Suriname in love with Sonia Noel

Suriname has fallen in love with Sonia Noel all over again.

Her Mariska’s designs adorned the bodies of a few celebrities at last week’s Suripoku Awards, Tascha Samuel reported in de Ware tijd.

According to the report, Sonia was already known in the past years, but after Carifesta

and Suriname Fashion Week, both of which were held last year, “her star is ever rising.”

Sonia Noel at the Suripoku Awards (Photo by Stefano Tull)
Sonia Noel at the Suripoku Awards (Photo by Stefano Tull)
Danitsha Sahadewsing (wearing Sonia Noel’s Mariska’s Designs) with her boyfriend the renowned DJ Gilly Gonzalez at the Suripoku Awards. (Photo by Stefano Tull)
Danitsha Sahadewsing (wearing Sonia Noel’s Mariska’s Designs) with her boyfriend the renowned DJ Gilly Gonzalez at the Suripoku Awards. (Photo by Stefano Tull)

Suriname’s Suripoku Awards in which local artists in the music scene are awarded, was held for the second time only and the venue was TBL Cinemas. According to Samuel’s report, the former Miss Suriname Zoureena Rijger, Miss Caribbean Plus Size Cheryll Rijger, and singer Danitsha Sagadewsing wore Sonia’s Mariska’s designs.

Chairman of the Suripoku Awards Ralph Wondel commented that “Sonia Noel did a fantastic job at the Suripoku Awards and Suriname is in love with her work. We are looking forward to her being involved even more…”

On Saturday, International Women’s Day, the report said, a show was held at the society house Het Park, where Sonia, along with Surinamese hat maker, the talented Janet Stjeward put on “a true fashion extravaganza.” Janet showed a set of unique hats made of natural fibres such as “sisal” and “buntal” entwined with African fabrics. She displayed the roots of her love for hats and her inspiration, the Afro-Surinamese headdress known as “angisa”.

Samuel reported that Sonia’s Mariska’s designs line was described as ‘From Beach to the Ballroom’ and the audience was wowed by the collection that truly varied from colourful beachwear that could be worn in different ways with the use of an adjustable band. There was also Sonia’s signature wooden beads and latticework designs. “This is not what we are accustomed to. But this so tropical, so uniquely Caribbean. I am so getting one of those unique kaftans,” the report quoted a patron at the event as saying to her friends.

Meanwhile, Sonia said, “I feel so much love and appreciation in Suriname and I am looking forward to working with the creative sector here.”

Sonia Noel Designs are available in De Kus and Max & Co in Suriname.