Ten local amateur fashion designers and ten fashion students have been short-listed to win the Swarovski Young Designer Awards, presented by The Bride Show Dubai.
Each year the Swarovski Young Designer Awards helps propel inspiring fashion designers into the spotlight, annually pushing contestants to their creative limits. This year’s theme, ‘The Art of Being Intimate’ will be used as a source of inspiration for each finalists’ wedding dress creation.
The amateur contestants fare from around the Emirates, consisting of six female designers and four men. Ten fashion students have been short-listed from five different fashion schools, including Mahe Manipal Dubai, Pearl Design Centre, Centre for Executive Education, The French Fashion University ESMOD International, and Preston University Ajman.
Khadija Al-Lamki, winner of the amateur category of the Swarovski Young Designer Awards 2007, said the recognition has helped propel her fashion career. “This was an amazing opportunity for me to show my fashion talent and gain recognition for it,” she said. “I have had an amazing year since winning the award and have embarked on my career as a fashion designer with great success. I am so happy I decided to enter the contest and my hard work definitely paid off.”
On the final day of The Bride Show Dubai, the largest bridal exhibition in the Middle East, the designs will be modelled on the catwalk by professional models and assessed by a panel of judges formed by eminent personalities in the fashion industry in the UAE. The winners in the amateur and the student categories will be announced in front of hundreds of people and flashing cameras.
“The Swarovski Young Designer Awards is always an exciting event at The Bride Show,” said Daphne Cota, Exhibition Manager. “The quality of the designs is incredibly professional, and the finalists’ innovative take on the theme illustrates their talent. What is most rewarding is supporting local designers who need help to launch their fashion careers, especially with the support of the local community.”
Now in its eleventh year, The Bride Show Dubai draws attention for its fashion shows; more than 20 will take place this year making The Bride Show the host of the largest fashion event in the UAE. Regional and international designers, including Manish Malhotra and Ghanati Haute Couture, come to the event to showcase their latest collections of bridal wear, haute couture fashion, Abayas and Jalabiyas.
In addition to the hourly catwalk shows, there are more than 400 exhibitors from 13 countries attending the four day bridal exhibition displaying everything from wedding gowns, international haute couture fashion, and hair and beauty services to wedding organisers, florists and honeymoon destinations attracting brides-to-be as well as women interested in fashion and glamour.
Exclusive discounts and daily competitions will be taking place and one lucky visitor will win the grand prize of a luxury honeymoon package.
Al Bayt Al Arabie, the region’s only Arabian home show, and Women’s Healthcare run alongside The Bride Show Dubai at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre from 23-26 April.
The Bride Show Dubai is open daily from 2.30pm – 10.30pm. Entry fee is 10dhs per person per day. To request an invitation to attend The Bride Show Dubai or to join the mailing list for regular Bride Show Dubai updates visit www.thebrideshow.com.
