And we have a price preview..

Even though TRIBE's website says prices will be up by TUESDAY, one designer has published prices for her section Threads of Morocco on Facebook (all prices quoted in TT dollars):

Backline - regular headpiece option - $3,900.
Without headpiece $3550.
Wings - $400 (optional)

Backline costume - $3550.

Frontline
$5250

I cannot believe that the BACKLINE costume with that small headpiece is ONLY $600.00 LESS than what I have paid for my FRONTLINE costume for the past two years.

*makes the sign of the cross*

I await the rest of the prices now!

TRIBE's Website Is Up!

For all those who were anxiously and impatiently awaiting TRIBE's The Secret of Silk Website, it it now up:

As I predicted the website is up but minus prices so for me, at least, the website being up is really no big deal. And if you are hoping to see the back shots of costumes, well only some costumes show the back; there is no back shot of Charmeuse though many of you are wondering what it looks like. I do like that they have photos of the smaller headpiece options as well as the different frontline/individual options for some sections as well. The men finally have costumes to mull over !

But I am puzzled as to Mystery of Loulan's strapless option label of an "Individual" costume when I thought that was just another option for frontline, so does this mean only ONE of that costume will be made? It is the same with Osage; Osage has a huge feathery headpiece labeled as frontline while the option with the large collar is labeled as an "Individual".....again, will only ONE be made/sold?

The photography is beautiful, some of the costumes look really good on the website. Interesting to note I cannot view more photos of Fire Silk and Zari's frontline is not there either. The reason for the latter is, I was informed, because Zari has a new frontline which will be up on the website soon; cannot wait to see it. Random thought, is Threads of Morocco Frontline bra strapless? Hurry up with prices TRIBE!

Relive Triniscene's Live Stream of TRIBE Launch

This is for those of you, like me, who missed the live streaming of TRIBE's launch on July 25. Triniscene has broken it down in segments, first up The Mystery of Loulan, enjoy!

More videos HERE !

Red Army Notting Hill Carnival

Taking a break from the Trinidad Carnival talk to share some information I received on Red Army, a Notting Hill Carnival Band:

"Notting Hill Carnival is a spectacular annual event, held each August Bank Holiday- last Sunday and Monday being the major carnival days.

The festivities started as a local event in the 1960s and were initially started by the West Indian Community to reflect the similar carnivals in the Caribbean. It now attracts millions of people from around the world.

This year Dynasty promotions in collaboration with Next Level Poison UK Events is bringing you the RED Army

Red is POWER, it signifies the strength of a united London brought together through courage and sacrifice!!!

Red represents our passion ...our warmth and ...our ultimate existence!!!
Red is the colour of happiness, a celebration of culture, an eternal flame with vibrant energy!!!
Revellery of Carnival
Exuberance of the Caribbean
Diversity of Europe
are you REDee to cover D hill RED?

For only £75 come experience the ultimate combat package this Notthinghill Carnival 2k9. With free premium drinks: breakfast, lunch and snacks; ample Security; Music; Goodie bag including Mug; and, Live PAs by top Soca performers.

It's a carnival career, so FALL IN RANKS.


Check out www.dynastypr.co.uk and www.poisonuk.com for more details"

Mas News Updates

Another band to finally reveal what's in store for 2010, Pulse 8 will be presenting "Aloha ...A Pacific Fusion", no word on the launch date as yet. Pulse 8 was So quiet I almost thought they were not going to make an appearance in Carnival for 2010.

Island People's photo shoot for Kutchela took place in Couva over the weekend, judging from the location and rumors of it being in a cane field I cannot wait to see the photos for this one!

Spice website launch has been pushed back until Monday August 10 and while we await TRIBE's website coming on stream for The Secret of Silk, prices for the latter band will be released at the mas camp and online by Friday. I know LOTS of people are anxiously awaiting prices to see exactly how a recession affects mas. Hope you guys have been contributing to your Carnival fund, because something tells me all those clamoring for Frontline costumes will either go frontline or BUST their pockets.

The Secret of Silk at Second Sighting

TRIBE mas camp unceremoniously opened their mas camp today at noon for costume viewing, it was great that this fact was not announced as when I arrived there were only a few people looking at costumes with more arriving later.

