GUYANA – The Guyana International Fashion Showcase (GFS), a celebrated event for local fashion, concluded at the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel. This year’s showcase was particularly noteworthy, taking place amid the festivities of Cricket Carnival 2024, and succeeded in captivating its audience with its array of stunning local designs and cultural presentations.

Despite some minor setbacks, the showcase emerged as a significant highlight of the season. Organized by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GFS Philbert Giddings and Michelle Wagner, Guyanese designer and co-founder of CoLabs, the event aimed to put Caribbean fashion on a global stage.

Giddings had promised a night of extravagance, and he certainly delivered. “Tonight was about saving the brand; it was a great turnout.”

“Next year, we will be bigger and better,” he remarked immediately after the show.

American actress and model Cynthia Bailey hosted the event, skillfully entertaining the audience while introducing each designer and their unique collections. Her charisma and professionalism set the tone for the evening, engaging attendees and celebrating the creativity of the designers.

The showcase featured eight local designers, each bringing their own distinctive style to the runway.

Models like British- born Sharminah Leah, who is of Guyanese descent and Miss Guyana Culture Queen 2024, Shequana Holder took to the runway with all the style and charisma needed to make the event a success. This year the GFS models came of various sizes, skin tones, and cultural backgrounds, emphasizing the event’s commitment to inclusivity.

The showcase kicked off with Pixie Hollow Makes by Felicity Sonaram, a promising 20-year-old fiber artist and crocheter who made her debut with a collection that she describes as whimsical and provocative. “I can’t wait to continue building my brand and nurturing this caterpillar into a flamboyant butterfly! I can’t wait to see what’s in store next,” she exclaimed.

Sonaram’s journey into fashion began as a hobby, inspired by her love for fantasy and femininity.

She expressed her pride in her accomplishments to The Waterfalls, “It’s crazy I’m here; I can’t even fathom it right now… my family and friends helped me spread and push my business over social media. I would not be as known if it wasn’t for them, and this show definitely putting my work out there and I am thankful.”

According to the Guyana International Fashion Showcase team: “As we move forward, our vision is to empower Guyanese designers and models to showcase their talents globally, promoting cultural diversity and creativity.” This commitment not only enhances the local fashion scene but also strengthens Guyana’s position in the international arena, fostering a rich tapestry of cultural expression through fashion. (Kaieteur News)

Photo: Scenes from Guyana Int’l Fashion Showcase. (NCN Guyana)