K2K Alliance....Will you Play?

K2K Alliance describes their costumes as "...sophisticated, glamorous and chic and cater to the masquerader who is looking to be part of a bigger story; a moving canvas of artistic expression..."...I Love it! The costumes for their presentation, The Waters are a great alernative to the bikini and beads costumes, and you don't get the feeling that you are playing mas with your Aunty Pauline and her friends Jean and Dorothy. However, one might believe that there is more cover up and that it may be a better option for the "not slim" masquerader, but I warn you to be careful. There may be more cover up, but the costumes are form fitting and may draw unwanted attention to your rolls, handles and bulges. For the thicker girls, you may have to consider some kind of shapewear to give that smooth "holding down" effect.

I must admit that I am excited to see the pics on their website and ofcourse, the prices. I suspect that costumes will fall within TT$4000-6000 range. But are you willing to give up "mas" for "marse"???

***There are no pics on K2K's FB page and the website has not been launched yet, so this pic of The Yellow Sea came from Trinidad Carnival Diary. I feel I could wear this...

Dear Mas....

Dear Mas,

I know that we've had a longstanding commitment but I'm afraid that I may have to bow out next year. You see it has been difficult to acquire a costume for various reasons. I am not friends with anyone who sits on a band committee so I was unable to engage in committee member registration. I don't know if it's the same as preregistration but I was also unable to do that since I don't know any very important persons who run a band.

I was really feeling Fantasy's costumes but apparently the band has sold out even though they have not opened for public registration. After people started getting anxiety attacks over Fantasy's registration, they shut down the wall on their FB page and have been silent on twitter. Even if Fantasy had costumes remaining, they only offer corsets option for 3 sections; 2 of which I've been told are sold out and the remaining section may not have an available Frontline. Now Mas, you know I love you but all mas is not equal and my belly needs to be covered and sucked in.

After Island People Mas' mess of a band launch, they did a remarkable change after consulting their masqueraders and presented something that looks really interesting. I have one die hard IP friend who suggested that I give the band another chance and at least I'll know 1 person. However, I contacted IP who to my disappointment, only has corsets for Ki and Elements, which I wouldn't wear.

I would know a lot of people if I were to play in YUMA but it's the same drama with committee member registration and past masquerader registration yada yada. I am so not into the big band drama and I know that YUMA will be packed up tight tight since everybody and their tantie will be in this band. Furthermore, these people have the audacity to charge an additional TT$650 for a corset and hear the best part- you have to bring your own corset...what de ass YUMA! So mas, do you understand my predicament?

I know there are other bands such as Spice, Explosion and Oasis but it would be nice to play with 1 or 2 people you know....Since we are on the topic of Explosion; have you seen what this band has done to you? Their costumes are all about breasts and bamsee (the pic is from Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Costume Photos). I am one person who can't wait to see the death of the cage bra. I just can't stand to see all the boob fat squeezing through those wires but big up to all de girls who rock the cage bra!

So that's my dilemma and I hope to figure this out by September or you won't see me in 2012...

Regards,

A Masquerader with no Costume.

The Heroes will Fall...

All yuh see that Island People mess??? At first I attributed the disaster to my stream and may be I had to be there in person to adequately assess these costumes. But then I saw the comments on FB. I don't think I have ever seen persons rip apart a carnival band with such passion.

Island People has always presented a more creative spin to the beads and bikini genre even though their service may not be the best. But something went very worng with their interpretation of Heroes last weekend. For the majority of costumes the colour combination was wrong, the spandex leggings were questionable and those capes were a hell no.

But all was not bad. I did like Scarlet (the red) and Oya (white) and Wildheart (brown and yellow) was okay. You could see the pics on their FB page.

What makes this even more interesting is that Island People is willing to go back to the drawing board and make some adjustments. They have even asked persons to provide feedback on their FB page. I don't know if a carnival band has ever done this before but I find it pretty cool. Even though I know that most of the people who comment have never played or intend to play with Island People, the critiques are basically the same.

I don't think Island People masqueraders should be so quick to abandon ship; give the designers a chance. You already know what the road experience is like. I've never heard of committee registration, pre registration of loyalty card in IP so don't fight to be in bands that have these requirements...

Don't Ruffle your Feathers

So the band registration drama has begun. I've been monitoring the FB discourse and ppl are getting their feathers in a bunch when they heard that some bands are pre registering the fortunate msqueraders. Other persons fear that there will be some kind of end of the world if they don't get into certain bands. I wish them the best of luck!

