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Sonia Noel & Sanola Forte Represent at St. Vincent Show

Fashion lovers in St. Vincent were surely able to whet their appetites and then full their stomachs with as much fashion as they wanted when Mije Modeling & Advertising Agency held its 3rd Annual Carnival Catwalk last Sunday evening. Set in the historic Pirate’s Cave in Lowman’s Bay, the show got off to an exciting start with the Mije models paying tribute to the veterans in the Caribbean Fashion Industry.

Shonta Noel, an 11 year old designer from Barbados started the collections rolling with her label La Cyanne and presented a line of chic, sexy silk and chiffon dresses that with body flattering cuts. Mije Models themselves put together a line of clothing which was cleverly constructed and dominated with organic accessories like coconut leaves and shells and was a major hit with the patrons. Many persons from the sold out audience enjoyed the collection of newcomer Jeremy Payne who dabbled in many fabrics and styles to come up with his offering.

And then there was the revolution, 3rd Revolt of Barbados presented a t-shirt line which ranged from dresses to sleeveless vests to long sleeved dressy T’s. A designer to watch in the future is Lisa Cordice, she offered a well coordinated line of clothing made mostly of satins accessorized with lace. Her collection featured casual, elegantly casual and formal pieces that seemed to be very well constructed. The heat then rose to another level as Fetish Swimwear by Cassandra Mottley of Barbados hit the stage. Models strut their stuff in sexy one piece swimsuits, tankinis and bikinis studded and accessorised with colorful wraps.

With Fetish Swimwear leaving the end of the first half of the show so heated, celebrated Designer Debbie Barbour presented her 2008 Wedding Collection. She showcased elegant wedding ensembles fused with Caribbean colors and the cool, calm nature of the islands. The female patrons then had a treat as Sharon Tanner of EC Harbour showcased her collection. The St. Lucian label featured sexy men shirts made of linens and cottons to outfit the metro-sexual man who was sure of his masculinity. Tanner also presented a female line of clothing ranging from casual pieces to evening gowns.

Guyanese Designer Sanola Forte made a definite splash on the runway with her Bumble Bee Collection. Glitzy pieces dominated her line and sexy cuts were the highlight of her line. Fetish Boutique and J& E Boutique also took to the Carnival Catwalk stage and both of them showcased clothing that was available in their respective stores.

Veteran Designer Sonia Noel closed the show with her 2009 Spring/ Summer Collection. Entitled “Animal Unleashed,” Noel brought the house down from beginning to end. The well styled collection started with guest model from Barbados Raymond Ward wearing a leopard-skin swim trunk and carrying a duffle bag and ended with Mije Senior Model Karlene wearing a close fitting evening dress. Noel convinced that 12 years in the business was well worth it.

Guest Acts were by Bomani who was thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish and by the Arabesque Dancers who danced to a medley of Carnival Hits.

Executive Producer Jean Johhny-Findlay and Production Director Kofi Branch (The Design Factor) of Barbados were both pleased with the event and expressed their excitement for Carnival Catwalk 4 to be held in 2009.

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Guyana Fashion Weekend Model Castings

In 2007, the inaugural Guyana Fashion Weekend brought together the best of Guyana’s and by extension the Caribbean’s designers for two spectacular showings of fashion at Buddy’s International Hotel. The event forced the eyes of regional and international media houses to focus on Guyana as it stated it claim as the new Fashion Mecca of South America and the Caribbean. Now, it’s time to do it all over again.

The second annual Guyana Fashion Weekend will be held in October and plans are well on their way to making the event bigger and even more successful than the 2007 event. A new venue with a larger capacity, more designers and even an added night of fashion are all some of the addition to the new event.

The directors of Guyana Fashion Weekend 2008 will be hosting a model casting for persons, male and female between the ages of 16 and 25 on July 18th at 6 p.m. and July 19th at 4 p.m. The casting will be held at Zoom Inn Hotel at Croal Street.

Models needing more information should email at [email protected] or call Ruth at 613-7457.

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Nominations Committee for Accolade – The Music Awards of Guyana

Guyanese Musicians, producers and persons ancillary to the music industry are one step closer to finding out who will be nominated as the crème de le crème in their field. This happens as the directorship of the Accolade Awards announce the nominations committee whose job is to research and then nominate the most suitable persons for the proposed categories. The nominations committee is made up of the following persons:

Burchmore Simon – Music Producer

Kerwyn Bollers – Entertainer

Sean Bhola – Song writer/ producer

Malcolm Ferreia – Radio Announcer/DJ

Jaya Devi Manickchand – Attorney-at-law

The Accolades team revealed that musicians will be nominated in some thirty- three categories ranging from Lifetime Achievement Awards to Entertainer of the year, to Song of the Year with a long list of others.