Ok, some things to note:

*Most sections come with two REGULAR headpiece options. The regular costumes come with the smaller headpieces not shown at the launch(with the exception of Threads of Morocco, Fire Silk and Silk of Rajasthan) and there is the option to upgrade to the bigger headpiece. At the mas camp the small headpieces are displayed on the top row of mannequin heads, and the larger headpieces to the bottom.

*click on all photos for large view

*There are no front line costumes on show at the mas camp.

*Most sections come with jewelery as displayed, Silk of Rajasthan has loads of bangles and lovely ear rings, while Osage also has some very nice jewelry.

*No prices are up on any of the costumes.

*There are no male costumes on display.

*I was informed that the website should be up tomorrow.

*Serica was not on show when I arrived so I do not have close up photos of this section.

As for the costumes my initial sentiments still remain the same for the most part, (though I did like more than half of the sections even with my critical review) however I will say all sections look pretty under the lights and displayed at the mas camp. Most of the headpieces have lots of diamante and gems used as decoration, I don't think I saw any with generic braid!

I am really liking the small headpiece option for Habotai with the side sweep of feathers (ignoring the chop sticks) as well as the small headpiece option for Eri which is all white feathers and diamante. The choice of large and smaller headpiece I am sure will put the costumes within most people's budgets as well as caters to those who do not like having a large headpiece. Hopefully this will encourage masqueraders to wear their headpieces and not leave them at home as some do!


Mulberry and Habotai bras are both covered in silk fabric, a very nice detail which I wish was used on Charmeuse which is my number one pick after the mas camp viewing for a regular costume. If the bra was covered in silk with the four rows of diamante it would be another perfect costume for me. Inspite of the silk I still think the bras could use something extra, especially on the frontlines, some crystals embedded in the silk maybe? I would add that as an extra if I were playing frontline in those sections.

Charmeuse is gorgeous in person, I love the belt and the embellished pieces that attaches to the bra. It looks adjustable for different torso lengths. I also like the use of fabric on the headpiece and belt. Mulberry has some rich looking oriental jewelry work on the belt and headpiece, my favourite part of that costume. Mystery of Loulan is also lovely in person, not as much colour as Charmeuse though, but I like the chunky stones used on the belt as well as that pop of turquoise on the headpiece.



Osage and Tyrian Purple both are pretty costumes, the orange in Osage is ORANGE not peach as some people thought after looking at the photographs. Silk of Rajasthan uses the bells found on Indian jewelry to decorate the headpiece, belt and bra so those in this section will be making the ching ka ching ching noise as well!

Overall the costumes look good in person, I still have my favorites and those that my opinion did not change on after seeing them up close. I am sure people can find more than one section to put down on their list of choices. So for those of you who cannot make it to the mas camp, take a look at the photos:

TRIBE The Secret of Silk Close Ups

Say what!?

Imagine my surprise when looking for footwear that I stumbled upon this website which is advertising that they manufacture Carnival Costumes, Brazilian Carnival Costumes to be exact with a photo of TRIBE's 2009 section Spangled Cotinga in their header!

Explore the site some more and they are also advertising Bird of Paradise, Green Honey Creeper, Pheasant as well as a section from Poison 2004, Golden Cockfight!

They even have Spice costumes advertising on another website:

Best part of all is their quote ofr $30-90US per costume and that they take TT/Western Union!!

I was reliably informed that none of the costumes advertised here were manufactured in China or by this company, which makes it even more interesting as this company has gone so far as to watermark the costume photos as their property!

It is just amazing to me that this company is so blatantly stealing costume designs using photos right off TRIBE and Poison's website and passing them off as their own... just amazing! Hopefully the bands that have been plagiarized have some sort of patent or copyright and can take the necessary action to have these photos removed.

Secret of Silk - Shots from Behind

More photos of TRIBE's Secret of Silk Launch, including lots of shots from the back of the costumes, as well as backstage, so you can see how much or how little you will be working with.I apologize for not getting all the sections, the photographer got tired!

Click on the pic below to be taken to the Gallery or Click HERE.

Stop the madness, please!

Now, if you know me and know my history in TRIBE I have never been in one of the "must have" sections, I always choose a costume that I personally really love, that I think would look best on me regardless of the hype around other costumes or what friends like. I am usually in a section that no one wants right away, that takes a few days to sell out and I am pretty happy with that because it always surprises people how great the section looks on the road... the section they overlooked because they were so busy trying to get into the HOT section.

