I missed the Bride Show Dubai last April and I totally regret not attending a single wedding exhibition before our wedding, sigh.

Another thing I’ve  missed out is the Ninth Swarovski Young Designer Awards 2008.

Guess who brought the bacon home among 300 participants of both amateur and student designer categories. Surprise, surprise…

Ten finalists from each category had the chance to show off their wedding gown creations at the runway of Dubai International Exhibition Centre last April 26. Their inspiration was based on the theme “the art of being intimate”. Three young and creative finalists took home the crystal trophies:

Helen O’Connor, a South African who lives in Dubai, walked away with first place in the amateur category. She made a wedding dress featuring a crystal encrusted shoulders with unique decorative branches.

Ayesha Chaudhary, won first place in the student category, with her cream backless gown in translucent gauze covering midriff.

Joseph Lalongisip, from Philippines was announced winner of the innovation category. His fabulous creation of multi-layered white and coral pink gown featured 1,000 swarovski crystals with a modern day chiffon parasol veil that transforms into a wedding bouquet. Along with the trophy and gift vouchers from Swarovski, he received a one-year internship at Swarovski Middle East. He currently works in a tailoring shop in Dubai.

On an interview he said “I came to Dubai to pursue my dream, and winning here at The Bride Show Dubai is my big chance to become a fashion designer.”

Joseph Lalongisip and his creation

Photo courtesy of Megan Hirons / Gulfnews

Mabuhay Ka, Kabayan!