I really don't see the big deal with pre registration. I mean if you know a committee member of a band of your choice, you will find yourself taking advantage of that connection...right? I know I will! But I do believe that each committee member or section should be a allowed a set number of pre registered masqueraders. And that number should not be so large that the majority of potential masqueraders are unable to register using traditional methods. But my position on this is that we as the paying customer should not allow these bands to feel that we would give an arm, leg and a couple of vital organs to get the privelege to purchase a costume. I've said so many times that there are too many bands to choose from, and we should stop acting the fool as if Tribe is the only band for T&T Carnival.

I agree that Tribe offers a lovely product and great service. I have experienced this service when I played in Tribe in 2008. However there are other bands that do the same. I was very happy with Spice and I've heard great reviews for Ronnie and Caro and newbie Oasis. But this change has to be collective. Most of us would not play in a band if our friends are not there. The thing about Tribe is that you must see at least 15 people that you know which is always fun. We also place a social value on bands like Tribe/Bliss, Spice, Harts and IP. These bands attract a certain class/colour as well as class/colour aspirants which make them bands of choice for many people who do not recogize bands that do not offer these social benefits.

I am in no way condemning persons who make these choices; I have played in these socially privileged bands so I cannot chastise anyone for doing so. But let's stop pretending that mas is all embracing and equal....

**The pic is of Oasis' Koi whose FL starts at TT$3985 (pic from Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Costume Photos)

Who Wants to be an Angel?

This has been a really slow summer for me so there hasn't been much to blog about. I've been trying to finish up my MPhil thesis to submit which brought on a whole heap of UWI drama which is not worth blogging about. I'll just say that I need to get this degree so I can move on with my life.

I was also pretty bored with the band launches until I saw Fantasy Carnival's 2012 presentation, Book of Angels. Well you know I love new bands. I have absolutely no band loyalty and as an independent masquerader, I am always willing to try a new band so they had my attention.

Fantasy has always been on the Jouvert scene and the same committee does the Jamboree fetes so they may not be completely daft to band management. As usual I am interesed in their FL prices and corset options in order to make a decision. The costumes have already captured my attention- wings galore! The costumes are well designed and capture the epitomy of pretty mas. But would we expect anything less from designers, Richard and Anthony who gave Spice and YUMA an impressive entrance into the band scene.

I know I have said that I am hesitant to play mas next year since I'm tired of the drama. But Fantasy is making this decision very difficult to adhere to. IF I am playing. and that is a big IF, I would like a FL costume with wings, a small headpiece; easy registration for the costume I love (which is Power), a corset option, accessories that don't rip my stockings, a reasonable price, a small band and just a drama-free experience.

***the pic of the Power costume came from Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Costume Photos

Not Much to say About Spice...

I don't know what's up with Spice but their costume presentation for next year can just be described as "blah". It seems that 2009 will remain Spice's best year. I wish I knew what's going on with the band but something is not happening. I suspect that part of it has to do with the loss of Richard and Anthony because the costume designs have certainly done a nose dive. Don't get me wrong, they are not horrible but they're just generic. I'm most disappointed with the lack of color in next year's presentations. What's up with all the blue? Some people have described the designs as "safe" which is correct. The presentations we've seen from Bliss and YUMA this year, and from Tribe's recent launch should have been a wake up call for Spice yet we see the standard Spice costumes. I've always liked Anya and I felt that she had a fresh perspective on band leadership but my girl is not a designer.

My favorite section is Ayamara simply because I love the combination of the burgundy and white and the FL is gorg. Also worth mentioning is Siriono which was designed by Leasel Rovedas and does not have feathers. It looks okay although I'm not a fan of black costumes. Overall Spice continued their trend of blinged out costumes, but with skimpified bottom pieces so I'm sorry for the Heavy Ts. Again, the saving grace for these bands are their prices and extra options. Spice does the corset well, which is great since most women do not look like the models at the launch...so when are you going to post these prices Spice?

**This pic of Ayamara is from Trinidadcarnivaldiary

Tribers...allyuh ready?

Although I am not a big Tribe fan, I am excited to see how their 2012 costume concept comes to life for their launch on July 23, 2011. I am even more excited to see how crazy people will get to secure a Tribe costume. It's clear that Tribe has staying power; no matter how expensive or overcrowded this band gets, it just seems to attract more and more people. And even with the advent of new large bands, it has not lost its appeal. The few people that do decide to migrate to these new bands are quickly replaced by masqueraders who are willing to sell their kidneys, house and mother in a heart beat to secure a costume. Even after people complain about Tribe, they then find themselves 5 months later with a severe case of Tribenesia, fighting to get back in the band they swore never to play with again....

