Fashions for 2004 will go on display this afternoon on the lawns of Red House when Michelle Cole showcases 'Colefacts Designs' at a tea party and fashion show in collaboration with the Guyana Cancer Society. US-based Guyanese Roger Gary will also display his 'Aqua-Couture' collection of Spring and Summer 2004 fashion which was recently on show at the Caribbean Fashion Week in Jamaica.
Cole, who has had gowns at most if not all of the local pageants, said that the idea to team up with the Cancer Society came after her mother died of cancer. She said that apart from the tea party and show, there will also be an auction and all of the monies raised from this will go directly to the Guyana Cancer Society.
Gary who has been designing for over ten years is an international designer and during a recent interview with Stabroek News said that he has designed for famous stars such as Tony Braxton, Vanessa Williams and `Lil Kim'.
He said he was in the first batch of students at the Burrowes School of Art, which was then coordinated by the late Denis Williams. After graduation, Gary said, he moved to the Jamaica School of Arts where he spent three years. He later moved to New York and enrolled at the Parson's School Of Designs, where he pursued a degree in designing.
Gary said that 'Aqua-Couture', the name of his new line, means high fashion swimwear and a collection of a burst of colourful evening wear.
Wearing some of the designs will be 21-year-old ZA, who is an American born to Jamaican parents. ZA has been modelling for four years with her latest appearance being at the Fashion Gate Fashion/Foodplace owned by Naomi Campbell. ZA was in Guyana for the Miss Guyana/ Universe 2003 pageant and this is her third trip to the country. She has been appearing in the Caribbean Fashion Week for two years and has also graced the catwalk at the New York Fashion Week and the Absolute Vodka Fashion Week. ZA has also modelled in London, Paris and Canada.
She will share the catwalk with local models such as Olive Gopaul, Asha Pieters, Odessa Phillips and the reigning Miss Guyana Talented Teen Shaunet Moore. There will also be some new faces. The show starts at 3:30 pm.