Posted on

Bank of Guyana celebrates 47 Years with Fashion Extravaganza

Some Dresses by ShaSha Designs

The Bank of Guyana presented Fashion Extravaganza last Saturday, 20 October 2012 at the Theatre Guild. The celebration was held in honour of the Bank’s 47th Anniversary and featured designs from three local designers and performances by some of our very gifted local ladies.
The show began with the colourful and very jovial designs by Sha Sha Designs’, Keisha Edwards. The line called Summer Fun featured pieces that screamed cosiness, fun and excitement.
It was kind of hard to distinguish the seasoned models from the Bank of Guyana models because they all moved like professionals. Who knew Central Bank had all that talent, but more importantly who knew that they were interested and very willing to support local talent? The evening’s extravaganza is testimony of the Bank’s attentiveness and readiness to promote local talent.

Models exhibit elegant fashion

The almost packed Theatre Guild was serenaded by two of Guyana’s most remarkable singers. They were both given much exposure during this year’s Jamzone Summer Break and it was pleasing to see them both appearing at Central Bank’s Fashion Extravaganza. Lisa Punch treated the audience to two of her very own songs, Secret Admirer and How We Party; the latter inspired by her three year old brother. She has a captivating voice (and will one day grow up to make millions).
The next designer to present her pieces was Patricia Helwig. Her line called Ethnic Fusion featured an eccentric mix of ethnic clothing for both men and women. Her African pieces were displayed with suitable head wraps to match. So if ever you’re looking for exquisite African pieces and/or head wraps, Mrs. Helwig is the woman to contact.  Jackie Hanover is the second exceptional singer I alluded to earlier. She’s a screamer, but her notes are constantly on point and Adele and Etta James would both be very pleased to know that she sings their songs brilliantly.

Ethnic Fusion by Patricia Helwig
Ethnic Fusion by Patricia Helwig

A special appearance was made by Miss Guyana Universe, Ruquayyah Boyer who treated the audience to her spoken word piece which speaks to social issues affecting society.
The final designer to showcase her pieces was Zarinah Hameed with a line called Natural Mystic. Her line is a synthesis of cultural and contemporary designs. She caters for both men and women and outfits for any occasion.

The evening wasn’t just modelling and singing, the audience was also treated to an enthralling interpretative piece by two dancers from the Classique Dance Company.
And to end the show, Keisha Edwards got another chance to wow the crowd with more pieces from Sha Sha Designs. The event though dubbed a Fashion Extravaganza featured much more than just fashion – outstanding, laudable, Guyanese talent was on display.

The very lively Mondale Smith was the MC for the event.
Kudos to the Bank of Guyana for coordinating this event, the performers and designers for providing the entertainment and the audience for celebrating with the Bank! Evening well spent.

By Schemel Patrick

Posted on

Shasha Designs presents Fierce Expressions: Untamed

If you were bored last Sunday evening then you should have attended a splendid fashion show at the Tower Hotel by Shasha Designs called “Fierce Expressions: Untamed”. It was a mixture of subtle, colourful pieces and sexy, dark and raunchy articles. MC’d by DJ Casual of 98.1 FM, the show was divided into two short but very attractive segments of wonderful fashion display. Female entertainer “Bliss” opened the first segment with some musical renditions that could have been more musical, but she minus the slight wardrobe malfunction she was very easy on the eyes. She led us into a few models who exhibited well cut and bright dresses, skirts, suits and shirts done by Keisha Edwards, CEO of Shasha Designs. After about 10 models did their thing on the catwalk we were entertained by another local performer called “RACS”. He is a smooth rapper who critics say did a much better job than the previous on – stage performer. After his clever spin on Wiz Khalifa’s “Black and Yellow” we entered a 25 minute break and bobbed our heads to great tracks by the event’s DJ.

During that time the El Dorado bar was well stocked with various vodkas and rums that certainly helped to make the ambience more enjoyable. Speaking of which, the decor for this event was appropriate but sparsely decorated. There were a few pieces of cloth draped strategically around the room but critics say that there should have been a backdrop of the show’s name to compliment the El Dorado banners and eccentric ceiling fans.

