Fantasy Carnival Book Of Angels The Review

Fantasy Carnival is the new kid on the block and everyone is asking WHO are they . Well the band launch last night did not reveal any more details of the people behind the band that I have not already pieced together, as they never officially gave information about Fantasy. It started as a J’ouvert band called Fantasy and together with Jamboree Committee and some familiar faces and names formerly associated with TRIBE, Bliss, Harts and the now defunct Elements I am guessing Fantasy Carnival was born. The crowd at the launch was certainly made up of the socialites and party people that I see at certain events, and to be honest reminded me of the very early TRIBE days!

Fantasy’s biggest coup in my opinion was securing design services of Richard and Anthony Productions and going with a simple yet effective theme called “Book of Angels”. Hard to go off theme when everyone wants wings for Carnival 2012 and the costumes look like they can easily morph into a Victoria Secret’s Fashion Show. The second thing I have heard, and if it is true will be key in the success of this band, is that they have also gotten the producer who does TRIBE’s costume to supply theirs. This is key as we masqueraders appreciate pretty costume prototypes but we also need to know that what we ARE getting when we collect is the same as what was advertised. From where I am poised, Fantasy looks like a new band that can give veterans a run for their money however more needs to be known of the players behind the scene as people are a bit hesitant to hand over cash to an unknown entity.

Now for the review and I must say I was glad to be able to examine these costumes backstage myself and even had conversation with the designers about their vision and meshing it with the direction of what the band also wanted:

Angels

The standout feature on this costume is the gorgeously decorated bra and the diamante trim that us used to construct the necklace and also the belt. I was concerned that the diamante would snag the stockings but I was assured (and felt it to see if is true) that the backing has no exposed casing to do any damage which is a good thing to know. I am not a fan of pink costumes, especially pastel pink, but this is a very soft, delicate and pretty looking costume. Love the headband on the frontline as it works to balance off the hugeness of the wings. The backline is also nicely decorated and they have a full regular headpiece, albeit the shape and design is very familiar to these designers. I love the bra design on the Individual costume and also the height of the wings, for the road however that might be an issue when the wind takes it but visually a very pretty costume/section.

Arch Angels

The collar on the frontline is very familiar in style and with the use of the coque feathers reminds me of Pisces from YUMA. I like that they decided to change the concept of just using variations of wings and do something different. Again the tiara headband with frontline works, the shade of blue is a nice selection and silver/diamante complements it well. The backline is richly decorated, the seed beaded fringe on the bra and belt gives good movement HOWEVER the back of this costume could benefit from some extra beading! It is very bare.

Virtues

At first glance the frontline has a resemblance to Cyprus Frontline from Sandra Hordatt in TRIBE. The deep plunge monokini with double string sided bottom and of course the colour gives that impression. This costume differs in that it is not a wire bra for frontline, the strings do not extend to monokini back bottom piece and the wings are actual “angel” wings as opposed to plumes. I love the beading on the monokini of the frontline, only wished that the headband was done with some other material, maybe different crystals and it could be a tad bit larger but that is just minor nit picking. I love the backline on this one, proper sized headpiece and a cute collar. Liking the feathered and gem bra. I was surprised that small variations of wings were not offered as a backline option for more sections.

Dominions

This is a sleeper section, the true beauty cannot be seen at night but the copper and turquoise will look amazing on the road. I like the solid metallic copper base of the bra and that it is not overwhelmed with decoration or “bling”, it looks a bit tribal and organic. Like what the designers did with the chain love knot detail that has been around since this Carnival, turning it into a belt and using it to design the bra and headpiece on the Frontline. The frontline wings are nice and light looking, a bit wide when you think about having to maneuver with others in the section, I am wondering if they can adjust backwards just a little bit so as they do not stick out so much on the sides. I much prefer the wings on the individual costume for this section; the Pheasant Feathers give it a “wow” effect matched with the teal and copper.

Rulers

I cannot help but get a Gemini/ Green Honey Creeper flash back with the backline headpiece; very similar construct and use of feathers. I am just not a huge fan of all green costumes this season, but at least this one breaks up the monotone with some crystals, silver and diamante. The Frontline has a very interesting asymmetrical backpack, can’t say if I like it, but I do like the bra design. The backpack to me just looks like it might be hot and uncomfortable with the feathers resting directly on one side of the body, but kudos for doing something different when wings can become repetitive.

