Trini Revellers Mas Camp

Yesterday afternoon I made my way to Trini Revellers Mas Camp to have a closer look at the costumes as well as to get an idea of prices. While there I enquired as to when the website will be up and was told tentitively by today.

The Mas Camp is located at Gallus Street at what appears to be the downstairs portion of someone’s house. There was no air condition, I have to point this out since it was a HOT day yesterday, but it was the first mas camp where beverages were on sale!

I counted something like 26 or 27 sections; most of the Costumes were displayed at Trini Revellers Mas Camp, even the special sections that had private mas camps located elsewhere. I was informed that the all sections with the exception of one is offering all-inclusive as an option. Some sections are all-inclusive only while other sections have both the option of costume only or paying additionally for all-inclusive.

Upon closer inspection of the costumes I have to say that while the ideas and drawings of the costumes I had seen prior to the launch were fabulous, somehow the execution failed to deliver and as a result some of the costumes look ok, some could be that much better with some adjustments and some were just downright dreadful.

That being said, I do like “Declaration of the Rights of Man”, “Les Aristocrates”, “Royalty”, “ Les Fetes Gallantes de Versailles “,“Royal Court De Versailles” and the blue and white section with the mask (cannot remember the name!).

It was my luck that Kyle Matas, the young man who designed and is producing the section “Royal Court De Versailles” was at the mas camp adding some touches to his costume display and we had a long chat. I have to say, without bias, that “Royal Court” in my opinion is the best looking costume in the band. While it may not look too much like a “costume” to some people, the details and accessories that go into making the costume is beautifully done and the prices are reasonable for what you are getting at between $2600.00 to $2950.00.

What you cannot see from the photographs is the detail on the corsette; made from peu de soie fabric it is laced on the sides, decorated with appliquéd lace both back and front and has rhinestone straps. The bottom piece of the costume can be adjusted with less fabric or even a shorter skirt if you prefer; the costume can be tailored to any request. In addition the frontline costume with the huge headpiece is sold out, all ten of that special costume are gone! Little details such as a diamante bracelet, ring and the option of a marabou feathered fan or rose “bouquet” all add up to making the costume really stand out from the rest. Kyle informed me that he wants to deliver an ultra-premium all-inclusive experience with champagne, a French themed menu catered by Tony Romas as well as having servers on the road!

Prices for the rest of the sections range from $1550.00 to $2950.00 and the downpayment is $400.00, with one of the more popular sections being Rugeri's "Paris is Burning" which is priced at the lower yet still offers an attractive costume. Hopefully the website will be launched soon and everyone will have access to the costumes with a click of their mouse. From what I have seen so far, the band on the whole looks interesting and it will be anyone's guess as if to they will retain the band of the year title for 2007.