Photos by Nigel Alfred
November 6th, 2019, New York City: It was an evening of culture and color as over 300 people of diverse backgrounds came together to plan their weddings at the inaugural Style Salon, a bridal event aimed at multicultural weddings. Held at Manhattan Manor, a newly renovated, bi-level event space in the heart of midtown Manhattan, vendors showcased their services from lavish decor, international catering with Michelin-starred Chef Hemant Mathur and Tagmo Treats and Jamaican Mason Catering, impressive cakes and desserts, jewelry, DJs and entertainment, all of whom service multicultural brides. A fashion show presented bridal gowns from India, China and of course, the United States. Presenting designers include Prashant Goyal for Heritage India Fashions, Zahra Batool Couture, Bergdorf Goodman Bridal, East Meets Dress and Saj Creations by Leena Narang.
World renowned event designer and Panamanian born, New Yorker, Preston Bailey headlined the inaugural Style Salon sharing anecdotes of his event productions around the world and his experience working with different cultures. He showed a captive audience slides of his incredible body of work enriched by stories and advice.
“I’ve been designing weddings in many different countries for over 30 years,” says Preston, “I love how weddings are the center point of all cultures around the world. Weddings are the time when people celebrate and honor their customs and traditions.”
A panel discussion with Claudia Hanlin of The Wedding Library, TV host and reality star Samantha Goldberg and Sunita Sadhnani from Glamorous Event Planners was moderated Bibi Magazine publisher and founder of The Style Salon, Ayesha Hakki. The group discussed planning and executing multicultural weddings.
“We have imagined The Style Salon to be an inclusive event where weddings are celebrated in color!” adds Ayesha Hakki. “Many cultures get married in colorful attire and traditions and their weddings are happening all around us in New York City. We thought, why not bring together those vendors that specialize in multicultural events and do it in an elevated, inclusive fashion.”
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio sent a letter of congratulations to Bibi Magazine commending “everyone associated with …this inclusive event…to engage New Yorkers of all backgrounds and enrich the cultural and economic vibrancy of our global city.”
The Style Salon was different than a regular bridal show in that the vendors worked together to create an experience for couples planning their weddings. The lavish decor for the event was done by Glamorous Event Planners on the top floor and Aisha’s Wedding Decor on the second floor. Details from themed drinks, to displays of cultural bridal customs like “Jumping the Broom” or “Breaking the Glass” were found throughout the event while stilt walkers and costumed entertainers by Tati Entertainment enthralled the audience. The DJs and Emcees included Powerhouse DJs and Magic Mike DJs, who entertained guests with world music. A decadent dessert setup was styled by Jeanne Gong of Lovely and Bubbly Events where freshly cooked donuts by Moo La La Catering were paired with luxury Bouvery Chocolate Vodka. At another station, Snackadabra served cookie cups filled with tea. Sparkling jewelry for sale included Reemat Designs, Jewelerani and Amrapali. Skincare and wellness needs were addressed by Dr Monica Sood of Kaya Health and Wellness.
Guests snapped photos in the J’adore Andy Photobooth and saw a pop up exhibition of vintage saris by the International Museum of the Saree. The James Hotel showcased their hotel rooms and a Caribbean corner of Rose Valley Cakes, Makeup by Vani, event planner Joy Agness and Green F.A.D rounded out the night. See the full list of participating vendors at TheStyleSalon.nyc.
The fashion show was styled by James R Sanders and the hair and makeup was done by Lady Glam.
The Style Salon is positioned as an alternative to other wedding shows where cultural bridal options are normally not represented: Asian, Black, Latina, South Asian, European, any bride whose wedding traditions involve color. The next Style Salon will be held in New York City in 2020.
