As local designers gear up for Mashramani 2017, designers as well as entertainers are signalling that sponsorship remains a major challenge facing the industry. They are therefore calling on corporate Guyana and Guyanese at large to get on board and assist where they can.
For the past several years, Maxi Williams of Maxi Williams Designs has had his
Olympia Small-Sonoram designs
designs prominently featured along the Mash route, and has built a name for himself.
However, this year, the designer is lamenting the fact that support has dwindled.
Despite this, Williams said he intends to design 80 pieces with the hope that Guyanese will eventually purchase them to wear on Mash Day.
Maxi Williams design
“This is my fifth or sixth year that I am not working with a company, I’m one of the designers that have my own mass band and what I have to usually do is go to the companies and ask for sponsorship so that is how my band come about,” Williams told Guyana Times.
Williams’ 2017 designs are tiled ‘Zeal’, and depict a greener economy in addition to showcasing what the Republic celebration is about.
The young designer is hopeful that his designs will create a buzz on Mash day. Come February 23, the streets of Georgetown will be adorned with colourful masterpieces from several well-known designers.
In the meantime, Pulse Entertainment is set and ready to invade the streets of Georgetown on Mash day with several party trucks.
Robbie Singh, the CEO for Pulse Entertainment, told this publication that much is expected for Mash day, as Pulse will be taking four trucks on the road.
A mobile party is in store for those who purchase tickets. The costumes to be featured on the trucks and which are currently for sale by Pulse are designed by renowned designer, Olympia Small-Sonoram.
Singh also explained that support from corporate Guyana is lacking; however, he explained that Pulse is hoping for the best outcome.
Tickets are now available at the Pulse head office and also at the 704 Sports Bar.