Enter segment number 2. RACS reappeared and wowed the ladies with a club hopping number which is still lingering in my head. Then! The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end as I watched model after model creatively draped in black leather, lace, and leopard prints and shiny accessories strut across the catwalk. I heard loud cheers and applauses time and time again; I saw cameras of all types flashing their little lights and each lady showed off the absolutely gorgeous outfit that she was blessed with. I can safely say that it seemed as if no one wanted this segment to end but it unfortunately did, and with that the gossip started.

From that gossip we at Guyanalive.com want to share our opinions. Firstly, we believe that a fashion show is an ample opportunity for everyone to wear their style with n qualms. However, if you are going to wear a t – shirt please run the iron over it properly. Personally this writer believes that a t – shirt is in appropriate but DJ Casual wore one under his unique jacket and pulled it off smoothly. Secondly, why was the show so short? There is no dispute that the fashion was top – of – the – line (and at the end of the day that is what matters) but $2,000 for two hours seems a little unfair. Maybe the designer should have thrown a few of her old pieces to continue wowing us or maybe there could have been another entertainer doing a different genre of music, or do an after party of meeting and greeting. Whatever the alternative, please take note for the future. Ultimately, on the Guyanalive.com scale of 1 to 10 (10 being the highest) we rate Fierce Expressions: Untamed at a 7. We know there is much more talent to be showcased by this duo corporation so we will put Sunday’s show in the win column and anticipate something bigger and better in the near future.

By Patrice Wishart

Posted on

“Forget Me not” fashion collection launch set for May 1

Sha Sha ThisOn May 1, an array of vibrant exotic colours, splashed together, will create an unforgettable 26-piece fashion collection for men and women that befits any occasion. The unfolding that offers a taste of Guyanese Fashion and creativity is set for the ‘Fierce Expression’ show carded for the Herdmanston Lodge, 65 Peter Rose and Anira Streets, Queenstown.

Budding designer, Keisha Edwards, under her brand Sha Sha designs is set to launch her firsts full fashion line titled “Forget Me Not.”

But the show is not only about her. It will also feature the works of young designers Sharda Eligon, John Quelch and Ronella Wosely and added attractions of performances from gospel singer Trennecia Esseboom and ballet by Christie Dey.

Keisha describes herself as an unconventional go-getter who knows what she wants out of life and is willing to work hard for it. She is convinced that “nothing is accomplished without hard work” and coming from a very large family serves as a daily reminder that helps to keep her grounded and humble.

Coming from a long line of tailors and seamstresses her current career choice is hereditary and she proudly states “fashion has always played a major role in my life”.

Noting that she uses daily unfolding to influence her creations she confesses that “I’ve been designing seriously for eight years.”

What complements her ambition to be one of if not the best in the fashion industry is the fact that she grew up always sketching outfits and asking her mom, a seamstress, to bring them to reality.

Inspiration for me is drawn from everyday life be it sports, flora, fauna, or different cultures. For example some of the pieces from my new Collection “Forget Me Not” were inspired but the Oriental culture: Chinese, Japanese and Korean.

Thus far in her creative quest her creations have been showcased at the Guyana Fashion weekend 08 and 09, the Linden Fashion Night, Genesis Fashion Rhythm and only one of her pieces was showcased at the St Maarten Fashion Weekend 09.

Currently, Keisha is working feverishly to complete the new collection “Forget Me Not” but long term I would like to get my own store here in Guyana and start Mass producing my designs with distribution and marketing through out South America, the Caribbean and Someday Europe and the North America.

To her designing is the medium through which she expresses her self and it allows her “creative juices to flow creating the unique piece that suits an individual”.
ShaSha is traditional Rock meets Modern wear, a new and different flavour and style in terms of fashion here. “One of the things customers love is that once I make an outfit I don’t ever repeat that style.”

