Bibi Magazine Celebrates its 20th Bridal Show in Houston

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HOUSTON: To celebrate 20 of anything marks a big occasion but when it is the celebration of 20 bridal shows for the South Asian community, it is a testament to growing strength of the demographic. Bibi Magazine celebrated its 20th Bridal Show at the Hyatt Regency Downtown with a packed house of upscale vendors, newly engaged couples (many with parents in tow), a grand fashion show featuring the collection preview of Houston’s new Baraat Bridal Studio and of course, a cake commemorating the occasion and bubbly champagne served in colorful, LED-lit glasses.

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“When we held our first bridal show 10 years ago, we barely had about 30-40 brides and about 100 people in total. Today, we have close to 200 brides who have pre-registered and about 400 attendees. We’ve come along way!” says Ayesha Hakki, founder and publisher of Bibi Magazine, a national bridal publication established in 2000.

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The room was aglow with washes of blue light along the walls and two mandaps (elaborate canopies under which Hindus get married) stood as anchors to the all white and gold stage. The stage, designed by The Perfect Touch Linens, looked like the entrance to a harem at an ancient Indian palace.  The rest of the room was an assortment of cakes, chocolate fountains, photographers, clothing and jewelry stalls, DJs, dancers and henna artists. Brides walked among the 28 booths clutching Bibi gift bags stuffed with Incipio cell phone cases, makeup samples, the latest issue of Bibi Bridal while sampling food, sipping champagne and gathering information for their upcoming weddings.

The highlight of the day was, however, the fashion show that presented the bridal collections of the soon-to-open Baraat Studio by the founders of Houston’s established South Asian boutique, Roop Sari Palace located on Harwin. Models walked out in glittering bridalwear for women featuring colorful saris, flowing anarkalis and rhinestone and zari-encrusted lehngas. For men, fitted sherwanis and suits were shown. Colors ranged from metallics to jewel-toned with hints of neon. The cuts were flowing and layered.

The founders of the Bibi Magazine, Ayesha Hakki and Zooni, presented their Bridal show director Zeb Mamsa and board advisor Munir Ibrahim, each an award for 10-years of service. A mehndi-inspired cake design by Cake Creations by Janeth, was cut to mark the occasion and the fashion show began. The opening was a musical piece played on the dulcimer by Joshua Messick, which culminated into a DJ-mixed soundtrack by DJ Ramping that accompanied the models. The show ended with the introduction of the lead designer behind Baraat Studio, Saniya Kaanji.

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“The Bibi Bridal Shows are a bi-annual event held at hotels and venues around Houston that can handle South Asian weddings,” adds Zeb Mamsa. “ South Asian weddings are large, multiday events that require a team of vendors. We hope that the Bibi Bridal Show makes it easier for couples to plan their special days.”

Bibi Bridal Shows are held in April and October of each year and are geared towards the luxury market. Each show features about 25 vendors that range from decorators, planners, photographers, invitations, DJs, cake designers, caterers, clothing, jewelry and more. Bibi Magazine, a national bridal magazine that began in Houston in 2000 and is now headquarted in New York City, puts on the shows.

For further information visit BibiMagazine.com.