Beryl, Rafael shine at bride and groom Expo

PIC: An overwhelmed Anita Beryl takes a bow at the 2018 Bride and Groom Expo. (Credit: Kalungi Kabuye)

FASHION

KAMPALA - If there has been any criticism of previous editions of the Bride and Groom Expo, it was that the fashion shows have been largely generic.

Most of the outfits showcased were literally picked out of shop windows and draped on models, some of whom were on the catwalk just because they were friends and relatives of boutique owners.

Outfit by K Rafael. One of his amazing jump suits. (Credit: Kalungi Kabuye) 

Strictly speaking, it was a fair thing to do, since the exhibitors should have a chance to show what they offer for people planning their weddings; but it made for some monotonous displays.

This year the organisers did something different, they invited renowned designers Anita Beryl and K Rafael to showcase outfits specially designed for the Expo. And it made all the difference, as it was to turn out.

Outfit by K Rafael. (Kalungi Kabuye)

Rafael closed out matters on Friday evening, and largely stuck to his trademark leather and gold creations.

He added splashes of colour, and was not afraid to push the envelope of wedding wear; it would take a brave Ugandan bride to wear his all black leather jumpsuit at her wedding.

He also showcased a line of men's wear, again with a touch of gold. His outfits were also a welcome break from the endless white of bridal gowns on show.

But the weekend agreeably belonged to Anita Beryl, who was returning to the Expo after a several years' absence.

Last time she featured just as one of the crowd, but she has come a long way since then.

 Outfit by Anita Beryl. (Credit: Kalungi Kabuye)

Rafael, middle, take his bow at the 2018 Bride & Groom Expo. ( Credit: Kalungi Kabuye)

She brought an experience garnered from showcasing her collections from all over Africa, Europe and Asia, and the results were stunning.

She has a thriving business designing wedding wear for brides, and after this she will probably be naming her price.

For a leading and a popular designer, she is kind of reclusive, and was not available to talk about her collection.

But to the capacity crowd that thronged the evening fashion show on Sunday evening, her collection did all the talking for her.

For the first time in the memory of the Expo, a collection had a standing ovation (lesson to be learnt?).

And the choreography was just right for what should have been the climax of the Expo. That belonged to Lauma lingerie, who traditionally showcase last. But after this, a lot of people will be asking for Anita Beryl.