From:TheBahamasWeekly.com
African Royalty Reigns the Runway
By Macintosh Smith
Mar 2, 2014 - 12:04:44 AM
Each season
fashion week in New York offers emerging fashion designers who
take a unique approach to conceptualizing apparel. Concepts can
range from colors, shape texture and a combination of everything
that the creative mind can conceive. This season TeKay Designs,
a couture studio based in Houston Texas, presented Queen
of the Brides, a collection of gowns with accessories that are
historic and have a cultural significance.
TeKay's presentation opened with an acoustic chorus sound track,
chromatic luminance and a branded light projection. Ethnic
diversity was applied to model selection; as each model graced
the catwalk with authoritarian elegance. But not without a
subtle 'vogue pose' here and there. While some gowns are
accented with colorful embroidery, other gowns cast an angelic
shimmer of beading as a decorative finish.
The Queen of the Brides collection represents inspirational
women of royalty from various cultures throughout history. The
collection exemplifies cultures, as each gown represents a woman
of royalty who has left an indelible mark on humanity.
"Each
season new gowns are added to this collection"
explains Kimma Wreh, Fashion Designer and Creative Director for
TeKay Designs.
"Women of royalty are represented
from all over the globe through these gowns. Places such
as Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The gowns
express cultural themes that resonate with many ethnic
groups. This is why it was important for Queen of the
Brides collection to be presented in New York City. New
York is a melting pot of cultures and I am proud to
present a bridal collection that acknowledges style
aesthetics that many cultures have contributed to
humanity."
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The first of four
new looks is an embroidered satin gown with trumpet
silhouette that is named after Queen Amina of Zaria,
Nigeria. The gown is delicately hand embroidered with
striking green leaves and gold flowers. Queen Amina launched
a military expedition three months after coming to power and
sustained a lengthy battle until her death. In her
thirty-four year reign, she expanded the domain of Zazzua to
its largest size ever.
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Queen Nzingha
Amazon of Matamba West Africa is represented with elaborate
hand stitched gold and chocolate embroidery on a bustier top
and skirt made of white super cotton jacquard. This bridal
ensemble is accessorized with a royal headpiece constructed
of gold beads, glass pearls and rhinestone trim on a gold
wire bed. The beaded floor length veil and statement
necklace completes this royal look. Queen Nzingha
Amazon was a tactical military leader who waged war against
the Portuguese slave traders. This war lasted for more than
thirty years. Nzingha was of Angoloan descent and is known
as a symbol of inspiration for people across continental
Africa.
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The Empress
Candace of Ethiopia gown has champagne colored lace fabric
that covers the body and cathedral train. Scalloped lace
trim is stitched on dress bodice with crystal trim around
neckline. One of the greatest generals of the ancient world
was also the Empress of Ethiopia. This formidable African
Queen was world famous as a military tactician and field
commander. Legend has it that Alexander The Great could not
entertain even the possibility of risking a defeat... by
this woman.
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The fourth
addition to the collection emulates Queen Consort Margherita
of Savoy, Italy. This bridal attire has a peplum top and
mermaid skirt made of beaded lace fabric embellished with
silver rhinestone trim. Queen Margherita sponsored artists,
writers and founded cultural institutions, notably the
Societa del Quartetto, and the Casa di Dante. She was a
benefactor of many charities, specifically the Red Cross.
The Queen of the Brides collection was accessorized for
dramatization during the couture fashion show. However, each
dress can be styled for a more contemporary look and accompanied
with an optional matching brides maids dress.
"This
spring we are offering specials to brides who order
matching bridal party dresses, gown accessories or
statement jewelry pieces. We specialize in gown
creations for themed weddings, and we have a reputation
for creating custom ethnic fashions. We believe sharing
cultural royalty is a significant way to pass on the
legacy and heritage of family." explains
Kimma.
Queen Amina of Zaria, Nigeria Gown
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