Model in a wedding dress during the first fashion show of Philips Bride Fair 2016. PHOTO: NISHAN ALI/MIHAARU
Bride Fair, the annual local exhibition of the latest fashion trends and products in the Maldives, kicked off late Wednesday at Dharubaaruge convention centre in capital Male.
Organised by private firm Bride Maldives, this year’s fair was inaugurated by its main sponsor State Trading Organisation (STO)’s general manager business development and public relations Muslih Maseeh. The inauguration was followed by an introduction of the stalls by Bride Maldives’ CEO Mohamed Shafi, who thanked its participants, sponsors and partners.
“The purpose of Bride Fair is for us to showcase the work of Maldivian talents to more people. Additionally, we wish to present new talents every year and open more doors [of opportunity],” he said.
This year marks the fifth Bride Fair, which will be held until coming Saturday. It features 29 stalls including the STO imported Philips brand, Le Cute, Countline, Finesse, Efes Cakes, Heat Salon, Cyza Salon and Sheri Salon.
Similar to previous years, Bride Fair 2016 will hold a special fashion show each night to showcase the talents of seven designers. The fashion lines include brand new designs and wedding dresses.
The first fashion show held Wednesday night also starred a young girl with Down’s Syndrome who modelled a dress on the catwalk, marking a first in the history of Bride Fairs and other fashion shows in the Maldives.
Bride Fair 2016 will also introduce special packages and new products for weddings and couples preparing for marriage. The fair is open to the public every night from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
The title sponsor for Bride Fair 2016 is STO with additional partners Lintel Investments and Management Services Pvt Ltd, Finesse, Heat Salon, Print Lab and Efes Cakes. The online media partner is Mihaaru. All aspects of the fair’s sales and marketing are managed by Marketech Maldives Pvt Ltd.