Sonia Noel reportedly impressed fans at a recent fashion show in Belize which was part of activities to mark that country’s 33rd Independence Anniversary.
The fashion show was organised by the National Institute of Culture and History.
Noel was invited to the premiere event as a Guest Designer, and according to many media officials, she did not disappoint.
During CARIFESTA, Diane Haylock, the President of the institute was formally introduced to Noel and was very impressed with her work and contribution to Caribbean fashion and the creative industry in general. It is against this background that he invited her to the show last week.
Friday last, the House of Culture played host to the fashion showcase in a beautiful garden setting. Veteran designer Dana Brown as well as Julie McCord, Maureen Navarette and Babriella Barrera, all from Belize, displayed their pieces to a very receptive audience.
But it was Noel, who once again stole the show. Closing the showcase, displaying pieces from her First Resort collection, Noel proved why she is regarded as one of the region’s best. She recalled that the response from the other designers and the public was nothing short of amazing. And it was not just ‘lip service’, many patrons purchased and ordered pieces as the show was over.
On one of the many TV and Radio programmes she was invited to; host of the popular morning show “Open Your Eyes”, William Neal, commented “OMG! The creativity and originality in your work… we have never seen anything like it”.
On the other part of the visit, the Sonia Noel Foundation for the Creative Arts collaborated with the National Institute of Culture and History of Belize to host a Fashion Talk Shop as part of the official programme where Noel functioned as facilitator.
There were interactive sessions with young designers on design and development with specific references to culture, storytelling, traditional techniques and socio-historical linkage that influence their individual style concept.
The participants were very receptive and overjoyed to be part of the informative fashion talk shop. Noel responded that “there is lots of talent here in Belize and I feel overwhelmed to share my knowledge and to be able to contribute to the wider fashion industry in the region”.
Noel also challenged Belizeans to support local fashion and make it a duty to add a local designer piece to their wardrobe.
The Sonia Noel Foundation for the Creative Arts is dedicated to facilitating and creating opportunities for young people to display and realise their creative potential, while contributing to the awareness and eradication of social issues. The last venture was a fundraiser for the Guyana Sickle Cell Association dubbed “Style Mission”.
On her trip to Belize, Noel said: “It was an honour to be invited by the Cultural Department for such an important occasion. I feel so much love from officials, local designers, and the public, and I have a distinct feeling that this will be the first of many trips, God’s willing.”
During her tour to the island, her magazine “Makin Styles” was also introduced and it has already created some spark among the locals.