CEO of GFW Sonia Noel will again represent Guyana at Fashion Week of Trinidad and Tobago which promises to be even bigger and better than before. FWTT provides a strategic and essential platform for merchandising and branding for Caribbean designers living in the Caribbean and the diaspora.
Rosemary Stone, Public Relations director of Fashion Week Trinidad and Tobago (FWTT) is excited about Mariska’s Designs participation in this year’s spectacular nine day fashion festival and said “This year we are increasing our scope – six days in Trinidad and three in Tobago.” FWTT3 kicks-off in Tobago on May 29 with a gala networking party hosted by the Tobago House of Assembly and the Tourism Development Company Limited at Coco Reef Tobago.
All told there are more than fifty designers chocked full of fashion forward options to be presented through seven identifiable Caribbean brands such as Tobago style, Resort Caribbean, cutting edge Caribbean, cosquelle couture – trini swimwear, nouveau Caribbean, new world style and haute Caribbean.
Sonia Noel, in FWTT three year history will be presenting on Resort Caribbean and New World style themes and she expressed her elation at being one of the select designers to showcase in both Tobago and Trinidad.
Last year Noel’s collection was dubbed HYBRID that paid homage to vegetation and the undergrowth of the forest. The colours lilac mauve and purple represent the beautiful colours that are sometimes lost in the undergrowth.Melissa Payne who was very impressive in the show stopper for that collection.
She goes under the label Mariska’s designs but she will be launching a Sonia Noel resort and leather sandals line in Tobago on the 31 st May.Different types of cotton is utilise for this line and it is free fitting and flowing resort dresses that you can also dress up depending on the occasion.Her versatile rap dresses which can be worn more than six ways will also be featured in this collection.The leather footwear line will feature slippers and sandals embellish with various types of stones.
Noel will showcase in Trinidad her new black and white collection of which she is well known for and because for her concern for breast cancer she will also be showing a collection of mainly pink ensemble.
The collection will showcase various shades of pink and designed with zips and button to give it that creative edge.
In addition to Sonia’s participation Guyana’s top cat walk diva Meleesa Payne as well as Guyana Model Search winners, Jumain Victor and Yolanda Kerr will strutt their stuff on the catwalks. They wing out to the twin islands for shows slated for June 2 – 6.
When the curtain is raised for Trinidad’s third Fashion Week billed for start today (Friday) in Tobago with continuation from Monday to Friday in Trinidad next week, Guyana will be well represented not just by home based influences.
presentation got the evening off on a positive and promising start. Her collection included lightweight, colourful and stylish pieces, which the models displayed with confidence and elegance.
Next was the sister team of Nikisha and Nuddine Telford out of Linden. They displayed an array of colorful designs that were party-oriented, racy in comparison to those of the other designers, and which provided a true reflection of youth. They also sought to integrate some semi-formal and casual fashion into their presentation. The Telford sisters presented their fashion line dubbed “Climax Designs” for which they were OR and were also awarded the title of “Most Promising New Designers” by the publisher of Shabeau magazine. Along with this title, the young ladies will receive a full pictorial and editorial display in the magazine, and have also received a trophy. The young ladies were offered a grand opportunity to showcase their pieces at an international fashion show to be held in Trinidad and Tobago sometime soon. Guyanese publisher of Shabeau magazine said that she will continue to support Sonia Noel in the presentation of Guyana Fashion Weekend, and is very honoured to give back to her country.
designing the costumes for the group X2. Because of the encouragement she received, she proceeded to design Adrian Dutchin’s costume for the 2006 Soca Monarch competition, which he won. She also designed the costume which he performed in at this year’s competition.
Lou Ann Jackson followed with her colourful designs of casual and evening apparel. Prior to this, only female models were selected to showcase the pieces. The male models used for this presentation brought added flavour to the proceedings as they showcased not only the clothes, but also their chizzled physique much to the satisfaction of the females in attendance. Her pieces were mainly hand- painted and featured accessories to enhance the look.
evening wear. His clothing line also included some semi-formal pieces which were perfectly displayed by the beautiful and confident female models.
Andrea Braithwaite introduced her line of “Timeless Treasures” to the gathering. Her designs were elegant, stylish and comfortable. She also included in her line, provisions for full- figured women who would choose to be elegant, fashionable while maintaining a modest look. She pulled this off seamlessly, taking into consideration different age groups and body types. This was important to note as it shows her experience in dealing with different types of people and her ability to therefore make adjustments to suit any client.
designs were displayed with chic and grace by the local and international models. Forte’s designs consisted more of close-fitting clothing than loose flowing apparel. Following her display advisor to the President and PPP/C M.P., Mr. Odinga Lumumba addressed the gathering. In his address he congratulated the committee on a job well done and outlined some benefits that can be gained by hosting such an event in Guyana. He also said that this event allows the world to see what Guyana can produce in terms of fashion and entertainment. He also applauded Sonia Noel for her vision and dedication to the project and stated that “this woman has belly” to have executed such a monumental and historical event in this country.
