Photo credit: ABDM Studio
The usual suspects in bridal attire—tulle, chiffon, and feathers—were all present and accounted for. The first ball gown to grace the runway—a strapless, ivory number with a sweetheart neckline **and a hem that gracefully dusted the floor—**elicited audible gasps from the crowd, and a sea of phones in the air. Many of the looks were intricate, with micro-pleats, delicate embroidery, glittering embellishment, and corseted bodices. They walked the fine line between too much and just right. A particular crowd favorite was a simple slip dress completed by bra cups dripping with gems.
Photo credit: ABDM Studio
Mvuemba designed with the entire wedding weekend (and beyond!) in mind. A few of the outfits, such as a corseted mini-dress with a floor-length boa, felt bachelorette ready, as did those outfits with lingerie-esque details. Many of the “naked” dresses (a popular bridal trend) incorporated illusion mesh in different shades of brown—a gentle nod to the fact that nude is different for every skin tone. Each look was refined, but still had the drama many brides want from their wedding day. The designer made space for the fun-yet-elegant bride, the mature bride, the over-the-top bride, the traditional bride, the unconventional bride, and the sexy bride: all reflective of the brand’s existing customers. That variety underscores Mvuemba’s ultimate goal: “to be accessible and cater to [the Hanifa] woman.”
