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Fashion Zone to Feature Five Local Designers

Designed by Shemeza Subrattie
Designed by Shemeza Subrattie
Designed by Nelsion Nurse
Designed by Nelsion Nurse

The Makin’ Style Fashion Zone by Sonia Noel, now features four (5) of Guyana’s Young and upcoming designers in our trendy and stylish line-up of made-to-order clothes suited for any occasion. The winners of the Designers’ Portfolio 2012, Andy Cummings who Hassa curry collection along with a preview of his CFW 2013 will be available to the public.Shemeza Subrattie colour blocking technique is a must have addition to your. Mwanza Glen well know for his glamorous afro centric designs is another designer that will be featured. Nelsion Nurse, who was voted Most Promising Designer in 2010 will show how much he has grown as a designer over the last couple of years.

Designed by Mwanza Glen
Designed by Mwanza Glen
Designed by Andy Cummings
Designed by Andy Cummings

Seasoned leather hand bag designer Louis Jordan will make available an exclusive line of hand bags.He has had many prominent people sport his designs including actress Anna Maria Horsford.

“I believe in the young talent here and will give them every opportunity to advance their career and create a better product and I think the local market need to come on board and support this initiative” – Sonia Noel

 

Designed by Louis Jordan
Designed by Louis Jordan

The concept aptly titled the Fashion Zone will benefit consumers in many ways. The services will extend to include access to special invitation only showings. The Fashion Zone will also issue exclusive membership deals, meeting the designers themselves, afford incredible discounts, offer dynamic fashion pointers and advise on versatile makeovers.

Andy Cummings- ….”.it as been my pleasure to be apart of one historical fashion event in Guyana an I am looking forward to be part of it”

Shameeza Subrattie- “Fashion zone would be an opportunity for my to showcase my talent even more, it would help me mature and build confidence in my self and designs since I would be exposed to many challenges during the journey…”

Mwanza Glenn – “Its a privilege to have a location to retail my pieces and market myself more!”

Nelsion Nurse- where fashion seems to be a priority these days many of us as young designers can’t afford a location of our own to market ourselves so fashion zone makes us more accessible to persons interested in getting a piece of our designs!

Designer Louis Jordan said this concept is great for designers and give him the opportunity to show cast his creative work and build a much needed client base

Friday 5th October from 4pm to 7pm will be the in store launch and Saturday 6th the open house.The public is invited to enjoy big discounts, free wardrobe tips and a limited number of free membership cards for those 2 days.The public will get a sneak peak of Sonia Noel collection for Caribbean Plus Size Fashion Week.

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Guyana Fashion Weekend 2011

Dester Jennings of Trinidad and Tobago
Designed By: Dester Jennings of Trinidad and Tobago

Guyana Fashion Weekend commemorates five (5) years. The second longest running fashion festival in the region features thirty (30) Guyanese Designers with guest designers from Janelle Oosterling (Janoos Collection) of Suriname, Sharlene Lagon (Jhaylene Designs) of St. Lucia, Donna Weekes (Ethel Fashions) St. Vincent and the Grenadines/ USA , and Karl Brown (Khalil’s Hattitude) of Jamaica and Robert Young (The Cloth), Dexter Jennings (Concept Studio),Anthony Reid for Meiling, Dominic La Roche (DLR Designs), Omzad Khan/Nigel Eastman (Zadd and Eastman) all of Trinidad and Tobago . Set on a two hundred (200) foot pentagon runway tented at the GCC Ground.

Come 23rd – 25th September, the Guyana’s own ‘Bryant Park’ will be ablaze with designing and performing talent celebrating the local creative energy confirming our regional fashion identity. The Caribbean brand is coming of age with the existence of fashion initiatives like GFW. The show will pay tribute to ‘The Cloth’ of Trinidad and Tobago acknowledging the designer Robert Young’s the Cloth; 25 years in the business. ‘The Cloth’ will present two (2) collections and host an interactive workshop with the up and coming designers.

 

Designed By: Janelle Oosterling of Suriname
Designed By: Janelle Oosterling of Suriname

Sonia Noel gives accolade to Bob Marley as one of our pioneers of style by carrying our style to the world with his idiosyncratic lyrical reggae music. It is now time to bring the world to us, through our compelling style. One of her two collections for GFW 5 is aptly titled ‘Natural Mystic.’

Another feature this year is the incorporation of the crochet designs from the prison rehabilative initiative. Urban, ready to wear and crochet designs in the most modern silhouette surpass expectations.

Designers from far afield – Linden, Berbice, Essiquibo, Bartica- join Georgetown designers, stylists, make up artists and models in exalting Guyanese style. Designs showcasing vegetation and leather, appliqué, tie dye, batik, crochet and collage art – apparel designers including milliners, accessories’ designers, footwear and bag craftsmen have pitched in to shout style. It’s more than garment manufacture and clothing design; it’s about creating a look – a Guyanese look evidently but moreover a Caribbean look ultimately.

