As the festive season approaches, the anticipation surrounding the L’Ormarins King’s Plate (LKP) heats up. This year, two distinguished brands-Okapi, the luxury South African accessories label, and Lyndon Miller of Millerner—unveil an exclusive collection of bespoke headwear and accessories that promise to bring a fresh flair to the iconic racing event.
Expanding beyond their renowned hats and fascinators, this year Millerner introduces a selection of elegant silk scarves and men’s accessories, including ties, bow ties, cufflinks and boutonnières, all adorned with the intriguing artistry of Zimbabwean painter Whitney Halsted.
Incorporating elements from her whimsical watercolours, all these pieces reflect the traditional blues and whites associated with the historic race, while also capturing the vibrancy of the Southern African landscape.
Halsted’s artwork portrays dynamic scenes featuring jockeys clad in blue and white silks racing alongside the region’s remarkable wildlife-cheetahs, ostriches, and blesboks, alongside the mythical Okapi, a nod to the brand’s name and ethos. “I have absolutely loved working with Whitney on this collection,” shares Miller. “The LKP is such a fun day, and infusing that joy into our collaborative Okapi LKP accessories collection has made the process incredibly rewarding.”
Known for his sophisticated touch, Miller promises to retain the classic elegance of his headwear while introducing innovative silhouettes. “These new designs will elevate any race-day ensemble while also providing a stylish solution for sun protection,” he vows.
Scheduled for the first Saturday in January, the LKP is a cornerstone of Cape Town’s summer social calendar, celebrated not only for its thrilling races but also for the fashion it inspires. Named after the silver plate first awarded by Queen Victoria in 1861, this Gr. 1 event attracts South Africa’s elite thoroughbreds competing for a staggering R3 million purse in 2025.
As guests prepare their most chic blue and white outfits to compete in the Cartier-sponsored Best Dressed contests, the spotlight will once again shine on the creativity and flair of local designers. This was certainly true when Tosca Griffin clinched the title of Best Hat with a stunning creation from the Millerner × Okapi 2024 collaboration. “I am absolutely thrilled to have won,” she said at the time, donning a stunning flower crown that perfectly complemented her outfit and encapsulated the celebratory spirit of the day.
Okapi’s commitment to ethical craftsmanship and local artistry only amplifies the significance of this collection. By utilising responsibly sourced materials and collaborating closely with Southern African artists, Okapi underscores its dedication to empowering communities while creating luxurious products. This partnership extends the brand’s essence, blending artistic vision with high-quality fashion – each piece a testament to the beauty of Southern Africa.
The Okapi x Millerner LKP collection will be available for purchase starting December 6 at Merchants on Long in Cape Town, with an exclusive shopping brunch at Okapi’s flagship store on the Anthonij Rupert Wine Farm in Franschhoek. For those eager to experience this exceptional range, inquiries for the shopping event can be made at (076) 678-8287.