Ophanim

I really like the Frontline of this costume, the black with the silver pheasant feathers has a lot of impact. The decoration on the bra is a style that has been repeated on other sections, the jeweled underwear with the chained bottom piece is a cool idea and alternative to a traditional belt. I love the size of the backline headpiece, again the shape and styling is familiar but I do appreciate the touch of purple feathers. Like that the bra uses a self decorated fabric and that the gems on the belt are nice and chunky but they could have been longer!

Powers

I really liked this Frontline in person, I guess it is the monokini style with all that diamante and gold beaded fringe as well as the arm wings which are super easy to walk around with for Carnival. The muted tones may not work well on all skin tones but I do love it. The backline headpiece reminds me of Taurus a, same colour feathers, and as much as I like the diamante trim used all over the costume the placement and size of the piece on the belt is a bit unflattering and draws your eye directly to the crotch area.

Authorities

This section showed a decorated triangular bra and a plain bra option, I am guessing the plain bra with winged shaped headpiece is the frontline. I like the shade of red, just think that the triangular bra costume needs some of the extras that the other one offers. Also the shape of the smooth bra costume looks a little boxy on the model. I absolutely LOVE the Individual for this costume, love the shade of red, love the wings, love the headpiece.. LOVE!

Thrones

Or Oracle version 2.0, this costume is strikingly similar to that popular section in YUMA! Same decoration on the backline bra, same shade of purple and same contrasting peacock feathers, pretty then and pretty now but really I cannot help but call it Oracle! That backline belt needs some more beads. The frontline is awesome! Love love the beading on the bra and belt and what looks like two versions of the headpiece offered; a massive one (shown in the booklet) and the tiara type headband.

Cherubim

The frontline monokini on this costume is just amazing! I LOVE the chains and diamante as well as the strappy back and sides but you have to be a size 0 like the model to do this costume absolute justice. Love the collar. Love the headpiece. The frontline gets full marks in my book. The backline belt is gorgeous, but again wondering how this nude shade will look on everyone, even with the touch of turquoise.

Principalities

I adore this colour combination, very refreshing to see coral and purple used in a costume. The effect is a very, very ,very pretty costume to look at, love that the backline belt uses variegated seed beads and it is a substantial looking sized belt, lots of movement and swishy beads. The frontline is one of my favourites as well because I love the size of the headpiece and the shape of the wings and I guess I must love pheasant feathers because I love how they used it at the tips here to create a nice sweeping effect.

Seraphim

Another costume in my top three, this shade of yellow is beautiful and looked great on the models. There is just a touch of lime green to give enough contrast and I like that they used silver as opposed to gold, the long fringe necklace is a nice detail that I like. Love the shape and span of the frontline wings, one of a few that uses plumes instead of coque feathers. The Individual for this section is so pretty, it is very easy to look like big bird in a yellow costume with tons of feathers but the wings on this costume saves it from that fate, very angelic in style if not colour.

As for the male costumes, wow all very YUMA looking (sorry to compare but cannot help it) and very generic. Well decorated but sticks to the headband, chest décor and board shorts formula. The focus is certainly ALL on the ladies in this band.

In summary a VERY impressive showing from Fantasy, they do not have one unappealing section in the band; in fact it might be hard to choose a favourite. The backlines are given properly decorated bras, belts and a proper sized headpiece no skimping on the bling and glam factor at all. It was obvious to me as well that they did not overdo the “bling” factor byusing crystals and gems just to stick it in all over a costume, it was understated but still looked rich. I wish that there were baby wings offered for Backline as an option, I mean only the frontlines really represent the angel theme and I think the backlines could have had that extended to them as well as with the section Virtues.

I expect nothing less from Richard and Anthony, they do pretty and they do it WELL. The only criticism I have is that when you have a hallmark and trademark style doing designs for more than one band you cannot help but see some similarities. Hopefully their other set of costumes will vary greatly from what was seen to set both bands apart.

