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Members of the American Women’s Association (AWA) stepped out in stylish seasonal fashion as part of the organisation’s annual catwalk extravaganza to celebrate mothers around the world, writes Mai Al Khatib-Camille.
The fashionable affair, entitled ‘Be Dazzled’, featured 15 mums from the multi-cultural membership showcasing sequined gowns, colourful casual looks and flouncy Ramadan garbs at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Bahrain.
The summer spectacular was choreographed and directed by long-time member Iman Galal Fouad. She said: “This event is about celebrating mothers and what better way to do that than have mums as models?
“They are all beautiful in their own way and brave to get up on stage to walk the catwalk and entertain the crowd.
“I based the theme on all the dazzling women around the world and wanted to show the variety of glamorous designs featured in the event from Rocco and Roman.
“While the clothing was absolutely beautiful, it was the mums’ inner beauty that shined brightest, in my opinion!”
More than 150 women attended the event to mark Mother’s Day in America, including Shaikha Thajba bint Salman Al Khalifa and the wives of the Palestinian and Bangladeshi ambassadors.
Before the show kicked off, guests were treated to tea and coffee as they admired a variety of luxurious fabrics and clothing put on display in a market-style atmosphere in the corner of the banqueting hall.
As guests took their seats, they were presented with gifts from Al Hawaj, including a make-up bag, eyeliner and nail polish. Coca Cola also handed out bright red bottles to mark the occasion.
As a DJ serenaded the crowd with cool sounds, the models were glammed up in the backroom with hair-styling by Dessange and make-up by Al Hawaj. The dresses, trousers, skirts and other attire were from the latest selection of summer trends from Rocco and Roman found in Al Aali Shopping Complex.
Former Radio Bahrain news reader Nadia Swan hosted the celebrations. The ladies kicked off the festivities in dazzling heels, denim and cocktail dresses and tailored trousers in different hues, strutting down the catwalk with a spring in their step to upbeat tunes. The women cheered on their friends as they presented the pretty patterns and designs.
The next set of clothing was bold and dramatic. Luxurious gowns were bedazzled with sequins and gems; some were silky with sheer cut-outs, while other dresses featured long trains suitable for a red carpet affair.
As models prepared for the following showcase, a group of them appeared on stage to entertain the audience with an Arabic scarf dance headed by Iman.
Sylvia Buemi, who has been a member of the AWA for the past five years, enjoyed the dance. She said: “Iman has done a wonderful job with the choreography. Every year the show gets better and better and the clothes are even more amazing.”
After the dance break, the women took to the stage in embroidered kaftans and vibrant jalabiyas.
The final catwalk included more everyday-wear summer outfits, followed by a fun and cheerful swing dance compilation that included all the models letting go of pink and yellow balloons for a grand finale.
Mandy Chakkos, an AWA member of 10 years standing, said: “All the ladies were glamorous. We had so much fun putting on this show. While we were nervous at the beginning, it was great to be a part of it and what a wonderful way to celebrate motherhood.”
The ladies were then treated to lunch courtesy of the hotel and a raffle. Lubna Al-Alami, the AWA media liaison and parliamentarian, said: “For the past three months, the ladies have been getting together at least twice-a-week to rehearse and all their hard work showed during the event.
“Their energy was through the roof and they all supported one another. This is what the show and the AWA is all about … coming together to celebrate women of all ages and nationalities and simply have a good time.”
