Transformer wedding gown. Images supplied (Collage by Futhi Masilela)
- This transformer wedding gown is proving that buying two wedding gowns may be a slowly fading trend.
- Made with over five materials, this gown took 52 hours to make.
- The design team was crunched for time, and it needed 14 people to make it.
Wedding gown dresses are ever-evolving now, with many styles and silhouettes to choose from. Brides are working together with designers to create something new that will make them stand out from the rest.
This transformer wedding gown represents breaking out of the traditional white wedding gown. This two-in-one dress is fitted for both the ceremony and the reception.
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Speaking to the founder of the Nigerian-based bridal company Hajjewels House of Style that made the gown, Mrs Hajarah Jibril-Salaudeen, shared that the gown was designed for a specific bride and also what her inspiration behind the design of the dress was. “I wanted to create something different from the norm and to portray that it’s totally possible and cool to rock a transformer dress for your wedding.” She also shared that she and her team had to deliver the dress in a short period of time which required all hands on deck. “Myself and 13 of my staff worked on the dress. That’s 14 people. It took 52 hours in total of working nonstop.”
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The dress was made from a number of unique materials that include the inner fabric of the dress being a luxury panel fabric, then that of the outer dress is a high-quality organdy. Other materials include: crinoline mesh, tulle net, Korean duchess silk, plastic boning, luxury appliqués, clawed stones and beads. This was not the first transformer gown designed by the bridal house; however, Mrs Hajarah insists this one was exceptional. The dress made it to social media and has gathered a huge reaction and love from users. “I’m still overwhelmed with the reaction! It’s been awesome. Almost everyone in the social media space loves and appreciates the creativity. All thanks to Allah.”
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While most brides still opt for a traditional dress, Mrs Hajarah encourages brides to think outside of the box and be daring, “I’ll say dare to be unique! There’s so much more than the regular,” she adds. Mrs Hajarah Jibril-Salaudeen herself has been in the fashion business for eight years and has designed clothes for clients worldwide. “We have shipped to places in US and UK such as California, San Diego, London, Georgia, New Jersey, Dublin etc. We also have clients in Africa in places like Ghana, South Africa and Dubai.” Her biggest achievement thus far has been being at the African Fashion Week Lagos in 2019, sponsored by the First Lady of Kwara State.
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She also established her fashion school called Hajjewels Fashion Academy in 2020, which takes 15 students quarterly. “For the courses offered, we have the Foundation class for beginners that takes 14 weeks. The advanced and bridal class for designers with prior knowledge but who want to upgrade their skills to a professional level which takes 18 weeks, and fashion illustration takes two weeks. In the future, she hopes her brand will be among the best 10 fashion brands in Africa. “We want to gain visibility and be recognised and acknowledged by reputable persons and organisations.”
