K2K Alliance - The Waters Review

The reaction to K2K Alliance debut presentation "The Waters" for Carnival 2012 judging from comments and feedback on Facebook has been very positive with adjectives and superlatives such as "fashion meets mas", "avant garde designs" and  "haute couture" used to describe the costumes. Many see it as a youthful, fresh and much needed presentation to fill the void that is needed to balance out "bikini and beads" with artistic mas, does Brian Mac Farlane finally have some competition? Only time will tell .

Personally I really like the presentation, I could definitely see myself playing in a few  of those costumes even though I love my feathers! What I like is the fact that this is not the usual "alternative mas" that drapes you in voluminous fabric just to be the antithesis of bikini and beads. The costumes are sexy, beautiful, well constructed and theatrical; for someone who loves costumes that are over the top you still get the dramatic effect with the detailing and backpacks. I love that the designers used bikini tops, bikini bottoms and lots of gems on the costumes but they are so integrated into the design that it is not the main feature of the costume.I also loved the leg pieces, I think they are a cohesive element in the band.

My only criticisms would be that the colour palette is a bit muted, I love bright colours for Carnival so I am naturally drawn to the The Red Sea, Caribbean Sea and The Yellow Sea as my favourites even though I am absolutely loving the bustier option of The Dead Sea. Some of the male costumes although very well tailored look as though they are missing additional costume elements, however I read on K2K's Facebook Fanpage that the options for backpacks would also be given to the males, if this is true then I can see how the male costumes will be on par with the female counter part.

As for the launch itself I loved the fact that it seemed as if we were looking at a fashion show, the models were VERY well styled, from makeup to hair it was all perfectly coordinated with the costuming. I would have liked if an announcer let us know the section names as they came out as well as it would have been great to have some literature on the band given to patrons; many of those in the crowd seemed to be unaware that a band launch was taking place at Saute and who this band was.

Looking forward to the launch of the website; section and registration details for "The Waters" will be released first week in October.

The Nicome River

The Red Sea

The Dead Sea

The Yellow Sea

The Saraswati River

The River Jordan

The Sea of Galliee

The Caribbean Sea

Revlon and Local Designers ‘Think Pink’ for Breast Cancer Awareness

From L to R: Teri Leigh Bovell, Sandra Hordatt,

 Monique Nobrega and Liselle Rovedas

Revlon Cosmetics for the first time in Trinidad and Tobago are launching a campaign to raise funds for breast cancer asking consumers to Think Pink and show their support. This follows in the footsteps of Revlon International who have been ardent in their campaign for breast cancer awareness through their Revlon Run/Walk held annually in New York City and attended by over 40,000 participants as well as Revlon Brand Ambassadors such as Halle Berry, Jessica Alba and Jessica Biel.

For the local campaign which has the full support of the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society, Revlon created the slogan ‘Think Pink’ inspired by the well known breast cancer pink ribbon logo. The slogan was imprinted in crystals on women’s t-shirts together with the breast cancer ribbon logo to the front and the Revlon logo and slogan ‘Support the Cause’ at the back. Revlon Product Manager, Marie Iles explained, ‘We wanted to modernise the message and create a fun, attractive, fashion item that our consumers could enjoy wearing while showing their support for breast cancer and raising awareness to others’.

The limited edition Baby T’s will be available in October with the purchase of $125.00 or more in Revlon cosmetic products from selected stores including SuperPharm, Kappa, Ali’s, Pennywise, Glendales, Bel Air Stores, Body Perfection, Medicine Plus and Pharmacy World. For every Think Pink t-shirt given away Revlon will donate $5.00 to the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society.

As an added twist to the campaign Revlon asked three local designers, Meiling, Peter Elias, Designer Look and Photographer, Calvin French to create their own interpretation of the Think Pink t-shirts by adding something extra that would brand them as their own. Revlon also engaged the support of local personalities, Model and Actress, Teri Leigh Bovell, Carnival Costume Designer and Make Up Artist, Sandra Hordatt, Carnival Costume Designer and Tribe Band Leader, Monique Nobrega and Radio and TV Personality and Professional Make Up Artist, Liselle Rovedas who agreed to wear the designer’s creations for a photoshoot to promote awareness of the campaign.