When I used to play in Harts I went with what my friends chose and most of the times it would be the All Female Section, sold out on the first day of registration so I also know how it is to be in that mad rush to get into the popular section as well.

However, this year has got to be the most insane I have EVER seen when it comes to getting into a section, when I say pathetic desperation it does not even come close to these two costume Wanted Ads on Carnival Junction , for a costume that isn't even sold out because registration HAS NOT STARTED!!!!!

click for large view

The mania surrounding Loulan has people saying if they do not get that costume they are not playing mas, which is crazy because there are choices ! Everyone cannot be in ONE section especially when there are others that I would gladly play in Osage, Charmeuse, Threads of Morocco, Mulberry and Tyrian Purple, for example, are also among my favourites. Get a grip people;reevaluate the madness, give yourself choices and come back to reality! All this desperation so early in the season is really unnecessary!

As for me, I won't be perpetuating this type of hysteria, for all those following me on Facebook and THINK you know what section I am going to be in think again! It is going to be a SECRET!

Generation X Band Launch Review

Reader submitted review of Generation X Launch of "Candy Land", their Miami Carnival 2009 presentation, which took place on July 25th:

Revelers!!!! The Miami Carnival count down is on!

On July 25th 2009, GenerationX the largest and most popular band in Florida, launched their 2009 presentation “Candy Land” at the beautiful Nikki Marina at the Westin Diplomat in Hollywood, Florida.

As I walked towards the venue I was meet with the aroma and refreshing breeze of the Atlantic Ocean and a stunning glow of a flowing fountain in the center of the courtyard. Walking through the entrance it was decorated richly with a huge Candy Land Sign and large lollipops, sweeties, and candy with the beautiful Gen X models decked off in their Candy Land outfits all with shorts, wigs, striped thigh-high socks, greeting the patrons. I felt as if I was walking through Williy Wonkas Chocolate Factory! Once inside, I was treated to the sounds of Miami’s favorite Dj’s Eternal Vibes, Dorenzo, and Genesis blazing the Soca with Sizwe C on the mic, hyping the already energized crowd.

Around 2 A.M, the models were ready and lined up to display. The opening act was a spectacular display of a fire show. The crowd stared in awe as the firewoman danced her fire routine swinging her glowing torches in the air while seductively dancing. With the crowd still in a trance the models entered the stage with section displays of “Licorice”, “Skittles”, “Aqua Mints”, “Cotton Candy”, “Pop Corn”, and “Pepper Mango”. The band is definitely looking "sweet" again with 6 stunning sections for the revelers to choose from!

After the dazzling display of costumes, the huge piñata-sweet hanging from the ceiling was opened and out came candy and a ticket for a free costume to the lucky winner who found the coupon. The crowd was now ready and hyped to get on bad! It was as if party goers were in a carnival spell. They were winning low to the floor and dancing on top of tables and bar counters. You can always count on GenerationX to put on a great party and show!

To register with Generation X for Miami Carnival and to see pictures go to GenerationXMiami.com

To see additional pictures, Facebook Pictures.

Doan Hold We Back!

For all those with a Crop Over Tabanca, wuk it up!

Spice Registration Update

Hey SPICE Crew!!

It’s that time again!!

Band launch is over and you guys have seen all of our costumes for carnival 2010.

We are currently in the process of putting the final touches on the showroom…….you guys know that we have to have it SPICY for when you get here.

We want all of you guys to know how much we appreciate the support that you have given us last year and that you continue to give us for our 2010 presentation “THE SPICE ROUTE…”

I know that everyone was looking forward to registration beginning on the 3rd of August , but due to some factors that are way beyond our control we have been forced to postpone it to the 10th of August instead. This delay however, is to ensure that we maintain the quality service that has become synonymous with Spice Carnival Band.

Please don’t be angry with us, we are more disappointed than you guys!! :(

So here’s the official schedule:

Monday 10th August 12-8 pm (Spice 2009 masquerader registration)

Tuesday 11th August 12-8 pm (Spice 2009 masquerader registration)

Wednesday 12th August and onward- Open to the public (Monday to Saturday 12-8pm)

Thank you once again for your understanding and we do apologize for any inconvenience caused.

