September was spent around lots of mums-to-be, most of them being first time mum’s, and I must say, it was much more fun than I expected it to be, with lots to learn – especially for a zero-time mum like me!
The Baby Banda Pregnancy and Baby Fair, in its fourth leg this year, and was held on 23rd – 25th September 2011. Maternity fashion has been, and still is, a sort of dilemma for pregnant women, and ever more so in Nairobi (does someone sense a business opportunity here). Baby Banda felt the need to inform the public on the various options they may have In terms of maternity clothes, and trendy ones at that. From using fake bumps on models – yes, we did that –it has grown into an amazing fashion event that cannot be better targeted!
Through their Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/BabyBanda , we had over 150 expectant women apply to participate in this years pageant, and through votes on facebook, they were shortlisted to 15 amazing women!
It was fun meeting with these ladies the weekends preceding the event, where they got posture and catwalk training from me. They also shared with me, and each other, various fashion tips and tricks when you are searching for a Fabulous Maternity Look, when you are searching for a Fabulous and Comfortable Look and when your ultimate goal is maximum results from minimum input in terms of hair, make-up, clothes, shoes etc. I think I learnt more from them than they learnt from me as an image consultant and model trainer.
There was lots of fun and laughter....as the mum's to be found that modelling isn't quite as simple as it looks...
Lots of food too...
And that was just the beginning; we also brought in Hair Expert, Marion Boadi Marketing Manager Hair Care Division, Haco Tiger Brands to talk to them on hair care, pre and post natal.
Maternity expert, especially when it comes to comfort, and Baby Banda Founder, Carol Ngige who facilitated all their training, and still took the time to give them comfort tips on sleeping, breastfeeding, driving etc by use of her famous ‘Baby Banda’ pillows
Other speakers included Mukami Miriti from Palmers Cocoa Butter of HACO Tiger Brands on skin care and pregnancy also graced us with their presence.
Our awesome mums-to-be also got an opportunity to try out the lastest in maternity fashion trends during pre-show fittings by maternity shops including Mimba (www.mimba.co.ke), Beautiful Bumps (Located on 2nd Floor Nakumatt Lifestyle), Molly's Maternity, amongst others (FASHION SHOW PICTURES WITH THEIR COLLECTIONS WILL BE POSTED UP)
Backstage was buzzing with excitement on the day of the show, and they got pampered and groomed by Corrine Muthoni on Hair and the Make-up Lounge Team (www.muthoninjoba.com) on make-up.
They also got to meet and bond with our celebrity MC, Sheila Mwanyigha, Singer (aka Nikki), Radio presenter on Easy Fm and TV Show Host (Dramas of Life, NTV and Tusker project Fame, Citizen TV)
Who also got a chance to bond with all the children at the Baby Banda Pregnancy and Baby Expo
AND THE FASHION SHOW WAS TOTALLY AWESOME!!!! These mums-to-be totally rocked the catwalk with confidence, grace and swag.
And the finale.....
And the winner was Gloria.... who was crowned by Mariam Boadi and Mukami Miriti of HACO Tiger Brands.
For more information on the Baby Banda Pregancy and Baby Expo , as well as the Maternity Beauty Pageant 2012, go to www.babybandafair.com or www.facebook.com/BabyBanda
