to feature 40 designers

THE highly anticipated Origins Guyana Fashion Festival is poised to dazzle audiences from May 2 to 4, showcasing a vibrant mix of creativity and craftsmanship from both local and international designers.
A total of 31 local designers and nine international designers are set to participate in the three-day event, which will take place in the heart of Georgetown. The diverse lineup spans various fashion disciplines, including African and Indian-inspired styles, Indigenous wear, contemporary fashion, jewellery, and other specialty design categories.

In preparation for the event, Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, Oneidge Walrond, met with participating designers at the Railway Courtyard on Tuesday. During the engagement, she emphasised the importance of bringing Guyanese talent to the forefront.
“Guyana is brimming with untapped talent and creativity,” Minister Walrond stated. “The Origins Fashion Festival is a platform to elevate our designers, empower creatives, and spotlight Guyana as a serious player in the regional and international fashion industry.”
The minister also noted that the event is more than just a runway spectacle—it is part of a long-term vision to build a robust and sustainable fashion industry in Guyana.

“We are not just hosting a fashion show,” she added. “We are laying the foundation for a resilient, professional fashion industry—one that generates sustainable livelihoods for our designers.”
In addition to the fashion showcases, the festival will include a series of industry-focused workshops and developmental sessions aimed at building capacity in the creative sector. Event consultant and designer, Keisha Edwards, revealed that topics will include fashion illustration and design, the integration of artificial intelligence in the creative economy, and professional makeup artistry.

“These workshops are essential courses that provide the technical foundation and business insights our creatives need to thrive in an evolving global industry,” said Edwards.
Among the featured creatives is fashion illustrator and designer, Roberto Teekah, who expressed his pride in being part of such a landmark event.

“To be able to share the stage with both emerging talents and seasoned designers who have worked tirelessly to sustain and evolve Guyana’s fashion industry is inspiring,” Teekah said.
Designer Salina Cruickshank, founder of Sally’s Stitch Fix, echoed similar sentiments.

“This is the first event of this scale that I have ever been a part of, and I’m truly honoured,” Cruickshank shared.

With rehearsals already underway, event coordinators are currently evaluating the need for additional models to accommodate the growing number of designers. The full lineup of events and ticketing information is expected to be released to the public by the end of this week.
The Origins Guyana Fashion Festival promises to be a landmark celebration of creativity, culture, and industry development, shining a well-deserved spotlight on Guyana’s burgeoning fashion scene.