And here we go again.... the TRIBE Sold Out Rumors

infamous TRIBE registration of 2005

Another year, another set of rumours that TRIBE is sold out. If you visit the TRIBE facebook group people are already complaining about SOLD OUT Sections and pre-registration woes. This seems like the same hysteria that was propagated last year and the band was NOT Sold Out when registration opened to TLC members and there were still costumes left when Non-TLC holders registration began.

Why this rumour is being perpetuated again I have no idea but I would advise everyone to read Carnival Jumbie's Post from last year (because every single words she writes is still applicable THIS year) "Tribe Registration 2k9 Who's In With the In Crowd".

The truth is TRIBE will most likely be sold out of certain sections after TLC registration as some sections are admittedly more popular than others. Each year there are always 2 or 3 sections that everyone makes a mad rush to get into:

2005 - Machu Pichu, Cheyenne & Achaean Oddessy

2006- Nylon Pool & Angel Fish

2007 - Warrior Spirit & Dragon

2008- Silver Mist & Black Magic

2009 - African Love Bird, Brazilian Macaw & Spangled Cotinga

2010 - Mystery of Loulan, Threads of Morocco & Charmuse

As I always advise each year if you know you want to get that one costume and it means that much to you, be the first IN line or the first ONline when registration begins. It is that simple; I know for sure that I am going to be first in line at registration this year because I NEED a frontline costume in the most popular section!

And if the stress of getting into TRIBE is too much for you to handle, well there are other bands! Fact is everyone will not be able to fit in TRIBE even if they extended the band to 10,000 masqueraders! On that note do not send me an email asking which band to play in if TRIBE is sold out, I do not give advice of that nature as I can only vouch for ONE band and that is the band I have and will be playing with. I will advise you read the many reviews of other masquerader's experiences in different bands and make an informed decision. Barring that you can always wait and hope to get a costume on Carnival Junction!

Ching ku-ching ching ching Ching

Ching

ku-ching ching ching

Ching

ku-ching ching ching

That's the sound those Indian beads/bells make when you walk by the way...

After all the licks Island People got post Carnival from some pretty pissed off masqueraders, who is anxiously awaiting the launch to choose their costume?

I know I won't be , by the time Island People showcases Kutchela I will already be registered in TRIBE, however I am looking forward to seeing costumes and what they do with the theme.

So,with two bands starting registration before their launch, who is waiting for Island People?

Are You Playing in Island People?
	Yes
	No
	Maybe
pollcode.com free polls

Mas News Updates

With Spice and TRIBE band launches behind us, we can look forward to the opening of the showrooms for both mas camps on August 3rd; Spice registration will begin on this date. I was also reliably informed that the website will be launched on that day for both bands as well.

Registration for TRIBE TLC holders is slated to commence on the weekend of August 15th which is a very busy weekend. Harts launches their 50th Anniversary presentation at Country Club on August 15th, tickets are already on sale at the mas camp and from committee members. Island People launches Kutchela on Sunday August 16th so two consecutive band launches to attend that weekend coupled with registration for TRIBE!

Deposit for TRIBE has increased to $1500.00TT on regular costumes as I had reported in a previous post so start counting your pennies and good luck in getting the section of your choice in BOTH Spice and TRIBE when registration starts!

Glorified Underwear?

Someone sent me this article, a mini review by Adele Rose which says a lot in three paragraphs. I think this is a very interesting observation, as I too have the same issue with the under decorated bras:

Anyone who's ever shopped at Victoria's Secret knows: a good bra and panty can sometimes cost more than your monthly grocery bill ... and apparently TRIBE has translated that logic into their 2010 offering, "The Secret of Silk" (translation - there are some VS bra sets with more detail and additions than some of these costumes!)

At what point exactly does a costume stop being glorified underwear and translate into creative expression? In my opinion, it starts somewhere with sufficient crotch coverage and moves into intricate bra work.

And, it is not so much as the bras needing to be blinged out on every single costume, when it is decorated properly it can create the same effect of looking complete and finished. It is the fact that sticking a few stones on a bra is simply not expressing much creativity especially if the rest of the costume is very skimpy.