Artiste wanting to submit their music to the nominations team should contact Mr. Burchmore Simon or call 698-5195.

The Music Awards will be held on November 30th 2008 at the National Cultural Centre and is promised to be an evening of glitz and glamour from the red carpet entrance to the last performance. Guyanese patrons can expect local and regional performances from the best in the business.

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Carifesta Fashion Village in Full Bloom

As Carifesta returns to its homeland from August 22nd -31st 2008, they are many expectations and much was promised. One great promise is the fashion village which will be hosted at the Sophia Exhibition Site. Some months ago, Sonia Noel and her team of industry professionals were given the task of planning the Fashion Focus aspect of Carifesta.

Now, just over eight weeks before Carifesta X, Noel is assuring the Guyanese public that plans are on stream and that she is more excited than ever to be a part of this great Caribbean “mixing bowl.”

Some may be wondering what to expect and looking to mark their calendars for the major fashion shows. Miss Noel explained that there will be 3 main event shows, two displaying fashion and one displaying hair styling and accessories. The first fashion show will be hosted on Sunday August 24th, the hair and accessories show will hit the runway on Wednesday August 27th, while the second fashion show will happen on Saturday August 30th.

The Fashion Focus team also assured that the best of Guyanese models will be on show. This assurance came from model trainer Richard Young who said that because of the huge turn out for the model casting (over 200 persons were there), the panel was able to select from a wide spectrum of faces, looks and ethnicities to come up with the right mix and representation of persons to strut on the catwalk.

The Fashion Village will open on August 23rd to the public from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. and will continue with the same opening hours until August 30th 2008. Each day except the days with the mega shows, there will be free workshops for persons viewing the exhibition. Patrons can learn about personal development, hair and skincare, view make up demonstrations, have a make-over and even find out how to wrap their heads for different occasions.

When the Caribbean comes to Guyana on August 22nd to showcase their many talents, it is quite obvious that the Fashion Village will be filled with beautiful exhibits, lots of designer clothing, top class fashion events and workshops to make every one more fashion ready.

Carifesta fashion focus … In Full Bloom
Public Relations Services provided by

K. Akeem Branch

Managing Director

The Design Factor

Tel: (246) 237-8708

(592) 698-5195

Email: [email protected]

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Fashion Village Heats Up Another Degree

It’s the start of the summer and it’s already heated but the team producing Carifesta Fashion Focus has raised the temperature a few more notches to ensure that the Fashion Village is better than ever for Carifesta Ten with the addition of a third show which will showcase fantasy hair styles and accessories.

Chairman of Carifesta Fashion Focus Sonia Noel explained that many times the work of the hairstylist, jewelry and accessory designers take the back seat to the clothing on display and now the Fashion Focus Team wants to highlight their good work.

Without letting too much out of the bag she explained that the show will be staged as a runway show but with some twists to feature the ancillary industry professionals.

The Fashion focus team is urgently looking for hairstylists who are interested in being a part of the show to promote their talent. For more information, hairstylists are asked to Ruth at 613-7457.

Public Relations Services provided by

K. Akeem Branch

Managing Director

The Design Factor

Tel: (246) 237-8708

(592) 698-5195

Email: [email protected]

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A Celebration of the Music Industry

The Vision

Accolade coincides with the strategic efforts to “promote Guyana”, by showcasing its rich and diverse arts and cultures. The unique exhibition of our local talent (at another level) is the continuation of the unleashing of our vast potentials in the music industry.

Once again Guyana will be making its mark in the international arena by rewarding artistic excellence in the music industry through a premier event comparable to international Award shows such as the Grammy’s and the one produced by BET.

Indeed, the line up of fantastic performances will represent a climax for the local entertainment diehards and at the same time promote and represent a hype for the local music industry. Guyanese are asked to prepare themselves for an event which can only be billed as an excellent experience – from red carpet entrances to outstanding local and regional performances from a mind blowing awards ceremony to interational celebrity endorsements.

The music industry is at a critical crossroad and deserves every effort to highlight its achievements, motivate its artistes, elevate standards, encourage artistic excellence and utilize talents that may be inclined to engage in negative endeavours.

It is both opportune and ideal that this venture, capitalizing on the positive experiences coming out of Guyana’s successful hosting of Cricket World Cup, (CWC), Rio Summit, Guyana Fashion Weekend and Commonwealth Finance Minister’s Meeting, (CFMM) all held in 2007 and CARIFESTA 2008, be staged at this time.

This celebration of achievements in the music industry will be Guyana’s most prestigous gala event.

“Arrowhead” our promotional group (registered under Business Names: Registration Act Chapter 90:05) is therefore desrious of advancing strategic partnership for high-level media coverage and public participation as part of our inclusive approach to maximize the potential of the music industry.