Fantasy gets top marks for their first showing, masqueraders as I always say want bling, feathers and pretty costumes and they got just that from Fantasy

Fantasy Presents "Book Of Angels"

Full album HERE 

Oasis "Nippon" Carnival 2012 Review

Sophomore band Oasis presented its 2012 Carnival offering "Nippon" at the Anchorage last night. I did not attend their band launch last year so I was pleasantly surprised at the level of professionalism starting with the invitation (sent early), extending to the décor which reflected the theme, a really nice VIP area with sushi, VIP seating for viewing of the stage and a cute goody bag for media which included an Oasis Pen and mini bottle of Hennessey Cognac. When we first arrived at 10PM the venue was uncrowded and I have to admit I wondered if they would get a good turnout but later on in the evening Anchorage was packed with patrons; good showing for the launch. I was also doubly impressed that less than 24hrs after the launch their website was up and running with prices as well.

Now on to the review:

Koi

At first look I am getting a very Native American vibe from this design with the frontline, I think it is the construct and feathers used for the headpiece and back pack. The fabric tendrils are interesting, I am guessing this is the Fashion Designer’s touch as it was designed by Ecliffe Elile . Nice frontline, the backline is very simple, not much decoration used on the bra and a very small tiara headpiece but I do like the ruching of fabric on the bra and the fact that the entire costume is done minus any beads.

Geisha

I like the colour combination used in this costume, with the purple and red. I think the frontline is very nicely done with lots of little details that add up to a well put together looking costume. For instance t I really like the design on the backpack with the gems, beading and decorated feather spines and that even though the bra is not festooned with gems it still looks like they decorated the entire cup. The tie detail I am thinking is reminiscent of an obi belt and even though they used fabric on the belt they also added extra chain loops which I think is just a nice extra touch. The backline is also nicely done; I like the styling of the bra even though I am not a fan of asymmetrically decorated bra cups! The larger headpiece option looks better in my opinion as I am not too keen on the headband look at all. The only thing they possibly could have added to the backline was fabric from the arms but other than that it looks good.

Kiyohime

The frontline positives for me would be the shape of the backpack, it looks very light and easy to carry around, also liking the love knot appliqué used to connect the bra to the bikini and create a monokini look. Also glad that the green does not overwhelm the costume and that the silver balances it out. The backline however I think could benefit from a fully decorated bra and it was a bit disconcerting to see one model hold on to the headpiece for her entire time on stage, also not liking the white feathers on the headpiece so much.

Phoenix

Lots of colours going on in this costume, it could look a bit garish on the frontline but for me personally I like it especially the blue pheasants the only thing is I think it looks a bit more like a Macaw rather than a phoenix , but I really like the frontline Mohawk headpiece and backpack. The belt is VERY skimpy however, maybe some substance could have been added to just using chains as I can see those chains bursting on the road. The backline again is cute, very bright and I think the belt needs something more than just 3 looped chains.

Cosmic Garden

My least favourite backline costume, the yellow /lime green and teal combination is just not working for Me. the decoration of the bra looks a bit dated. I also think the backline looks a bit generic but the Individual is nicely done, like the monokini as well with the fabric fringe and the shape of the backpack, lots going on there.

Samarai

Apart from the incorrect spelling of this section I think the backline is very simple, almost too simple and a bit under decorated with what I am foreseeing is going to be a very impractical costume top for most masqueraders with over an A cup to wear, as the triangle bra has a very deep cut. And although the mandarin neckline is cute that is a Chinese design feature not Japanese. The frontline shoulder and arm pads are fierce just wish the male costume also had something similar, for this section most underwhelming male costume in the band. Can’t say I particularly like the shape of the frontline headpiece either or the back of the collar on the backpack.

Cherry Blossom

Got to hand it to them for an unusual backpack on the frontline, liking how it looks with the feather placement, it looks like fabric but it is not. Can’t say that this is the most practical design for the road but since Oasis is smaller band it may just work. The backline is cute, like the medallions on the belt and the shade of pink used as they could have gone with a pastel shade.

Yen

My favourite section, love the jade green and gold as well as the jeweled design that makes up the bra and belt. This is one of the more contemporary designs (though I have seen a similar style in Harts some years ago). However there were TWO wardrobe malfunctions on the night with the backline that wore the bra minus a bikini top and the individual, where the gems broke apart and left bare breasts exposed. Imagine that happening on the road! Standard bikini tops should be offered to everyone, besides I think it looks nicer with the contrast of the green. Love the frontline with the little winged shoulder pieces and the headpiece with the hanging embellishments. I also like that the Isis wings are offered to the backline as well, it really adds to the costume as skimpy as it is.

