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When beauty salon owner Cris Caminiti was spring cleaning her wardrobe she came across a never-worn before designer wedding dress which she had originally snapped up at a charity auction to be used as a Halloween costume.
Instead of leaving it to collect dust, she decided to donate the dress to seek a bride-to-be who might be struggling with putting together a wedding on a budget.
After posting the Jovani sparkly gown on social media, friends jumped on the ‘build a dream wedding’ band wagon and now the search is on for a deserving bride.
Cris, an Australian hair dresser who has been living in Bahrain for the past 15 years, said: “I was clearing coaster space as my father is arriving this month and I came across the dress.
“I had originally purchased two bridal gowns from the Aisha Yateem Centre for Abused Women last year. They have a designer sale a few times a year and they do amazing work to help women get back on their feet after abuse.
“It was brand new and I was going to use it last Halloween but I felt guilty about altering such a beautiful dress, so put it to one side before coming up with the idea of passing it on to someone who might really benefit from a gift.
“I had given a dress away before to my maid’s sister who was getting married in Sri Lanka so I knew what happiness it could bring. It makes sense to put a dress to good use rather than let it gather dust in my wardrobe. Let someone-else enjoy it, I thought.”
Jovani is a premiere designer of prom, evening and wedding dresses created from luxurious fabrics and is in huge demand by top celebrities across the globe. Its collections are described by fashion writers as ‘sexy, timeless and elegant’.
Since Cris is the founder of Ubeauti salon in Hamala she has also offered to give the lucky dress recipient the opportunity of having her hair styled for the special day too for free.
And, her friend, Jodie Baker, has suggested providing complimentary photography and another, Layla Al Sharif, has offered to bake a cake.
The kind gesture has sparked a goodwill frenzy with a lady called Olga providing make-up services, Victoria Dance Studio stepping in with dancers and Glenndulay Photography offering a ‘live gift’.
A stranger has also stepped forward to give the bride a veil to go with the gown.
Cris said: “It’s become something of a community project to help a bride have the most wonderful day they may have thought was impossible.
“I feel it needs to go to someone who can’t afford much because now it’s much more than a dress.
“I’m sure there is a women out there who needs all of these amazing gestures of goodwill from many compassionate people who have donated time and expertise.
“Bahrain is my home and I love the life and opportunities this beautiful country and its people have given me.
“My friendships and business have flourished with the love of the local people. I feel we need to always give back and this is my way to do so.
“It’s important to reach out and help people less fortunate than ourselves. It doesn’t always have to be about money … just doing something nice can often make a difference.”
