Guyana Fashion Weekend (GFW) 2011 was yesterday officially launched with a fashion market at the Georgetown Cricket Club, Bourda, showcasing the work of designers from across the region.
Richard Young, one of the organisers, dubbed the GFW a festival which will last one weekend, but pointed out that with such a packed agenda, the event may well be a week-long one next year.
He described the occasion as a phenomenal one, with a cast of 40 designers, 30 of which are local and ten coming from across the region and further afield. Some 100 models will grace the pentagon-shaped runway, which commemorates the five years of GFW’s existence.
Among the items to be highlighted at this year’s GFW are hats, iconic leather craft in the form of bags and crochet work coming from the prison.
Young noted that this year’s event is not just about showing clothes and pretty people but about building an industry and welcoming partnerships for nation-building.
Young indicated that 20 designers will be displaying their designs per day and the fashion shows will be spiced “with theatrical pieces of voice, movement and song; tributes to Bob Marley; tributes to environmental awareness, tributes to the development of the art”.
He explained, “We are also promoting the Caribbean brand… it is not just about Guyanese style… Guyanese style is part of a wider aesthetic….”
Minister of Labour Manzoor Nadir said he is confident that GFW will be spectacular.
Nadir noted that it takes much courage to organise such a production and explained that courage is not only demonstrated by the organisers but by the sponsors as well. “Every sponsor who put their money behind an activity expects that there will enough exposure and sales to justify that participation,” he explained.
Nadir indicated that government is pleased that the event continues to be sustained.
Digicel joined the sponsors of GFW 2011 on Wednesday, presenting to the organisers a cheque for at $1 million at its Kingston head office.
Young expressed his pleasure at having the telecommunications company on board. “I think there is a wonderful partnership with Digicel and the growth of a Caribbean fashion industry…”
Among the other sponsors of the Guyana Fashion Weekend are Scotia Bank, Courts (Guyana), Digicel (Guyana), Rent-a-Tent and Bettencourt Diner.
