The Bride Show Dubai opens with panache

Manish's summer looks were in keeping with the status and glamour his audiences have come to expect, with sparkling silver embellishments, adding to the flavor, making the dresses very ornate. Anticipating the forthcoming season, Manish used fresh fruity colours such as apple greens, strawberry pinks, lemon yellows, peaches and corals, blended with soothing hues of white and beige.

The models looked beautiful in Manish's creations, which emphasized feminine silhouettes, through the effective use of textured fabrics with flowing georgette and chiffon.

Manish Malhotra, one of India's most famous fashion designers who has worked with some of the biggest names in Bollywood, is a long time participant of The Bride Show Dubai. His charisma and exclusive clients have brought glamour to The Bride Show before, as seen in 2007 when Urmila Mantondkar opened his show. Manish's creations are worn by leading Bollywood actresses as well as several international celebrities such as Michael Jackson, Reese Witherspoon and Naomi Campbell.

No stranger to the realm of bridal attire, Manish has designed for weddings all over the world, including Antwerp, London, Singapore, Spain, America and of course Dubai. He has been involved with the costume designing industry for more than 16 years and has won 22 awards, most recently receiving the Hall of Fame Award for Contribution to Fashion in Films at a fashion awards ceremony in Mumbai.

The Bride Show Dubai was officially opened yesterday by Dr Maryam Mattar, Executive Director of Dubai Social Development Strategic Plan, launching a four-day showcase of haute couture fashion, luxury wedding products and all the services necessary for a bride's big day.

With two days left of The Bride Show, unveiling both traditional and modern bridal looks and more than 400 exhibitors from 13 countries, visitors are flocking to Dubai International Exhibition Centre to enjoy the fashion, glamour and all things bridal.

"Manish's opening show was truly spectacular," said Daphne Cota, Exhibition Manager for The Bride Show. "His beautiful creations were followed by stunning collections by Salim Asgarally, Redaa, Arushi Fashion Design and Demetrios, which raptured audiences and left them cheering for more."

Running alongside The Bride Show, Women's Healthcare and Al Bayt Al Arabie, the UAE's only Arabian home show, also opened their doors to visitors yesterday. Women's Healthcare kicked off with the "Go Red for Women" campaign, an initiative launched in the UAE to raise awareness of cardiovascular disease for women, passing out pins to visitors to draw attention to the preventable heart disease so prevalent in millions of women worldwide.

The Bride Show Dubai, organised by IIR Middle East, is the largest bridal event in the region and takes place daily until Saturday 26th April 2008 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.

Open to the public from 2.30pm-10.30pm, The Bride Show Dubai has attracted an international line-up, showcasing wedding gowns, international haute couture fashion, beauty, hair and jewellery ideas, wedding venues and honeymoon destinations.