Origins festival gains momentum as Guyanese fashion takes centre stage
– Second edition builds on early success with 31 designers, 85 models and overwhelming public support GUYANA’S creativity continues to reach new heights and larger stages, most recently with the growing success of the Origins Guyana Fashion Festival. What began just a year ago as an initiative by the Government of Guyana has returned in […]
Origins festival gains momentum as Guyanese fashion takes centre stage
By \
Shaniya Harding
Secretariat Director Lourdeth Ferguson alongside Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues at a recent Origins 2026 engagement
– Second edition builds on early success with 31 designers, 85 models and overwhelming public support
GUYANA’S creativity continues to reach new heights and larger stages, most recently with the growing success of the Origins Guyana Fashion Festival.
What began just a year ago as an initiative by the Government of Guyana has returned in 2026 with new themes, greater participation and overwhelming anticipation ahead of the event, which will be held from July 3–5 at the Railway Courtyard.
Now in its second year, the festival aims to pay homage to Guyana’s creative history under the theme, ‘A Diamond Legacy: Fashioning 60 Years’, backed by the energy of 31 designers from both Guyana and the diaspora, and more than 80 models ready to showcase the country’s creativity and unique fashion flair to the world.
In a recent interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Secretariat Director Lourdeth Ferguson said the event has grown considerably over the past year, with more designers and models participating, greater public interest, and a clear message being sent that Guyanese creativity is very much on the rise.
Some of the designers set to participate in this year’s Origins Guyana Fashion Festival
While the event is being celebrated under the broad theme, ‘A Diamond Legacy: Fashioning 60 Years’, each of the three nights carries its own distinct theme, aimed at highlighting Guyana’s creative history, current expansion and future trajectory.
As Ferguson noted, “Day one is Golden Threads of Time. That night is a beautiful mix of diasporan, experienced and emerging designers all coming together on one stage.”
She added, “Day 2 is Ancestral Threads. Again, we are bringing together diaspora and emerging designers, and every night we really try to create a different feel, a different energy, so the audience experiences something fresh each time they walk through those doors.”
The closing night is expected to be particularly compelling. Celebrated under the banner of fashion and innovation, it gives Guyana’s creatives the opportunity to think outside the box and move beyond conventional ideas to create something truly captivating.
As Ferguson explained, “Day three is Fashion Meets Innovation, which is all about threads, fashion, and innovation. That one is more futuristic in its approach. It gives designers the space to push past the norm, to really reach, and to put something on that runway that the world can be proud of.”
Scenes from the model casting calls held ahead of this year’s Origins Guyana Fashion Festival, which drew more than 400 participants
This year’s event is also seeing strong participation from designers and models alike. Each night will feature approximately 10 designers, with the line up drawing from both Guyana and the diaspora, a mix Ferguson described as bringing something unique and valuable to the stage.
“This year we have 31 designers in all, so every night we have approximately 10 designers showcasing their work. Of that 31, we have nine designers coming in from the diaspora, and they are here to support and complement what our local designers are doing,” she said.
Beyond the designers, interest among Guyana’s models has been equally significant. While 85 models will grace the stage in July, Ferguson noted that more than 400 people participated in casting calls held earlier this year.
As she explained, “In terms of models, we have 85 on board, which is incredible when you consider that number came out of a casting call that drew over 400 responses. The interest has been extraordinary.”
That enthusiasm extends to the general public as well. Ferguson noted that interest in the event has grown significantly since its announcement earlier this year.
“The response and attraction for Origins has absolutely grown. I mean, we only started last year, but this year the response has been nothing short of phenomenal. It has really been something to witness,” she said.
Public interest has translated directly into ticket demand, with Ferguson revealing that seats were nearly gone a week before opening night.
“Tickets are available online and they are free, but one has to register, just as we did last year. Registration is being done through a Potsalt link, and as of last week there were only about 18 tickets remaining,” she said.
She added, “The tickets are truly being swallowed up. We encourage anyone who wants to be there to move quickly and get registered before it’s too late.”
By supporting creatives and strengthening Guyana’s creative community, Origins is giving local talent a platform to showcase their work at the highest level.
Ferguson noted that the festival has brought significant attention to Guyana’s fashion landscape.
“Origins brings immense attention to Guyana on so many levels. It sends a message to Guyanese people that, first and foremost, the government is paying attention, the government is genuinely concerned about creatives and is actively investing in them,” she said.
The festival also works to raise the standard of Guyana’s creative industry, pushing designers to compete on a larger stage with greater visibility and opportunities.
As Ferguson stated, “Origins sends a message to the creatives themselves: that we have to step up our game, take stock, and truly take advantage of the opportunities that are being laid before us.”
Origins’ ambitions and impact stretch well beyond Guyana’s borders. Through government support, creative involvement and the development of the orange economy, Origins is positioning Guyanese creativity on the international stage.
As Ferguson put it, “Beyond our borders, Origins sends a message to the Caribbean and to the world, a very clear message that says, watch out, because Guyana is coming up.”
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