In two days, fashion will come alive as the absorbing creations of local, regional and international designers take centre stage at the second Guyana Fashion Weekend (GFW), according to Chief Executive Officer Sonia Noel.

The change in venue though last minute was meant to create a different ambience for the event, Noel said, yesterday at a press briefing. She said that the shift from the gymnasium to the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) would in no way affect its smooth execution.

Two overseas designers have already arrived in the country ahead of Friday’s opening; some 26 local designers will be featured during fashion weekend and close to 15 overseas designers.

Noel emphasized that GFW is essentially “Guyanese to the core”, while pointing out that the majority of catwalk models are locals. She said the event will have a Caribbean and international flavour, adding that the presence of designers from the region augurs well for its growth and future.

GWF 2 will be a “tented affair” according to Artistic Director, Trinidadian Richard Young. He told reporters yesterday that the idea is to present a fashion show under tents on the lawns of GCC, noting that consideration has been given to the weather over the weekend.

Young said there is a particular focus on the red carpet entrances this year, adding that it has been turned into a whole production. For the three nights of fashion Kings Jewellery World, Geddes Grant Ltd and COPS Security Services will sponsor the red carpet prizes and other featured events on the red carpet.

Kings Jewellery World, which is one of the major sponsors, will also launch a new jewellery line at GFW, according to Young. He pointed out that corporate Guyana had stepped up it support after government was unable to offer the same kind of financial backing it did last year.

“The administration spent a considerable amount on Carifesta which also featured four runaway shows so GFW 2 did not receive the support like it did last year, but we are more grateful for the blessings we have received,” Noel stated.

According to Young, three runway shows are planned for GFW 2 beginning on Friday and culminating on Sunday October 5, but on Saturday the organizers have planned a fusion of fashion and live music. He also disclosed that US actress Anna Maria Horsford, who is flying in for GFW, will debut a fashion line at the event but did not reveal on which night.

“It will be three nights of unforgettable fashion,” Noel added.

Some of the designers in the line-up this year include Noel, the now overseas-based Deryck Moore, Olympia Small-Sonaram, the Telford Sisters, Lou-Ann Lewis Jackson, Young and Dominique La Rouche among a string of others.