YUMA launched their 2012 presentation "Press Play" last night at Pier 2 and it is obvious that this Sophmore band is out to up the ante from their debut in 2011, from the massive circular stage that afforded each patron a view of the costume presentation no matter where they were in the venue to the costume designs which were a collaborative effort of several of Trinidad and Tobago's leading designers to the fact that the launch was premium drinks inclusive event YUMA came out to play hard and they did not dissapoint.
I had two minds on doing a review to be honest, because I can find very little to fault these costumes. Generally I could probably say that the costumes possibly did not reflect the theme as much as others would have liked, I know some people were expecting Anime and Cosplay looking costumes, however knowing the designers and having seen YUMA's presentation for this year I never had that expectation. When you have a design team like Richard and Anthony,for instance, there is no way you are not going to get over the top, feathered to the ground, bejewled costumes as that is their Hallmark. The male costumes I think are the best I have seen so far for the season, guys have actual headpieces that is if they choose to wear them, I am going to predict that Call of Duty and Gods of War are going to be very very popular with the guys.
So, on to the review.
Spawn
I love the little rhinestone skulls used to decorate the Frontline headpiece, this costume has lots of little details like the spikes that can only be appreciated with a close up view. Nice cut of the frontline wire bra, I think this is a very "safe"but well decorated section, especially the backline bra, which is entirely covered in sequins . I see YUMA is also offering the trend of a tiara headpiece as an option for backline in addition to the regular headpiece.
Heavenly Sword
Again another tiara headpiece as an option for backline in this section, I think it is interesting that the entire halter bra is not decorated, as much as I don't like seeing under decorated bras this does not look like the decoration was skimped on, it in fact is a nice change from the other heavily gemmed and sequinned sections. I think the backline is a cute alternative to those who do not want much bling but it still looks like a coordinated effort was made to decorate. Very nice shade of blue with gold . Like the frontline back pack , the asymmetrical style still has symmetry and love the Individual's wings.
Call of Duty
I LOVE the frontline on this costume though I hope the monokini comes thong optional. I am not too sure if the addition of a feathered back pack was necessary as this is one of the sections that stands out because it is not your typical bikini and beads costume. Not feeling the feathers on the backline bra but it is a cute costume with lots of military inspired details (check out the rope inspired ear rings) that already seems to be a hit with the ladies who do not want backpack or headpiece to keep them back on the road. The male costume is also popular for the same reason, the board shorts and ID band set actually like the beret !
Azteca
Can I just say I LOVE LOVE LOVE this section, one of my top picks in YUMA for sure. The frontline, AWESOME, the headpiece shape looks Mayan as well as the decoration on the back pack and the colour combination, even the feathers give you the feel of the Aztecs. The overlay bra piece is very unique. Nice male costume with an actual headpiece with feathers and the backline costume is also well embellished, love the pattern on the bra and the shape and style of the headpiece. This entire section is a stand out.
Golden Eye
If you are looking for beads to cover your behind, this is the section for you. The backline is all delicate seed beaded belt , I really like it and think it will look pretty in sunlight.The shape of the headpiece reminds me very much of a Las Vegas Showgirl, liking the style on the frontline a lot. I am not a fan of the size and length of the crystal beaded fringe used on the Frontline but I like how the entire look comes together. The male costume is simple enough, liking the decoration on the collar and waist band.
Apache
I think by now the whole world knows that I am over the moon in love with this pink and red feather fantasy that gives a gorgeous spin on the traditional Indian Mas. LOVE LOVE LOVE how they did the bib on the Frontline in gems and of course I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Frontline headpiece. Fierce! I love the long fringed belt, in fact I need a new word to express how much I LOVE this costume, LOVE is retired for Apache. It is also nice to see so many options for this section, even the males have a choice of headpieces and the backline have the war bonnet or a simple two feather headband if they want to keep it simple.
Angry Birds
If I had to choose a least favourite it would be the Individual on this section, the black corset was not working for me. The frontline model sold this costume, I loved how she stomped on stage! The one thing I would have to say as an avid Angry Bird fan (the real game that is) this section does not represent it at all! Maybe they could have done different costumes in the colours of the birds of the game... that would have been cool!
Final Fantasy
The back line on this costume looks a little short changed, especially when compared to Frontline, Premium Frontline and the Individual costume. I do like the male costume, enough stuff going on there for the guys who want extra. The Frontline is awesome, the premium frontline fantastic, wings to the ground yet it still looks nice and light and manageable for the road. The Individual magnificent, however I am hoping the actual costume does NOT have wings touching the ground, white plus dirt and grime is not going to be a pretty sight at the end of Carnival Tuesday.
Tyris
I am liking the use of salmon for costumes this year especially coupled with sand and turquoise. The backline bra is one of the best decorated in the band as well as the headpiece is of substantial size, cannot say the same for the belt with those teeny three strips barely covering the ass crack. Male costume could have been stronger I think, looks generic. GORGEOUS frontline bra, the model also sold it. Love the back pack, hope the pheasants don't get crushed on the road.
Transformers
I really like the male costume I think it overshadows the backline and frontline to be honest. Frontline is cute, safe, don't get the idea of wings for Transformers but the colours are those of Optimus Prime. I do not like the backline headpiece or the under decorated bra. Least favourite backline costume.
