Makin’ Style connotes a peculiar brand of imaging emanating from a region that is a virtual melting pot of divergent cultures, ethnicities and styles.The Caribbean has given birth to an alternative style option that is uniquely crafted, hence makin’ style.
Indeed, its vernacular terminology represents the intrinsic, indigenous and ingenious nature of our fashion sensibility, which the global fashion cognoscenti seems to be acknowledging.
This style is so vibrant and so full of dynamic cultural possibilities influenced, undoubtedly, by our socio- historical, national references. Each country gives its unique flavour which adds to the collective melange that is the Caribbean aesthetic.Its ethos is informed with a celebration of our similarities and an appreciation of our differences. This is what defines Caribbean style. We forge and fashion our style by branding our inimitable sense of identity.
Let’s toast to a fashion icon of Guyana, who contributes significantly to this Caribbean aesthetic. She is the irrepressible CEO of Guyana Fashion Weekend, Sonia Noel, whose creative use of bamboo, seeds and beads on breathing fabrics testify not only to her Amerindian heritage but marries beautifully Afro/Indo silhouettes.
Her signature latticing, using linens and cottons, seems to reflect Georgetown’s distinctive wooden fretwork characteristic of the capital’s Victorian architecture.
Recently, at the staging of the Miss Guyana Universe pageant, she dressed the reigning Miss Universe, Leila Lopes, in one of her classic black and white ensembles, which fitted her splendidly like a glove.
A tie back bustier paired with a form fitting full length skirt, complete with latticing and ruffles, sculpted her body wondrously as she effortlessly crossed the stage, beaming with pride in her designer custom-made gift. Sonia Noel expressed great satisfaction with the fit and shared Ms Lopes’s enthusiasm about wearing more of her designs in the future.
Sonia’s younger daughter Shonta with her and Miss Universe (centre)
