THIS year, organizers of the Haiti Fashion Week 2013 invited a few designers from around the globe, and Sonia Noel was one of those invited.

Her collection, Mariska’s Designs, swept away the VIP night of September 18, as well as last Friday, September 20, when they were decked on live mannequins at the entrance.

Mariska Designs’ clothes were seductive and elegant; from leisurely chic mélange of lattice earthy tones to modern black and white woven stitched evening gowns, it was just sheer elegance, one after the next.

Sonia said: “This event was very important to me, because of my lifelong desire to visit Haiti and to contribute as well in the uplifting of spirits with my creations.”

Asked about her preconception about Haiti, Noel replied: “I really did not have any preconceived ideas about Haiti. I am happily surprised that Haiti is beyond my expectations in a positive way. I had such a great time here that I am not ready to go home.”

Noel made wonderful friends, and was well respected among the top designers of the island. The Coordinator of Haiti Fashion Week, Michel Chataigne, as well as the president, Maguy Durce, invited Noel in their home as if she were their longtime friend.

“The first time I saw her work, I knew we had to get her to Haiti. Her collection was superb, and the Haitian people love her designs.

“As an international designer, she presented a collection that showed how extraordinary women can be! Her presence has been a bonus for Haiti Fashion Week 2013,” Maguy Durce said.

Sonia has already been asked to do a private showing before the end of the year. “I was so excited when I saw three of the nine photos were of my designs for HFW article in the Miami Herald,” Sonia said.

The European Union was the main sponsor of this very, very prestigious event.

Mariska’s designs are available at: www.sonianoel.com