The Designer t-shirts will exclusively available for purchase at each of the Designer’s outlets in October at a cost of $150.00 with a minimum of $50.00 from the sale of each t-shirt to be donated to the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society. The Designers are located at the following locations: Meiling, Carlos St, Woodbrook, Peter Elias, Ellerslie Plaza and The Falls of WestMall and Designer Look, Lower Level, Gulf City Mall A select few of the Designer T-shirts will be available free to customers purchasing $175.00 or more in Revlon cosmetic products from Starlite Drugs, Starlite Shopping Plaza.

The money raised will help support the ongoing work of the T&T Cancer Society which includes raising awareness, provision of counseling, breast cancer care and therapy, support clinics and hospices.

K2k Alliance - The Waters Band Launch Video

K2k Alliance - The Waters First Look

Costume presentation from the launch of K2k Alliance "The Waters" for Carnival 2012:

X Band Launch

Sunday October 1, 2011

Adam Smith Square 

4PM to 8PM

Admission FREE

click for larger view 

https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=279113072099115

Costume Showdown - Vote for the BEST Red Costume

Ronnie and Caro - Temptation

Harts - Athena

Dream Team - Kamasutra

TRIBE - Ibiza

Fantasy - Authorities

Oasis - Samurai

Island People - Scarlet I

Poll Results - Best Blue Costume

Results from the Blue costume showdown are in and Island People takes this one with a  huge lead, followed  by Harts, TRIBE, Fantasy  and YUMA as your top 5 choices. See the line up of costumes here http://www.trinidadcarnivaldiary.com/2011/09/costume-showdown-vote-for-best-blue.html

click for larger view

K2K Alliance Teaser

There is a lot of buzz surrounding the new band K2K Alliance on Facebook, their costume sketches have been drawing a lot of attention and praise. I am a bit skeptical when it comes to judging a costume based on artwork alone, however the teaser of actual prototypes for the sections "River Jordan" and "Red Sea" have me intrigued to see more.

Planning on competing as a medium band catering to 1000 masqueraders, "The Waters"  will comprise of eight sections and it will be all inclusive. K2K Alliance is  headed by an artistic design team, two sisters with a passion and love of art, one of them having copped the top prize for Art in the Caribbean in C.X.C.

I had the pleasure of speaking with one of the sisters who expressed her vision for the band, suffice to say that with their debut presentation  they plan on being a competitive force bridging the gap between the old and new with a youthful perspective on "Alternative Mas".

"The Waters" will be unveiled at Saute Trinbago 2011 on Sunday September 25 at the Queens Park Savannah, for more information on tickets and what to expect at Saute see the flyers below or check out their Facebook Fanpage:

Dear Jo...

When I started the "Costume Showdown" I prefaced it by saying this :

Critics of "Bikini and Beads" bands often say that the costumes all look the same every year, it is just up to masqueraders to pick a colour and play. And while designers are generally working with a bikini, or monokini in some cases, I know I can certainly see differences in the diverse costumes offered by the bands even if the naysayers say they all look the same. So today I am going to start a Costume Showdown where we vote for the best costume in the same colour family for Carnival 2012 of the bands that have launched so far.

Yet I still get an email expressing these sentiments:

I think its perfect to be choosing the best coloured costumes as you are on your blog currently. Great reflection of the state of mas in T & T.


I remember growing up when creativity meant so much and we had the greatest show on Earth. When there was competition and themes and craft combined to produce that great show!


Now its 'what colour are you playing?' as there's nothing much else to choose from as they all look like alike - a bikini, feathers and beads. Absolutely sad!

Dear Jo, 

of course the costumes are going to look like a bikini, feathers and beads as those materials are the genesis of "Bikini Mas", we are not comparing "Alternative Mas" here. The whole point of the exercise was to answer critics like you and show that it is NOT just about choosing a colour, that for us masqueraders who actually play Bikini and Beads we can spot the design differences in costumes, they are all not generically the same.

For instance among the white costumes Island People's "Oya" looks nothing like YUMA's Final Fantasy or Harts Khione or Oasis Koi, well at least to me.I am sure all you are seeing are feathers, but take a better look at each costume and then tell me that the costumes do not have an element of "design" to them. It is much harder to recreate a bikini, beads and feather costume each year than it is to drape fabric and even those who do "Alternative Mas" repeat designs from year to year.

