What does it take to get ready for a red-carpet look?

Fashion is pain. That’s way too much fabric for one to carry to be honest. It was really heavy, but, on the other hand, it was all good.
How long did it take you to get ready?
It didn’t take me long to dress, remember I have a background in stage performance. We would change from costume to costume within a space of 4 minutes. So I would be lying if I said I took hours to get ready. I managed my time so well and I was on the red carpet by 7.30pm.
Did you have a wardrobe malfunction we didn’t notice?
None, thank God I didn’t trip over.
What was the cost of your entire look head to toe?
I prefer not to mention it.
What impact does this kind of meticulousness have on you as a public figure?
With red carpet dressing, people need to understand that this is a high profile event and it’s very important for someone to look their best. As a public figure, glitz and glamour is part of me, so, whenever there are occasions like this I need to make a statement. These are pictures that are going to flood the internet so it’s important that I have my act together.

PIA POUNDS, ARTISTE
You shared on social media that your first gown was inspired by the last episode of the series, Game of Thrones. And the second by The Crown. Why did you choose to pay homage to these series?
They are the most popular series of 2019. I identified a lot with Khaleesi and Queen Elizabeth in The Crown. Because the theme of the event was ‘The Starz’, I had to unleash that side of me. It wasn’t me on the red carpet, it was what I was representing. I can’t call it paying homage, I’m just super obsessed with the two characters.
How did the themes of the two shows reflect in the dresses?
My first dress had floral winter flakes, bare skin which represented freedom, no fear and confidence. Snow represents hard times, no matter what the world brings my way. The second gown was all about royalty evidenced in yellow colour.
You said that the yellow gown was made in exactly two days. Isn’t that so little time for a designer to create a gown with such intricate detail?
I committed to it really late, it was beyond me. I’m just surprised that Dyna Vence (a designer) and her team put exactly what I wanted in such little time.
How involved were you in the creation of both looks?
I gave Fatumah Asha my vision, she created something, showed me and we agreed. I wasn’t so much involved in the rest. For the second look, I specifically chose the colour yellow and Dyna and team did the rest.
And Fatumah had to stitch the flowers on you...
I actually said half the flowers on the dress were put on while it was on my body. This was because Fatumah had to be careful where to put them and where not to, my bust, butt area and cleavage. The glue gun was hot, but look how the dress came out, absolutely perfect.

Priscilla Ray, model
What inspired the voluminous tulle gown?
I wanted something elegant and very feminine and yet trendy at the same time. My outfit was made out of tulle fabric, which is one of the traditionally feminine fabrics. It’s delicate yet strong, pure and sexy. The fabric has become a catwalk staple in recent seasons.
How involved were you in its creation?
I was very involved. I explained to Abbas (a Ugandan designer and stylist) exactly what I wanted my dress to look like, he put the idea on paper, infused it with his own ideas to accentuate the look and voila, a showstopper was created!!
How long did it take the designer to create it?
You’ll probably not believe it but it took Abbas just a week to make this outfit. The cost was
Shs2.5m.
Were you comfortable in it?
I was comfortable walking with it but it was a bit tricky having to sit down although I managed.
Did you encounter a wardrobe malfunction we didn’t notice?
Haha yes, a bit. My bra kept peeping out from underneath the top.
How did you zero down to Abbas Kaijuka to create it for you?
Abbas is known for his visionary statement-making designs and he loves taking risks which usually pay off. He infuses conventional pieces with cutting edge tailoring. He has made for me many pieces before. His work is different from what you would normally find around. So I knew if I wanted to make a statement, he was the right person.

How long do you usually take to get dressed up? Compare to how long you took to get ready for this one.

I usually take about 15 minutes to get dressed. This time it took me about 2 hours to make sure my hair and makeup were flawless. I needed to look perfect for the red carpet.

What was cost of both looks?
Rough estimate, Shs3m.
Let’s talk about comfort…
In the white dress, I feared someone would tell I wasn’t in any underwear. In the yellow dress I feared I’d trip and fall. So I wore no shoes. Luckily everyone appreciated the dresses and I had an amazing time.
There are so many talented designers in Uganda, why Fatumah Asha and Dyna Vence?
Fatumah is so creative, fast, and never goes wrong on a dress. She has always believed in me even when the world didn’t know me. She knows my body a little too well, I trust her with it. Then, Dyna is so daring. I admire that about her, she can do anything.
How long did it take you to slip into these gowns?
I am always late for everything because it takes me a million minutes to get ready. For this event I started doing hair and make-up at 2pm and was on the red carpet at 8pm.
What do you gain from going through trouble just to pose for good pictures?
Red carpet is a moment of expression,a time for people to see who you mean to be at that particular event.