The other issue I have is how four rows of beads or a smattering of stones is going to look on a bigger bra, if the bra is a A cup it may not look sparse however when you go up in cup sizes the less decoration on the bra the more glaring it is that the bra has been shortchanged in the decoration department. It is simply no longer acceptable for me to settle for a bra that looks unfinished. Those days are long gone when I first played in Barbarossa and my costume was $400.00TT! Add an extra zero to that figure on today's prices and some more decoration please!

For more of what Adele Rose had to say click HERE.

Shoekeepers Carnival 2010 Collection

Shoekeepers have revealed their Carnival 2010 Picadilly Boot collection and I am really liking the heeled wedge which is a new option, in addition to their previous styles:

The cost of Shoekeepers Picadilly Boots is $400.00 TTD and they are available in the following USA sizes 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 7.5, 8.5, 9, & 10.

You can check out the boots and place orders at the following locaitons:

SHOEKEEPERS (623-1177)

Shop#26 Excellent City Centre

#60 Independence Sq. P.O.S.

SHOEKEEPERS (653-7792)

Shop#10 A&S Mall

#96 High Street, San Fernando

If anyone wore Shoekeepers Picadilly Boots for Carnival please leave a review/comment, thanks!

Réveiller: The Secret of Silk Showcase

NEW YORK (July 2009) – The Carnival Band TRIBE, one of the premier carnival band organizations in Trinidad & Tobago, has partnered with New York's ShorBlu Events, in association with OHPsalms and Back 2 Basics Entertainment, to showcase its 2010 carnival concept The Secret of Silk in New York City. The event is called Réveiller. The Secret of Silk Showcase is a historic occasion as it marks the first time the ever-innovative TRIBE will introduce its “ultimate carnival experience” in New York City.

TRIBE has always appreciated the long standing support of carnival revelers from across the United States, and New York is no exception. Réveiller: The Secret of Silk Showcase promises to provide attendees with the same energy, excitement and pre-carnival anticipation that has been a hallmark of the TRIBE band launch experience since its inception. The event takes place from 3 to 10pm on Sunday, August 9th 2009 at M2 Ultra Lounge, 530 W 28th Street in Manhattan. Formerly known as Mansion, this extraordinary club is a fitting venue to réveille—French for 'awaken'—the 2010 carnival spirit. Though most of the details of this showcase are being tightly guarded, producers have revealed plans for a star-studded line-up that includes the presentation of TRIBE's The Secret of Silk carnival costumes beginning at 6pm, guest performances throughout, complimentary Caribbean hors d'oeuvres, and an ultra-exclusive party.

The New York team producing Réveiller: The Secret of Silk Showcase is ShorBlu Events, OHPsalms, and Back 2 Basics Entertainment. Led by the young trailblazing entertainment group ShorBlu Events, this production team is renown for superior social events in the Tri-state area. ShorBlu Events is also the promotions force behind Caribbean parties like Sutra, Risque and the popular weekly Vice Afterwork Thursdays. OHPsalms has transformed the professional social landscape with exclusive parties at Sequoia on the South Street Seaport, Saturdays at Canal Room, the Obama Inauguration celebration at Bobby Van's restaurant in Washington, D.C., and the groundbreaking Howard Homecoming event Masquerade which stands as the largest alumni gathering in the history of the university. Back 2 Basics Entertainment is New York's premier Caribbean DJ, who has a well-earned reputation as the ultimate party rocker with sold out events like Shine in New York, Washington, D.C., Toronto, and Miami, among hundreds of others.

Réveiller: The Secret of Silk Showcase finally brings a taste of TRIBE's ultimate carnival experience to New York City. Awaken the carnival spirit at this historic event on Sunday, August 9th 2009 at M2 Ultra Lounge.

www.shorbluevents.com
reveiller-facebook.eventbrite.com

TRIBE Live Launch, Feedback Needed

As I said before I was unable to view the live, streaming video of TRIBE's launch that was provided by Triniscene on Sunday morning. My position was at the stage taking photos so I only heard feedback from some of the bloggers who viewed the launch from the comfort of their homes.

There were some technical difficulties that was no fault of TRIBE or Triniscene, the loss of lights on stage was due to failure of a power generator and was not a special effect! I too was left wondering why the lights were switched off in the middle of costumes being presented and was informed of this glitch after the fact.

