By Zoisa Fraser
Michelle Cole-Rose’s star is ascending. On the verge of launching a new exciting line of clothing, the quintessential local fashion designer, who is still basking in the joy of being a new mother, won the Best Country Designer award at the first ever Caribbean Fashion Awards held at the Centre of Excellence in Trinidad last Saturday.
Michelle was elated but not too surprised at her win, when she spoke with The Scene earlier this week. She had also been nominated for the Best Caribbean Designer title at the awards show, but this award was won by Trinidadian Heather Thomas.
Michelle, who has earned her place on the Guyana and regional fashion arenas, said she was speechless when her name was announced for the award and just stood motionless for a few seconds. The award was a good birthday present for the designer, who celebrated her birthday that same day.
Other Guyanese designer nominated at the awards, which is expected to become an annual affair, were Sonia Noel, Pat Coates and Paula De Souza and Simeon Corbin of Guyana Entertain-ment Magazine.
Meanwhile, Michelle has just completed her black and white line, which she calls Yin-Yang and will soon begin working on another line to be called Sapphire, which should be out in time for the Guyana Fashion Ex-po next month. Her daughter, six-month-old Sapphire Rose is the inspiration behind her recent creations.
Michelle, who is married to award-winning designer Trevor Rose, took a year off from designing to give birth and dedicate time to Sapphire. Although Michelle said motherhood was a step she took when she was ready for it, she still finds it a bit tough.
“When I have to get up two, three times at night it could be challenging but most of the times it’s good,” she said with a laugh while tending to an energetic Sapphire, who wanted to stand throughout the interview. The baby is the mirror image of her father, but from watching her with her mother, it was easy to see where she got all her energy and spirit from. (zoisa_f@yahoo.com)
