Upscale and Posh:
Tiffany Fowler and Yasmin Willoughby describe their soon to open store on Al Mina road, as a bridal gallery. "We design, direct and produce weddings and other special events within your budget. We can provide everything a bride needs, from magical wedding stages, opulent aisle décor and beautiful centrepieces to accessories such as tiaras and Italian handmade crystal bridal shoes," says Yasmin.

She claimed that theirs is one of only two stores in the world that are licensed to sell a collection of tiaras, which includes replicas of museum pieces and tiaras owned by royalty. For nervous brides, their website www.upscaleandposh.com has loads of information ranging from the correct way to hold the bridal bouquet to the perfect way to walk down the aisle.

Jewels by Queenie:
Well-known Indian socialite Queenie Dhody was also at Bride 2004, exhibiting her collection of jewellery. Her creations were mostly antique inspired pieces with Colombian emeralds, rare Burmese rubies, Basra pearls and diamonds.

The slim and svelte socialite, who features regularly in the society columns of Indian newspapers and magazines, launched her line called 'Jewels by Queenie' in August last year. "I have come often to shop in Dubai, but this is my first real contact with the local culture. I am surprised by the discerning customers here. Arab women love jewellery, they appreciate quality and individuality and they know their minds," said Queenie.

Prosecut collection:
Indian jewellery designer Roopa Vohra has been exhibiting at this event for the last three years. The couture jeweller is well-known for reviving the dying Mughal art form of Thewa and of Naqaashi, which is inspired by Mughal architecture. This year she also displayed her latest line, called the Prosecut collection.

Here, Roopa has recreated patterns from ancient Mughal textiles, using a variety of precious and semi-precious stones and white and black diamonds. "These ancient arts were dying in India. I have used my knowledge of jewellery making and glass art to revive them.

Recreating these intricate textile patterns requires great skill, because some of the motifs are composed of over 1,500 individual stones," said Roopa. "I come to Dubai every year, because customers here appreciate the uniqueness of my creations."

Wud Flowers:
Among the innovative displays here were furniture and sculptures composed of wrought iron, wooden sticks and flowers and a unique wall hanging with fresh gerbera flowers arranged on a clear Perspex panel. "We specialise in landscaping, furniture and unusual floral decorations," said Julia K., one of the designers from the store.

Amalia:
Tanisha Mohan's Amalia label carried some beautiful and reasonably priced shawls. Her silk pashminas in pastel shades with delicate bead and embroidery work were great for the UAE weather and her double sided 'funk shawls' in neon green, yellows and oranges with organza ruffles, are perfect accessories for the vibrant garments in vogue this season.

Akl Fakih:
His creative jellabiyas and evening gowns attracted a lot of attention. Many brides were eyeing a Swarovski studded bridal gown, priced at Dh25,000.