Designer Sonia Noel is back on the radar, unofficially launching Guyana Model Search 2009 and her brainchild project, Designer Portfolio 2009. She is also gearing up to represent Guyana at the upcoming Fashion Week of Trinidad and Tobago.

A Sonia Noel design

Sonia also has a new project in the works this year; she is looking for a top local stylist, and has already begun a nationwide search to recruit the best here.

The search for Guyana’s next top model is down to 15 guys and 12 girls, but the numbers are expected to be cut to 12 in each category before the show begins to be televised nationally.

Sonia, in an interview earlier this week, commented on how difficult the selection process was this year, adding that the turnouts were “incredible”. She reflected on the tremendous response shown last year saying that interest in the project continues to grow.

She disclosed that workshops and training sessions will soon begin to enhance the skills of those selected. Sonia is of the belief that training is essential before the persons selected are introduced to a national audience.

She disclosed that July 5 has been scheduled for the finals of the events combined and that Splashmins has been chosen as the venue.

The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GT&T) company is one of the main sponsors of the event, and according to Sonia, the company has been supporting local talent routinely, particularly throwing its support behind Guyana Fashion Weekend.

The model search and designer portfolio competitions will be broadcast on NCN Channel 11 and HJTV Channel 72, as well as TTS Bartica. Additionally, they will be aired on the Caribbean Broadcasting Network. The public could get involved through online voting and texting, according to Sonia.

Shanelly Kendall on stage at Trinidad and Tobago fashion Weekend last year

Last year Shanelly Kendall was the female top model, while Michael Younge was her male counterpart.

Meanwhile, Sonia disclosed that she will unveil a new 24-piece collection at the upcoming fashion week in Trinidad. She said that being invited back provided her with a great opportunity to represent Guyana again.

Other designers scheduled to appear at the event are Claudia Pegus, Heather Jones, Robert Young,  Simple Garnett all of Trinidad, Calvin Southwell of Antigua, Brown Sugar of St Kitts, Avark from Barbados and Francis Hendy of the USA. Richard Young is the production director of this event.

Sonia said also that local model Meleesa Payne has been selected to model at the fashion week in Trinidad. Meleesa, she said, has been impressive on runways here and in the region, recently making waves in Jamaica.