Years of experience in the clothing design business have not tempered Vanda-Allicock- Calistro’s creativity, in fact, the local designer continues to grow from strength to strength. During an interview with the Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Ms. Calistro revealed that by harnessing her creativity, she was able to transform the lives of her family after the tragic passing of her sister. She explained, “After my sister died, her son started at Borrowes [School of Art] and we were financially challenged, so I started designing on shirts.” Her father, she added was her first customer.
Since that time, the 33 year old has participated in several local and regional events. “Apart from fashion Week, I have participated in the Suriname Expo and a few local shows with Sonia Noel, mainly find raising activities,” she said.
Vanda recalled that she left her home in the Rupununi at the tender age of ten, when as the recipient of a scholarship, she moved to Georgetown. However, despite the transition, the designer never lost touch with her Indigenous roots. “I do fabric painting mostly and I try to capture indigenous aspects like the birds, trees and basket weaving,” she said. For her, inspiration comes from customers’ appreciation of her designs which incorporate the various aspects of her culture.
While she continues to build on her successes, Vanda has acknowledged that her journey has not been without its trials. “One of the biggest challenges has been finding a seamstress to get the product I wanted, which I use as a medium. It is a lot better now though,” she added.
Vanda credits her continued success to her persistence and the support she received from family and friends, including the Radziks, her nephew Nigel, Anna Isles , her seamstress and Sonia Noel. “I would tell anyone, do not to give up when you fail. If you embrace failure there is something better on the other side; and remember to be kind to people,” She emphasised.
According to the local designer, she has grown as an artist over the years and she is looking forward to embracing the future. She said, “I had no idea in the beginning what I was going to do, at least now I have a fair idea; I am still learning.”