Overall I personally think that the seven sections shown was a step up from Oasis first offering in terms of creativity, use of colour and design elements. I appreciate the effort to reflect some sort of relevance to theme and to create some stand out pieces even if at times it may have failed in execution.

Have YOU got your VISA?

Behold the TRIBE Carnival VISA card:

This is not a revamped TLC it is actually what I am calling an elite members card that is bestowed by committee members to their select chosen masqueraders to register before TLC holders and general public  in the section of their choice. You  can ONLY get the VISA from a committee member who knows YOU not from who YOU know!

 I got to hand it to TRIBE they know how to keep the die hard loyalists happy and at the same time take the band out of the reach of "mere mortals" so that the demand is always more than supply! You know people will kill for the privilege of saying they have their  TRIBE VISA.

Now... where is MY VISA card?

Fantasy Carnival Band Launch Streaming Live

Tune in for the show and don't forget to follow on Twitter: @carnivaldiary, @triniscenelive

And Facebook: :https://www.facebook.com/Triniscene, https://www.facebook.com/carnivaldiary

For LIVE updates as well.

Oasis Nippon Band Launch Videos

TRIBE "Take Me To " Costume Prices

*all prices in TTD

Cancun

Frontline: $6,470

Backline: $3,950

Large Headpiece: Add $475

Male: $3,025

Cyprus

Frontline: $6,200

Backline: $3,990

Collar: Add $350

Male $2,995

Dubai

Frontline: $5,975

Backline: $3,795

Large Headpiece: Add $495

Male: $2,995

Fiji

Frontline: $6,200

Backline: $3,990

Large Headpiece: Add $480

Male: $3,025

Ibiza

Frontline: $5,395

Backline: $3,895

Male: $3,025

Manhattan

Frontline: $5,980

Backline: $3,795

Large Headpiece: Add $395 (available for viewing @ showroom)

X-Large Headpiece: Add $650

Male: $2,995

Rio

Frontline: $5,250

Frontline w Large Headpiece: $6,495

Backline: $3,895

Large Headpiece: Add $495 (available for viewing @ showroom)

Male: $2,995

Santorini

Frontline: $5,595

Backline: $3,950

Male: $2,995

South Beach

Frontline: $6,280

Backline: $3,925

Male: $3,050

St Tropez

Frontline: $5,895

Backline: $3,895

Large Headpiece: Add $395 (available for viewing @ showroom)

X-Large Headpiece: Add $650

Sun City Johannesburg

Backline: $3,885 (Monokini ONLY)

Collar: Add $350

Male: $2,895

Las Vegas

Frontline: $6,100

Backline: $3,975 (Hot Shorts ONLY)

Male: $2,975

Oasis Nippon Trinidad and Tobago Carnival 2012

Full album HERE

Beaking News! ISLANDpeople Mas postpones 2012 bandlaunch‏

Breaking News!

‘ISLANDpeople Postpones 2012 Band Launch’

Port of Spain, Trinidad. Friday 5th August 2011. Due to the inclement weather brought about by the weather system being experienced over Trinidad and Tobago, ISLANDpeople Mas regrettably has had to postpone the launch of its 2012 Carnival presentation ‘Heroes’.

This decision was made after a calculated assessment based on weather forecasts and information received from communication with the MET office. Careful consideration was also made for the safety and comfort of patrons, specially invited guests, performers, models and staff.

The inclement weather has affected the setup of a sophisticated infrastructural installation, dramatic pyrotechnic display and other special effects that were to be used for the heroes’ presentation.

Please note that all ticket commitments will be honoured for the new date and queries for refunds can directed to ISLANDpeople Mas at 622-8145, 628-9474 or email info@islandpeople.com.

For information on the new date, please look out for media updates and check out the www.islandpeoplemas.com and ISLANDpeople mas facebook fan page.

ISLANDpeople Mas is well on its way to making everything in 2012 VIP: Very ISLANDpeople.

