GUYANESE folklore will fuse with fashion and elegance on May 21 at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, Kingston in the much anticipated upcoming “Moonlight Stories: Guyana’s First Gala and Runway Show” being put on by local designer, Keisha Edwards.

Some 12 designers, including a visual artist and jewellery designer, are set to participate in the elegant event including several top names such as Randy Madray, who received much acclaim for his pieces donned by First Lady, Mrs Arya Ali.

He also designed Her Excellency, Mrs Ali’s attire worn at the World Expo 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Other designer brands include Wanza’s Designs, Francois Designs, Ghodess Wear, Maxi Williams, House of Pearson by Quinton Pearson, Buckbead by Isaiah Luther, Seduction by CIM, Olympia da brand by Olympia Sonaram, Rio De Roberto, and Shasha Designs by Edwards herself, among others.

Edwards, an in-demand designer, is considered among the sought after names of Guyana’s designers. In a recent chat with The Buzz, Edwards shared how it was Guyanese folklore that inspired the show, and will be the theme for it.

“We all have childhood memories of hearing about Guyanese folklore under a moonlit sky, especially during blackout,” she said.
“These stories connect us. These stories, if used to create a collection, are a way of uniting us as a people, reminding us of the past and introducing it to this generation,” Edwards said emphatically.

“So, this show is an opportunity to promote fashion tourism, commerce, and awareness,” she added.
Sharing a little about what patrons can expect from her own line, Edwards noted that Shasha Designs will be delivering aesthetic, clean lines, strong shoulders, and innovative cuts.

“It will be the fantasy of our folklore reimagined through modern lenses. My collections are always metaphorical rather than literal. So, I am enthusiastic about my collections and I can’t wait to see what my fellow designers create as well,” she intimated.

Notwithstanding Guyanese designers time and again proving that they can hold their own with international quality pieces, fashion shows in Guyana are too few and far between. This show responds to the too-long gap.
“Strut II”, organised in 2017 at the Marriott hotel, Kingston, was the last major fashion event of this calibre in the country.

For her part, Edwards said her show is about letting people know that there is talent and culture in Guyana.
“Culture is the life of any society. It can let the world know who we are before we speak and I think fashion is a useful method of displaying that.

“Fashion is not entertainment, it is art and a business. It is my hope that this fashion show sets the wheel in motion, to not only revive Guyana’s fashion industry but to showcase the talent, creativity and innovative work that myself and designers put into our creation,” Edwards expressed.

With tickets costing quite the pretty penny, $18,000 for front row, and $15,000 for regular, Edwards is adamant she will give patrons their monies worth. If she doesn’t, Guyanese can be quite unforgiving.
“So far, preparations has (sic) been really good. When planning an event of this magnitude, you need a solid team as well as combing over your event lists, check items off ensuring each task is completed.

“I am excited about the entire process. There is still more to get done, and I am ensuring no stone is left unturned with regards to offering a brand new experience to our attendees,” she shared.
The runway show was made possible through Edwards’ clinching of an award in the recently distributed funding for creatives from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport under its “Cultural Creative Industries Grant”.

The show has since picked up a few other sponsors, which Edwards said is making it all the more possible to put on the kind of quality show she has envisioned.
“Without the support of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and these businesses, this event would not have been possible.

I am also especially grateful to my sponsors, Mohamed’s Enterprise and Supreme Laundromat,” Edwards expressed.