Origins Fashion inspires creativity, advances Orange Economy

The final evening of the Origins Fashion Festival 2026 concluded on a high note on Sunday, with patrons praising the event for celebrating Guyanese creativity while creating new opportunities for designers, artisans and other creatives to showcase their talent.

Hosted at the Railway Courtyard under the theme, “A Diamond Legacy: Fashioning 60 Years,” the three-day festival brought together local designers, models, makeup artists and fashion enthusiasts in a celebration of culture, heritage and innovation.

Among those in attendance was fashion designer Randy Madray, who described the festival as a significant step forward for Guyana’s fashion industry.

“I think this initiative has been truly impactful. We can see the growth among designers and we are now having discussions that we could not have years ago. It is a step in the right direction for the industry. The investment in the Orange Economy is also a major win for creatives and I look forward to seeing how those investments create sustainable opportunities that will benefit the industry,” Madray stated.

Patron Malisa Sirpaul said the festival showcased the depth of local talent while promoting Guyana’s culture.

“I must say that Guyanese are so talented. I never knew there was so much talent in Guyana. Minister Susan Rodrigues did a wonderful job coordinating this event. It brought together our culture, entertainment, food and fashion, and it made me proud because it showed that we are preserving our traditions while celebrating our creativity,” Sirpaul said.

Another patron, Romeo McAdam, believes that “what was done this year is superior to what was done last year. I particularly enjoyed the historical presentation and the indigenous-inspired collections. They reflected Guyana’s heritage and showed how our culture can continue to inspire local designers,” he said.

Meanwhile, makeup artist Arian Dahlia Richmond, who worked behind the scenes preparing models throughout the festival, described the experience as a rewarding collaboration that showcased the country’s creative potential.

“This experience has been spectacular. Everyone has been working around the clock, and the response to the designs has been incredible. Guyana is filled with talented people, and this festival has shown what can be achieved when creatives are given opportunities to showcase their work. We need more initiatives like this,” Richmond said.

Through continued investment in the Orange Economy, the government is creating new opportunities for creatives while positioning the sector as an important contributor to Guyana’s economic diversification.

The Origins Fashion Festival featured runway shows, exhibitions, workshops and panel discussions. (DPI)