IMPRESSED by the showcase of colour, glamour, patriotism and Guyanese creativity, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony, praised the exhibition as a “magnificent effort”, as the designers of Mashramani put their craft on display at the Umana Yana, Kingston, last Friday evening.

The exhibition, as with its predecessor held last November at the same venue, is in keeping with iniatives by the Ministry of Culture to enhance Mashramani 2011 by making affordable costumes that can reach a large number of people.
At the first Mashramani exhibition, Minister Anthony urged local businesses to invest in young designers. Observing that most of the materials used were local, he had stated that the objective of his ministry is to reduce the price of the attire so that persons could participate in Mashramani wearing garments that are beautiful, creative and affordable.
As at the previous exhibition, the minister advocated private sector partnership with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), going on to note that several companies have already indicated their interest in participating in this year’s Mashramani celebrations.
Noting that the costumes, though relatively inexpensive, did require some overhead by the designers, he expressed confidence that the funds would be recouped.
Reminding persons that the costumes continue to be on display daily at the Mashramani Secretariat on Middle Street, Georgetown, he urged the public to come and view the costumes.
Designer Jennifer Gibson, speaking on behalf of her colleagues, said that this year, the designers are trying to utilize local materials to make cost effective designs.
They have used the pointer broom, feathers and plastic bags and bottles. She noted that many of the designers were first timers. To attract persons to support Mashramani, the designers plan to have a number of surprise exhibitions in public places before the big day.

The range of costumes, under three main categories, T-shirt, semi-costume, and full costume, was staggering. They ranged from minimalist and natural to heavily jewelled and accessorized.
The featured designers were Carol Fraser, Abiola Garraway, Neilson Nurse, Natasha Davis, Carlos Williams, Patricia Hellwig, Karen Ross, Paula Evans, Roger Evelyn, Trevor Alfred and Jennifer Gibson.
Evelyn showed his flair for drawing and painting with his line of colourful fabric-painted costumes. Fraser’s earth line featured pieces made from cotton, cardboard and straw decorated with fabric paint, glitter, beads and so on.
Gibson’s T-shirt line featured painted, embellished and creatively cut and torn shirts. Broomes once again represented the waterways of Guyana, with his all white line which featured luxurious pieces of satin, beads and rhinestones.
Patricia Helwig’s Afro-centric line featured tribal pieces made of shredded rice bag straw which gave a natural grass-like effect.
Karen Ross’ saucy pieces had plenty of sex appeal and featured satin and lace, corsets and wing attachments reminiscent of Moulin Rouge and Victoria Secret catwalk shows.
Williams stepped up his already stunning line with saucy pieces that were brighter and skimpier.
Alfred went glam with skimpy pieces that dripped with glitter.
Nurse once again attracted much attention and praise for his unconventionally coloured leopard print pieces. These featured spots against a red instead of fawn background.
Mashramani was launched in September last year under the theme ‘Showcasing our Culture, Sustaining our Pride’. Mash 2011 will mark Guyana’s 41st Republic Anniversary.