Guyana Model Search/ Designers’ Portfolio 2012 promises glitz and glamour

The Guyana Model Search/ Designers’ Portfolio 2012 was officially launched last Friday evening at the Sidewalk Café, Middle Street, Georgetown, and promised not only glitz and glamour, but to focus on social issues affecting Guyanese.

The simple ceremony was addressed by Human Services and Social Security Minister Jenifer Webster, who urged the gathering to join the bandwagon in assisting her ministry to curb domestic violence, which has been on the increase.

The minister said that her ministry has decided to collaborate with the Guyana Fashion Weekend and Sonia Noel to fight the plague, as fashion can be used as a vehicle to fight abuse. Webster said her ministry for the first time will be using art, entertainment and fashion to raise awareness of domestic violence, especially among young people.

All women need to be their sister’s keeper, she said.

Prominent fashion designer Sonia Noel expressed her gratitude to all who have made Model Search/ Designer Portfolio a reality.

She promised that the 2012 event will be one with a difference. Noel disclosed that the finals of the competition will be held on July 1 at Isika, Parika, East Bank Essequibo. The venue, she said is breathtaking.

As an abused child growing up, Noel said her main motive was to use fashion as an avenue to address domestic violence.

Representatives of the main sponsors of Guyana Model Search/ Designers’ Portfolio also had their pieces to add to what the minister said.

First to take to the podium was Rosalinda Rasul of EZJet who expressed her optimism and excitement to be a part of the event that is intended to showcase local talents.

She said that as a growing airline, she is confident that EZjet will spread its wings worldwide, and at the same time, assist Sonia in realising her dreams by promoting the fashion industry.

Petal Beaton, a representative of Digicel (Guyana) also shared the sentiments of the EZjet official. Beaton stated that the company is pleased to be a part of the event that will raise public awareness of domestic violence, especially through arts, entertainment and fashion.

A representative from Courts (Guyana) Inc also related that the furniture giant has been with the Guyana Fashion Week for a few years, and was pleased to announce that a special line of furniture was designed and made available to the public.

She noted that fashion is not only about physical beauty, but also includes the environment, culture and tradition.

The Courts representative encouraged the young designers and models to nurture their talent with the necessary resources at their disposal to make a name for themselves.

The last person to address the audience was Trinidadian fashion icon Richard Young, who was extremely happy to be a part of the Guyanese culture, one that is similar to his homeland.

The 30 odd models and designers were then introduced to the audience. The evening’s proceedings were chaired by the Evening News Editor Michael Younge, who also is the 2008 Model Search winner.