GFW 2011 launched in style

Guyana Fashion Weekend 2011 was launched with a spectacle of thought-provoking and compelling sights and sounds at the Princess Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara.

The show began with the impresario Russell Lancaster signalling the commencement of the launch of the fifth anniversary celebrations of GFW. The runway and backdrop were in hues of green to emphasise the theme of the International Year of the Forests.

The International Year for People of African Descent was also acknowledged in an electrifying drum section, which climaxed in a shrill voice affirming “Africa! Africa! Africa!” A slew of African, Afrocentric, Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Guyanese fashions was on show.

Models dressed in black attire held placards bearing haunting messages and slogans, virtually baring their souls in a true youth empowerment initiative.

As you entered the venue, there was a display of imaginative sculpture and wooden furnishings by Louis Jordan, who is known for his meticulously etched leather craft.

At the event, Labour Minister Manzoor Nadir praised the effort of the GFW team, proclaiming himself flabbergasted by the potency of the show and its agenda. He expressed hope that the nation at large has the benefit of experiencing the allure of the event.

A tribute to the sixties revisited Theatrical Spectacular and incorporated the arts in defining a fashion identity.

Etta James’s “At last”, performed by Tatum Greenville, and the Messengers’ rendition of the classic ‘My Girl’ set the tone for this era, which culminated with the display of period fashions reinvented by the GFW resident designers.

The showcase was intellectually stimulating, particularly the dance performed by Jamain Victor, Lyn Medford and Kijana Lewis, which charted the journey of liberation.

An East Indian dance performed by Miss Guyana India Worldwide Roshini Boodhoo testified to the plural and cosmopolitan society Guyana boasts. The event peaked with an assortment of Guyanese/Caribbean designs flowing down the runway to crown the evening’s presentation.

With a cast of 40 models, including Meleesa Payne, Alana Phoenix, Royan Abrams and Jamain Victor; together with the Buxton Fusion School of Music under the direction of Deo Persaud, and the Unique Arts dancers under the direction of Kelton Jennings, GFW was a show with a difference.