Bridal fair on way
The 19th annual Eastern Bridal Fair & Lifestyle Expo is set to mesmerise Durban with its high fashion and world-class entertainment from August 10 to 12 at the Durban Exhibition Centre. JANINE MOODLEY gives you a sneak peak
Model Samishka Singh gears up for this weekend’s 19th annual Eastern Bridal Fair & Lifestyle Expo at the Durban Exhibition Centre, where a 60-minute fashion show and entertainment extravaganza is to take place.
Singh is in an outfit by Chantal Manick of Saathiya, who will be one of 90 exhibitors.
ALL eyes will be on Indian fashion designer Ritu Kumar, who will reveal her prestigious Ritu Kumar Collection at the Eastern Bridal Fair & Lifestyle Expo.
This will be a prelude to her first high-fashion store opening in Durban next month.
Kumar is said to have the largest and most respected designer-wear brand in India.
In 2002, the company launched a sub-brand LABEL – Ritu Kumar. LABEL uses the established forte of traditional Indian aesthetic to create fashion-oriented international products.
Today her company is renowned for its distinctive use of colours, quality of fabrics, intricate embroideries and rich Indian aesthetic.
The event’s fashion show co-ordinator, Sunita Bhoola, said: “She will give us a preview of what to expect from her store in Durban, which will encompass not only bridal but eastern wear for men and women.”
She said another first would be American
Swiss’s launch of its eastern jewellery line.
“Former Miss South Africa, Kerishnie Naiker, will be modelling the jewellery. So that’s going to be quite something,” said Bhoola.
In addition to this, the event will commemorate Nelson Mandela’s centenary birth anniversary by exhibiting 18 life-size sculptures of the Mandela Collection by Durban’s Lungele Gumede. It covers the different phases of Madiba’s life and for the first time all 18 sculptures will be at one exhibition.
Bhoola said a few names to look out for, with regards to fashion, were Paaneri bridal wear, Exquisite, Rosewood, Bombay Creations and Mr Executive who will be a part of the 90 leading exhibitors showcasing their work.
“From bridal wear, saris, lenghas to grooms attire, it will be a feast of fashion.”
She said on the hair and make-up side, they have Nillam Rajah, a Cape Town artist, who will put together a Durban team to work on the models for the show. She will also exhibit at the fair.
The runner-up of Mr India South Africa, Shiv Ramsander and Miss Zee TV India South Africa International Kimberly Govender will be part of the models showcasing bridal wear.
The fair features an hour-long fashion show and entertainment that has been produced especially for the fair and will be performed nine times during the weekend. It includes a cast and crew of 100 local dancers and models.
The extravaganza is produced by Epic Entertainment, scripted by Shevaaal Singh – Tempest Media and costumed by the Nateshwar Dance Academy.
Epic Entertainment head director Rakesh Maharaj said: “The 2018 showcase will feature a soulful amalgamation of fashion and Indian classical and contemporary infused dance, together with local and international brands.
“We have introduced a new element of illusion with Mo Magic, who will perform during the show. We are in charge of everything from the choreography and song choice to the technical aspects, sound, lighting and costumes. It is a gruelling task but we love what we do. Many high-profile fashion designers have come up to me over the years with songs of praise for the level of work we do.
“The dancers and models are making sure everything is set. Costumes are being finalised as well as the graphics and visual content.”
Maharaj added that most of the service providers were proudly South African. “Local is lekker and we want to show people the talent we have in our own backyard.”
Bridal fair convener Sudhir Pragjee added that this year’s event would be on a completely new scale.
“It will have a completely different mood and tempo, while incorporating the latest fashion trends, exquisite dances with magic.”
Pragjee said putting together the event was, however, not all fun and games and came with challenges.
“When it comes to the stalls, we rent a concrete floor hall and the task is to carpet the venue, decorate and build stalls in readiness for the event. The fashion show itself is a major operation. The show venue needs to be carpeted and then seating stands are erected. This is followed by a significant stage installation. The technical AV comprises professional screen, light, sound and special effects. The production of the show leads from auditioning, casting, costumes, rehearsals and preparations for show time.”
He continued:
“It is also a challenge when all the volunteers have other full-time jobs. However, it has been through their commitment and perseverance that the shows have sustained and grown over the past 19 years.” There was also a significant workload to get out television, radio, print and social media marketing out on time.
“We publicise a glossy magazine each year and this takes a lot of planning, collating information, editing, designing and publishing in time for D-day. This magazine is handed out free.”
Pragjee mentioned that the bridal fair was part of a charity and all funds raised would be directed to the Kendra Gardens Retirement Home.
Tickets at the door are R80 (unreserved) and via Computicket R100 (reserved).