So, since I was not there to see the live stream myself, what are your thoughts on going live? Did you enjoy the show? Was the video able to load and run properly on your system? Did the cameras provide all the right angles? Is this something you would like to see more of for other band launches in future? What would you change or do differently if there was another streaming video of a band launch? And overall were you impressed with the live stream or not?

Leave me a comment!

Vote For Your Favorite TRIBE costume...

My picks on the sections to sell out first, quite possibly on the initial day of TLC registration are, in no particular order:

Charmeuse

Mulberry

Osage

Tyrian Purple

Mystery of Loulan

Threads of Morocco

Xi Ling Shi

Silk of Rajasthan

Despite my critical review of some of the costumes these rank as my favorites. They also seem to be popular choices among TRIBERS from feedback I have gotten.

Rajasthan is the only section that ladies looking for more coverage seem to be gravitating to so that is the reason it is on my list as well as the fact that the male will be the first to sell out. The other sections that would be my personal pick if all these were gone are Eri and Lapis Lazuli.

Vote for your favourites, I am very interested to know how you all are ranking these costumes!

Vote for your Favorite Section(s) in TRIBE
	Silk of Rajasthan
	Charmeuse
	Eri
	Threads of Morocco
	Mulberry
	Xi Ling Shi
	Osage
	Lapis Lazuli
	Habotai
	Zari
	Mystery of Loulan
	Serica
	Tyrian Purple
	Fire Silk
pollcode.com free polls

The Secret of Silk Video

Media Launch


Costume Finale

The Secret of Silk Costume Review

Mulberry (designed by Monique Nobrega)

I had two minds about whether or not I really liked this costume or if it was just way too much with the headpiece, backpack, arm and leg pieces, however what sways me over to the like side is the jeweled detailed on the headpiece, it is very pretty. While I love the sheen and look of silk on the bra I think it should have more decoration on the actual silk instead of just bordering it , especially on the frontline. The frontline gets top marks for impact, low marks for being too ordinary when it comes to the bra. The regular costume is very simple, which contrasts with the extravagance of the frontline, however I saw one option with arm pieces so I am guessing you can get the extras if you want the regular costume to be a bit more than just basic. This is a safe "nice" costume.

Charmeuse (designed by Lana Nobrega)

Ah this is the costume which caused so much talk because apparently the headpiece is similar to Rubies of Mumbai. Well I have seen it and it is basically the same design as Mumbai and I don't know which one was done first but with both costumes I do like the headpiece. The colours of this costume work well together, the contrast is great. I love the headpiece of the frontline, it is big and feathery without being too much. The backpack is too much of a cape effect to my liking and I can do without the fabric but I guess with the theme being Silk fabric is a given. I really like the body costume with the one exception which seems to be an issue I am having with many of the costumes; the bra is skimpy as in TOO bare in decoration. I think it is time we step up the game and go beyond decorating the bra with just 4 rows of beads! These costumes could be taken to the blown out of the park level if the bras were well decorated. Another tiny belt completes this costume, overall one that is not too safe, but not that spectacular either.

Eri (designed by Gail Cabral)

On first look I christened this one Silver Mist II; the backline screams Silver Mist to me, albeit a well done Silver Mist. As with Silver Mist the impact is there, the crowd cheered for this one when it hit the stage, it looks appealing and really I like the backline headpiece but the deja vu is too strong on this one. The frontline is interesting, while I like the overall look of the entire costume the grey feathers bother me. The headpiece is well embellished and I love the design of the jeweled piece to the front, it is my favourite part of this costume. The cascading feathers coming off the shoulders on the backpack is another cape effect similar to Charmeuse but I prefer this one.

Habotai (designed by Lana Nobrega)

Let me get the most irritating thing about this costume out in the open first, and that is the BLACK tasseled chopsticks on the headpiece! Why? That tacky detail almost ruined a perfectly fabulous frontline but the saving grace is that stunning backpack! I love the colour of this costume and the black on the fuchsia feathers sets it off beautifully! The shape and style of he headpiece works for the frontline, I can even live with the tassels falling off the diamante circles to the front, even though the black irks me, but the chopsticks were unnecessary in my opinion. While the frontline gets top marks I really do not like the regular costume mainly because I am not loving the shape of the headpiece, it frames too much of the face and comes too low on the brows, and yet again there are those chopsticks! Whoever thought it was a great idea to add the black tassles to the belt needs a reality check because the tassles look like an appendage of the masculine anatomy! The half way decorated bra is a recurring theme that is just killing the backline costumes.

