I was privy to a first look of the costumes that make up the band and since the website is currently being updated, this is your first look at Jungle:
Click on a photo for a larger view:
Since this is a new band with some design and production experience behind them I will try to give some constructive criticism. The positives are that I absolutely love the headpiece for Jab Jungle, the disc shaped arc of feathers is different from the norm but still satisfies my love of a big, feathered headpiece. Concrete Jungle is a "fun" costume, definitely sexy and unique in the way that "Damita Jo" brought the denim into "pretty mas" and created a sensation. The costumes also appears to be well constructed, I noticed the edges of the fabric are neatly serged, it really bugs me to see a costume using fabric and the desinger leaves the edges raw.
The only negatives are that I think some of the costumes could be taken to another level aesthically with more embellishment. I don't know if the designers were going for a simpler design and that's why the bras, for example, are not fully decorated. To me some sort of decoration is needed and it does not have to be sequins or beads, but anything that fits the theme of the band as well as complements the costumes. In addition, a few of the designs look too similar, take Oceanic Jungle and Afrotropic Jungle, it appears to be basically the same costume in different colours. Since the band only has a few sections it would have been nice to see each one looking totally unique from the other.
For the most part the costumes reflect some creativity and I do appreciate the use of fabric for those who want coverage, but sometimes I feel that fabric is used just for fabric's sake. And though I like Concrete Jungle, it looks less like Tuesday mas and more like something to be worn on Monday.
Prices are not bad, ranging from $1695.00 to $1995.00 all-inclusive, again providing a more affordable alternative to the larger, more expensive bands. Image Nation also has a blog, it's brand new so not much information is there as yet, however you can view a slide show of the costume photos, leave a comment and get some more information.
24 comments:
saucy thaks for the pics and blog link you sharper than a Hattori hanzo sword yes.
Pretty decent for a "new-comer". Liking those prices. Not enough for me to jump-ship though, but it offers choice and that's how it should be in any type of business.
ummm...well, I agree with your critique Saucy. I find de headpieces for the men are realllly huge! It's creative, but I'm not in love with the costumes.
more mas, bring it!
i like Concrete, Jab and fire Jungle. Some of the men costumes are a bit too coskel-ish!
thanks for the critique, all of your comments and suggestions will be noted and taken into concideration
WOW stongy's submission glad to see that you welcome the critique, that was cool.
Good luck in 2007.
I also realised that the fabric can be removed and you can wear the belt as is for s sexier look. I think for a first effort the costumes are well done!I like the idea of decorating the bras so for those who don't want to wear the collar, they can wear the bra alone and have even another option.
Strongy,I am glad you are taking note of everyone's critique so far, sometimes it is invaluable to get honest opinions about your product.
Hey strongy, you bless with talent, keep up the good work! Poster child for the evolution of TNT mas! I like fire jungle.
Saucy thanks for bringing the 411 and linking us foreign based with the real deal on whats going and whats new in the TNT mas arena.
I think this is a very good effort, and I especially like the unusual design of the headpieces. I think the shields (pictured on the blog) are going to make quite a dramatic impact on the road.
I also have to commend Strongy on his inclusion of a blog documenting the creative process. It really gives potential masqueraders an inside look into a world that they might sometimes take for granted, and it also gives us the sensation that we are getting in on something 'from the ground up'. It's a great way for people to connect with the designer.
Many thanks to Strongy and Brian Won Wong (the designer behind the 'Mas Jumbies' J'Ouvert band) for allowing us to experience their creative journey.
Nice theme & different costumes. The best pic bc they look comfortable & like they're enjoying themselves, is concrete.
hey saucy and fellow bloggers
what a day im having now eating lunch, so yes i'm stressed out...
hope i lose some w8 wile ah stressin...
well i not liking those costumes whole lot..maybe prosperity just for the colour...yeah ok just that 1 for the colour the others are nice but not for mu likeness..
anyhow gots to get back and the damn phone keep ringing..
