Every year brings about a shift in wedding trends. There are changing fashions for weddings gowns, suit and their accessories. The reason is obvious; we live in a changing world, weddings are no exceptions. When it comes to formal occasions, everyone dresses to impress. African women are known for their vibrant sense of style. One of the least well-known of the African formal dresses is the mishanana; an elegant contribution to fashion. In Rwanda, the fashion of wedding fabrics and styles has changed a lot. Initially people used to wear hides and skins for weddings. This was followed by backcloth and now, to an elegant mushanana. This is particularly worn by the bride. Due to its turbulent political past, Rwanda has been influenced strongly in its fashion by all sides, but the mushanana remains uniquely adorable. The grooms’ attires are suit; nothing much has changed.Borrowing a leaf from our neighbours, Uganda, I find the story not very different. It is very common to find Ugandan weddings purely untraditional. Women are dressed in gomesi {the Baganda traditional wear} while men are clad in suits. Kenya’s weddings are rather different. Men have turned from the traditional suites to casual wear, something that is very impressive. As long as the attire matches with the occasion, whatever one puts on will keep the fire burning. And with the recent short wedding gowns, some brides have resorted to dressing up like they are out for a dance. Meanwhile, bare-chest wedding gowns are also on style. These totally sleeveless gowns reveal the hands, part of the chest and the back. For some women, a tight fitting gown with little flower decorations, which match there husbands’ suit does it best. Contrary to former wedding colours, which were black and white, today all colours are explored; depends on one’s favourite. Shebs10@yahoo.com
