–with launch of 2015 collection

LOCAL and internationally-renowned designer, Donna Ramsammy-James held her annual haute couture fashion show for the first time at Herdmanston Lodge on Sunday evening. Her beautifully choreographed display was poetry of fashion in motion. 

She aptly named her 2015 collection “Carpe Diem”, a Latin term meaning “Seize the day!”, as the designs were a bold celebration of the basic colours. Sixteenth in the line of the SHAPE2000 Annual Collection, the show was a stunning display of elegant and striking women’s and men’s wear.
With Donna’s signature style of fusing African, Caribbean, Indian and Latin American influences in her designs, the softness of Asia, and the depth of Africa and the colour of the Caribbean mingled and played in her 2015 collection. Her distinguishing stamp of intricate hand painted designs on cotton and linen fabrics, created for all shapes and sizes was boldly seen in ‘Carpe Diem’.
The enthusiasm of her models who ranged from the young at heart to the young was showcased as they modeled with confidence. Donna is known for her unique displays, featuring playful and flirtatious choreography that entice and enthrall her audience.

GOING PUBLIC
Her work was truly a display of art through fashion and music. At her previous launch, the designer had noted that for the past 15 years, the viewing of her work was done at her residence, but she believes that it has outgrown the space and a decision was made to shift the venue to the iconic Herdmanston Lodge.
She had also decided to make her annual collection open to the public. It was well received by an audience that included not just her longtime clients and supporters but new enthusiasts who wanted the opportunity to experience her coordinated creations.
The eye-catching 162 breathtaking pieces of purple and pink, red and burgundy, shades of blue, shades of green, classic black and white, and bright yellow, were delightfully complimented with distinctive jewelry and footwear.
This year, she also decided to include a segment entitled “Jeans and cuts”, featuring an array of tops to be worn with jeans, catering for men, women and young women. At the end of her fabulous display, Donna Ramsammy-James stepped onto the runway to loud cheers.

DONATION
The engaging show concluded in fine style with a donation to the Guyana Relief Council, an organisation which renders assistance to victims of fires and other natural disasters, and is one that is close to Donna’s heart. Prizes were also given to ticket holders and members of the audience from DeSinco, Ansa Mcal, Banks DIH, Herdmanston Lodge and others.

(By Raveena Mangal)