Andrea Rohlehr-McAdam was born and raised in Georgetown, Guyana. She lived there until the age of sixteen after which she and her family relocated to Linden. Two years later in 1977, she and her sister Karen migrated to Toronto, Canada where she would live for the next 11 years. During this time she attained a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Communication Studies from the University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario.
Andrea always had a keen eye for fashion and had experimented all her life with designing her own clothing. In 1988 she moved to New York and here is where her fashion skills were honed. She also had an interest in make-up artistry and a few years after moving to New York she became a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant. She continued designing and improving her skills as a make-up artist until she returned to Guyana in 1994.
During the first two years in Guyana she developed a clientele amongst family and friends. She held her first showing at home in December of 1995 but in early 1996 she joined the workforce and fashion took a backseat.
Andrea managed to take part in GuyExpo in the late 90s and it was a useful experience for her. She had an interest in batik and tie-dye and in May 2002 a good friend and designer, Liz Deane-Hughes, offered a course on Fabric Design and she jumped at the opportunity.
It was after the completion of this course that Andrea truly began to experiment with designing on fabrics with dyes, paints and batik. During this time also she began her sojourn as a Talk Show Host/Producer on Girl Talk.
While living abroa5d Andrea began a career as a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant. She was always interested in Make-up artistry and has grown and honed her skills in this field with the help of Paulla DeSouza.
Andrea has produced several shows in the past and has worked on the Miss Guyana World 2001, 2002, Miss Jamzone 2003 pageants. In 2003 she herself was a finalist in the Ms. Guyana Renaissance Pageant.
Andrea first showcased her designs onstage at the Made in Guyana show in 2001. She followed this the following year with Made in Guyana for Mash.
Passion & Purity was next and this Diva’s International production was held on June 27th 2004. She followed that up with Caribbean Hues in Toronto during July 2004.
Fantasia was the next show held the following year in October 2005. Since then Andrea has continued improving her skills as a designer and a make-up artist.
Andrea describes herself as fun-loving, exuberant, creative and loving to all whom she calls friend. She credits her success to God, loving and supportive parents and her husband Paul.
Biodata – SANOLA FORTESanola started designing at the age of 23 and made her first big appearance into the fashion industry at the Guyana fashion Weekend 2007 when she launched her new lines Eldorado Gold collection and Joseph Coat collection. Sanola designs under the name BumbleBee Collection.As a young designer, Sanola’s dream is to establish her line of evening wear within the Caribbean, North America and the European market.
On 26th August 2007 Sanola displayed fifteen (15) pieces under the brand BumbleBee Collection, the first seven (7) pieces represented “Guyana’s Gold” and the remaining eight (8) represented “Joesph’s Coat” which had a combination of peacock feathers, buttons, shell and flower petals.
On 6th April 2008, BumbleBee Collection was one of the featured collections at the Guyana model search finals. Twelve (12) pieces was displayed under the theme “midnight” of which told the story of breaking through the midnight season, the tone shift from black to blackish gray into sliver gray of which emphasised the breaking of a new day for BumbleBee Collection. This line was also showcased at the Shabeau face award 2008 in Barbados, the 3rd annual Carnival Catwalk event of Mije Modeling & Advertising agency’s in St. Vincent. and East Coast Fashion Night . BumnleBee Collection will be a part of Carifesta X & Guyana Fashion Weekend 2008.
Biodata – Donette Brotherson
Donette Brotherson moved from being a teacher to one of Guyana’s budding new designers. She started designing about thirteen months ago after giving up her teaching profession to follow her dream a becoming a fashion designer. Donette designs under the label Donj. Donette’s first line which was launched on December 12th 2007 and featured designs made from linen, cotton, satin and enhanced with Macramae .
