40 designers to participate in the inaugural Origins Guyana Fashion Festival

A new era in fashion is set to dawn upon Guyana as 40 designers—31 local and 9 international—prepare to take the spotlight at the first-ever Origins Guyana Fashion Festival, happening from May 2 to 4.
The event will showcase a variety of styles and influences, including Indigenous fashion, Afrocentric and Indian-inspired wear, contemporary designs, jewellery, and other niche collections.

Before the festive competition kicks off, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister, Oneidge Walrond, met with the participating designers at the Railway Courtyard earlier this week, and stressed the significance of the initiative.
“Guyana is brimming with untapped talent and creativity. 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,” she declared. “We are not just hosting a fashion show, we are laying the foundation for a resilient, professional fashion industry—one that generates sustainable livelihoods for our designers.”
In addition to the runway shows, the festival will offer skill-building workshops and industry training.
According to designer and event consultant, Keisha Edwards, sessions will cover topics like fashion illustration, design fundamentals, professional makeup, and how artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping the creative economy.
“These workshops are essential courses that provide the technical foundation and business insights our creatives need to thrive in an evolving global industry,” Edwards said.
Among the creatives getting ready to showcase their work is Roberto Teekah, a fashion illustrator and designer, who expressed his excitement about the opportunity.
“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,” he said.
Salina Cruickshank, owner of Sally’s Stitch Fix, also shared her enthusiasm: “This is the first event of this scale that I have ever been a part of, and I’m truly honoured.”
With rehearsals in full swing, organisers are currently reviewing the possibility of bringing in additional models to meet the needs of the large designer line-up.
A full breakdown of the activities, along with ticketing details, will be released later this week.