Designed By: Karl Brown of Jamaica
Designed By: Karl Brown of Jamaica

GFW 5 pays tribute to the UN declarations – international year of the forests, celebrating forests for people as well as acknowledging people of African decent.
It has become traditional and also imperative that we utilise the utilitarian platform of fashion to engage global campaigns and prompt critical and current awareness drives. Indeed we are consistently committed to youth empowerment; we are consumed by our environmental eco-balance concerns; we are engaged in holistic living practices and above all we pledge to sustainable development action. All in all, we promote Guyana not only through event tourism for destination marketing purposes, but to encourage pride in nation building.

 

 

Designed By: Donna Weeks of St. Vincent and Grenadines/USA
Designed By: Donna Weeks of St. Vincent and Grenadines/USA

Sonia Noel, CEO of Guyana Fashion Weekend is passionate about building the Fashion Industry in Guyana. Her convictions has carried her throughout the region and the Diaspora proclaiming a Caribbean fashion perspective for which she is being honoured at the U.S Virgin Islands Fashion Week with an award for ambassadorial service by the Governor J.P De Joung.

Her partner in passion is the production designer Richard Young who is the distinguished purveyor of a concept of the Caribbean aesthetic . Being creative director of GFW as well as Fashion Week Trinidad and Tobago and soon to be a more regional brand in the upcoming Caribbean’s Next Top Model. Richard Young continues to spread the word that Caribbean style is the alternative ‘new-world brand.’

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Guyana Fashion Weekend plans begin with designer auditions

Sonia Noel and a ModelTaking Guyana’s fashion to the world

Fresh back from showcasing her new world Sonia Noel Resort line in Tobago and her Mariska’s line with shades of pink in support of breast cancer awareness Sonia Noel is now focused on Guyana Fashion Weekend 2010.

The ever busy designer told this publication that all focus is now set on making the 2010 even grander than in years past. “Guyana Fashion Weekend is set for Oct 30 and 31 at The Pegasus Hotel and will feature designers from Guyana as well as international designers and some from the Caribbean.

As a prelude, registration for hopeful local designers to the event commences on Tuesday June 15 and ends on Saturday. This is the word from GFW CEO Sonia Noel as she encourages new designers to present sketches and one or two complete pieces during the period at her Silhouette showroom Barr Street Kitty at the former Rayon House of Fashion building.  She also let up that among the lot of designers will be Guyana Born Diaspora based designers.

After showcasing her creations on many Caribbean catwalks, Sonia Noel’s first fashion weekend show was staged in August of 2007 and has since been staged at the Buddies Hotel, the Georgetown Cricket Club Ground. The event normally features regional and international designers as well as models. This year’s event will feature as special focus on Breast Cancer awareness. Meanwhile the Search for Guyana’s next top model male, female and full figured and chef is soon to climax. Noel can be contacted on 226-3099.

By Mondale Smith

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Sonia Noel, three models for FWTT

ModelCEO 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.

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Sonia Noel’s model search begins

ModelsThe road to the staging of Sonia Noel’s annual ‘Model Search’, began on Thursday evening at the poolside of the Tower Hotel on Main Street. Headed by Sonia Noel the reality Television search goes beyond finding Guyana’s next top male and female models to also finding new stylists and designers.

Donning mostly black attire the model hopefuls were introduced to the public as a prelude to what Noel and her committee is promising will be “a most memorable and entertaining ride.” While there were some physical misfits among the group there were also a few diamonds in the rough that made their debut. All told there are 13 men in contention for the top prize that includes opportunities to model on international stages. The lot included one popular basket ball player Tyrone Hamid, a few ripped models, several over made up men and others who took to cosmetics well. The others in contention for the 2010 Guyana’s top male model title are Anthony Stayman, Stayton Paul, Darren Mc Almont, Steven Bagot, Javier Boucher, Osafa Dos Santos, Jason Shurland, Germaine Adonis, Steve Merai, Esau Humphrey, Dellon Renee and Ryan Berkeley.

There are 14 ladies vying for the coveted title of female top model 2010 including Alana Phoenix, Alicia Kirton, Amanda Hackett, Alisa Williams, Amanda Hackett, Alisa Williams, Gerecia Francis, Jo-Ann Tracey, Melvern John, Okeema Humphrey, Patricia Forde, Shivonna Corrdus, Jenelle Dougall and Shevon Cotty.

The lot which paraded at the poolside included a full figured bunch that will certainly not be an easy walk over especially the most bubbly Lucianna James who despite her full figure strutted with erect shoulders and personality that sounded a ‘watch out’ warning to all ladies. She exuded such confidence that overshadowed the stretch marks on her shoulders while there was one model whose choice of attire emphasized her need for serious leg work in the gym.

