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» Mahogany Bridal Fashion show March 09

image Mahogany Bridal Fashion show March 09image Mahogany Bridal Fashion show March 09image Mahogany Bridal Fashion show March 09image Mahogany Bridal Fashion show March 09image Mahogany Bridal Fashion show March 09

“Variety of creativity and difference”,

Standing waiting for the hostess to give me to give me my VIP All Access Pass, I glance at my watch to see that I am still on time with just a few minutes to spare. The doors to exhibition hall are open. I spot a familiar face, say hello and get hug. The hostess returns, hands me my pass and leads me backstage.

Backstage was buzzing with excitement as the models and designers got ready. I caught the all so familiar smell of thonged hair. The before and after visions of the models getting ready. On the walls a list of the designers name and the models that were wearing their collection. Yes folks you guessed it another Mahogany Bridal Show is here and now in its 13th year of running. This year promised to be jam-packed with amazing designers, from all of over the globe; West Indies, India, African and Great Britain represented at the show.

As I move through the backstage I spot one of the designers, Kimberly Wheeliker of Sheba Bell Design. Sheba Bell is Couture Bridalwear. Its Victorian influenced corset gowns with Swarovski crystal embroidery are a must have for any bride wanting the classic wedding look. The wedding gowns are available in blue, white and a royal purple (my favourite). When asked to describe her collection in one sentence or phrase, Kimberly replied confidently “Classic Bespoke Vintage”.

One of the international designers there was Lyndon Lois. Hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, he is designer behind Gseow. Gseow is all about fulfilling the bride's dream, striving to give her what she sees for her wedding. With every design, Lyndon tries to capture the bride's personality and spirit. He describes his collection as "Utopia; Perfect place, perfect thing”.

One designer that cut my eye was Julia Olayemie-Coker. One for her work with print fabrics and the other for the name of her label, Nyanga Designs. The label is all about Afrocentric inspired designs, trying to get people to wear afro print wear by infusing them with European style. A few pieces from her collection have a nice sixties style design with an Afrocentric feel. She sums it up as, "African inspired fashion. Creating garments representing Africa. ".

Other designers that were there on the day were:

Anthony. A family run business that has been around for the last 40 years. They specialise in classic men's suits. They have a huge range doing everything from off the rack suits to that one special suit for the day. One of the men behind the Anthony look described it as “The Dogs bollocks”.

Link Boutique. They have everything from glamorous evening wear for the young ladies to something more tailored for the older ones too, specialising in mother of the bride clothing.

Toffee and Lace. The look of the label is very trendy, hype and fashion forward. They have brought lace fabrics in modern era.

Clarisca Gill, Bridal couture designer. Her collection is beautiful Cinderella style wedding gowns, elegant evening couture and chic form-fitting dresses.

Omar Mansoor. Elegant evening couture wear inspired by the French impression (Georges Seurat). His latest collection is called Untold Confessions

Les. Bridal wear inspired by the middle east.

The atmosphere in the main hall was electrifying as everyone one eagerly awaited the start of the show. The seats were decorated with gold and white. The press photographers had they cameras on the ready. The hall was packed with people and every seat was filled, there wasn't any standing room available either. There was a nice buzz in room with music provided by a DJ and the “Mighty” Saxophonist. The show itself was hosted by the lovely Vicky and choreographed by Mahogany Group's Chief Executive Sola Oyebade. The grand Finale of the show was something not to be easily forgotten.

Also on the day was a mini bridal exhibition including most things that a bride needs for her wedding day; from decorative features such as chocolate or champagne fountains, to photography and menswear. It was described as a “Variety of creativity and difference”, by one of the models.

Chief Executive Sola Oyebade, of the Mahogany Group, commented: “Every year Mahogany tries to raise the bar and do something different and this year was the first time that we had a show that specifically catered to fashion needed for the bridal party.“

Look out for the next Mahogany Bridal Show in October, one that not to be missed.

Written By Tega Akpojotor

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