Model Search/Designers’ Portfolio stuns huge audience

– Andy Cummings named best designer

After months of training and preparation, the finals of the Model Search/Designers’ Portfolio culminated at Isika, Parika, East Bank Essequibo last Sunday evening.
Despite several glitches, with the main one being a change in venue, the models as well as the designers delivered to perfection, pleasing the capacity audience. Flaunting their bodies, 21 models, both male and female, competed for the title of Guyana’s top model.
More than three hours of intense competition among the designers, who showcased taste and glamour, saw Andy Cummings being adjudged the best designer for 2012. In second place was Shameza Sabrattie, followed by Mwanza Glen in third spot.
Among the five plus-size models, it was competition to the highest level with the aim of securing the top place. At the end, Nathyla Thomas walked away with the top honours followed by Tina Garraway and Akeshia Joseph. Leaving the audience mesmerised with poise, physique, and excellent use of the catwalk were the ladies in the open category of the model search contest. Carles Griffith was awarded the top prize, while Soyini Fraser was second; coming in third in the very competitive segment was Amanda Henry.
In the male category, which was described as the endangered species segment, Tyrone Hamid gained the top prize, with John Gibbons coming in second and Paul Charles of the Classique Dance Company securing the third spot. The guys did not disappoint their fans who turned up in their numbers to get a glimpse of their polished, muscular bodies as they display various pieces ranging from swimwear to casual wear and sportswear.
Just before the results were announced, the designers, from Guyana and the Caribbean, dished out some tantalizing and sensual pieces that had the audience begging for more. The pieces were well-designed to portray the themes that they were meant to showcase.
Leaving no stone unturned, the St Vincent and Grenadines designer stunned the ladies with her collection of bags ranging from the fashionable handbags to clutches. The colourful pieces were excellently put together.

The Jamaican designer also added some flavour to the event with his 13 pieces, which was displayed by local models. The night, however, belonged to the Guyana designers who stepped up their games and produce an outstanding display of raw talent and creativity toppled with brilliant minds.
The evening was glamorous from beginning to ending with some fabulous poetic performances by Guyana’s own, Ruqayyah Boyer.
Before, the ‘glamorous’ competition was hosted, there were several other competitions, including hair and nail. The ladies went all out, with their hair and nail designs that showcased domestic violence.
The winner of the hair competition was Sairta’s Creations, while the winner of the nail competition was Kristy Griffith. The judging panel for the various competitions included Christopher McNair of the Caribbean Export Development Agency; Steven Cutting, a professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology; Donna Thompson, an international photographer from New York; Anna Maria Horsford, an American television and film actress; and Jean Pierre Begon, vice president of  Elite International. Chief Executive Officer and founder of the Sonia Noel Foundation, Sonia Noel was also a part of the judging panel.