Guyana Model Search/Designers Portfolio is turning three this year and the producers of the show say the years represent staying power, sustainable development and style agenda.
“We’re coming of age,” designer Sonia Noel recently said of the show and she revealed that auditions are likely to begin this month. Sonia said Model Search/Designer Portfolio/Stylish competitions has grown out of the shadows of Guyana Fashion Weekend and is occupying its rightful place in the calendar of current fashion events.
The styling element, which she said is vital to the industry, was introduced in the competition last year and the flambouyant Dorian Lee Obermuller was named the best stylist. She said the team behind the shows is working on whether to incorporate new elements, but stressed the focus in on strengthening the existing aspects of it.
Sonia said Guyana Model Search (GMS), which is how it all started, has emerged as the new must-see event on the national calendar from the dramatic climax of the inaugural show at the Pegasus back in 2008. She said that GMS is a product which came out of the growing demand to express the overwhelming talents of the nation’s fashion imagers. But more importantly, she said it celebrates the uniqueness of this country’s style.
Sonia added that the event in addition to the string of other fashion related shows identifies Guyana as an influential contributor to the wider regional aesthetic – Caribbean style. The development of this creative industry becomes pivotal, she said, in the face of economic downturn. According to her, GMS/Designer/Stylist Portfolio facilitates this new direction and promotes the evolution of the local fashion industry.
“We have seen over the years the exposure of unbelievable talent across Guyana. One example of that was designer’s quest at Bartica,” she said and recalled an event which was held there and some 17 aspiring designers were discovered. Bartica is Sonia’s hometown.
Further, she said that the GFW committee will be involved in activities to empower young people from March to the 30th &31st of October with two days of fantastic runway shows promised. She said any person or company desirous of partnering with GFW can contact the team on telephone 2263099 or email guyanafw@gmail.com.