By Mondale Smith

Posted on

The Guyanese Dream Part 1: SHASHA

During my spare time I decided to do something uplifting and inspirational. More so, I was given the idea by observing American media coverage of the first Afro – American president and them saying that he is the “American Dream”. So it dawned upon me, why not coin a local piece of that encouraging concept for the readers of the GuyanaLive.com blog? Eventually I pondered some more and determined that my first article will be on one of my friends who I happen to admire for all the hard work that she has done and is currently doing, therefore I present to you, Ms. Keisha Edwards and SHASHA.

Now before I venture into explaining the wonders and works of SHASHA grant me the privilege of enlightening you a bit about Ms. Edwards. Born on September 8, Keisha Tonicia Edwards is one of eight siblings (having just one brother) to a Civil Engineer and a Seamstress/Homemaker. Both her parents are still alive and are happily married. She attended St. Joseph’s High School and made good grades which were exemplified at her CXC examinations, where she obtained seven passes with one distinction in English Language. After successfully finishing secondary school she had her hopes set on completing the Bachelor’s Degree of Law at the University of Guyana, since she thought this was a good avenue being the captain of her alma mater’s debate team and things of that sort. She however pursued a Diploma in Social Work and after graduating made some life changes. Despite her ability to weld metals or make concrete blocks she turned to fashion, more specifically, fashion designing.

She started with small personal projects where she made outfits solely for her partying rendezvous and other outings. At this point you would imagine that she received rave reviews about her attire and countless words of encouragement to make it a professional activity and subsequent to dire contemplation, due to other pressing objectives in her life she decided to take on the task at hand. When I sat to have a chat with Ms. Edwards my very first question on this topic was “why fashion?” and her response was, ”My mother is a seamstress and I have an eternal love for clothes and colors. I like to wear what I want and it feels great to wear what you make because only you can know what you feel good wearing.” Her fashion concept is a fusion of modern rock, traditional wear and Caribbean flavour. She adores sexy and eye popping pieces but also knows how to create conservative and formal bits. Keisha describes her fashion concept as timeless with no boundaries and says that every piece is done from heart, soul and her passion because that is the way she thinks life is best lived. This Sociology student says her pieces are a direct illustration of her personality, moods and many emotions. This very professional fashion designer and entrepreneur never ever mix business with pleasure and prefer to meet every client and converse with them so as to get some insight about their personality and their different choices of style and comfort. This allows her to make exceptional pieces that each individual client is pleased to wear time and time again. As far as unique style extends the name SHASHA is derived from a combination of parts of two names. The last three letters of Keisha and the same of her close friend’s Aleysha Persaud. Aleysha’s presence is paramount because Ms. Edwards divulged that her close friend assist her in more ways than one. For instance, I had a grand opportunity to witness a photo shoot, compliments of Stabroek News, showcasing the designer’s Mashramani collection labeled “Jamrock”. This compilation comprises of a provocative and colorful taste which steals the shades of the sunset, flora and of the nation’s flag and gives it an exclusive edge.

When asked about her campaigns for the future she said that plans to chase this fashion venture relentlessly but if, God forbids, it somehow flops she still wants to give law a fervent try or anything else that sways her way. Still as simple as the sky, this fashion enthusiast’s idea of a perfect day is just spending time with family over a good meal and intriguing conversation. She, like most focused people, hates lies and rumors and persons who waste good opportunities and precious time but is madly in love with her family and friends and that special guy who is very supportive of her endeavors. Reading and being loyal are also effects that are held dearly and, as comical as this sounds, “hates chowmein and corned beef with a passion.” Is marriage and kids in the near future? ‘Most certainly’ is her position but not anytime too soon due to her many obligations. This young lady’s advice to anyone who wants to make something of themselves from nothing is, “don’t let anyone tell you [you] can’t do it!”

After reading this little article about Ms. Keisha Edwards and SHASHA Designs, you may still be wondering why she was handpicked for the Guyanese Dream editorial, well she is the textbook definition of persistence and poise that was made from the ashes of a fast teenage life and a slightly confused young adulthood. However, when (and I say when because she is that good at what she does) you need to contact this young fashion designer about anything work related please do so at [email protected].

By Patrice Wishart