Resplendent: A girl at the fashion show

At a fashion seminar held at Strathmore University last year, Krystal Madega, a design student at BIFA (Buruburu Institute of Art and Design) explained that young people do not like dressing as though they were old. Asked to expound on the adjective 'old' she confidently responded '30 years!' Not a few of those present were that age and she was requested to reconsider her views.

The seminar gave birth to a Fashion Show that was held at Keri Residence. The event begun with a talk by Patricia Murugami, founder of Wedding Essentials and Elegant Bridal. It was on the dignity of the woman and the need to guard and enhance femininity.

She made a distinction between fashion and style, emphasizing that the former was a passing fad while the latter was a permanent characteristic peculiar to a person. New ideas on fashion were brought into light and the audience enthusiastically drank in every word.

After the talk came the modeling. Standing ovations and shouts of approval could be heard as the various categories of clothing were modeled: African wear, sports wear, casual wear, evening wear… At each stage, Patricia would briefly comment on the choice of accessories and give tips on the colors used.

The best was saved for last: the bridal gowns from Patricia's shop. The girls were draped in layers of silk, lace and chiffon in tones of ivory colors and glacial whites.

Some gowns were studded with sparkling sequins while others bore the subtle but regal beauty of a reserved bride with a shy sensibility. All brought out the nuances of a bride's character: her gentle femininity coupled with a steak of playfulness that was visible in gowns that boasted long trains and Victorian wire-rimmed skirts. Elbow-high gloves bedecked the hands as crowns rested on a bed of curled tresses. The models looked ravishing.

By Grace Kihumba (BBIT III)