Trinidadian Dominique Laroche unveiled his “Wearable Art” to the fashion enthusiasts present at the Buddy’s International Hotel. He utilized black veils to cover the head of his models to add a different flair and a bit of flavour. The high point of his presentation was when one of the male models came out in fawn slacks and a cream long sleeved top. When he was headed back and halfway down the runway the model turned around, took off his top, turned it over, then reveal a reversible side to the top. This was received with amazement and satisfaction by the females present. He also showcased a beautiful flowing white wedding gown with a matching male veil. This was an interesting insertion into the night’s proceedings.
bit by playing the recent hit single “African Queen” as catwalk music to fittingly display her African print designs. She also presented matching male and female African bridal apparel which was most delightful and entertaining. Donna Dove resides in the USA but originates from the twin island republic and brought her “Sugarcane” collection to the shores of Guyana. She expertly fitted both male and female models with colorful hand- painted clothing to reflect the bright colorful nature of the Caribbean. She also made provisions for full figured women in her line.
The final designer was, most appropriately, Ms. Sonia Noel. She brought the curtains down on this inaugural Guyana Fashion Weekend by displaying her fashion line “Mariska’s Designs”. Her pieces were accessorized with leopard spotted hats and scarves and added spice to the display. She also sought to display her versatility and skill by displaying a pair of models wearing the same coloured clothing but in different styles. To seal the deal so to speak all the models who participated in the event were asked to take one final trip down the catwalk. This event is expected to be an annual feature and will grow, as the years progress, to attract even more international attention and will hold a significant place in our country’s entertainment and tourism sector. Congratulations to the committee particularly Ms. Sonia Noel, on a job well done. Thank you for your vision and determination.
professionalism. The time printed on the tickets was 19:00 hrs, this time was upheld and may have hurt those who like to be *fashionably late*. According to a source, at 18:00 hrs the first two designers scheduled to display their pieces already had their models ready for the catwalk; all they had to do is keep cool until show time. This alone shows the level of preparedness and professionalism present in the organizing and executing this presentation.
The models were excellent in their presentation of the pieces they were selected to perform in, the females were graceful and poised as they strutted their stuff down the catwalk. Their appearance came to the pleasure of the men in attendance. The swimsuit and lingerie segments were exceptionally entertaining and fun to watch. The models were of differing ages and body types. The designers expertly fitted them with pieces which matched each body type and age exquisitely. The male contingent was atheistically received by the many females in attendance. There was hearty applause, whistles of approval and even shouts of encouragement coming from the packed conference room. The men moved confidently along the catwalk displaying swimsuits, shorts & casual wear. There was one difference when a male and a female model appeared together holding hands wearing matching black lingerie. They appeared to the pleasure and satisfaction of the gathering.
challenge for the well-trained models who were able to step to the beats with accuracy and style. There was one notable change in the music which caught my attention. Designer Cleon Cummings, out of the USA, started his segment of the program with Vybz Kartel. This was the only time during the evening that a dub, hip hop, and reggae mix was added to the music selections.
The designers who showcased their outfit brought a blend of the various styles of clothing. There were sizzling displays of swimwear and lingerie, elegant displays of casual wear, and to a lesser extent evening and formal wear. Some designers decided to spice up their displays with body and face paintings, costumes, and one designer even used hats in addition to the designs. Some designers displayed their matching male and female pieces which was a good sign of versatility. The majority of the designers opted to use a mixture of male and female models for their presentations. Sonia Noel on the other hand decided to showcase her collection utilizing only male models. This decision was certainly not contested by the female contingent of the large audience.
distinction between the V.I.P and L.I.P-less important people- seating areas. I was made to understand the only difference between the V.I.P tickets and the ordinary tickets was complimentary drinks. Some parts of the room were still hot despite the fact the air conditioning was on. Despite this, the evening was hailed as a success by the many patrons who made this a sold out affair. This event has undoubtedly propelled the fashion industry, the entertainment arena, the tourism sector and by virtue of that the country even more unto the international scene in a positive light.
From all indications the event was a tremendous success. It was considered a success not only because it was sold out, but because there were several notable figures present. Some of the more notworthy individuals there were His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo, the Minister of Tourism- Mr. Maniram Prashad – and Franchise owner for the Miss Guyana World pageant and M.P. Mr. Odinga Lamumba. With this level of support the event was bound to attract the attention it received.