The Kosibah 20th Anniversary Reception and Fashion Show
Yemi Osunkoya had kindly loaned us a couple of his wedding dress samples for ‘Our Vintage Story‘ – a photographer and model bridal shoot last September, so it was super exciting to get an invite to the Kosibah 20th anniversary reception on the 1st September 2011 at The Institute of Directors, 116 Pall Mall SW1, where he would be revealing his new wedding dress collection – Bienvenue 20.
Yemi established the Kosibah brand in London in 1991 and named the company in honour of his mother. The name Cosiba comes from the Republic of Benin and is the day name of a female child born on a Sunday.
After a champagne, elderflower cordial and canapé reception, Lord and Lady Boateng opened up the fashion show with a message via video link. The guests were treated to live saxophone music and a performance by adult and child ballet dancers.
Kosibah designs are known for their secret support that cinches in the waist – the integral corset and underskirt – giving all brides a fabulous curve and shape!
The new collection, although drawing upon on this, incorporated an ethereal floaty feminine look inspired by ballet – sheer fabrics, lace appliqués and feathers. Sleeves and asymmetrical necklines also featured, pushing the collection to the cutting edge of bridal fashion.
We were strictly off duty so only a few phone pics from us!
The official photographers were Damien Lovegrove and Alakija and Co. So, be sure to check Twitter or the hashtags #Kosibah20th or #Bienvenue20 for photos appearing from the show shortly!
Here are some of the other people (especially behind the scenes) who made the evening possible.
- Venue styling/Tablescape (above): Cedar Events
- Couture Stationery and Invites: Lovicci
- Florist: Blue Sky Flowers
- Heirloom Bouquets: Tinygems
- Chiavari Chairs: I am Wedding Hire
- Soprano Singer: Lisa Carlisle
- Mini Ice Cream Cones: Ice Angels
- Cake (above): Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium
- Stylist and Choreographer: Adebayo Jones
- Hair Stylist: Kasia Fortuna
- Makeup artist: Kemi Kings Beauty
- Compere: Diana Dalia
- Bridal Tiaras/Headpieces: Claire Ogden Designs
- Saxophonist: A I Romantic Sax
- Hats/Fascinators: Lyze Bamigbola-Silas
- Videographer/Showreel: Laja than Life Productions
- Hand beaded bouquet and beaded hairflower worn by the penultimate bride: Tiara Heaven
You can find out more about Kosibah’s couture wedding dresses on Yemi’s website, or follow him on Twitter or Facebook.
It was a great pleasure working with Yemi Osunkoya my client and the rest of the team behind the successful & memorable event. Didnt get to see much of it as i was in the background with my team making sure all went according to plan. Did get to meet you ladies though..
I was so proud to be a part of this amazing event! Yemi Osunkoya is a very talented man and his work is so beautiful. This event deserves to be memorable and talked about for many years to come! Well done to everyone for creating such a successful event!
The event was glorious and yemi’s designs were wonderful. I stayed around and was lucky to have one of Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium cupcakes. It was heavenly!
A very elegant event. Well done Seyi and congrats Yemi. Elizabeth keep shinning!