Ethiopia’s first-ever Bridal Dress Expo brought the world of wedding fashion to life at Skylight Hotel, offering brides-to-be a dazzling showcase of both tradition and innovation. From elegant gowns to custom jewelry, the two-day event featured local designers and vendors, giving attendees a rare opportunity to connect directly with the creative minds behind Ethiopia’s growing bridal industry. Models glided down the runway in both traditional and modern designs, including striking black gowns that broke convention and made a lasting impression. The event marked the first of its kind in Addis Ababa, setting a new standard for bridal showcases in the country.
The two-day expo brought together over ten designers, bridal shop owners, and jewelry vendors, creating a vibrant space where brides-to-be could explore the latest trends and innovations. Attendees expressed excitement over the diversity of styles and colors, with many appreciating the rare opportunity to interact directly with designers and shop owners for custom options and insights into bridal fashion trends. Organized by Wisdom Plus Events, the expo served as more than just a fashion show. It became a vital platform for networking, allowing brides and industry professionals to forge connections and share experiences within Ethiopia’s growing wedding market. For brides seeking everything from gowns to jewelry, the event offered an all-in-one bridal shopping experience.
Afom Design’s innovative designs, inspired by traditional Ethiopian fabrics and patterns, were a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage. – The expo also highlighted the importance of sustainable practices in the fashion industry. – The expo served as a platform for designers to showcase their work, network with potential buyers, and gain valuable insights into the global fashion market.
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The annual bridal expo was a resounding success, attracting a large crowd of eager brides and wedding planners. The event featured a wide array of vendors, including bridal dress designers, photographers, caterers, and florists. The expo also showcased a variety of jewelry vendors and Jasper Gemstone representatives, adding a touch of sparkle to the event.
Feven emphasized the substantial investment required to source these materials, with prices ranging from 80,000 to 90,000 birr per gram for precious stones. “We focus on using locally sourced stones, which are not only abundant but also offer great returns,” she added. While Feven oversees the design process, she works with a team to craft the jewelry. “I lead the design work but collaborate with others for production. We offer a variety of designs, and we also create custom pieces for clients based on their needs.” She was particularly excited to showcase Jasper’s unique bridal jewelry collection at the expo, which she described as being tied to traditional Ethiopian bridal customs like the Velo.
We’ve seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities that exist within the Ethiopian wedding industry,” Firdawek said. The expo, which took place in Addis Ababa, was a platform for vendors, couples, and industry professionals to connect and exchange ideas. It provided a space for them to learn about the latest trends in wedding planning, discover new vendors, and network with potential clients.
Looking ahead, Mentesnot revealed plans to make the Bridal Dress Expo a biannual event, timed around Ethiopia’s wedding seasons. “We want to make it easier for brides to find everything they need in one place. As wedding planners, we noticed gaps in the market, and this expo is designed to fill those gaps.” He also hinted at future expansions for the expo, including offerings tailored for grooms. “Our vision is to make this a regular fixture for brides, and eventually, we’ll extend our focus to include grooms as well,” Mentesnot concluded, expressing his optimism for the future of the event and Ethiopia’s growing wedding industry.