God Carinval come quick!!!
But Saucy! Yuh take meh blog! I was swamped in work today so I couldn't do it. I come home to do it now and I see you done put it up!
The Early Bird catches the worm Hottie :P
Yuh check the time I put it up? Real work today for me too!!!
Like is a trend with everybody.
I still post it. Girl, I know dese fellas. Hear nah. Talent to BURN yuh know. When yuh see de front view ah dem costume. I would seriously play with them girl. True talk. I eh just saying that for so cause I doh move so. Check meh blog for a shot of the shields and a front view of the Afrotropic costume. I was concerned about the bras until I saw proper photos. The breatsplates covering the bras and real elaborate so they don't need anything. And these fellas bringing out children band and ting long time now and ting yuh know! I feeling this more dat Hapsburg, so yuh know!
I know the fellas who bringing this band in a pumpkin vine kinda way as well; didn't want to say cause they eh know I know dem, or else they will figure out who I am too ..LOL and I know where u know dem from :D
The front view of the costume does look HAWT, but I still stand by the bra should not be plain. Even if they use some sort of decorated spandex to make the bra,instead of plain spandex to me, the costume would look "finished". Cause from the side yuh still seeing the plain bra and I don't like how that looks. But dat is JUST ME :D
Those sheilds are beautiful!
They gorgeous eh. I understand what yuh saying about the side view thing. Where you feel I know me from?! LOL! I doh know why allyuh does get on like I's some big underworld spy yes. I out in de open big and large.
I even have meh photo dey!!!!!! Kyah kyah kyah!!!!
steups, I sure yuh know dem from yuh "ole job" here in Trinidad ent!
I does real nit pick when it comes to costumes so doh mind me, that bra is not a make or break issue at all.
Wait. Yuh know, I kyah remember how I first get to know dem yuh know. But wait....
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... What de arse is dis boy!? Yuh know I kyah remember how I met them?! Ole job yes, mutual friends, certainly. Yuh know how it is when people moving in simiar circles. But fuh de life of me I kyah remember how I mee Strongy and co ltd yuh know.
Nah. I picky mehself. I was "nyeh" about the bras too until I saw the front shots. I just wonder if the bras is dem spandex bra or if if real bra.
I liking the first 2 costumes, and under $2000 too! What I'm thinking is that for carnival 08 alot more bands should get in the 'early launch race'. There are so many beautiful, decent and reasonably priced costumes that have come since. After all the stressing between the heavyhitters Tribe & IP ( I know Hearts launch early). I know that if I had the patience ,I'd have waited to see what everybody else was bringing out, and go from there. But I ain't play carnival in a while and ting ting I was hyper to say the least. Once the bands had started to launch in Sept it felt like it was Carnival tomorrow you know what I mean. I there panicking panicking to choose a band, choose a section or die! lol. If I used to play every year I wouldn't be opposed to experimenting with other bands to give them the benefit of the doubt.
And even though most of us have already chosen a costume, I have to say I still have real appreciation for the free flow of information on the other bands etc unbiased and unprejudiced. Thanks Saucy for pleasing the masses
again... i thank you for all the comments that were left... i thought it was important to include the "behind the scenes" aspect of producing a carnival band.. because the average person would not know what we have to go through... (probably not even care.. lol) but it's important to me as a form of recording our legacy (for want of an better word.. lol.. again
Kevian girl hope you get better soon, and no time to be dieting while you are sick; get all your nutrients in!
strongy, the blog has been going good so far!When yuh making yuh millions at least we know from whence you came!All the best for 2k7 Carnival.
Thanks for putting up the link Saucy!
Big up meh boy strongy! I real liking Concrete Jungle...ah could see mehself in dat short pants.
BUT (yes, there is a but) the costumes are very similar to when I palyed with them this year.
BUT (yes, another one) these guys always produce quality work and deliver a quality product.I had a time with them this year! *wine*
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