By Tamica Garnett

THE striking designs of Randy Madray, Isaiah Luther and veteran Guyanese designer Sonia Noel among others, dazzled, as another well-executed NIS Sports Club Fashion Show and staff talent came to an end. The event was held at the Patrick Martinborough Multipurpose Complex on Carifesta Avenue recently.Back by popular demand, the show saw models donning pieces from Madray’s “Roses” and “Evening Gowns” collections, while Luther was out with pieces from his September 2016 collection “Red”, and Neilson Nurse continued promotion of his “Guyana” line.

A collection of handmade leather and knitted pieces were also showcased by Fiona Alert.

Most of the designers displayed 10 to 15 pieces and included quite a few show stoppers, including a floral print “can-can” well flaunted by Traits model, Xameira Kippins.

Described as a passionate line, focused on those ladies keen on looking their best at all times, but with a little 70s flare, Luther’s collection tried to rekindle a love for the maxi pants and broad belts. The line contained chic pieces catering to the needs of the working woman, or anyone just looking to make a sophisticated statement.

Nurse’s ‘Guyana’ collection speaks for itself; originally on display at the launch of the Guyana Fashion Week in early May, the pieces pay homage to the Golden Arrowhead in noteworthy style. Noel displayed several of her signature ponchos, dresses and shirts.

But it wasn’t just the fashion pieces that had the patrons glad that they were there. The talent segment was fun filled with laughter and loud applauses, and included a performance by the debonair Abel Stokes, who has been making quite the rounds at most of these fashionable events.

There were also songs by Ronell Archer, Kemol King, Daria Barrow, a spoken word performance by Jasmine Clement and Fitzroy Leitch and a dramatic poetry display by Ayanna Glasgow.

Then there was the moment when NIS General Manager, Doreen Nelson was put on the spot after an impromptu request was made for her to walk the runway. Rising to the occasion, Doreen killed it and got a fitting standing ovation for her mini performance.

Doreen, who is on pre-retirement leave, is set to leave the NIS establishment after over 30 years of service. And what a way to go! Like the show, she too left a lasting impression.

Overall the ambient event set quite the tone and lived up to the standard of what events like this should be all about. The third of its kind, the semi-private show was put together as part of the NIS 47th Anniversary celebrations and was organised by Project Coordinator, Keith Allicock, who had also arranged similar shows in 2009 and 2012.

The models were mainly National Insurance Scheme (NIS) employees, but also included in the event were a few models from the Traits Model Management Agency, who were trained by Keith, a runway coach himself. The night was emceed by former Miss Guyana Universe, the beautiful, Tamika Henry.