Sharjah Bridal Fair Launches ‘Bridal Fair Awards 2017’

The Sharjah Bridal Fair, Al Jawaher Reception & Convention Centre’s (JRCC) signature wedding exhibition, and the first-of-its-kind in the UAE was inaugurated last year, and wowed the crowds with Fashion Awards 2016. They have recently confirmed 3 to 6 May as the schedule for the Fair’s second edition, announcing the showcase of a new fashion contest, the ‘Sharjah Bridal Fair Awards 2017’ (SBFA 2017).    

SBFA 2017 aims to recognise and celebrate the UAE’s best talents in fashion design, be it college students, fashion design interns or even established names in the industry.

The competition’s entries are divided in three categories – Best Casual Ready-to-Wear Collection, Best Evening Abaya, and Best Evening Wear Collection, and is open to Emirati as well as resident female designers in the UAE. An independent panel of fashion industry experts will judge entries on the basis of originality, creativity, functionality and aesthetic appeal. One of their main focus will be to see how well each designer’s designs work together.

Hanan Al Mahmoud, Director of JRCC, said: “Just like last year, aspiring designers will not want to miss the Sharjah Bridal Fair this May. A special addition to the Fair’s schedule is the Bridal Fair Awards 2017, which has been specially crafted to recognise and showcase the UAE’s budding female designers in the award’s three categories.”

“JRCC is deeply committed to support talented people from all backgrounds to fulfil their dreams and access the best available resources in the UAE’s prestigious bridal fashion industry. This is going to be the most sweeping, beautiful and magical awards gala you've ever seen,” she added.  

Strict rules apply in all categories – in Best Evening Abaya, for example, applicants will have to present 3 elegantly embellished and high-fashion pieces, out of which 1 will be showcased, if selected. Only those entries shall be considered where the look of the Abaya is completed by an accompanying Sheila or a headpiece.

Applicants need to complete all sections of the application form with their biographies and an overview of their design concepts. They also need to submit one profile photo of themselves, and three high resolution photos of each design entry from different angles (front, back and side view). JRCC officials require that all entries be entirely original as copied designs will be disqualified from the competition.

The completed application packet needs to be sent via email to Amani.A@jrcc.ae, by 20 April. Shortlisted candidates will be announced on 25 April, who will showcase their collections in a fashion show on 4 May, during SBF 2017 at the Al Jawaher Reception & Convention Centre. Winners will be announced at an awards gala on 6 May at the same venue.   

The full schedule of workshops, entertainment and runway shows will be revealed in the coming weeks.