STYLE COUNSEL:Keturah Kamugasa
The just-concluded Bride & Groom Wedding Expo was a huge fashion extravaganza. If nothing else, the six fashion shows, over a three-day period, proved three things:
l Lingerie will always draw gasps from both the novices and the experienced. There is something tantalisingly naughty about a woman boldly showcasing underwear. The plus-size models did not disappoint with heaving bosoms, tiny waists, wide hips and dancing derriere — the epitome of African beauty!
l Fashions shows are an enormous crowd-puller.
lThe expo is where trends are set and this year, ruffles, frills and draping were firmly established. Also still in vogue were the sari and vibrant African fabrics, including the versatile kikoy.
Ruffles came as variously as the designers. There were ordinary ruffles, the voluminous ones and those inspired by the subtly erotic Spanish flamenco dance. Bodices were either pleated or bandaged. Strapless gowns reigned supreme and there was no sleeve in sight or even the slightest hint of a bolero jacket.
It was great to see how far local designers have come. Apart from one designer with awful finishing and fitting, the rest could easily compete with Chanel, Vera Wang and all those international fashion designers. Our homegrown designers were M’Adelaide Couture, Judy’s Bridal, Suki Fashions and House of Beryl.
How could I forget the men? They also stunned the audience when they showcased body hugging lycra swimwear. You can just imagine where the women fixed their gaze. I could swear that some ladies wore glazed expressions and it was all they could do not to jump onto the catwalk and into the arms of the broad-chested and tiny-waisted male models. Hmmm…. Well, all I can say is, ‘the mind boggles’.
Stunning fashion at bridal expo
