Spice, the all female led new band for Trinidad Carnival 2009 held their media launch last night on the rooftop of Club Zen. Members of the media and specially invited guests were feted with complimentary drinks and canapes for the evening, and though a brief shower put a damper on the rousing performance of fire breathers at the entrance to the club, the show went on as scheduled albeit a bit late!
I was particularly pleased that the introduction of Spice was not a protracted one. After a speech by band spokeswoman Anya Elias, who informed all present that Carnival was dictated by women, she reiterated that Spice was the "best recipe for Carnival" , with a focus on "fresh faces,concepts and innovative ideas" and that their goal was "making Carnival better!".Soon it was time to view the costumes:
I was particularly pleased that the introduction of Spice was not a protracted one. After a speech by band spokeswoman Anya Elias, who informed all present that Carnival was dictated by women, she reiterated that Spice was the "best recipe for Carnival" , with a focus on "fresh faces,concepts and innovative ideas" and that their goal was "making Carnival better!".Soon it was time to view the costumes:
Ocean Salt
Brown Sugar
Brown Sugar
Revealed at last night's briefing was that the band will have 10 sections, some of which are Paprika, Ocean Salt, Nutmeg and Brown Sugar. Sections are designed by Leasel Rovedas, Sandra Hordatt, and Richard Anthony productions and concepts. Spice intends to compete in the large band category.
The name of Spice's debutante presentation is "The Missing Ingredient..." with the launch scheduled to take place some time in mid- July.
After having seen the costumes up close and from every possible angle I have to say that I do like Ocean Salt a lot, especially the massive headpiece as I am partial to large headpieces. I also like the use of the jeweled detail on the bra, belt and headpiece instead of appliqués; you really have to see this one in person to appreciate the use of stones as embellishments.
The super sexy plunge bra for Brown Sugar, designed by Sandra Hordatt, is very sexy and different from the usual bras that I have seen for costumes, the only thing is that style is not suited for all cup sizes. I like Brown Sugar's headpiece and the model assured me that it was very comfortable to wear, even with the asymmetrical detail on the forehead. The entire costume is very well decorated, look closely at the seed beads on the bra, but something about the belt reminds me of TRIBE's "Machu Pichu" of 2005.
The name of Spice's debutante presentation is "The Missing Ingredient..." with the launch scheduled to take place some time in mid- July.
After having seen the costumes up close and from every possible angle I have to say that I do like Ocean Salt a lot, especially the massive headpiece as I am partial to large headpieces. I also like the use of the jeweled detail on the bra, belt and headpiece instead of appliqués; you really have to see this one in person to appreciate the use of stones as embellishments.
The super sexy plunge bra for Brown Sugar, designed by Sandra Hordatt, is very sexy and different from the usual bras that I have seen for costumes, the only thing is that style is not suited for all cup sizes. I like Brown Sugar's headpiece and the model assured me that it was very comfortable to wear, even with the asymmetrical detail on the forehead. The entire costume is very well decorated, look closely at the seed beads on the bra, but something about the belt reminds me of TRIBE's "Machu Pichu" of 2005.
click on photos for large view
For a large view just click on any of the photos; more photos of the can be seen at my Facebook album here.
I can only hope that the other costumes are just as impressive. As a yet another new band for 2009, I am very interested in seeing what Spice is bringing to the table that sets them apart from the others that are also gunning for the same pool of masqueraders! The costumes shown last night are lovely and the marketing concept of the band seems to be not one of a "band war", guns blazing attacking other bands, but just a group of friends coming together to have a good time; I like that approach!
The media launch last night brought out the usual crop of photographers and media representatives as well as well known designers and persons from TRIBE, Island People and Kaotic:
The media launch last night brought out the usual crop of photographers and media representatives as well as well known designers and persons from TRIBE, Island People and Kaotic:
My only critique is that as a "media launch" the press kit had no information on the band or the persons behind the band; yesterday's article in the Trinidad Guardian gave much more information than what was presented on two flyers. Maybe this is a deliberate move to keep that information secret, however it kind of defeats the purpose of a media launch when not even the title of the presentation is revealed! I had to go digging on my own to get more information than what was officially given as the press kit. Spice also seemed very excited by the filming of a reality show that focuses on the making of the band which will be aired locally and regionally; I too cannot wait to see that one!
Anyway, it was a nice night, very low key affair that was not a long drawn out event; timing was just right, even though the whole "spicy chef" concept was lost on most of the guests present. The costumes were on point and the star of the show, I was impressed! Looking forward to all that Spice has to offer and to see how well they can survive what is shaping up to be a VERY good Carnival 2009 for masqueraders offering LOTS more choices to spice up the selection...
Contact information for Spice:
www.spicecarnival.com
Raeann (868) 685-1766
Anya (868)725-8688
Nicholas (868)367 0774
Anyway, it was a nice night, very low key affair that was not a long drawn out event; timing was just right, even though the whole "spicy chef" concept was lost on most of the guests present. The costumes were on point and the star of the show, I was impressed! Looking forward to all that Spice has to offer and to see how well they can survive what is shaping up to be a VERY good Carnival 2009 for masqueraders offering LOTS more choices to spice up the selection...
Contact information for Spice:
www.spicecarnival.com
Raeann (868) 685-1766
Anya (868)725-8688
Nicholas (868)367 0774
