–as Glenn, Madray and Small-Sonaram deliver

MWANZA Glenn may have had the most striking collection of the night, but it was Randy Madray with his dramatic display of his “Between the Lines” collection that left a lasting impression as it brought the curtains down on Traits Model Management’s “Strut II: Live the Runway” fashion show on Wednesday evening at the Marriott Hotel.

The night opened with Sidney Francois’ “Things Above” playing appetizer to an evening where many of the eight bright young designers wowed and dazzled the almost packed-out house.
Though they begged for a prompt 19:00hrs start, the organisers had a 40-minute late start as the Guyanese crowd trickled in at their own sweet time. Those who showed up on time, however, enjoyed the free time to catch some of photographers flash, patronise the bar, or at least nit-pick about the high-end prices of the drinks (It’s Marriott! What did you expect!).

They were no complimentary drinks. Of course, in all fairness, with VIP at the cheap price of $6000, none should’ve been expected.

It was obvious many patrons went all-out with their wardrobes, bringing their top notch fancy ‘dan-dans’. Of course there were those fashion eccentrics who were bent on going over the top, defying sophistication, though they definitely achieved their aim of being conspicuous.

Nonetheless, there hardly seemed to be anyone in the crowd whose outfit was as breathtaking as those that graced the stage for another memorable TMM show.
Mercifully, at least 50 per cent of the patrons were already seated by the show’s start, while most latecomers were polite enough not to strut around for seats while the show was in progress. But, of course, there were the exceptions.

Madray’s was the last and the most, with 30 pieces in his first ever ready-to-wear collection, that was most theatrically showcased, coming to a cinematic close with his final piece, a wedding dress and veil, being strutted by TMM model, Xameira Kippins.
Opening the second half of the show was another dramatic display by Glenn, with his line “Lady to Dam” that truly told a story of evolution, as the pieces developed from intelligent evening wear to stunningly glitzy dresses that only the brave dare don as model after model came out with showstopper after showstopper pieces.

Earlier, Francois’ line had a subtle start, but only got better as it moved on. In a backstage interview after he showcased, Francois shared with The Buzz how his love for nature and belief in God inspired the collection, which had 15 pieces, including a few showstoppers towards the end.

By the time Olympia Sonaram’s “Curves” collection came around, the third for the night, things definitely started to sizzle, as the body-baring outfits continuously evoked applause from the audience.

A veteran costume designer, Sonaram drew inspiration for the intricate pieces from her work with wire in the bodices of all the outfits.
There was another entertaining moment as Quinton Pearson’s swimsuit line was showcased during the live performance of Guyanese rapper, Remar, who serenaded the ladies as they had a fun time about the stage.

All in all, the people over at Traits were very satisfied with what they were able to put together, and are sure patrons felt the same way.
“I think it really lived up to expectations,” said TMM Co-founder, Oronde George. “We wanted to put together a seamless show; well executed, well organised, and I think we did that.”