The Expo2021 hosted in Dubai has been a cultural highlight of the year, and we at the Buzz were happy to see that Guyana was well represented at all levels. As we reflect on the ‘Guyana Day’ celebrations on October 19, we are not only impressed by the performances, but by the intricate and captivating work done by our fashion designers as well.

We recognise the brilliance of the ever-versatile Randy Madray, who masterminded the outstanding costumes for the entire cultural programme. These pieces brought to life, all that Guyana has to offer. It painted a clear picture of the beauty and bounties that reside on this ‘Land of Many Waters’, and safe to say, we are once again stunned by Madray’s work, and the people who wore them elegantly.

And, although the Buzz is hardly a space for political figures, we thought it important to bend the rules just this once, to give much kudos to those responsible for the iconic dress worn by First Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali, as she also represented Guyana in Dubai.

In a recent post on her official Facebook page, the First Lady acknowledged that her bright yellow dress represented more than just fashion; it represented talent, and some of Guyana’s most distinct features such as our national flower, the Victoria Lily and our national bird, the Canje Pheasant.

She went further to explain that the dress was made by Sally Stitch Fix – a local woman-led small business – and was hand painted by the talented Courtney Douglas. We at the Buzz are appreciative of the fact that the First Lady, since assuming office in 2020, has been a steady customer of our incredibly gifted local designers. We are even more pleased that she wears authentic, locally created pieces whilst performing duties outside of Guyana.