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Sharjah / Emirates Business
The inaugural Sharjah Bridal Fair (SBF), one of the most luxurious bridal exhibitions in the Northern Emirates, showcased a variety of the best wedding products and services under one roof from May 19 to 22. Recognising the burgeoning wedding industry in the region, the fair was warmly received at the Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre (JRCC) in Sharjah, under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of His Highness Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs.
A thematically organised set-up took the visitors step by step through every element of wedding planning; exhibitors showcased gowns, perfumes, hair and make-up, sweets and desserts, jewelry, dresses and abayas, photography and videography, honeymoon destinations, flower arrangements, wedding koshas and daily live entertainment
There were many surprises in store for visitors, including blushing models gliding through the hall in a range of elegant, grand and subtle wedding gowns. The fashion shows also displayed crossover outfits, which Middle Eastern weddings are often known for, featuring varying levels of drama, sleek and clean lines, soft draping and eye-catching embroidered numbers.
Brides also had the chance to review the fair’s designs and the latest local and international collections in JRCC’s Bride Guide—an exclusive publication dedicated to the wedding planning journey.
An unbeatable platform for designers: “Sharjah Bridal Fair Awards 2016†witnessed a talented group of winners in its four categories
The last day of the fair saw winners in four categories of the “Sharjah Bridal Fair Awards 2016†receive trophies and cash prizes during the award ceremony: three runners-up for Best Prototype Wedding App or Websites, and nine shortlisted fashion designers of the remaining three categories who presented 45 pieces—18 of which were walked down the runway in a spellbinding fashion show during the third day of the fair. The winners of the “Sharjah Bridal Fair Awards 2016†are: designers Huma Al Hashimi and Alia Al Ajmani, the two owners of the Ruby Room brand who won Best Emerging Fashion Designer; sisters Hissa and Fatima Al Jawkar, owners of the brand Pearla who won first place in
Best Women’s Ready-to-Wear Collection; Sheikha Amal bint Mana Al Maktoum, creator of the Azzalia brand, who won the award for Best Wedding Abaya and the website www.BrideClubME.com, who received the award for Best Wedding Website.
The judging panel, composed of Hanan Al Mahmoud, Director of JRCC, HE Khawla Al Serkal, Director General of Sharjah Ladies Club, and Latifa Al Shamsi, Emirati designer and blogger, reviewed a large number of submissions based on originality, creativity, functionality, strong aesthetics, commercial viability, and harmony.