With the Origins Fashion Event set to kick off soon, the business side of the creative industry is coming into sharp focus, as Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Susan Rodrigues underscored the government’s commitment to creating greater economic opportunities for creatives across the sector.
The 2026 edition of Origins: Guyana Fashion Festival is set to take place from July 3 to July 5, 2026, bringing a fresh focus on style, identity, and expression.
Guided by the theme “A Diamond Legacy: Fashioning 60 Years”, this year’s showcase will highlight the creativity shaping Guyana’s fashion landscape.
Speaking during the launch of the event last week, Minister Rodrigues announced that the Government remained committed to strengthening the business side of the creative industry as part of its ongoing support for the sector’s growth and sustainability.
She said the Government of Guyana is taking deliberate steps to ensure that Origins evolved beyond a single annual event, noting that President Dr Irfaan Ali has outlined a vision to make it a year-round platform that continuously builds skills, provides exposure and creates opportunities within the creative sector.
“The Origins: Guyana Fashion Festival is not only for designers; it is equally critical for the modelling and makeup industries. These sectors are essential pillars of fashion, and their development is key to building a complete and competitive environment. That is why we stress that Origins is a platform to learn and to grow, and we are backing that up with action,” the Minister stated.
She further stressed that true growth in the industry required sustained investment, mentorship and access to opportunities, noting that creatives must not be limited to one stage, one show, or one moment. Rodrigues said Government was working with them to create real market-access opportunities for designers, ensuring their work was not only showcased but sold, supported and sustained.
She added that efforts were underway to connect designers and other creatives to the Guyana Development Bank (GDB) once it is launched, enabling access to financing to expand their operations and transition them from talent to enterprise.
In the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister’s view, the industry requires sustainability and she, therefore, stressed the need for creatives to be equipped with the right tools to ensure the sector remains viable. “Sustainability requires structure, access to capital, and the ability to scale. And we are committed to ensuring that our creatives are equipped with the tools to do just that. This is part of building a sustainable industry, one where talent is consistently engaged, supported, and empowered to grow beyond the stage,” she said. “This year we are also placing strong emphasis on structure and opportunity within the festival.”
Rodrigues also announced that five official awards will be introduced this year: Best Fashion Designer, Best Emerging Designer, Outstanding Storyteller or Innovator, Best Female Model, and Best Male Model. Each winner will receive an award and cash prizes, with the Best Fashion Designer receiving $1 million, while each of the other categories will carry prizes valued at $500,000. For this edition of Origins – which was first introduced last year – it was announced that 30 slots are available for designers, with 10 designers to be selected each night for a premier showcase. While only 30 designers will ultimately be selected for the runway, it was emphasised that all applicants will benefit from opportunities to grow, as those not selected will still take part in structured designer and model workshops under the programme.
“These sessions are designed to build capacity, strengthen skills, and prepare participants for future opportunities within the industry. At Origins, participation is not limited to the runway. Development is for everyone, and as part of our continued commitment to the growth of this industry, we are delivering on what we promised,” the Minister added.
Origins: Guyana Fashion Festival is a visionary initiative supported by the Government of Guyana, and spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce.
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