Sonia Noel is hopping off to China to lead a Guyanese contingent of fashion designers who were tipped to participate in the Ningbo International Fashion Fair, an emerging collaboration in diplomatic relations between China and Guyana.
The invitation, extended to her through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has been accepted with “honour” Sonia said on Thursday. She was singled out in her capacity as Chief Executive Officer of Guyana Fashion Weekend to lead a delegation which includes designers Marica DeSantos, Chandini Ramnaraine and Ronella Woseley.
“It is not everyday you get an invitation to China and the opportunity to take our fashion to such a huge market. This is exciting as it is significant and I am simply thrilled to be representing Guyana in the company of strong, young designers,” Sonia said. She said the possibility of showcasing on such an enormous stage is great for her and the young designers making the trip.
The Ningbo International Fashion Fair billed for October 22-25 is marketed as one of the world’s most promising trade fairs of its kind boasting over 1,300 exhibitors in an expected 2,500 booths. The fair will offer collections from various countries in men’s wear, women’s wear, children’s wear, accessories, fabrics and textiles among other fashion related areas. A conference has also been planned for the designers to interact and network.
Sonia is planning a full line of bamboo/lattice pieces for the fair which she described as her “distinct work”. She is weighing whether to include in the line the wedding gown which created a tremendous buzz at GuyExpo.
“…I can say that people really responded to that gown and it has drawn nothing but positive reviews. I am still debating whether to go to China with it because of its drawing power. It’s a head turner but we’ll see,” she added.
Sonia disclosed that the Foreign Ministry is subsidizing the trip in part noting, “we could not be present without their assistance.” She said the ministry has been tremendous in its support and she also mentioned that the Chinese Embassy here has also been supportive. The group leaves on Tuesday for China.
Of the trip Chandini said, “I am really excited to be have been chosen. It is such a wonderful opportunity for Aspara Designs and for Guyana to be afforded such a platform.” She said too that the recognition her line has received since collaborating with Sonia has been tremendous and she is focused on getting stronger.
Ronella also expressed her gratitude to Sonia saying that as a young designer she has seen so many doors open. She said her win at Designer’s Portfolio and “now a trip to China to show my work” have been unreal based on the fact that she practically came out of nowhere and is already rated among the strongest in the new crop of designers.
Marica hailed the collaboration as a positive step forward for local fashion saying she was honoured to have been selected to represent Guyana. She seemed eager to travel and meet new designers as well as to “feast my eyes on new fabrics”.
On a related topic Sonia mentioned that she had been invited to Colombia also next week to represent GFW at a fashion caucus in the Caribbean and South American region, but was forced to forego the trip because of her commitment to the China project. However, Artistic Director of GFW Richard Young is travelling to Colombia to represent Guyana and his native, Trinidad and Tobago.
“Richard is going to be there, as for me, I am there in spirit. I think it is really amazing how fashion is becoming the buzz word and people are waking up and taking serious notice of how strong this industry is and its enormous potential,” Sonia added.
Sonia disclosed that upon her return from China she has an exciting announcement to make about her upcoming plans for projects being undertaken here. She was tight-lipped but promised to dish all when she gets back.
