Guyana Fashion Showcase set for October 4 at Castellani House

The Castellani House is set to explode on October 4, 2024, with rich, creative, sophisticated, and intriguing designs as the 5th edition of the Guyana Fashion Showcase is hosted.
It is an opportunity for seasoned, upcoming, and international designers to bring their ‘a-game’ to the floor and express fashion enthusiasts.
This announcement was made by a panel of representatives from the Guyana Fashion Showcase during a recent press conference.
However, the Guyana Times had the opportunity to get an exclusive interview with the Director of the Guyana Fashion Showcase Philbert Giddings who shared in-depth details of the event, emphasising its significance within the broader context of the Cricket Carnival celebrations.

A platform for talent
According to Giddings, this Fashion Showcase is very important in creating a platform for emerging designers and models. The event aims to highlight the rich talent pool in Guyana, providing them with exposure and opportunities to shine on a larger stage.

“This is a platform for everyone to come on and showcase their talent. It’s also a platform for those who want to be a part of this mega event that we’re going to be hosting,” he said.
On this point, Giddings painted a vivid picture of what attendees can expect.
“What we have planned for the Guyana Fashion Showcase is a night of total allure. We won’t just be showcasing local and international designers; we’re going to have a high-end show with a well-thought-out stage layout and lighting system,” he shared. The event will also feature pop-up shops, offering a chance for designers to sell their creations.
As preparations continue, the excitement is palpable, he mentioned that an ongoing casting is proceeding and in some 3 weeks persons who have been shortlisted will be contacted to model in the fashion show.
“When we come back in three weeks, we’re going to call everyone and let them know who was selected,” Giddings stated. The selection process will be rigorous, ensuring that only the best of the best make it to the final showcase.

Educational opportunities
In addition to the glitz and glamour, the Guyana Fashion Showcase will include a two-day seminar dedicated to students and aspiring designers.
Giddings explained, “We’re going to be teaching with professional designers from abroad. The seminar focuses on pattern-making, and other fashion techniques. This seminar will feature graduates from Foreign Technology Institutes and Fashion schools which will equip participants with invaluable skills and knowledge.
Meanwhile, Giddings revealed the vast array of participation of several prominent fashion icons.
“Randy Madrid is one of the designers from Guyana. We have confirmed the participation of, Sydney Francois, and David Rolle from the Bahamas. Additionally, we have designers flying in from New York,” Giddings revealed.
This international participation underscores the event’s high standards and its goal of fostering cross-cultural exchanges in the fashion industry.

Supporting future talent
Recognising the importance of nurturing future talent, the showcase will include a student competition in collaboration with the McGraw School of Art.
This event will not just be about fashion; it will also be about giving back to the community.
“We are thankful for the opportunity from the Guyana Government to be on the calendar of events,” Giddings said. There will be collaboration with local organisations like the Lions Club to ensure transparency and community involvement.
Giddings, however, is optimistic about the future of fashion in Guyana.
“The industry now is a multi-billion-dollar industry, and Guyana is a new frontier. A lot of people are coming to Guyana, and I realise there’s too much talent here to be displayed,” he remarked. He is committed to providing ongoing training and development opportunities for aspiring models and designers.
Meanwhile, he humbly expressed that the success of the Guyana Fashion Showcase is due to the collaborative efforts of many talented individuals such as Sydney Francois, Michael Cole, Cole Pax, and Pax Colab. This collaboration ensures a diverse and rich experience for all involved.
The Guyana Fashion Showcase, launched in 2019, has since gained international recognition. This year’s event promises to be a highlight of the Cricket Carnival, drawing attention from fashion enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.