning look?
Bonang: I would say keep it quite simple and don’t overdo it. Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication for such a soiree! A stunning fascinator would be fantastic with a gorgeous dress. Don’t overcomplicate it or else you’d start looking like a circus.
GLAMOUR : Having recently bagged an SA Style Icon Award, do you ever get overwhelmed by the expectation of always having to deliver in terms of your style and fashion choices?
Bonang: I love fashion and I live for it. I always say that style is innate, you carry it, you live it, and it becomes you! I enjoy dressing up – putting on the hair, the dress, the make-up and the accessories. I never feel overwhelmed, to the contrary, I feel like a child in a candy store.
GLAMOUR : When it comes to dressing up for fancy events, what is the best piece of fashion advice you can give to our readers?
Bonang: Preparation is everything! Make sure that you’re ready and that you have done your fittings well in advance. This will give you enough time to make tweaks to your outfit and guarantee a stunning look, whatever the event.
GLAMOUR : And the best beauty advice?
Bonang: People tend to mistake beauty with what you wear but it all starts with you. True beauty radiates from within. The fabulous make-up, the clothes and the hair only enhance that which is already there. So take care of yourself, exercise, eat right and be kind to yourself.
GLAMOUR : At all of the extravagant events and parties you attend, what are the essentials you always keep in your handbag?
Bonang: I always have my power bank charger, my Revlon touch-up make-up, lip balm, a pack of tissues and gum, my phone, a fresh fragrance and a pair of sandals.
GLAMOUR : If you could take anyone in the world as your plus 1 to the LQP 2016 who would it be?
Bonang: Look, Nicki Minaj!
The running of the 155th Queen’s Plate will take place on Saturday, 9th January 2016
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