The 2016 LFDW came to a close on Saturday October 29 but the memories of the amazing collections and a few questionable ones will linger for quite a while. Talking about the amazing ones, the Wedding by Mai presentation was one of the most memorable ones and you’ll get to understand why as you read along.
In Nigeria, there are thousands of weddings holding every week and so many designer options for the bride, bridesmaids, groom and groomsmen to choose from when it comes to what to wear. So the issue always boils down to two simple aspects: taste and cost. Inasmuch as the wedding industry is one of Nigeria’ most lucrative industries, as a fashion designer, you must really stand out to attract and retain customers in a competitive market like Nigeria. Why? Because your competitors range from local seamstresses to international fashion houses like Vera Wang, Pronovais and Oscar de la Renta.
Designer Ohimai Atafo has studied the market well enough and in response created Weddings by Mai in 2010 as a niche line under his Mai Atafo brand to cater to the needs of the modern couple. By doing so, he’s establish himself as the go-to designer for contemporary wedding designs.
Let’s talk about the Mai’s LFDW show…
Saying Ohimai Atafo is a drama king (in a good way, of course) will be the understatement of the year. Why? The Weddings by Mai collection closed Day 3 of the just concluded Lagos Fashion and Design Week with a spectacular performance that left everyone present in awe. Displaying an array of wedding attires complete with a string quartet and soft singing by singer Kaliné, Ohimai succeeded in creating a fashion and broadway-like show in one shot. It was something quite entertaining and nothing like Nigerians have ever seen before.
The collection featured single and double-breasted tailored suits in shades of blue, grey, red, green, purple and other luxury textured fabrics. Also featured were dresses for the bride and bridesmaids. The bridal dresses which were the highlight of the collection and the show were made from rich lace, silk stain and excess tulle with details such as a detachable train, applique floral pieces and studded tiaras.
The new Weddings by Mai collection makes you want to get married if you are single or get married again if you already walked down the aisle. I think this collection embodies all the joyful emotions associated with getting married and has everything to leave your guests oohing and aahing as your outfits are forever imprinted in their minds.
Be mesmerised by the collection!
Photo credit: Kola Oshalusi for LFDW | IG: Weddingsbymaiatafo, taniaomotayo
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