-so too Antigua, St Lucia & St Vincent
ALREADY expected to be one of the biggest events ever held in Guyana, the Model Search/Designers’ Portfolio Production Team has added another feature to ‘Walking on Sunshine’ – the finals of Guyana Model Search and the Better Living Exhibition and Fun Day. Four budding designers from Antigua, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & Grenada have been invited by the Sonia Noel Foundation for Creative Arts (SNFCA) to offer their collections as part of the ‘Glamorous’ finale show.
One of the mandates of the Foundation is to forge business and creative relationships throughout the Caribbean; and the directorship of the Foundation thought it necessary and opportune to start the process with the young creative minds.
Nikeisha La Touche, a Grenadian who noticed her creative talent during the latter part of her primary school life, is one of the designers who will grace the ‘Glamorous’ catwalk.
Showcasing her first line in 2012, she seeks to create her own fashion identity through a collage of styles, emphasising a woman’s body.
At 22, Nikeisha has big plans for her label, ‘Silhouette’, and has been making a name for herself in Grenada. The ‘Walking on Sunshine’ event is her first regional fashion exploit.
Accessory designer, Akisha Henry specialises in ladies’ handbags and clutches. She commenced her fashion journey in 2001, after she had transformed a denim jacket into a fashionable skirt.
That experience ushered in the birth of her label, ‘Sharifi Designz’, some eight years later, after she had completed her studies and had returned to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The bags are unique, and are produced in varying styles, colours and shapes in the hope of attracting clients from all walks of life. Trims such as ribbons, zippers and buttons are added to the must-have accessories to give them that unique flair.
Graduating with honours from an Associate Degree programme in Fashion Designing offered by the renowned Barbados Community College, this award-winning designer has placed in the top three each time she entered her home country’s young designers’ competition.
Hailing from St. Lucia, Shaleen Lagon mixes traditional creole inspirations and fabrics with new techniques to produce her line. Designing under the label ‘Jaeylu’, which was founded in 2010, she produces bridal wear; formal and semi-formal wear; elegantly casual designs; lingerie; swimwear; business attire, and accessories.
‘Jaeylu’ brings to life exclusive creations of the highest quality, and aims to promote various aspects of life, culture and tradition in its exclusively designed collections released every year.
The lone male in the Caribbean exchange to Guyana is Antiguan Rashid Walker. Culturally and creatively rounded, he is a singer and songwriter, apart from being a fashion designer. He specializes in African garments, merging contemporary and traditional techniques to attain his finished product.
This year, he won the National Independence Fashion Challenge in Antigua, where he created a dress inspired by the coconut tree in his backyard. His aim is to give back to his homeland by developing ideas to keep the arts alive and moving forward!
The ‘Walking on Sunshine’ event takes place on July 1, starting at 10:30 hrs, and will run until 8:30pm at Isika, Parika.
The Better Living Exhibition and Fun Day runs until 5:30pm, and will feature  all-day entertainment, beach activities, a picnic area, exhibition and displays from Sonia Noel, Olympia Small-Sonoram and Marcie De Santos at the affordable cost of $1000.
At 6:30pm., the anticipated finale event, ‘Glamourous’, will be staged. The show is expected to be an eclectic mix of creative talents from the competing designers, fused with the stylistic strut of model hopefuls all vying for the three coveted titles.
Admission to this glitzy affair is set at G$3,000, but children under twelve will be admitted free of charge.
For more information, send enquiries by email to: soniaenoel@gmail.com