Sonia Noel is fresh off of the musical/fashion production, Theatrical Spectacular and will wing out next month with a strong contingent of local designers to represent Guyana at the upcoming Fashion Weekend of Trinidad and Tobago.
In just a few years FWTT has managed to become the premier fashion extravaganza in the region, attracting the hottest designers on the island and from the wider Caribbean.
Sonia told The Scene recently that after the invitation to FWTT came she and a team had to decide on a few designers, and she was keen on young talent in need of exposure.
“We were thinking professional and elite, but also young and promising… the cream of the crop”, she said. In the end, Sonia and the Guyana Fashion Weekend Organization selected the following the team of Paul Burnette (model, trainer/designer); Mwanza Glen (designer); Neilson Nurse (most promising young designer GFW 2010); Marcia Dos Santos; Allana Phoenix and Steven Baggot (winners Guyana Top Model 2010). Also making the cut are Yohlanda Kerr (Guyana Top Model 2009); Royan Abrams (designer) and Michelle Playter (model/make-up artist).
Sonia was invited to the inaugural FWTT three years ago and according to her, it has grown tremendously since then due to major corporate and government support. She noted that the event attracts the, “who’s who” of fashion in the region in addition to major media networks from across the world.
“I’m very happy to have Guyana fully represented this year at TTFF with a group of talented designers and models. It’s exciting to be part of this emerging brand of Caribbean style which part of a wider Caribbean aesthetic from Jamaica in the north to Guyana in the south,” Sonia said.
The local team was engaged in several fund-raising activities last month which are expected to continue this month. Sonia said they are counting on public support.