The Objectives

  1. To recognise, appreciate and reward local  artiste and music professionals for their contributions to the striving music industry in Guyana.
  2. To extend motivation and provide exposure for local artistes, all relevant to the growth and development of the music industry in Guyana.
  3. To provide an opportunity for local artistes to market and highlight their talent as a product.
  4. To enocurage and promote qaulity as well as to increase meaningful involvement in an effort to ensure the overall development of the music industry in Guyana.

Live up to the prestige and challenge!

With an event of this magnitude, the music industry will catapult to a new level providing great benefits to be derived all for the maximum advantage of your company.

Coming fully on board will facilitate the upward climb of business by connectiing with thousands of locals, overseas-based Guyanese and non-resident visitors from North America, United Kingdom and Caribbean to more than six events during an eight-month period.

Proposed Dates and Activities

The fantasy of creative entertainment!

June 6th 2008 – Official Media Launch

July 25th 2008 – Cocktail Launch

October 4th 2008 – Accolade Fashion Event

November 30th 2008 – Pre-Show & Cocktail Party Accolade Awards & Mega Show

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Fashion, Art & Creativity by Talented Students 2 (FACTS 2) first elimination

Facts & Roses on Friday May 16 held the first elimination of student designers in the Fashion, Art & Creativity by Talented Students 2 (FACTS 2). Going home was Shondeen Walters of St. Joseph’s High who did not find enough favour with the judges to go through.

Odessa Grogan of St. John’s College was adjudged best designer for the first task and was overwhelmingly relieved that she collapsed to the floor with excitement exclaiming ‘I just wanna get off my feet for a while!’

Odessa won G$20,000 for designing the winning piece plus the model that displayed her uniform was awarded a Cole Facts outfit.

The judges for the competition were mostly ecstatic about the designs and encouraged the participants to continue doing what they like best. At one point many felt that they were being judged by Simon of American idol fame as the comments from the judges were brutally stinging.
Remaining in the competition through to the next round are Keisha Harry, Odessa Grogan, Sherrie Hewitt, Krystal Patterson, David Clarke, Sophia Bowman, Sharda Elegon, Afia Bobb, Jenel Cox & Ashley Cameron.

The first programme of FACTS 2 will air thisMo Monday 19th May prime time on HJTV Ch 72 and rebroadcast during the coming week.

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Guyanese Designer Reality Show Next Big Thing in Fashion

Many people would wonder if “Project Runway” has come to Guyana because a reality designer show is slated for Guyana in a few weeks. Production Director Kofi Branch explained that after Guyana Model Search’s finale it was obvious that young budding designers need an outlet to push their creative energies.

Branch is one of the members of Sonia Noel’s team who will make the event a reality. The eight week television show will focus on prospective talent taking them through the ropes of becoming established players in the industry. It will focus on cutting and designing, styling and color coordination and one of the most important factors marketing.

“Designer Portfolio” is the name and fashion is the game and Noel explained that the team is looking for persons who want to turn their creative ideas into enterprise and take the Caribbean fashion region by storm.

As expected with Noel’s production, it will be glitzy well put together and the best in the business hailing from the Caribbean, US and Europe will be part of the show to ensure that it’s a success.

Young designers who have sketches, individuals just an idea or even just a dream should contact Donette Brotherson at 680-6325 or via email at [email protected]

Designer Portfolio… Taking fashion to the next level!

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Ignition Concert Post Report -WildFire

As we have just concluded our IGNITION CONCERT for 2008 we would like to give an official statement about the event and some of the occurrences at the end of the show. As the production company controlling this event we accept and take blame that there was some disorder during the main and final act Bounty Killer due to the sound & light company technical difficulties. We wish to clarify what happened and make it clear as to why things unfolded the way they did.

There are international news stories that have reported incorrectly based on a certain newspaper’s spin on the concert. We are not saying that there wasn’t a problem that caused a chain reaction of events, but there needs to be some clarity as to what happened since the reporter was very inadequate in doing her job. She has made statements quoting from us when she has never officially spoken to any representative from Wildfire Productions.
First of all there were no major problems for the night until the sound & light company had severe problems with their equipment. This happened about 20 minutes into Bounty Killer’s performance. The entire sound and lights shut down due to negligence on their part. Bounty Killer showed extreme patience and sat on the stage and waited for the power to return. It came on again for approximately 10 minutes which Bounty hyped the crowd only for the sound company to lose power again. Bounty, unlike his usual self, sat down on the stage again to show the Guyanese people that he had no intention of giving a short performance nor intended to leave. When the sound was back up again Bounty apologized for them and asked the people to please be patient and that these things happen. The crowd was with Bounty all the way, but then the sound went down for a third time. At this time it was 2:05 a.m. and the police said it was cut off time as they did not see the sound getting back up again efficiently. At this time Bounty was instructed to leave the stage, and this upset the patrons there as they wanted more of Bounty Killer. This frustration led to bottles being hurled at the stage in protest of Bounty coming off prematurely. One newspaper made it appear that bottles were thrown at Bounty Killer because of his lyrics and performance but this was not the case. As we can report the bottles were hurled as a result of the power outage from the sound system so many times, and for the fact that people did not get to see the main act Bounty Killer which they wanted to see.