There too, were a few full figured ladies who are certainly serious about redefining the stereotypical European look of a slender leggy lady on the cat walk to one of equally if not more zing that says ‘big is beautiful too’.  The plus sized models in contention for the new addition to the competition are Tristana Roberts, Pamela Vaugh, Lydia Evans, Adeola Field, Okesa Lynch, Latoya Whitehead and Michon Sukhoo-Perta.

But there are a few who will certainly be competing down to last wire with personality and posture as they showed with ease that they mean business on the catwalk.

Noel assures that “rigorous training will intensify” under the stewardship of Trinidadian Richard Younge and some will be eliminated.  She also let up that the designers; stylist and Chefs have already been given their first challenge.

Noel assures too that elimination for the models will begin next week but noted that the Chefs and designers will not be immediately elimination.

Those hoping to keep updated on the reality show can catch it from next month on NCN and Hjtv TV-72 for six Weeks.

The next major event ‘Cutting style’ will be staged on June 27 and on that occasion designers will be paired with a Chef to produce an evening of Creativity. The events final staging is set for July 4 at the Pegasus.

The eight designers are Jonelle Cameron, Bethani Chester, David Clarke (the converted former assistant from the Facts N Roses camp), Sharon Gittens, Nataisia John, Micheal Kellman, Jamal LaRose, and Candacy Mclean.

The Culinary Arts Chefs making their debut in the new competition category are Shawna Mc Rae, Samantha Moseley, Gail Davidson, Mohamed W Karim, Rhea Sandy,  Lynne Inniss, Adrian Alleyne and Shem Hinds.

By Mondale Smith

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Guyana Fashion Weekend – Ready and Rearing to Go!

Guyana Fashion Weekend took Guyana by storm when Sonia Noel, turned her dream to reality at the end of August in 2007. Celebrities, diplomats and general patrons all wondered how they could top such an excellent production in 2008. Noel and her team have been tasked to think out side of the box to produce an event which is more spectacular in 2008.

Plans are well on their way and an indication of this was clear on July 12th and 13th when the casting team of Rudy Saul, Richard Young, Negla Brandis, Donna Short-Gill and Kofi Branch met at Zoom in to audition model hopefuls. Over 100 models showed up over the two days expecting to be a part of Guyana’s premier Fashion Event.

The casting team expressed a sense of excitement with the beauty of the female and male models that auditioned for the events. It was also noted that the passion of the models was amazing as many of them couldn’t wait to find out if they were chosen to model on the eighty foot catwalk.

Guyana Fashion Weekend takes place from October 1st – 5th 2008 and will feature three fashion nights instead of 2 nights previously held in 2007. Sonia Noel also encouraged the public to get their tickets early in 2008 because sold out crowds in the previous year caused many persons to be disappointed when they arrived at the venue.

GFW2008 is being deemed as the event where fashion comes to life and expects fashion from Guyana, the Caribbean Diaspora and the French Caribbean. Media from Europe, North America and the Caribbean are also expected to be a part of the event.

Public Relations services provided by:

The Design Factor (Barbados)

Kofi A. Branch

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 592-698-5195

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Guyana Fashion Weekend Castings Continue Tomorrow

models models1 models2

The first day of Castings for the Guyana Fashion Weekend took place at Zoom Inn Hotel, Street. Some sixty (60) hopefuls were excited to come before the panel of casting directors, Donna Shortgill- Guyana Today hostess, Rudy Saul – veteran technical producer and Kofi Branch – Caribbean Fashion Producer.

Kofi Branch, who also doubles as Public Relations Director for the event, said that the first day of castings was exciting and it was great to see new faces at the audition and was amazed to see the enthusiasm.

Castings continue tomorrow at 1300 hrs for Designers and at 1500 hrs, models will have the opportunity once again to strut their stuff to be a part of the event.

Models requiring more information can contact Ruth at 613-7457 or Kofi at 698-5195.

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Guyana Fashion Weekend Casting brought forward

Models and designers hoping to be a part Guyana’s premiere fashion event, Guyana Fashion Weekend are asked to note that the date of the castings for Models and Designers have been changed. The information came from Public Relation Director, Kofi A. Branch.

Interested models who think they have the look and charisma to be on the catwalk of the prestigious event are invited to audition on July 12th and 13th 2008 from 3 – 6 p.m. on both days at Zoom Inn Hotel on Croal Street, while Designers are asked to audition on Sunday July 13th 2008 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Guyana Fashion Weekend takes place on October 1st – 5th 2008 and is expected to be the greatest display of fashion from USA, Europe and the Caribbean Diaspora.

Persons requiring more information can contact 613-7457 or 698-5195.

Public Relations Services provided by

Kofi A. Branch

THE DESIGN FACTOR

Tel: (246) 237-8708

Tel: (592) 698-5195

Email: [email protected]

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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.