Guyanese Model/ Linden native, Royston Lester, stuns at New York Fashion Week!

From strutting in the streets in Linden, Guyana to strutting for New York Fashion Week. The place has changed, the strut has improved but the passion remains the same. Nothing prepared Royston for such a transition, but he knew he wouldn’t take any opportunity for granted. Both fashion week’s this year has been a liberating and learning experience, Royston told Village Voice News. According to him “I have grown so much from the last runway, and it makes me, my family and friends very proud.”

New York Fashion Week 2025 was a spicy one for sure! Models from all walks of life gathered to for their moment on the runway. The lights are blinding but the pictures look stunning. As fashion evolves, more and more productions are aiming to put forward a show that encompasses the diversity of the real world. It gives hope to younger models like Royston that there’s even more space opening up despite colour, sexuality, body weight and even height in this industry.

Royston said “I can feel the renaissance that’s happening and needs to continue to happen within the fashion industry, and I’m happy to be part of it.

“The honour was all mine walking for RxRunway: The shows, a fashion production whose values align with the creation of a more inclusive and diverse runway. With every strut I solidified my place not just on the runway but in any room, I walk in.

“Far too often I felt the need to prove why I’m here, prove why I got this spot. I’m learning that my being is enough proof and the only person who I’d need to prove myself too is me.

“This need to prove isn’t uncommon in the fashion industry, especially since its windows of diversity haven’t always been this open. Many models feel pressure to prove that deserve these opportunities just as much as those who meet the ‘beauty standard.’  A standard that has expanded largely in some instances but still has a lot more to do.”

Nevertheless, he said, it was amazing to see how fashion in all its forms in 2025, from celebrities to friends he met at fashion show, the talent and dedication, was explosive.

Turning to his country of birth the university sophomore said it is especially fascinating to see how established fashion has become in Guyana over the years.

“Guyanese people have always been some of the most talented and hardworking group of people I know, and I might be a little biased, but it’s joyous to watch it showcased on platforms like it is now. It makes me excited for future years to come and the kind of evolution, not just in fashion but of the people and their crafts, desires and achievements that we will be able to witness.”

Again, the year, Caribbean and African designers and models stole the spotlight on the fashion scene.  He however expressed the view the problem is right now, these talents are mainly seen on social media outlets and not as much on the covers of vogue as they should be.

The optimist, Royston also noted progress has already started, as seen with his presence, and he is grateful for those Models & Designers who have already started paving the way.

Royston said a dream his mine would be to one day participate in and eventually host a fashion show in his hometown Linden, “a full 360 moment.”

“The same powerful strut I was often teased for in linden would come back to help uplift the richness of culture that exists.

“As I continue to walk with purpose, from Linden to the world’s biggest stages, I carry with me the dreams of my people, the strength of my roots, and the unshakable belief that there is no limit to where my strut and determination can take me, a proud Royston made known.