And if you think there are no other choices you need to look at Strictly Alternative Mas, K2K Alliance, Brian Mac Farlane, Just Friends, D Harvard Boys, Glenn Carvalho, Trini Revellers and Genesis The Word in addition to the many other bands that produce Sailor Mas, Native Indian Mas and other traditional mas bands. As far as the N.C.B.A. recorded for Carnival 2010 were are 23 Mini Bands, 17 Small Bands, 17 Medium Bands  , 8 Large Bands ( this number has grown with the addition of YUMA, Bliss, Fantasy, Explosion) and 27 Bands in the Nostalgia Parade. That seems to be a lot of options to me!

Of course this is simply my humble opinion you do not need to share it.

Sincerely

Saucy 

Costume Showdown - Vote for the BEST Blue Costume

Harts - Aphrodite

Spice -  Tiwanaku 

Fantasy - Arch Angels

Bliss - Bora Bora

TRIBE - Cancun

YUMA - Heavenly Sword

Island People - Azula

Ronnie and Caro - Aristocrat

Dream Team - Tsunami

Poll Results - Best White Costume

Results from the first costume showdown are in and YUMA takes this one, followed very closely by Harts, Fantasy, TRIBE and Island People for your top 5 choices: To refresh your memory these were the choices http://www.trinidadcarnivaldiary.com/2011/09/costume-showdown-vote-for-best-white.html

click for larger view

Last Band Standing - J'ouvert 2K12 Experience

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Last-Band-Standing-Jouvert-2K12-Experience/279961305347296

So.. We wanted to do a J'OUVERT BAND... but not just ANY J'ouvert Band.. but a GREAT.. no.. make that EXCEPTIONAL J'ouvert Band. one that would keep all 500 of our masqueraders so happy that they'd definitely be back in 2K13..

So we made a list...

Exclusivity- (500 patrons not a single person more)

Premium Drinks - (Yes we invited Uncle Johnny and his cousins)

Security - (get on bad we go protect you)

Secure Parking - (your car will be there when you get back)

Shuttle Service - ( we'll even drop you to your car)

Live Entertainment - (Who say Soca on the road...)

Before Party - (....cause you need to warm up)

After Party - ( ...cause we're the "Last Band Standing" duh!!!)

Masquerader WASH - (... cause a lil water does cool down the heat)

Pemium Breakfast - (..cause Doubles and corn soup don't always cut it)


Then we realized that.. well not everyone can actually do a J'ouvert band that's EXCEPTIONAL..

The last and most important ingredient for an EXCEPTIONAL J'ouvert Band is .... YOU!!!

Costume Showdown - Vote for the BEST White Costume

Critics of "Bikini and Beads" bands often say that the costumes all look the same every year, it is just up to masqueraders to pick a colour and play. And while designers are generally working with a bikini, or monokini in some cases, I know I can certainly see differences in  the diverse costumes offered by the bands even if the naysayers say they all look the same. So today I am going to start a Costume Showdown where we vote for the best costume in the same colour family for Carnival 2012 of the bands that have launched so far.

So, go ahead and vote for the BEST white costume from the following bands:

TRIBE - Cyprus

Bliss - Capri 

Spice - Yanomai

Oasis - Koi

Harts - Khione

D Krewe - Warriors

Explosion - Seraph

Fantasy - Virtues

Island People - Oya

Y.U.M.A. - Final Fantasy

Roam Mas, Wee International and Genesis Band Launch Info

Amazingly Band Launching season is still in full swing, despite sold out bands, State of Emergency and a Curfew we have many more launches to look forward to for Carnival 2012. 

Roam Mas has announced their theme "2012" and they launch on Sunday September 25 along with Wee International who will also be showing costumes from their Carnival 2012 presentation " Elements of the Earth". Genesis launches "Kaleidoscopic of Red" on October 9, 2011. 

Click on the flyers below for more information:

https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=249072128469260

https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=149767491782422

https://www.facebook.com/pages/GENESIS-CARNIVAL-LTD/136407788034

Custom Boots By Amde

I have been getting lots of emails from both male and female masqueraders looking for custom made boots, and many of you want to find the "boots man by the Ice Factory". Well, his name is Amde and Afro Chic has directions to his place on her Boots By Afro Chic website, you can check out the original posting HERE but below are directions to where Amde is located:

For those of you wondering where Mc Donald Street is these are the directions:
Travel along Wrightson Road until you reach Colville Street (Powergen corner) and turn right at the traffic light.

Mc Donald Street is the first street on the left BUT it's a NO ENTRY.
You have to take the next left at Methuen Street, then the first left again onto French Street, and one more first left onto Mc. Donald Street.

