Fashion lights up Bridal Expo

Sep 13, 2010

FOR one woman, it was a dream come true; for others, a great opportunity to make other people’s dreams come true. Hotel Africana played host to the second annual Bride & Groom Expo over the weekend that brought together people from the bridal service industry, brides and grooms-to-be and well-wish

By Carol Kezaabu

FOR one woman, it was a dream come true; for others, a great opportunity to make other people’s dreams come true. Hotel Africana played host to the second annual Bride & Groom Expo over the weekend that brought together people from the bridal service industry, brides and grooms-to-be and well-wishers.

Keturah Kamugasa, the editor of Bride & Groom magazine published by the Vision Group, said her life-long dream of a bridal expo had exceeded her own expectations.

The three-day event opened with a glitzy gala night on September 9, at the Hotel Africana poolside where 15 fashion houses showcased original couture wedding gowns and luxurious suits for the men.

Jemma Kisaale, a designer, opened the gala night fashion show. She is known for her lavish and unconventional bridal designs. In her second appearance at the Bride & Groom Expo, she showcased her collection of A-line shaped gowns with touches of traditional fabric like the kikoyi, beautiful embroidery and sequined detail.

Brenda Maraka showcased a vibrant tie and dye collection with a fusion of African cotton fabric with more contemporary Western styles to make a stylish yet wearable collection. She accessorised her collection with long black gloves and caged-veils.

From Paula Butagira was a classy and edgy collection of velvet purple and blues with cream lacy draping and embroidery to accentuate any bride’s beauty.

Santa Anzo of Arapapa showed off a meticulously handcrafted collection of couture gowns and beautiful bridesmaids’ dresses in classic black and white. Her kimono-inspired gowns were a sight to behold.

Diane Komunda of Ever After Fashion house showed off another beautiful collection of short bridesmaid dresses and a little gown with a sequined belt and bolero jacket.

Other designers that showcased on the night were Nina Rutaagi with two gowns from her Free Spirit collection, Bagala Acia, Elizabeth Mbabazi, Doreen Gombya, Peruth Apolot, Vivian Ochiba, Rebecca Achen with the Milele collection and Harriet Rumanyiika. For the men, Select Garments and Gramo Garments showcased their very best for the grooms’ party.

Arapapa coordinated all aspects of the fashion shows, from concept and styling to staging, music selection and creating the mood of the seven fashion shows over the four days. Different bridal outlets showcased their designs for the entire bridal entourage including the junior party and Kingspark Intimates dished out the best in lingerie wear.

The expo also included exhibits from numerous wedding service providers like salons, decorators, tours & travel bureaus, confectioneries, card makers,among others.

The expo was sponsored by Bride & Groom Magazine, 94.8 FM for Kampala, Pepsi and SMS Media.

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