I am feeling very thankful. ‘Living with Intention’ was ranked on Amazon Best Sellers on the launch date on Black Friday. The same day I enjoyed seeing the beautiful ladies of all sizes at the CARICOM Secretariat showing Sonia Noel Designs. It was the annual End of Year Staff Talent event and some amazing talent was on show.
It is so much fun conducting the fitting the day before, led by Jascene. I really admire when women who are not models rock the runway. I must mention my new assistant, Alana DeSouza is learning fast because she has a teachable spirit. She had to take the lead because I could not get to the event early because of a prior commitment.
The next day I represented Guyana at Fashion, Art, Music, Entrepreneurship and Export(FAME).

FAME Caribbean is the brainchild of Andrew Ramroop, Order of the British Empire, Trinidad-born master artist tailor of Savile Row. He founded the prestigious Savile Row Academy of tailoring in London, and after 50 years of expert craftsmanship, elite training and identifying the excellence in Caribbean style, he’s returned to use his influence to fortify this brand, to use his equity to advance this brand, to use his expertise to train and elevate this brand and to use his enlightenment to strategically position this brand.

FAME – in its initial year is aimed at touting Caribbean style, through select regional designers, to the world. This platform would set in motion an acknowledgement that there is a Caribbean aesthetic and put in place the mobilising of export-worthy apparel, innovative fashion wares, niche-market style options for the global fashion stage/market.
It was an honour to have participated in such a prestigious event.
Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago, Hon. Keith Christopher Rowley and the First Lady walked the runway in style and was greeted with great enthusiasm by the audience.

The production was first class and I must credit the creative Richard Young for his amazing abilities to seamlessly fuse fashion and music. Some of the premier designers from the Caribbean showed their collection and the internationally acclaimed opera singer Neil Latchman was amongst the talent showcased.
“I think it is a continuation of my work or it can be seen as a fulfilment of the philosophy of the Caribbean branding. The success was bringing together regional designers with the Trinidad designers to make a statement to the world. And the inclusion of Guyana endorses the philosophy of the Caribbean esthetic because we have similar history,” Richard Young said.

Saints International models who are signed to Polo, Versace, Yves Saint Laurent etc. made a grand appearance at the highly-anticipated Caribbean event.
I felt great to be among some of the creative geniuses in the region and some fashion colleges.
I was so elated I got the opportunity to chill on Maracas Beach and unwind while enjoying the feel of the sands in my toes and eating a delicious shark and bake.
People have been asking me if I am still designing because recently my life seems to be consumed by other things. I have a boutique in the courtyard mall that also offers rentals, sewing and makeup services. We also provide clothing rentals and fashion consultancy. We will be hosting Conversations and Clothing at Makin’ Style, Courtyard Mall where people can look at options for the holiday season.

Send us some ideas of some of your fashion preference for the holidays to beyondtherunway1@gmail.com and visit our FB page Beyond the runway.
Let’s continue to live a life with intention