On the 21st of November 2012 London-based designer José Hendo returned from a weeklong trip to Uganda which was the culmination of months of secret preparations.
After months of preparation and public speculation surrounding the wedding and the wedding dress of Princess Ruth Komuntale of the Ugandan Tooro Kingdom it all was finally revealed on the 17th of November 2012.
Tooro Kingdom Princess Ruth Komuntale was officially handed over to her American fiancé Christopher Thomas On the 15th of November with the giveaway function was held at the home of Mr Charles Kamurasi, the paternal uncle of Princess Komuntale. Mr Kamurasi is the omusuuga (head of the royal clan, the Babiito).
Unbeknownst to the public, the finishing touches were still on undertaken by award-winning José Hendo right up until the wedding day when the much anticipated Ugandan Wedding of the Year finally took place. José Hendo has been fervently at work designing the princess’ dress, those of her bridesmaids the waistcoats and the ties of the groomsmen. A romantic at heart with a passion for her home country and people this has been a labour of love for Hendo.
Princess Komuntale’s gown was sparkling white made of organza – a crisp, sheer, lightweight plain weave fabric, coupled with lace, satin and diamonds. The entire bust was crested with diamonds, with a little lace jacket complete with satin gloves that were embellished with two lines of diamond cresting at the bottom. Parts of the lace had floral patterns especially at the front and the edge of her trail of about one metre. This she matched with a white pearl necklace and earrings, a nice pair of silver platform open shoes and crowed it with her princess tiara.
The bridesmaids wore two colour toned A-line outfits in pink and lilac with embodiments at the top front and unique fascinators made of sinamay and feathers placed at the back of their hair. For shoes, some wore closed and others open platform silver embellished shoes. The assistant maid of honour wore a lilac dress different from the bridesmaids with bits of white lace while the head wore a flared dress, with white at the top and lilac at the bottom.
Later in the evening later in the evening, Princess Ruth Komuntale changed into what Hendo calls the princess dress – a body hugging dress of a deep champagne colour made of silk satin and heavily golden beaded lace. It was worn with silver and gold toned glittering platform boots.
Speaking from her North London based studio José Hendo said, “Weddings are always exciting and can be an overwhelming affair. I hope I delivered her dream dress. The princess has an exquisite taste so to have been appointed to work on her wedding which is my fourth wedding with this royal family has been an absolute delight and honour. It was such a lovely surprise to have been flown out as a special guest. I was only informed two days before departure. I am glad I was here to make sure everyone looked fabulous and was happy with my work. The princess and her husband make for such a beautiful and well-suited couple. May God bless and keep them.”
Tooro Kingdom Princess Ruth Komuntale who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Strategic Public Relations from the American University Washington, DC this year married her American fiancé Christopher Thomas on the 17th of November 2012. The Rwenzori Diocese Bishop Reuben Kisembo with the outgoing Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi residing conducted the wedding. at St. John’s Cathedral, Harukoto in Fort Portal.
José Hendo, is amongst the few selected designers to showcase her collection during Berlin Fashion Week with Africa Fashion Day Berlin’s inaugural showcase on the 15th of January 2013.
I think the custom is strange, but women probably felt naked going to a ball showing any skin. Boy have customs changed. I loved reading this post.
Designer evening gown