Designer Katia Fitzpatrick releases stunning visual collection

Jun 01, 2025 Features / Columnists, News, Waterfalls Magazine

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–A celebration of Guyana’s beauty, identity and strength

Kaieteur News- In a world where fast fashion often erases cultural nuances, Katia  Fitzpatrick and MATAPEE Indigenous Designs are creating a countercurrent — one that slows down, listens, and honors.

From her dental training to her design table, Katia’s hands have always worked with care and purpose. Now, they craft not just smiles, but symbols of identity, unity, and strength.

With every piece she creates, Katia proves that fashion can be more than beautiful — it can be powerful, rooted, and revolutionary.

For this reason, in time for Guyana’s 59^th Independence, Katia released a deeply personal project, a visual album of some of her work which is an ode to her indigenous roots and her beloved homeland, Guyana.

The album was a collaborative effort between the brand Matapee and photographer, Abel Harris, hence the title ‘Matapee X Abel H.’

The album captures models, Shauntaé R.I. Washington and David Anthony Loncke wearing designs from Matapee in stunning scenes from one of Guyana’s most iconic areas; the Stabroek Market.

Katia told The Waterfalls while traditionally, Indigenous wear has often been seen as ceremonial or restricted to specific occasions, in this collection, the models’ outfits feature the warrior pattern, a design carefully placed across the chest and legs.

“It’s symbolic — echoing resilience and courage protectors. In a modern cut and breathable linen fabric, it speaks to today’s man who is connected to history, but not confined by it. This is heritage in motion — adaptable, wearable, and proud,” she said.

The designer noted that the street energy of Stabroek itself enhances this message.

“As one of the busiest and most iconic public spaces in Guyana, it’s a crossroads of tradition and modernity. The red iron clock tower watches over vendors, musicians, and city dwellers — just as the warrior pattern stands firm on the fabric, watching over the one who wears it. There’s a poetic synergy between the location and the clothing: both resilient, both storied, both alive.”

THE GUYANA DRESS

Among Matapee’s standout creations is the Guyana Dress — a bold, elegant piece that encapsulates the spirit of an entire nation.

At the heart of the dress is the flag of Guyana, displayed proudly across the midsection, serving as both a visual and symbolic centerpiece. It’s more than just fabric; it’s a declaration of identity, pride, and strength.

The dress is further distinguished by the warrior pattern delicately woven into the neckline and the bottom hem. These motifs are not merely decorative — they are emblematic of resilience, a tribute to the enduring strength of the Guyanese people and their ancestors.

With this dress, Katia not only highlights the beauty of her homeland but also affirms the power and dignity of its people.

For Katia, the Guyana Dress is not only a fashion statement — it’s a cultural artifact. It tells a story of strength, sovereignty, and unity, bridging the past with the present and projecting hope into the future.

The designer noted that photographing the Guyana Dress against this vibrant backdrop brought an added layer of authenticity and emotion to the piece.

“It created a powerful visual narrative that connects fashion to place, and style to soul. The juxtaposition of traditional patterns against the colonial architecture and urban life of Georgetown evokes a profound sense of patriotism — a reminder of how deeply rooted identity is in place and people,” Katia explained.

 ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Katia Fitzpatrick is a woman of many talents. Born and raised on the lush and culturally rich land of Lethem, Region Nine, Katia is a proud descendant of the Patamona, Macushi, and Arawak peoples. Her life’s journey reflects a deep connection to her Indigenous roots, a passion for craft and fashion, and a relentless pursuit of purpose and creativity.

A qualified dentist by profession, Katia has dedicated years to healthcare, serving her community with dedication and care.

But beyond the dental chair, another dream quietly flourished — a dream that blended identity, artistry, and advocacy.

This dream took form in MATAPEE Indigenous Designs, a brand Katia founded to celebrate and elevate Indigenous culture through fashion. What started as a personal passion project has evolved into a powerful movement — one that connects tradition with modernity, and craftsmanship with sustainability.

MATAPEE

The name MATAPEE is itself a nod to Indigenous life and knowledge. A matapee is a traditional tool used by Indigenous peoples of the Amazon to extract cassava juice — a process rooted in community, resilience, and ancestral wisdom. In choosing this name, Katia honors a legacy of practicality, sustainability, and beauty that guides the brand’s mission.

MATAPEE is not just a fashion label — it is a celebration of identity. It brings Indigenous narratives into global conversations, showcasing the elegance, strength, and creativity of Guyana’s Indigenous people.

 

ECO-FASHION

At the heart of MATAPEE’s philosophy is a commitment to sustainability. Katia deliberately chose linen as the primary fabric for her creations — a material known for its eco-friendly nature, durability, and timeless elegance. The use of linen reflects the brand’s alignment with the Earth, echoing the Indigenous principle of living in harmony with nature.

Each MATAPEE piece is thoughtfully handcrafted, integrating patterns, symbols, and stories that have been passed down through generations. The result is fashion that not only adorns the body but also educates and empowers.

Her mission is clear: Indigenous fashion is for everyone, and for everywhere. This includes men, who are now stepping into garments that reflect their roots, their strength, and their individuality.

Katia’s professional path in dentistry sharpened her attention to detail, precision, and care — qualities that now echo in every stitch of her garments.

Yet, from an early age, she was equally captivated by the beauty of handmade crafts, the symbolism woven into Indigenous textiles, and the role of clothing as a statement of cultural pride.

Her transition from dentistry to fashion was not abrupt, but rather an expansion of her purpose. “Dentistry allowed me to heal through science,” Katia explains, “but MATAPEE allows me to heal through stories — stories of who we are, where we come from, and how strong we are.”

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