The Beginning...Band Launch Season is here!

Oooooh band launch season has begun and I'm soooo excited. With D Krewe's launch already getting lackluster reviews, some of these bands better come good. I'm always excited for Spice and since I did not play with them this year, I'm eager to see their ideas for 2012 (can you believe we are already talking about carnival 2012!!!!). Their theme is "The New World" which like any carnival theme is so vague and broad that any costume can be incorporated and hailed as representative of "The New World". Since the loss of Richard and Anthony designs to YUMA, Spice's costumes have not been at the same standard since their entry in 2009. So let's see what Anya and her team wows us with on July 9th. I'm hoping that there will be a live stream or I'll just be following the updates on Twitter....

YUMA Vibe

Yuma, a new band has been getting a lot of attention on the blogs and facebook. The band says that they represent "Young Upwardly Mobile Adults" resulting in a new "vibe" for carnival...I'm not too sure what that means but all new bands always promise a new experience as a way to draw an already captured market.

Yuma's presentation, Zodeak is extremely sexy and does well with their interpretation of the beads/bikini/feathers genre. What I especially like is their promise of a small band; somewhere in the region of 1500 masqueraders. In the new band scene, Yuma seems to be the most appealing. Spice has to seriously consider Yuma as a threat since they lost designers Richard & Anthony to this band. These designers are what made Spice attractive in the first place.

I love the idea of choosing the section that represents your Zodiac sign. Luckily for me, Leo is a hott costume...a bit too naked...but I would definitely consider this section. The mane in the headpiece is creative as well as the lion's nose. But the back of the FL option leaves nothing to the imagination! just bare bamsee!

It's hard to mess up a red costume and the Scorpio FL is no exception...again....sexy. Richard and Anthony do the monokini so well and it has become their trademark in terms of Fl costumes.

Skepticism is usual for a new band...my biggest fear is an ill prepared and disorganized band. The fancy website, Ipads at the mas camp and an excellent marketing team are not as important as effecient customer service, proper replicas of costumes, sturdy costumes and an overall good road experience. Another negative is that Yuma is not providing any wholepieces or tankinis for the conservative sisters but masqueraders can supply their own corsets for an extra cost. So you will have to pay full price for the costume, buy your own corset and pay the additional charge to get the corset decorated.....Spice 1....Yuma 0

***yuma pics came from trinidadcarnivaldiary's FB page

Ah Feeling ah Bliss!

So Bliss is the "new" band on the scene....it's a part of Tribe and purports "Same Vibe...different Tribe". Apparently it falls under Tribe's management but will operate as a different band catering to a small number of masqueraders..."an intimate experience".

So is it really Tribe? A Tribe within a larger Tribe? How will I know if I am really in Tribe? or am I in a different band all together? (okay, I really did enjoy the movie Inception!).

I am really feeling the Titans costume and seriously considering playing in this band. I love a white costume and I also like that you can opt for the monokini or the wholepiece with the large belt. The wholesuit suits me and my muffin top very well and the belt should hide some of the love handles...The one shoulder feathers are gorgeous in both the Frontline and Backline and I have no problem with the small headpiece. According to their website, the FL is TT$5495 and the Backline TT$3950, which doesn't seem bad compared to what I paid in Spice last year. Although they have not provided registration information, the downpayment is TT$3000 (frontline) and TT$1500 (backline). However, since this will be an "intimate experience", you need to know someone on the committee to register and there's no online registration and I ain't know nobody being a nobody myself so let's see...Bliss 1...Spice 1

Come on Spice, you need to release your prices!

***pics of costumes are from their FB page

Spice?????

I was very disappointed that I was unable to view a live stream of Spice's launch on Sunday since triniscene opted to stream Yuma's launch which was held on the same night. After viewing the pics on trinidadcarnivaldiary, I wish I did go to the launch to view these costumes first hand because I felt deceived. I am trying to convince myself that I need to see the costumes in person because it probably looks way better than what I'm seeing. Honestly I'm not sure what went wrong with these designs and I am very disappointed since I've been singing Spice's praises since its inception.

After such a great presentation by Tribe, I expected more from Spice; also, their theme Signature Collection has so much room to be creative that their costumes did not need to look recycled. The colors are not mind grabbing or original and most of the designs look almost the same from 2010's Spice Route. I know that Anya loves the bling factor but some of these gems are grapefruit size that looks more gawdy than sexy. It is always a bad sign when you see the models holding up the headpieces at a launch which means that you will be doing the same on Carnival Tuesday. As for the male costumes....come on Spice...please...I am really tired of these bands who believe that guys are only concerned with drinks and the girls...which is no excuse to give them crap to wear!

