📷 Expo: Fancy heavy gomesis with rhinestones for an elegant look

Jun 25, 2023

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In the past, brides wore pure silk gomesi. “They used to be simple, with no stones at all,” Naurine Kyakwise, the CEO of Chano Ladies’ Choice wear says.

The gomesi is an elaborate, yet elegant outfit popular in Uganda. Among the Baganda, it is the embodiment of traditional wear. It is a respected, traditional gown that fits almost every occasion and features at every traditional wedding ceremony.

The gomesi is an elaborate, yet elegant outfit popular in Uganda. Among the Baganda, it is the embodiment of traditional wear. (All Photos by Timothy Murungi)

It is a must-have for most brides. That said, gomesi trends have moved away from silk. “This time around, we are using heavy gomesi with stones and glass (sequins) that make them dazzle with elegance,” Kyakwise says, adding that the gomesis currently in vogue are made of lace and handwoven, as well as fitted with rhinestones or glass.

“They are beautiful. We import them from Dubai, Turkey and India. Even if we used African materials such as the kitengi to tailor-make the bridal gown, we add stones or glasses in it because it’s the order of the day, it is the latest trend. These are Indian stones, while others are from China, and are heavy.

A gomesi is a respected, traditional gown that fits almost every occasion and features at every traditional wedding ceremony.

They sparkle and make the gown bright and beautiful. There is a way they design it. The designers can make beautiful flowers out of these stones. Because they are made of heavy materials, they are expensive. They cost between sh1m and sh4m.

We also have a hiring system. If someone cannot afford the sh4m to buy one, they can hire a gown.

Hiring starts from sh300,000 to sh1m depending on the quality of the materials and the stone. The heavier the stones the more expensive it becomes,” she says.

According to Kyakwise, the sashes too, used to be made of plain materials, but now, they are also made of heavier materials such as the gomesis.

Sashes

According to Kyakwise, the sashes too, used to be made of plain materials, but now, they are also made of heavier materials such as the gomesis. Some of them also have stones and glasses.

The future of gomesi

The gomesi comes in an array of lavish colours and textures. From being made from cotton fabric to basic silk and satin, the gomesi has come a long way from its humble conception as a school uniform.

It has evolved into a work of art with new trends, yet maintaining its uniqueness.

Trends keep changing after some time, people could return to the simple gomesi again, Kyakwise says.

“However, I don’t think they will be simple as they used to be. They might be simple, but still, we have to make it heavier to make it rich,” Kyakwise said.

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