Tyrian Purple(designed by Gail Cabral)

I LOVE the shade of this purple used, it is gorgeous, I like this costume as well. Now, I know I had an aversion to tails and I still shook my head when I saw this one on the frontline but the costume overall is very appealing though I do not know how that tail is going to work on the road, in TRIBE with a million people! It looks cute when in motion though. I love the diamante and gold crown effect on the headpiece as well as the coque used instead of plumes. Both the backline and frontline has the same bra which is one of the better decorated ones in the lot. The regular costume has a very nice headpiece that gives this top marks for one of the best backlines, I would not feel cheated compared to the frontline if I were in this regular costume.

Xi Ling Shi (designed by Monique Nobrega)

Flat out I really do not like the use of the recycled cotinga stones in this costume nor the hook on the belt that was used in Kiskadee, it just annoys me that last year's material was used on this one so the costume does not look fresh, not to mention the colours remind me of Island People's Mirage and the swirls on the back pack are pretty close to Caspian Sea. Admittedly the frontline does have impact, it is all big and fluffy feathers that touch the ground (LOVE THAT) and the rhinestone trimmed wire work on the headpiece is pretty. However the WOW was not there for me in this costume although it had all the right elements with the frontline.

Osage (designed by Gail Cabral)

This is another costume that I absolutely LOVE. I love the orange and gold, I love the frontline, it has impact and the backline is one that can stand up to the frontline with a nice big headpiece that comes in two versions. Not to mention the bra and belt are both well decorated on this one. I will point out the collar on this costume that I was hoping died after Birds of a Feather however it is so big and fabulous that it actually looks like a backpack so it gets a pass for sure even though that element was reused from Carnival 2009. Did I say I LOVE this costume? One of my top picks for sure.

Lapis Lazuli (designed by Melissa James)

Lots of blue, very little contrast however because this costume is another one that does not skimp on the beading on the bra I give it higher marks than it really deserves. The headpiece design I also like, the little oriental detail with the beads dropping on the forehead gives it a nice detail. The frontline headpiece is nice as well, but this costume said nothing to me except that is REALLY blue.

Silk Of Rajasthan (designed by Peter Elias)

Gets top marks for best male costume, of course. I am liking the fabric panels, the fully beaded bra however I am getting a very strong Sonia Mack Morocco vibe from that bigger headpiece!!! This one could have been so much better because I am liking everything else but the large headpiece . The small headpiece is "cute" as in looks like a belly dancer costume cute and then there is the version that is basically Indian jewelry. Lovely accessories on both the male and female costumes, I expect nothing less in that department from Peter Elias. But coming after African Love bird this one was a let down.

Zari (designed by "The Cocktail Girls")

This costume is so .....boring. Sorry to say it but really, we have come a long way from a generic bra and belt and headpiece don't you think? Nothing fancy, nothing special, nothing to hold my interest just a bra and belt... not impressed. Not to mention the frontline with that side swiped headpiece was NOT a frontline to me just a naked bra option.

Mystery of Loulan (designed by Solange Shaw- Gopaul)

Loulan has been calling my name since I first heard about the colour combination and this one did not disappoint. I LOVE the colours of blue, tan and gold. This is one of the BEST backline costumes with a fully decorated bra, belt and headpiece! Overall the regular costume looks complete, even with matching accessories the one thing I have to admit is that the tan bra is a bit like Bird of Paradise which I also loved but was worried would not work with my skin tone. That costume looked gorgeous on the road on all complexions and I am definitely seeing Loulan being a stunner in numbers as well. The premium and super frontline costume options floored me! Premium is all naked splendor, with a gorgeous bra and belt and a massive headpiece, personally I want that headpiece to be bigger and longer for ME, but it is just gorgeous! The Super version is also a stunner, if you were to play in this by default it does not come up short to the Premium version at all. The headpiece at first glance looks the same as Premium but it is not as full and decorated differently. Mystery of Loulan is the only costume to give varying body and headpiece options for frontline instead of just slapping on a bigger headpiece and backpack. You really feel the "frontline" difference in this costume, I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. This is my perfect costume in TRIBE!