If I had to chose, my faves are:

• Haute Couture...which is grey, a unique colour for Carnival and the FL is just my style.
• Jubilee .....the signature for this section is Fab and it always had my attention because I am a sucker for a white costume.
• Vines of Syrah...the FL is also a lovely contrast of green feathers and the attachment of the bra to the belt is creative.
  
  

Spice also needs to take into consideration the criticisms they received for poor customer service, long waits for costumes; poor replication of costumes and the disorganized lunch stop. I believe that these problems would deter those masqueraders who decided to give Spice a chance this year.

I'm still not sure if I will be with Spice next year but all depends on the costing of the costumes and the availability of corsets because I need to hold down my muffin top.....

***see more pics on their FB page

Tribe's "The Way of the Warrior"

Some people may know that I'm not a big Tribe supporter; don't get me wrong I've played mas with them before and it's the best service I've ever experienced as a masquerader. However, what really turned me off was the frenzy to get into the band. I'm not going to rush and fight to get into any band but kudos to the Tribe die hards who will do what it takes (and I mean anything!)to get into this band.

But I have to say that their presentation this year caught my attention...I am glad that some of their costumes even though still within the bikini/beads/feathers genre, do not look like something we've seen before. However, it will definitely be a Frontline or Buss situation because the Frontlines sell off! Also, the males have been finally recognized and there has been a significant improvement in the offerings to our guys; they even have Frontline/Individual options!

My top 3 faves are:

Xi'an Warrior (Sandra Hordatt)- I love love that there are no gems and feathers and it looks so Xena-like.

Iroquois (Rhiannon Pemberton)- The color scheme is wicked and that cage bra is so sexy!

Masai Tribal Warriors (Peter Elias)- I like Peter's use of the Kinte cloth and the color scheme for the males...it's so warrior-ish.

Like always, Tribe's costumes are sexy and skimpy and there would be a serious problem if I wore any of these costumes...but I do hope that there are some sexy cover up options for the sistas who have muffin tops. Most importantly, it's one thing to like the costumes and to hold a desire to play in the band...but how do plan to get into the band???

***pics came from mimi's blog, where you can also see the entire presentation.

More Options for 2011!

Things are heating up for Carnival 2011; another new band has emerged with their spin on the bikini/beads/feathers genre. Yuma (Young, Upwardly, Mobile, Adults) is a new band on the scene, with a design team that includes, Crystal Aming Marcus, Richard Dookhdeen, Anthony Hall, Lee Aleong and Gina Maingot. My favourite costumes in the past were from Crystal and Richard and Anthony so I'm not surprised that Yuma's costumes are FAB. Two of their thirteen costumes from their presentation Zodeak were released at their media launch: the Oracle and Aquarius. There are lots of feathers, bling and I'm feeling the sparkly knit dress thingy on the Aquarius costume. Now people don't get chain up; not all of us including myself will look like these models if we decide to wear such a costume so will there be variations or some cover up options? And my verdict is still out on that "upwardly mobile" slogan cuz if that is referring to the finances, Bruce and the Government of Jamaica has ensured that my wallet not upwardly going a damn place. I really believe that masqueraders will be getting a lot of options for 2011 so don't feel the need to bribe, steal, brown nose, or line up like you going for a visa to get into Tribe. As for me, costume pricing will be the deciding factor next year......


*photos taken from the Yuma FB page

Spice Presents: Season 3....The Signature Collection!

I saw this ad on FB today: Spice Carnival presents Season 3....The Signature Collection....*containing my excitement*. The theme sounds very couture and I'm seriously expecting some Lady Gaga inspired costumes. Richard and Anthony will not be designing for the band this year and word has it that Anya, the bandleader will be taking on this role; so let's see what happens on August 8, 2010, 6:00pm at the Zen.....

And the Season begins.....

Peter Ray Blood recently published the dates for some of the band launches in Trinidad:
Skullduggery
July 4, 2010
The Anchorage

Spice
July 7, 2010 (tentative)

Tribe
July 24, 2010 (tentative)

Island People
August 13 or 20

Harts
August 14
Country Club

Showtime
August 22, 2010

Ronnie and Caro
August 28, 2010

Pulse 8
September 10, 2010

I also learned on Carnival guru, Saucy's blog that we should expect at least 5 new bands, particularly Skullduggery, Yuma, a break away from Island people, Oasis, formerly Elements (Ele-mess!), Eye mas, who boasts of 2 former Peter Minshall designers and Gems. Once again, everyone is promising something "different"...ah yes...where have we heard this before???