Traits’ Strut II offered impressive fashion fusion

These little ladies are outfitted in pieces from Randy Madray’s Designs.
These little ladies are outfitted in pieces from Randy Madray’s Designs.

Traits Model Management began November with an impressive fashion fusion on two Wednesday nights ago – Strut II – at the Marriott Hotel, showcasing designs from some of Guyana’s finest as well as others from Canada, New York and Grenada.

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Traits Model Management’s Achievement Award to Guyanese and international model, Delesa Archer. This was the first time the award was given and it was a public acknowledgement of Delesa’s success as a model, which was heightened when she was selected to walk in Kanye West’s ‘Yeezy Season 2’. An almost emotional Delesa accepted the award happily.

Another highpoint was the presentation of Mwanza Glenn’s formal and couture designs. The mostly black collection filled the stage with models strutting to eerie music in the background. There was even one model who appeared to be channeling Angelina Jolie’s Maleficent. This particular design drew the crowd in.

Randy Madray’s first ever ready-to-wear collection was also a crowd pleaser. Most of his female models took to the stage in floor-length gowns wearing stylish colourful muffs covering their ears. Almost at the end two little flower girls in white pieces paved the way for Randy’s pièce de résistance: a white laced flowing wedding gown,

modelled by Xamiera Kippins, drawing applause and praise from the audience.

Among the other designers whose collections graced the runway was Francois Designs with formal and couture pieces.

Andrew Harris out of New York played with colours in his casuals, while Olympia’s Fashions presented ready-to-wear formal and couture pieces.

House of Pearson enticed the audience with swimwear.

Roell Gomes of Canada by way of Mabaruma, Region One presented designs in subtle tones and included evening and casual pieces.

Cindy Francois of Francois Designs from Grenada leaned more to the casual and colourful.

There were also performances by R&B artiste Raymar Hall.

The show began half an hour after the scheduled 7 o’clock start, due to patrons arriving late. However, the Marriott ballroom was packed with more than 460 persons in attendance.

Strut II was emceed by co-founder of Curl Fete Tamika Henry.

Walking the runway at the end to acknowledge the crowd were the team members of Traits, Oronde George (CEO and Managing Director), Keith Allicock (Runway Coach and Executive member) and Junior Kennedy (Co-founder).

Speaking to The Scene afterward, Oronde said he believed the event was a success as it saw more persons than the Strut Fashion Show in 2015. He stated that Strut will now be an annual event. He added that Guyana can look forward to bigger and better events from Traits.