As there was no power for the emcee to call for order on the mic, the police took matters into their hands and fired off some warning shots to disperse the crowd and to stop the bottle throwing before someone got hurt. This worked effectively as the bottles stopped immediately and the crowd exited the venue. People left safely as there were no reports from the hospital of injuries the next day.

While the problems that were encountered are not the direct fault of Wildfire Productions we do accept some amount of responsibility. We understand that we need to be more stringent with our suppliers such as the sound & light company since they have caused us much embarrassment and potential danger for not being efficient with their equipment. Also, the bar service that were serving beverages deterred from our agreement and sold them from the bottles instead of plastic cups. This was totally unacceptable and they too had endangered persons there. However, as this has already happened we can only implement a more strict and severe penalty clause on suppliers who do not work efficiently and accordingly to our instructions.

We would like to thank the thousands of fans who came out to the Ignition Concert and as reports had it, they enjoyed themselves thoroughly with the exception of the ending part of the show. We once again apologize for the chain reaction of events that occurred and will work harder to ensure that it doesn’t repeat itself.

Wildfire Production Team

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Wildfire Production Press Release

The fuse has been lit and is rapidly burning down to the IGNITION Concert on Saturday as Wildfire Productions have everything in place and accordingly, all systems are go. Tickets are readily available at Nanda’s Boutique, Medicare Pharmacies, Beepats, White Castle Fish Shop, Nigel’s Supermarkets, Matts Record Bar, and Giftland Officemax. The advance tickets are $3,000 and VIP’s are $10,000.

Special emphasis has been placed on security as National Park does have its weaknesses in the perimeter. However special security consultants have been contracted and measures are in place to ensure that the venue is well secured. The police have been very co-operative in advising about the necessary precautions to take. They have also expressed their stringent no tolerance attitude towards firearms and unruly patrons. No drinks or food will be allowed into the venue as there will be food and beverage franchises selling same. There will be two security checkpoints, and anyone entering the venue MUST have an OFFICIAL ticket. The entrance will be the Eastern gate on Thomas Land road. Also, Thomas Land road will be used as a one way moving east to west. Parking will be in the Malteenoes cricket ground. VIP ticket holders will have an exclusive VIP Parking in the National Park itself with the entrance from Carifesta Avenue, but VIP Patrons MUST have a VIP ticket to be able to get through security from Carifesta Avenue.

Due to popular demand, we will be having a morning show dubbed “The PRE-IGNITION Matinee Show” featuring QQ at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. We have had many requests from parents of/and students alike as many would not be allowed to attend the evening concert as it is catered for adults. In reacting to the demand we have decided to organize and execute a show for this crowd. QQ will be the feature artist with Guyanese artists such as Jory, Gialiani, Typheon, Ilaman, Mystic and Young Fyah performing. Tickets are $800 VAT inclusive for children and $1,200 for the adults who need to accompany the underage children.

Patrons are URGED to buy their tickets early and get in the venue so as not to miss the show. On average it will take approximately 3-25 minutes to enter the venue depending on what time patrons arrive. The earlier the better as the crowd will not be so huge. Gates will be open at 7pm and the show starts PROMPTLY at 9pm with the Brutal Jammers warming up followed by Ilaman, Mystic, Typheon, Gialiani, and then Jory. The International segment will commence at 11 pm starting with QQ followed by Wayne Wonder and Bounty Killer. We advise patrons to get there early so that they may get their full money’s worth from the event.
Persons can also lookout on NCN 11 to see the LIVE RED & WHITE Party from 1pm-2pm on Saturday the 19th April. This will be simultaneously aired with a LIVE radio broadcast on 98.1 Hot Fm. Fans can get to see the artists of the IGNITION CONCERT give interviews.

Wildfire Productions would just like to thank our sponsors Digicel, Carib Beer, F&H Printing, Caribbean Airlines, Nanda’s Boutique, White Castle Fish Shop, Facts’n’Roses, Dyna’s Embroidery and Giftland Officemax. Also we would like to extend our thanks to the patrons who support our events as they are the ones who encourage us to do more for Guyana’s entertainment industry. We thank you and hope you are all there to come and Ignite Guyana with us on Saturday!

Wildfire Productions Team