Island People and Oasis Band Launches Streaming Live

If you cannot be there is person this is where you need to be tonight! For the first time ever live.triniscene.com will be streaming TWO band launches LIVE.

Tune in for the show and don't forget to follow on Twitter: @carnivaldiary, @triniscenelive

And Facebook: :https://www.facebook.com/Triniscene, https://www.facebook.com/carnivaldiary

For LIVE updates as well.

Bliss Professional Photos and My Rant Of The Day

Bliss finally posted professional shots of the costumes on their Facebook Page so that the Males, Backlines and Frontline options can be seen as apparently some of the options shown at the  launch were Individuals, not Frontline. Albeit the professional photos look absolutely gorgeous with the lighting, editing and the resort styling they have going on looks pretty cool, I have seen the costumes in person and remain unimpressed still. I am yet to choose a section/costume that I would gladly hand over thousands of my hard earned cash for, which is insane at this moment because by now I would have had at LEAST one costume that I was absolutely in love with and just had to have. If it were not for the fact that I had a blast in Bliss this year, none of my friends are considering other bands or that I am hesitant to be seduced by a costume in lieu of knowing what I am getting for my money (holistically speaking) I would so be looking at other bands right now because I know a case of serious costume envy is coming soon with the band launches this weekend and the next. All the wings I ever wanted for Carnival 2012 plus some seriously fabulously decorated bras and unique costume design elements remain to be seen very soon.

Maybe I am jaded after seven straight years with TRIBE and always having a costume I want to play in  but none and I mean NONE of Bliss costumes appeal to me personally. Yes there are cute options and possibly some nice ones for other people but where I am concerned I am very disaapointed in my choices. To me it is like being forced to pick the one I dislike the least and working with it. I do not like the frills on Capri or the collar for the Frontline plus I played in white this year and my costume was so much superior to this one. Thailand not feeling the orange and teal combination as a choice for me this year to be honest or the Frontline "wings" or the under decorated bra or the belt; it is however one of the sections I might consider just for overall impact. Bali, not my favourite colours in this costume at all and I am thinking the hip wings will be so impractical on the road, plus it just irks me that those gems are used in Monaco also. Kuala Lumpur is  way too much green without contrast. Monaco is just not my taste or style; the bare underwear, fringe and colours are not working for me and  I cannot help but compare it with Ibiza which is a costume I LOVE. Bora Bora, Tahiti and Waikiki are simply not an option as they have no stellar Frontlines, sorry but what is now being touted as a "Frontline" headpiece used to be a regular one couple years ago.

So one week later after Bliss's launch and I am still stumped for a costume choice. I have even considered choosing a costume and just adding extras to my liking but when I think of the fact that I would be paying for a  Frontline costume that  I do not like, then have to spend more money to fix it to something I would enjoy wearing I just get annoyed that it would have to be even a consideration . As for an Individual costume, I do not want to or have a desire to play an Individual as all the feathers in the world is not worth Individual costume price to me. I draw a line at spending over a certain amount on a costume especially when I know how much gems and a lb of feathers cost! 

Ideally I would love Ibiza from TRIBE in Bliss. Now Ibiza is a costume I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE since it has all the right elements; a colour I have never played in before, unique body wear, lots of feathers and if I want to add extras to it I can. Sadly with the split in the camp it is either Ibiza in TRIBE and suffer the larger band that I do not care for or choose a costume I absolutely do not like in Bliss for the intimate experience. I have never had such a frustrating time coming to a costume decision and every time I look at my choices it just adds to the annoyance!  Maybe when I see prices or take a closer look at the Mas Camp I will come to a decision I can live with in clear conscience knowing that I am putting the road experience over costume for 2012 and feeling very unhappy that it is an either or selection. On a positive note the male costumes for Bliss are not totally tragic, check out the photos below:

Bora Bora

Bali 

Capri 

Kuala Lumpur

Monaco 

Tahiti

Thailand 

Waikiki

OASIS CARNIVAL presents NIPPON- ‘Land of the Rising Sun’

For the 2nd year in a row, Oasis Carnival is preparing to present to its patrons an energetic, explosive night they will never forget. On August 5th, at Anchorage Beach Club, Oasis Carnival will launch its 2012 selection- NIPPON- which translates into ‘Land of the Rising Sun’.

