After the high of Guyana Fashion Week at Rahaman’s Park and the Fashion Market at Pegasus Hotel, Sonia Noel jetted off to Suriname with the dynamic Nelsion Nurse to partner in a Pop-up-Shop set up by GFW’s guest Surinamese designers – Warda Marica and Remko Sintmaartensdijk.
The event was a blast giving validity to the modern merchandising approach of target vending. The event created quite a stir and produced lucrative results for the eclectic mix of designers. They plan to continue in this vein for it serves to broaden client base and open up possibilities for networking and consolidating interests in the uniquely placed Guianas.
Rushing out of the Surinamese Fashion buzz, Noel zipped up to Strut for a Cause, in St Lucia, where she was featured as the prominent designer raising funds for the Sickle Cell Association and heightening awareness of the disease.
The premier event was held at the prestigious Sandals Grande, St Lucia and as usual, the production enlisted a professional organisation to serve as the model cast. The Bankers Association of St Lucia, under the artistic direction of celebrated regional production designer, Richard Young, did in fact strut their stuff to the accolades of the who is who of St Lucian society.
Fashion 1“I have been part of this event for years but the show this year meant more to me because I am one of the patrons in Guyana and I plan on working closely with the association next to heighten awareness of Sickle Cell,” Noel said.
On showcase were two labels from Noel – her ‘ First Resort’ collection and her ‘Mariska’s’ brand. She opened and closed the show to rousing applauses from the packed audience. She catered to the youth, the young-at-heart, the full-figured, regular men and the modeleqsue fashionistas.
On showcase were other Caribbean designers – Shazi Chalon of Martinique, St Lucian designers, Nella Collymore, Sarleen Lagon, Noir et Blanc and St Lucian fashion house, Sea Island Cotton.
The very next day, Sonia Noel gave a preview of her showing at the sprawling and spectacular Bay Gardens Beach Resort at an exclusive brunch, around the pool of the exquisite hotel. Needless to say some of her resort pieces were snapped up by excited international guests.
Later that day she was on the panel of Richard Young’s St Lucia casting for Caribbean’s Next Top Model. Panel members were Delia Dolor, managing editor at SHE magazine and host of television show the Dolor Factor; Angie Montoute, former BBC television presenter and current St Lucian television and radio producer/presenter, Daria Ernest; the popular JQ Rodney, Bay Mall manager, who is also responsible for Ayana Whitehead and Jarron Alexander – the faces of the mall who attended GFW 2013.
The casting was highly successful, rounding up interesting faces with great personalities and fantastic body lines.
Sonia Noel certainly knows how to work the circuit of the regional fashion landscape. The first resort collection and Mariska’s Designs will be featured this weekend in Suriname at the De Kus, which is an event that showcases creative and original furniture, jewellery, handbags and paintings. The owner fell in love with Noel’s clothing and decided to add clothing to the artistic line up.
“Since GFW I have not had any time to rest but hopefully I may be able to do that early next year”, the designer lamented.
In Guyana she is giving back for the season with huge discounts throughout December at her Barr Street, Kitty location.