Beyond the Runway: Nachle Designs Threads Love, Heritage, and Innovation at Guyana’s Premier Fashion Fest

Recently, the Origins Guyana Fashion Festival concluded and was described as an incredible event that showcased cultural storytelling through fashion, with Nachle Designs, co-founded by Hashim Alli and Melicia Partab, kicking off the three-day festival celebrating the creativity of more than 40 Guyanese designers. 

 

After the festival, Ali said that it was “truly an honour” and described it as an experience that turned into more than just a runway to remind people of the deeper connections between clothing, culture, and community. “The energy, the feedback, the sense of community was beyond motivating.  I left the event feeling more inspired than ever,” said Alli, also mentioning that with a focus on heritage and innovation, it also affirmed his honor of representational authenticity and creative practices. 

 

The latest collection from Nachle Designs, “Haamare Pream Kahaanee” (“Our Love Story”), pushed conventional boundaries by establishing black as the base color for wedding purposes, which dispelled the myth that black attire was taboo for wedding ceremonies or events. Inspired by the couple’s wedding outfits, it represents a bold statement of self-identity and cultural pride.

 

The Festival, which received support from the Government of Guyana and the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, was praised for its ease of execution and success in having daily workshops and opportunities to network with fashion greats. Alli said that he hoped to see this type of event extended from three days to possibly a week, to provide even greater exposure and more opportunities for designers.

 

The Origins Guyana Fashion Festival has been hailed as a dynamic platform for designers to share their narratives, inspire dialogue on heritage and sustainability, and create pride amongst the local fashion community. Despite limited resources such as raw materials, the founders of Nachle Designs, feel encouraged by the festival, as their platform continues to evolve towards international recognition. 

 

Advice for aspiring designers from Alli includes: “Never stop. Always believe in your craft and keep honing it and, one day it will be presented to you, just be open to it!” 

 

Source: Guyana Times