By Andre De Silva
(Intern with the Guyana Media and Communication Academy)
Fashion-Tastic, a creation of professional model Kenny Hercules, is back this year and auditions for models and designers are being held today from 10 am to 2 pm at the Promenade Gardens.
Hercules, a seasoned model, was the model-image winner at Guyana Fashion Week 2016. He is now creative director, CEO and founder of The King K Company and Fashion-Tastic, a fashion show that introduces new models and designers to the industry. However, Hercules said, the show has two categories, seasoned and new faces. The first Fashion-Tastic last year introduced 10 new designers and 20 new models, he said.
“So far, I have seen the models that were a part of Fashion-Tastic last year, making an effort in the industry. Being on runway after runway, doing promotion after promotion and I am very excited to have a second batch this year. This year we are trying to take it up a bit, where we are going to introduce 30 new faces… so far we only have 13 designers on board, but we are trying to have at least 20… both seasoned and aspiring…,” he explained.
Hercules said he was inspired to start Fashion-Tastic, because when he started modelling in 2016, Guyana Fashion Week was one of the major platforms that introduced models to the industry. Since it no longer exists, he decided to create a platform that does the same thing.
“I also want to invite not only the models to come on board this year, but also the designers who have never had the platform or the show, to go and showcase their work and creativity. I am inviting all new and upcoming designers to come on board, young people and young models. Guyana has a lot of beautiful people, and given the fact that fashion is evolving in this country, we want to evolve with it,” he shared.
According to Hercules, modelling in Guyana is not just about learning how to move on the runway, but remembering that the world is the runway. He said he will be training the models to step out on the runway and present themselves to the world, to look the best, be the best, and receive the best.
Fashion-Tastic is not just about models and designers, it includes other forms of talent, art and cultural performances. “Given the fact that I am also a rapper and songwriter,” Hercules shared, “Fashion-Tastic will also have performers like Ataisha, the Ragga Rebel, Omaiah Hall, the Junior Calypso and Soca Monarch winner 2022, and I will be performing. We have a variety of acts and performances for you and I invite you to come out to Fashion-Tastic 2023, at Herdmanston Lodge, July 30, at 4 pm sharp.”
On an international level, he said, there are plans to take Fashion-Tastic to Suriname this year. He will also be looking for opportunities in the USA and Europe.
Meanwhile, the King K Company also encompasses King K Eye-Wear, King K Photography and King K Model Agency.
