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Mothers and daughters stepped out in style at the annual American Women’s Association (AWA) fashion show, writes Mai Al Khatib.
The event staged at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence and Spa in Manama, included a parade of colours modelled by women of all shapes and sizes, different backgrounds and ages.
They came together to mark Mother’s Day in the US as well as the hardworking members of the association. The show featured fabulous fabrics, glamorous Gatsby-inspired dresses, jewelled jalabiyas and classical cuts from different designers in the AWA.
AWA president, Lisa Wahba, said: “It has been a long standing-tradition to stage our Mother’s Day Fashion Show on the second Monday in May when the Americans celebrate the event. Although I do know many other countries celebrate it on a different day on a different month, it’s a great time to look at fashion because it’s spring and with the change of season comes new collections.
“I think it’s a lovely lead into our summer holiday and everyone was impressed by the fashion styles showcased.
“We had people from the association volunteering their time and helping with the hair and Max Factor sponsored the make-up.”
More than 300 women attended the event alongside VIPs including AWA’s honourary president Bonnie Krajeski, the Indian ‘first lady’ in the kingdom, Mala Kumar, British ‘first lady’ Bridget Lindsay and the wives of the Indonesian and Malaysian ambassadors.
South African Thelna Esterhuizen kicked off the fancy affair with her bohemian chic creations that incorporated some of Rosalie Krause’s hats and fascinators that accentuated the designer’s romantic 1920s look.
Models were draped in jewellery and accessories made by AWA members such as Shandra Dondi’s edgy creations that are not for the fainthearted. Other labels that made the runway were Misstique and Monique.
After Mrs Esterhuizen thrilled the crowd with her eccentric style, Bahraini designer Orayb Abubshait brought some Arab flair into the mix. She combined traditionally embroidered jalabiyas and gowns with a modern twist, shortening hemlines and using a variety of fabrics.
She said: “I have only been designing for a year after a friend encouraged me to start because she loved my style. It started off as a hobby but soon I was receiving a lot of interest. My collection mainly features jalabiyas, the traditional attire of the Gulf, with a mixture of classic looks with a modern edge.
“I was excited to be able to exhibit my work and my mum and sisters came out to support me.”
Mrs Abubshait’s array of Arabesque-designs was then followed by Adriana Skaloud’s sleek, practical wear that added a bounce to the models’ steps. The Columbian fashion designer had co-ordinated and choreographed the event.
Mrs Skaloud said: “Every year the AWA, a non-profit organisation, holds fashion shows to celebrate the American Mother’s Day. This year our aim was to promote the beauty of women while thanking mothers for all the love they bestow on us. “All the women that took part are beautiful and we just highlighted their beauty with the range of designs.
“I would classify my line as timeless and practical, creating a strong but feminine presence.”
All clothing and accessories on display were up for sale. For example, Mrs Skaloud’s collection was priced from BD80 while Mrs Abubshait’s designs were being snapped up for BD60 up to BD200.
After the show, women were treated to lunch and had the opportunity to visit the different vendors taking tables in the hall to promote their products including shoe apparels, clothing and artwork.
Representatives from the American Mission Hospital were also present to raise awareness of breast cancer. AWA also had a booth to inform members and non-members of the association’s activities and its work within the community.
For more details email info@awabahrain.org