Serica (designed by Quita Correria)

I am still wondering where is the rest of this costume, it looks unfinished and what the hell is the reason for that white fabric!? I am still in awe over this costume and NOT in a good way. Someone should have sent this costume back to the drawing board because it failed miserably in every respect. Compared to the rest of the band, even the costumes that did not impress me, this one looks so out of place! Like it is missing from Poison circa 1995!

Threads of Morocco (designed by Sandra Hordatt)

I dub thee the "teeny bopper" section as this regular costume is going to be a hit among the under 20 set. It is very pretty and VERY naked! The frontline is another one of my favourites though there is that Isis cape AGAIN that is used in Harts. LOVE the frontline headpiece and bra, I think Ms Horadatt taking the wire bra and reworking the design each year is super, you have to look forward to how it is going to work and this one does. The regular option has two headpieces, one with just jewelry and a mini headpiece as it is not a huge one as some of the other regular costumes, hopefully these options will cater to prices for everyone especially the young girls who I know wiill gravitate to this like bees to honey.

Fire Silk (designed by Sonia Marcano)

Ugh! I do not like this one. Do not like the boa and plumed been there done that collar, the headpiece is NOT flattering at all and the backline version looks so puny and pitiful compared to the other two versions. When it comes to red and silver costumes I personally think that combination has to be smashing for it to work beautifully (prefer red and gold) and this looks like the Digicel section of the band.

Individual Costumes

I decided to review these separately as each one was really fabulous, but not an option for everyone as there will be just ONE of these made. The individuals really sold some sections, my top picks were Charmuese which has the WOW factor, Mulberry, Habotai and Threads of Morocco in that order. Gorgeous body costumes in the individuals, lots of jewelry pieces used on the bras and belts not to mention the fantastic backpacks and headpiece. What was up with the Habotai Individual with the hat? I am left speechless by that one! Tyrian Purple has a very interesting body suit, I liked it actually but not the tail. Serica Individual should have been the regular costume and Xi Ling Gi was gorgeous but not my personally fave, I think the colours of this costume is what puts it out of a contender league for me, personally. Oh and how I can forget that "costume" that came after Rajasthan! What was that backpack, do they really expect someone to wear that on the road? And, how can I forget the totally unexpected Butterfly costume, section (who knows) I am guessing that represents the Silk Worm that actually lived to metamorphized nto a butterfly... but why does it look like Island People's Butterfly of 2006 , which was a version of Peter Minshall's Papillion? Kudos for having 3 stunning chocolate models in those costumes though!

Now, my issue with these costumes is that the effort that went into the Individuals could have been extended to some of the backlines and regular costumes. Not everyone can afford or be able to access an Individual costume so saving all the "glory" for these kind of cheats those who would LOVE the same gorgeous body but on a smaller, frontline version. HOPEFULLY they will offer the body costume for some of the respective frontlines because they are gorgeous. Well done effort on the Individuals, best I have seen in TRIBE ever.

Male costumes

Ah yes, another year all lumped together and they might as well be because this is the most generic set of male costumes ever! They all looked like coloured board shorts, headband and some sort of chest piece, forget giving the men a little something extra like with Brazilian Macaw or even Parrot of this year. The designers went straight back to the adage of "all men want is a shorts" and that is exactly what they got with the exception of Silk of Rajasthan which actually has a proper male COSTUME. I also saw an Individual male costume, Thank God for something different.

Overall, TRIBE pulled out the big guns for the Individual costumes, blew the competition out of the water in that respect, however I am left unimpressed with a majority of the sections. There are some gorgeous regular and frontline costumes for sure, but I need the regular costumes to step up their game as well as I need some interesting designs instead of just a bra with some gems and a belt; do something with just the bra and belt instead of just sticking three stones on them and calling it a day! Hence the reason some sections get top marks for me, I love the diversity.

I am sure no one will be hard pressed to find a section they like, for me I already have one that I am 100% sure I am playing in, but I would hate to be stuck in one of the least appealing costumes just to be in TRIBE when there are superior costumes out there with the competition! I love TRIBE, I really do, the experience for me is second to none but some of the costumes need that time and effort placed in the Individual designs injected into the regular costumes.

For LOTS and LOTS of High Resolution, HUGE costume pics check out

The Secret of Silk Part 1

The Secret of Silk Part 2