Local designers shine at New York fashion show

Guyana Fashion Week (GFW) might have wrapped up in August but the hype is certainly not over, as a few of the local designers turned on the heat in chilly Brooklyn last weekend at a lavish fashion affair.

The annual fashion party dubbed ‘Glance’ was hosted by New York based Guyanese fashion journalist Walter Green, and co-sponsored by Thierry Mugler Parfums – a division of the Clarins Fragrance Group. It was held at the Brooklyn Bridge Marriott Hotel’s grand ballroom.

Guyanese designer Sonia Noel, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GFW, was on hand along with local designer Derek Moore to showcase their latest creations. The break-through designs of sisters Nadine and Nekeisha Telford of ‘Climax’ label and the tantalizing ‘Strings and Things’ collection from Olympia Small-Sonoram were also showcased.

A press release from Green stated that other collections included creations from New York based Trinidadian designer, Francis Hendy; American designer William Fleet’s TBA collection; and Trinidadian designer, Saleem.

Green said fashion luminaries as well as celebrities like boxer Vivian Harris; top model Oraine Barnette; designer Hugh Johnson of Yardmanstyle; Black Enterprise editor Sonia Alleyne; the newly crowned Miss Trinidad & Tobago New York; and America’s Next Top Model Alumni, Camille McDonald attended.

Olympia’s collection opened the show and raised the heat index to a maximum, according to Green. Her daring swimwear that morphed into her sensational black lace lounge wear was a hit with the audience.

Climax followed, with Nadine and Nekeisha’s playful, girly looks that included the blue jersey, hooded mini-dress, mini-shirts and chic blouses, while Derek Moore presented a collection entitled `Ribbons and Ropes’ in stunning looks from silks and flowing chiffons. A seductive gown with a plunging d