There are a few businesses on Mc Donald Street, but look for Amde's sign outside that says "Boots. Press Bell"...yuh cyar miss it.

Strictly Alternative Mas in Metro Magazine

Photo Source: David Wears

Metro Magazine has a good article featuring an interview with Darren Cheewah designer of  "X 2012", Strictly Alternative Mas Carnival 2012 presentation. You can read the article HERE.

Mas Jumbies J'ouvert 2012

Karen Hart Section 2012

Each year Karen Hart does a "budget section" exclusively for Harts, this is the 2012 offering, Female  $2700.00TT , Male $2100.00TT

This section is a private option and will not be featured at the mas camp or website, so if you are interested you can call or email Harts mas camp or Karen Hart for more details on how to register. Registration begins tomorrow , September 17,2011.

Fit For Carnival Series

Fit for Carnival uses the innate connection people have to their native music to positively impact their health and overall lifestyles.

 Founded on the belief that an excellent life requires excellent health, Fit for Carnival uses the natural "joie de vivre" of Caribbean life and music to inspire partners and encourage the Carnival Fitness community to achieve their health goals. Fit for Carnival is not just a workout done to soca music. It is a heart pumping, uplifting, addictive and effective cardio routine driven by the inherent energy, passion and joy of soca music! 

Using a combination of aerobic and dance moves, Fit for Carnival choreography is guaranteed to Challenge you! Work your body out! and bring the Fete to your Exercise everyday!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fit-for-Carnival/44331366856
Website: http://fitforcarnival.wordpress.com/
Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/SocaSweat?feature=mhee

Knowing Your Options For Carnival 2012

Ok so TRIBE, Bliss and YUMA are SOLD OUT now (Fantasy Carnival is being curiously silent on both their registration and sold out status). 

If you missed the chance to get into what seems to be the Holy Trinity of Carnival Bands (judging from responses on my Facebook Fanpage) have no fear there ARE alternatives especially if you are a new masquerader and have no other bands to compare your first Carnival experience with.

Normally I do not recommend bands to potential masqueraders since I have no personally played with them but judging from previous reviews from masqueraders who have the following bands would be my top picks IF I had to play any other band apart from the Holy Trinity :

 (I also urge you to do not take my word as the Gospel but do your homework and research ALL bands to see if they are right for you based on age, demographic and your own personal criteria)

Island People Mas http://www.islandpeoplemas.com/ - Apart from the positive reviews from Carnival 2011 and the fact that I have many friends who enjoy  playing with Island People the revamped Heroes costumes are awesome and they have registration discount specials on now. Not to mention you don't need a hook up to get in the band.

Oasis Carnival http://oasiscarnival.com/ - Prices and product are the two main draws to this band. They have nice costumes at a reasonable price, easy access to online registration and if you are looking for a smaller band the numbers are right too.

Harts Carnival http://www.hartscarnival.com/ - Proven leader in the Carnival Industry, very beautifully made costumes, easy access to online registration the only caveat is the band is not all inclusive however you have the option of paying extra for a drinks cart.

D Krewe http://www.dkrewecarnival.com/ - Again I have friends who have had very positive experiences with D Krewe, I know they saved Afro Chic's Carnival in 2010 so they make the list for sure! 

Ronnie & Caro http://www.ronnieandcaro.com/ - Very strong masquerader loyalty who vouch for a great on the road experience. 

Other Bands that have launched and are offering online registration:

Dream Team http://www.dreamteamtnt.com/

Spice Carnival http://www.spicecarnivalband.com/node

Explosion Carnival has launched but they have not announced registration procedures. http://www.explosioncarnival.com

Other bands still to launch:

Brian Mac Farlane http://www.macfarlanecarnival.net/

Legacy http://www.legacycarnival.com/

Pulse 8 http://www.pulse8carnival.com/

Showtime Trinidad http://www.showtimetrinidad.com/

The Word http://www.thewordcarnival.com/

Trini Revellers http://www.trinirevellersmas.com/

Wee International http://www.weeint.com/

Genesis Carnival http://www.genesistnt.com/

Carvalho Mas http://glenncarvalho.com/index.html

K2K Alliance http://www.k2k-carnival.com/

X2012 https://www.facebook.com/groups/233380860029997/

Gems Mas http://www.gemsmas.com/