God Of War
Ok a burgundy costume I actually LIKE. Also liking the infikini on the frontline ( multi-way monokini), the wings and the belt design on the infikini. The backline costume has the baddest headpiece in the line up! That sucker is huge and the male is also very "warrior" looking, great costume for the guys still wanting to play out their Roman/ Spartacus fantasy.
Luxor
I LOVE this entire section, backline frontline, male and especially the Frontline; the Frontline is what is called Individual in other bands! Really love the necklace and the decoration on the belt. Also the Individual has a stellar belt design that , love that! The male costume looks like an actual complete costume,well thought out and executed.
Bejeweled Blitz
Wow this section had so many options and so many different variations to look at . Really like the idea of the silver body wear and then the shock of colour with the headpiece and back pack. The Frontline has a very nice shoulder piece detail that , it is my favourite part of the costume. The Individual rocked pants, I like that because it is different. Overall a striking section that will look great on the road.
YUMA's masqueraders are going to have a tough time making a choice and I am actually jealous of that fact! This is how masqueraders should always feel after a launch, excited for possibilities not dreading having to choose the best of lacklustre designs. Here is hoping that ALL these fabulous costumes translate well from launch to the road.
14 comments:
Is it just me that sees Mayan Eagle when looking at Luxor???? I look at it, and see nothing else. (Tyris and the floor length Final Fantasy wings are oh so hot btw!)
Allyuh remember the sophomore year for TRIBE was the tipping point to IT! YUMAssive is prime to dethrone the current monarchy ("nations rise and nations fall" ah little bit of philosophy nah, lol) Jus sayin... Though, Fantasy is still a very strong showing (design-wise) in my view.
MY short play list is only one right now: YUMA! The youths are taking over Trinidad (POS) Carnival in a spectacular and exciting way with top notch quality. I love it.
YUMA in it, ayeeee! My fav from the list is BB & I love the colour salmon used. What's really griping me is that I no they're gonna charge $600-1000 on a costume like Golden Eye FL that really has no substance whereas it's not even worth 200 cuz its just beads...but nonetheless, Happy carnivaling prospective patrons of YUMA.
Totally loving Call of Duty. Hope though that they cater to the body shy, like myself.
These costumes are spectacular! It's hard to make a choice this year. The presentation was awesome also. The models were fit and into the vibe.
It's not just you DC Chica. Luxor is a cross between Mayan Eagle and Charmeuse. That isn't to say I don't like it and it isn't nice, but it's more than a passing resemblance...
YUMA has it for me. I'm spoilt for choice.
closely 2nd is Fantasy.
Yuma's presentation was spectacular, but i'm not too impressed with the Backline costumes though. The Individual, Frontline and Male costumes are the best I've seen so far. I wish all bands would put in more time and creativity when designing Backline costumes.
I have to say I was impressed by Yuma's offering this year. I thought they only had two weak sections, and that is weak in comparison to the rest of what they had to offer, the weak sections are still better than what some of the other bands are offering this year.
I'm still with Fantasy though for two reasons. Number one being the problems people were having with Yuma costumes falling apart last year before they even got them home, and disintegrating on the road. As well as the bad road experience I read of in some reviews. Number two at the end of the live stream on Carnival TV last night, the band representative said if you want to play with Yuma this year, you better know a committee member as we are taking care of friends and family or those who know a committee member first and sections will fill up fast, so you better run to contact that committee member. She then went on to say masqueraders who played with them last year would be given priority after the people who knew committee members and then the rest of the public. While I can understand wanting to reward and appreciate the people who supported you last year, comments like that make it sound to me like the same bs people does have to deal with in TRIBE and I can't hang with that.
Well done though Yuma.
I'm in love. #thatisall
I agree with Lynreese. As much as I was impressed with the Frontlines and the male costumes, I am a backline babe despite having played FL this year. What is it with designers these days with backlines? It's like they grudgingly make a costume and say "Here look a ting nah!". It's sad and it's not just YUMA, I find so far all the bands giving BL a middle finger. I just can't see myself spending north of $600 USD for a bikini and a sweatband. This trend is a peeve of mine.
Otherwise, YUMA did impress with the FLs and Individuals. Azteca, Apache and Call of Duty can take win for me. I'm glad that the men finally got some decent costumes to choose from.
Now all my carnival peeps jumping ship to YUMA. For that I'll give them credit, YUMA did well last night to convince folks to jump ship.
I played with Spice last year and loved their customer service. I just wished they were more lively on de road. I was all set to play with Spice again until I saw Yuma's offerings for 2012. Yuma have people jumpin' ship in droves!
I saw that a couple of people commented on the type of people that play with Spice and I'm just curious as to what they meant as I am not certain that I noticed a Spice prototype.
I personally am between Spice and Yuma. Anyone have any thoughts regarding these two bands?
Totally agreed with CC and Lyn.
The overall presentation is fantastic and I think you are spoiled for choice if you are frontline/individual.
The awesomeness of the FLs is disguising the fact that the backlines are just ok. I actually think Fantasy BL are better while Yuma FLs have an edge on Fantasy.
Overall just happy that there is so much more choice with the newbie bands like Yuma and Fantasy. (Bliss is NOT a newbie band!)
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