High fashion meets tradition

The touch of glove
I’m a royal by totem. I know that doesn’t mean much today, but I have always worn gloves and hats, and there was no way I wouldn’t wear these on my big day. I have lots of gloves so I chose a black lacey pair from my collection.

Her gomesis
I wore three gomesis; a black one, with gold; one in black and rusty sienna; and a red one, because, apparently, every women should wear something red, according to my mum. I had to order for my fabrics from Dubai. I tried searching for material here, and I seriously failed to find what I wanted. So, I made one trip and bought everything, from the materials to the accessories.

Make up
This is like the one thing I was worried about. I never wear foundation or powder. Normally, all the makeup I do is shape my eye brow, wear some mascara and eye liner, completing the look with Vaseline. After ample persuasion, however, I let a friend of mine who is a makeup artiste do full makeup on me for the day, and he did perfect work I must say. The foundation was the worst part of it all. The day was really hot, and so this kept melting down.

The flower
The highlight of my kwanjula was the gift I got from my sisters-in-law. I told my husband I didn’t want the ordinary basket which is usually packed with lots of things I wasn’t going to use. I was very happy when I finally got to see what they had got me. It was a champagne glass with some water and a red flower, in it. It was absolutely fabulous!

Make up
This is like the one thing I was worried about. I never wear foundation or powder. Normally, all the makeup I do is shape my eye brow, wear some mascara and eye liner, completing the look with Vaseline. After ample persuasion, however, I let a friend of mine who is a makeup artiste do full makeup on me for the day, and he did perfect work I must say. The foundation was the worst part of it all. The day was really hot, and so this kept melting down.

General theme
The theme colour was black and white, with a splash of red. Black is my favourite colour so it had to be, even if everyone tried to dissuade me saying it wasn’t ceremonial. My bridesmaids wore black and white gomesi, with red sashes and feather fascinators. My sisters and cousins wore white.

Accessories
The main accessories I had were my Kate Middleton hats, gloves, the Indian head piece, and my bridal henna. My earrings were simple earrings like the black diamond studs I wore with my black gomesi. I also wore an orange stone jewellery set that was given to me by my mother. I had no hair clips, hair extensions or bling. For me it was all about remaining simple, but classy.

The Indian attire
I am Muslim, so we get married on that day. I literally got married on that day. For that session, I wore a champaigne-coloured Arabic bridal wear from Pakistan. I got this online. Most people thought it was Indian wear, but this one is different. You wear it by wrapping it the way round, over a tank top and pants.

Pherrie Kimbugwe: Spokesperson, Club Guvnor

My style
I always marry my accessories and clothes, then go minimal on the hair and make-up. I never wear hair extensions or outrageous make up.

The one thing I can’t stop buying
Shoes. Even my husband knows that. Sometimes, I travel and buy so many pairs only to get home and realise I have some of them already. It doesn’t matter where I am; I see shoes, I will buy.

Most prized fashionable item.
I love watches, and have a different one for different attires. My favourite is one my late brother gave me. I actually wore it at my kwanjula, so as to have a piece of him on my special day.

Favourite accessory.
Obviously shoes. I think every woman loves shoes. I can’t get enough of them.

Fashion regret
I found three other people wearing the same dress as I was at a party in the US. I went home and changed it.

Emergency outfit
The little black dress; it works all the time. I have so many in all designs. Black slims you down, unlike other bright colours like white.
Fashion tip
I think people need to understand their bodies so as to dress them appropriately. For instance, draw attention to the bottom if your top is heavier. I also think women need to start investing in some seamless underwear, especially for body hugging clothing.

Style secret
I’m always wearing six-inch heels because I’m convinced I’m short and petite. I pretty much go to the market in heels. The other secret is with my face. What people don’t know is that soap ages you and wears out your skin. I wash my face only about three times a week with soap. Other times, I simply wipe my face with a face towel soaked in hot water to open up the pores and keep it looking flawless.

Style crush
My mother. She has always been so stylish and classy that my friends in school would run to see what she was dressed in on visitation days. Also, Justin Timberlake and my brother.

Style surprise
I love lingerie. I always make sure that my lingerie matches my outfit. When I am travelling, I have almost a suitcase-full of lingerie, only matching sets.