The Origins Guyana Fashion Festival, a groundbreaking three-day celebration of fashion and creativity, was officially unveiled on Wednesday evening in a spectacular launch event at the newly developed Railway Courtyard along Lamaha Street, Georgetown. The venue, an impressive addition to the city’s landscape, was the perfect backdrop for this monumental event that promises to elevate Guyana’s fashion industry onto the global stage.
The event, which attracted a vibrant crowd of local fashion enthusiasts, public officials, media representatives, and social media influencers, marked the beginning of what is expected to be a transformative journey for Guyanese fashion. The unveiling of Origins Guyana was not only a celebration of the country’s rich cultural diversity but also a testament to the growing recognition of fashion as a significant economic driver for the nation.
Among the many driving forces behind this ambitious event is none other than Oneidge Walrond, the Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce. In her opening remarks, Walrond shared her excitement about the festival’s potential to serve as a springboard for local designers, offering them the international exposure they deserve.
Oneidge Walrond, the Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce
“This festival is not just a fashion event, it’s a visionary initiative,” Walrond declared.
“It is part of a broader strategy to position Guyana as a global leader in creative industries. His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, has given us the opportunity to provide our designers with a global platform. And when I say ‘global’, I mean it—this is about making Guyana’s name known on the world’s stage.”
The Minister went on to stress the importance of fashion as a reflection of the country’s unique blend of cultural influences. “We are not just a country rich in natural beauty, but also in creativity and culture,” she said. Walrond further highlighted that Guyana’s fashion scene has already seen the international success of designers like Kesha Edwards and Misha Cole, whose work has been featured at prestigious events like Buchanan Palace and regional fashion showcases. These accomplishments, she explained, were just the beginning, with many more talents waiting for the opportunity to be discovered.
Oneidge Walrond, the Minister of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce along with local models in local designer pieces at the launch event.
“Too often, our designers have worked in isolation without a platform to showcase their brilliance,” Walrond pointed out. “That changes now. Origins Guyana Fashion Festival is a platform where we can all come together, see the incredible talent in our country, and share it with the world.”
The Origins Guyana Fashion Festival, set for May 2 to 4, is more than just a glamorous event—it’s a catalyst for growth and opportunity within Guyana’s creative industries. As Walrond aptly noted, the festival isn’t only about showcasing the work of local designers but also about opening doors for collaborations, both regionally and internationally.
“We’re inviting international buyers, writers, and editors to see what we have to offer,” Walrond said. “This is about fostering global partnerships and helping our designers expand into global markets. But it’s not just about them—it’s about our models as well. The exposure they will gain by walking on this stage could be the launchpad for international careers.”
The festival is set to bring together a dynamic range of activities beyond the traditional runway shows. Alex Graham, the event director, spoke passionately about how Origins will serve as a multifaceted platform for the growth of Guyanese fashion. “Origins is not just an event—it’s an investment in our designers, our artisans, and our creative professionals,” he said. “It’s about offering the right exposure, the right training, and the right environment to help our talent grow.”
Graham also stressed that the festival’s impact would extend beyond the three days of fashion shows. “We’re going to host workshops, seminars, and training sessions, giving people the opportunity to learn from global industry leaders and gain valuable insights into the business side of fashion,” he said.
In his address, Graham also shared a powerful perspective on the broader potential of Guyana’s fashion industry. He pointed to the global fashion market, which is valued at $1.84 trillion, and emphasised the immense economic opportunities for Guyanese creatives to tap into. “We’re not just talking about art and culture here,” he said. “Fashion is big business. It creates jobs, generates revenue, and opens up new avenues for investment. And Guyana, with its growing economy and rich cultural heritage, is perfectly positioned to take advantage of these opportunities.”
For Graham, the Origins Guyana Fashion Festival is about more than just putting on a good show—it’s about building a sustainable and thriving fashion industry in Guyana. “This is about creating a long-term vision for the industry, just like we’ve seen with oil and gas,” he explained. “The growth of our oil and gas sector has had ripple effects across other industries, and fashion is no different. By investing in our creative industries, we are creating a more diverse and robust economy.”
Both Walrond and Graham highlighted the deep cultural roots that underpin Guyana’s fashion scene. In his remarks, Graham reflected on the country’s unique historical and cultural influences, from the indigenous peoples to the colonial era and the arrival of indentured labourers from India and Europe. “Guyanese fashion is a tapestry of all these influences,” he said. “Our designers draw from a well of cultural richness that spans millennia, and this is something we can showcase to the world.”
He also spoke about the evolution of Guyanese dress, from the indigenous styles of the first peoples to the vibrant textiles introduced by Indian labourers. “It’s this fusion of cultures that defines our fashion,” Graham explained. “We’re not just creating clothes—we’re telling the story of our country’s history, our struggles, and our triumphs through fabric, colour, and design.”
As the festival’s May debut approaches, the excitement continues to build. The Origins Guyana Fashion Festival is more than just a celebration of style—it’s the beginning of a movement that aims to position Guyana as a creative powerhouse on the global stage. The festival will feature not only runway shows but also interactive workshops and panels, offering industry professionals and budding creatives a chance to learn, connect, and grow.
With international buyers, media representatives, and fashion influencers expected to attend, the festival promises to place Guyana firmly in the spotlight. The Government of Guyana has already expressed its commitment to investing in the creative industries, with Walrond reiterating that this event is just the beginning of a broader strategy to make fashion a significant part of the country’s economic and cultural fabric.
“We’re building something special here,” she said. “Origins is just the start, but it’s an important start. Together, we can help Guyanese fashion thrive and make its mark on the world.”
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