Inspired by Japanese designs, culture and clean lines, this selection promises to surpass what has been done in the past. The official unveiling will start at 11pm and 7 sections will grace the stage at Anchorage Beach Club. Some of the designers for 2012 include renown fashion designer Eclif Elie who is excitedly awaiting the release of his first ever Carnival collection- ‘Koi’ which is a homophone for another word that means "affection" or "love". Koi are therefore symbols of love and friendship in Japan. Other designers include Leslie Fitzpatrick, an ex national footballer and Stevie Sealy, Jody Ann Herde, Kim Lee Inniss, Mariella Navarro, Crystal Hepburn and Stacy Des Vignes who has been designing costumes for over 10 years.

‘Koi’ by designer Eclif Elie

These creative minds who have been involved in Carnival for over 25 years have come together to present the most intimate band launch to hit Trinidad and Tobago. On entry, patrons will be greeted with traditional Japanese décor and treated from beginning to end to an ultra exclusive experience. To keep the night swinging, there will be 2 for 1 specials all night long on premium drinks like Johnnie Walker, Bailey's and Hennessy to name a few. Patrons will be entertained by DJs High Fidelity less than zero, Private Ryan and Devon and Shot Master J. And of course, the night would not be complete without a live performance by Swappi.

Oasis models will grace the stage at 11pm sharp and the viewing will be streamed live on 3 sites- Red 96.7, Triniscene.com and Oasiscarnival.com.Oasis Carnival opened its doors in 2010 with the mission to create an intimate ‘family’ type Carnival experience, where there is space on the road to enjoy the mas and roaming the band is an option. For 2011, they exceeded anyone’s expectations; in 2012 with the support of their sponsors Heineken, Johnnie Walker, Bailey's, Smirnoff Vodka, Micles and Gatorade, they hope to continue their mission- Your experience; Our Passion.

All $125 tickets have sold out and only $150 tickets remain.

For ticket information or more information on Oasis Carnival call 486-2747 or visit the Oasis Mas Camp at #32 Rosalino Street, Woodbrook. Visit and Like our Oasis Carnival facebook page.

Fantasy Carnival Teaser

Bliss Website Coming Soon

YUMA Whoooo's Whooo Owling Contest

We told you YUMA is a movement. Its now time to Press Play and be part of an internet craze - OWLING! Be voted as the YUMA of the day to win two tickets to the YUMA launch at the Arcade, August 13, 2011 by:

1. Wearing YUMA branded gear/ YUMA/costumes visibly displaying YUMA logo on your body (non private parts only please :) )
2. Select a safe, danger free area to strike your Owl pose (YUMA accepts no liability for any injury posing for these Owling photos - be safe please); 
3. Have a friend take a photo of you Owling in your YUMA gear/ costume/ branded look; 
4. Upload the photo to the YUMA page & tag @yumavibe in the photo by 8pm each night Tuesday August 2 - Saturday August 6; 
5. Lobby for the YUMA's to "like" your photo to select you to win. 

YUMA of the day photos will be announced each am until the contest ends. 

Additional Notes

• YUMA encourages you to select safe, legal locations to OWL. YUMA is not liable for any injury/ lawsuits etc resulting from participating in this fun (Be SAFE and SMART nah man!)
• Likes MUST be from fans on the @yumavibe page only
• Negative comments about photos/ particpants will be removed - we encouraging positive vibes in the Yuma family
• Any lewd photos or photos that may be offensive will be removed from the page (again, positive vibes)
• In the event of a tie or at our discretion, we may select to have a "run off" to have YUMAs vote again to select a winner
• Those wishing to enter for fun (especially those from abroad) are free to do so and select two individuals to redeem tickets on their behalf (ID will be required to redeem prizes)
• YUMA reserves the right to use entries in future YUMA promotions
• YUMA can add additional twists to the contests going forward...Press play to SHUFFLE much? :) 

 Why are we doing this? 'Cause its different and fun. Besides we need SOMETHING to do until the launch right?! Can't wait to see the entries! 

The action starts on the YUMA page - Tuesday August 2, 2011. Who will be the 1st to win tickets to the YUMA launch?