Dr Malini Yugendran
Auckland, March 21, 2023
On March 18th, 2023, the Mangere Arts Centre hosted the Multicultural Bride and Groom Fashion Show, which was a glitzy and glamorous afternoon affair. Organised by DH Events in association with Kaleidoscope Fashion Events the event featured 14 New Zealand designers showcasing their bridal costumes. Over 140 models participated in the show.
The designers who partook in the show were Kharlwirepa Fashion, Estele NZ, Lucas and Lucia, Masafinyas, Ovya, Man Meet, Crown Obsession, Dorset Suits, FW, Sampradaya Vastra, Jaiss, Sam’s Event Styling, Big Black Saks, and Rakshi’s Design. They competed for the Best Designer Award and Best Fashion Designer Award, among other awards. The competition was judged by a panel of New Zealand celebrities and had over 300 attendees.
Noble Cause
The Multicultural Bride and Groom Fashion Show was organised to support the Cancer Society, with 20% of the ticket costs going towards the cause. The event was sold out one week prior, and the organiser, Dhanak Humayun of DH Events, had to arrange extra seats to accommodate the overwhelming response. “We targeted 300 and thought that was too far-fetched, but we were sold out one week prior and we kept getting requests to accommodate more. We finally spoke to the venue personnel and increased the capacity to 350, and that too was sold out as soon as we released the tickets online. Aucklanders have given us amazing support, “ she said.
Judges
The judges for the event were popular New Zealand celebrities, including Game of Thrones actor Joe NauFahu, journalist and TV presenter Jess Tyson, Dancing with the Stars’ Naz Khanjani, Masked Singer New Zealand’s Clinton Randell, and popular New Zealand wedding planner Teuila Benioni.
Joe Naufahu, who wore a Tongan outfit to the event, said just prior to the start of the fashion show, “As a judge, I am looking for culture, creative styles, and practicality.”
Big Black Saks, the major sponsor for the event, acknowledged how New Zealand is behind in global fashion trends and that events like this will help to up the game in the fashion industry here.
Other main sponsors were MHRJ Management, Women in Business and EIRA Wedding.
Jyothi Muddam, president of the Telangana Jagruthi, who attended the event said, “I was absolutely thrilled by the creativity and the beautiful, classy gowns. I totally enjoyed the show.”
Winners
Jaiss won the Big Black Saks Best Designer Award, winning $1000 in cash and a trophy. Kharlwirepa won the Best Fashion Designer award.
The Top Female Model was Andrea Ramirez who also won the Best Model Award.
The Top Male Model was Sami and the Best Male Model Award went to Momansour.
Dhanak Humayun
The event was conceptualised and created by Ms Dhanak of DH Events, who was born and raised in Kuwait and moved to New Zealand 13 years ago. Although she has a master’s degree in computer science, her heart has always been in fashion.
Her own creations were showcased under her brand name, Rakshi’s Designs. Ms Dhanak is also a model herself and has acted in a few Netflix series. She said, “Organising such a multicultural event was not easy. I faced many challenges. I had to bear in mind the sensitivities that come with every religion and culture. We also had to ensure that there was mutual respect throughout the rehearsals and show. We also ensured that all participants learned about different cultures. It was a fulfilling outcome, I must say.”
Dr Malini Yugendran is an Indian Newslink Reporter based in Auckland.
