Models, designers, lights cameras and action were the order of things last week Friday night when the stage was set for the second Guyana Fashion Weekend (GFW) billed for October 1 to 5.
With the event creating quite a stir last year it has now garnered the full support of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce as well as the private sector who have came together to ensure that it is on the calendar of events this year.
The organisers are aiming for it to become an annual feature at which mainly local models will get to showcase the work of both local and overseas – Caribbean and USA – budding fashion designers.
Last Friday’s launch took place at the Duke’s Lodge in Kingston under the watchful eyes of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sonia Noel, who in her own right is one of Guyana’s most talented designers, as well as a wide array of supporters including government officials, private sector representatives and the 2008 Ms Renaissance contestants.
During the official launching, the models – male, female, plus sizes and slim – were introduced to the audience in a simple and sequential routine.
While some of the models are known for their presence on stage, there were many new faces among this crop and they strutted their stuff with ease. This cast was chosen after a series of auditions held by GFW officials.
In keeping with the whole concept of fashion, the models all decked out in black, ensured that they could hold their own with anyone in their field.
According to Public Service Minister Jennifer Westford, there is a “rich array of talented Guyanese and fashion designers who were just dwelling in the shadows,” and the GFW is the prefect forum to bring them out.
She noted that since fashion is a major factor internationally, the event will have the full backing of the Tourism Ministry to ensure that it is successful, adding that there is a lot that would be expected this year.
The models are receiving their catwalk training from Artistic Director Richard Young, a Trinidadian who has been in the fashion business for about 25 years working in various countries in the Caribbean region.
Young mentioned at the launching that the GFW is a good venture for Guyana and thanked the ministers for their help in ensuring that event is on again for a second time.
And also present was the Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, all dressed up in a bright red shirt, straying from his customary suits.
Birthday celebration
And the launch coincided with Noel’s birthday which she chose to celebrate with those gathered there, cutting a huge birthday cake with her daughters before sharing it out.
Dressed in a black and gold gown – one of her very own designs – Noel who has created a market here and in Barbados was all smiles throughout the launch.
She expressed her glee at the support she is receiving to promote this second launch and thanked all her supporters. Caribvision, National Communications Network (NCN), Caribbean Airlines, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and Digicel are the members of the private sector who are contributing to this year’s staging of the GFW.
Noel told The Scene recently that about 25 local designers along with eight from Martinique, USA, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Antigua will be a part of the show this year. (zoisa_f@yahoo.com)
