Guyana’s creative sector took centre stage on Friday evening with the opening of the Origins Fashion Festival 2026, as the government reaffirmed its commitment to developing the country’s Orange Economy.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues said at the opening that the festival demonstrates that Guyana’s fashion industry is rapidly evolving into a structured sector capable of competing regionally and internationally.
She said the event is more than a fashion showcase, describing it as an investment in people, talent and economic diversification.
“It is also a clear signal that a structured fashion industry is no longer a future aspiration. It is emerging now before our very eyes”, she explained.
Minister Rodrigues noted that President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s vision is to move beyond celebrating culture by converting it into opportunity.
“That vision challenges us to move beyond celebrating culture, but instead to convert culture into opportunity. Building industries from creativity, creating jobs from talent, and positioning Guyana as a competitive force in the global creative economy,“she said.
She said the government continues to prioritise the Orange Economy as a key pillar of national diversification, creating new economic opportunities for creatives across the country.
Meanwhile, the tourism minister said that participants underwent extensive professional training before taking to the runway.
“These were not simply preparatory sessions for the show, they were investments in careers,” she noted.
She explained that workshops covered fashion design, branding, digital marketing, export readiness and other areas essential for building successful creative businesses.
Minister Rodrigues also announced that every participating designer received a $230,000 grant to develop their collections, ensuring financial barriers did not prevent participation.
The minister said the government’s goal is to create an ecosystem where designers, models, photographers, makeup artists, hairstylists and other creative professionals can build lasting careers while contributing to Guyana’s economic growth.
Present at the opening of Origins was Her Excellency, First Lady Arya Ali and other special invitees.