Four local fashion designers received plaudits recently when their collections took to the stage at ‘Bois’- Antigua’s Independence Fashion Weekend.
According to a press release, Sonia Noel, Designer and CEO of Guyana Fashion Weekend; Ryan Berkley, Marcie Lindey-De Santos and Andrew Harris, made up the small but dynamic contingent.
‘Bois’ was held as part of the 30th anniversary celebration of independence and the theme was chosen to commemorate the International Year of the Forests as ‘Bois’ means ‘Wood’ when translated from French to English.
The trip was part of a new business association formed between the Guyana Fashion Weekend team and Antigua’s Minister of Culture, Eleston Adams, after he made a trip to Guyana to view Guyana Fashion Weekend 2011. Minister Adams said that he is committed to the advancement of fashion in Antigua and by the extension the Caribbean region. He also noted that in order for sustainable growth of the sector, regional partnerships are very necessary. He also announced Antigua’s first ever Fashion Weekend to be held in December 2012.
The regional partnerships that Minister Adams spoke of were very evident as designers from Barbados, Guyana, St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago all participated in the spectacle of colour and creativity in the form of fashion.
The members of the Guyanese contingent described the experience as enlightening, exciting and mind-blowing as they all received thunderous applause when they presented their collections on the catwalk. The interest continued after the show as many patrons rushed backstage making arrangements for orders and collecting contact information for future purchases.
Noel said that trips such as the one to Antigua gives designers the understanding on regional trends and an appreciation for different cultures. Noel who recently received the Caribbean Fashion Ambassador award from USVI plans to do extensive work around the region to further promote the industry
