Are you feeling lucky?

Just when I thought nothing could be worse than the "claw boob" costume comes this, fighting for the title of worst costume design of Carnival 2009.. even worst costume design EVER!

Hey at least the nether regions are "lucky" with those strategically placed horseshoes!

No wonder several committee members of THIS band (which may never get off the ground from what I am hearing, owing to "very poor registration") have flocked to be birds of a different feather!!!

Not to mention leaking the heavenly calender from the printers by persons affiliated with THIS "lucky" band was such an idiotic move that it backfired and the saboteur got FIRED from their day job!

Never a bacchanal free moment in Trinidad Carnival!

Bakkanal in the news....

When Afro Chic reviewed Ronnie and Caro's 2009 Carnival presentation "Bakkanal" trinigal102 left a comment stating that both she and I were "the most negative and supercilious voices out there" and that "these blogs have cause more distress as people like yourself take the creativity and hard-work that designers mould(sic) into presentations for the new year and destroy it with the stroke of a pen and the punching of keys".

Well today Sean Nero has written about Ronnie & Caro's Bakkanal in the Trinidad Guardian and I wonder if trinigal102 is going to write him a letter about his negativity as well, since Sean Nero minced no words in expressing the fact that the theme lacked imagination and that the ideas were not coherent:

You can read the article in the Trinidad Guardian here.

By Sean Nero

Ronnie & Caro—The Mas Band, wants to create mayhem during next year’s Carnival, in an effort to retain the National Carnival Commission’s (NCC) medium Band of the Year title.

Bakkanal is the title given to its portrayal as the band pays tribute to many Carnival-styled competitions that are almost never void of controversy—before, during and even after they are staged.

But are the ideas that went into the creation of the band enough to keep it in the premium spot?

Led by former entertainer Ronnie McIntosh and wife Caroline, Ronnie & Caro—The Mas Band, with the portrayal Bakkanal, would also feature fetes and characters synonymous with the national festival.

This was witnessed in its nine-section pretty mas showcase on August 29, at Club Ambassador, on Long Circular Road, St James.

The exhibition sought to get patrons thinking about the festival, which is four-and-a-half months away.

Not enough imagination

Drawing on competition titles that evoked passion and a sense of nostalgia was cute, but in the end something was still missing.

For instance, the costume titled Panorama was not styled to depict the national musical instrument and the contest for which it is widely associated—even though the models were armed with pan sticks.

Aren’t masqueraders known for getting rid of their standards which measure at least eight feet and are obviously more noticeable by design; with the intent of adding to the pageantry?

So you can well imagine the fate of those seven-inch pan sticks?

Searching for clues

Perusing the band’s official magazine, which contains images of the costumes and matching them with those captured on the night of the presentation, it’s clear that the ideas for the band weren’t coherent.

While the costume called Blue Devils was indicative of its name and fell in line with the band’s theme, same could not be said about the section christened Wasa Fete.

Save the rich Caribbean blues used for this costume and the eye-catching models who wore it, nothing really illustrated the normal frenzy and hysteria associated with that trademark Wasa Fete.

A similar question begged with the portrayal Dimanche Gras.

From the beginning

The diversity of T&T Carnival, from the early 18th century to present time, is no doubt vast and served as inspiration for the portrayal by the band.

Ronnie and Caro—The Mas Band explored as many key elements over the decades to complete its Carnival 2009 presentation, according to the foreword in the magazine.

Whatever they did, the band’s primary desire was to create a “very practical insight” into the fun and excitement presented in the greatest show on earth.

When it came to choosing a theme, the band looked no further than Greek mythology and learnt(sic) that the word Bacchanal was derived from the Feasts for Bacchus—the Greek God of Wine.

The bandleaders were then inspired to effect their creative licence(sic), tweaking the word Bacchanal to Bakkanal in the spirit of Carnival.

SOURCE: www.guardian.co.tt

Sonia Mack's Paradisus

The last remaining section in Island People is Sonia Mack's "Paradisus", I suspect that is only because r4egistration only started for that section over the last weekend. Nevertheless one option is already SOLD OUT and it is only a matter of time before the section, and band, is sold out as well. The website for Paradisus is now online and you can register for the last hope of getting into Island People.

I am particularly tickled by this write up on Paradisus as per the website:

This Sonia Mack creation, “Paradisus”, for the Island People Mas Band portrays that which floats free of time, carrying love, joy and celebration. The delicate grace of this costume reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life’s sweetest creation. All of this is truly symbolic of some of the important elements which equate with that which is paradise.

After much request and insistence by her masqueraders over the past years, Sonia has decided to have one of her timeless creations guest appear for Carnival 2009. According to Sonia, “Since having created this piece which won a prize in the Miss Universe Pageant 2004, there was never an opportunity to include it into any of my carnival themes. Additionally, the overwhelming request by my masqueraders to include it in Carnival has been on my mind. This year it just so happens to fit perfectly into our theme in terms of colour and symbolism”.

Ms Mack is defending her decision to reuse the old Ms Universe costume! Well it is her section afterall and she can do as she please ,though I am still laughing at the fact that she addressed it at all. I wonder if this will be a new trend where Ms Universe costumes reappear as an option for masqueraders insisting on being able to wear a prize wining costume?

Question and Answer With the Band Leader

Bandleader, can you give us an idea of what goes into the planning of the band for the year. In terms of activities and relative timeline by month etc. E.g. When does the design process start? When are they finalised, when are suppliers contacted and orders for costumes made etc.
Thank you.
(hope this wasn't already asked)

Well I guess it would be different for each band depending on their work load. We do a lot of work for other countries, so really our mas camp never stops. Straight after T&T carnival we go right into other carnivals. Production starts for these on Ash Wednesday. And we try our best to complete at least 3-4 carnival presentations for our regular clients abroad, before our band launch. We usually know what we want to do for the following year, of course sometimes our ideas change depending on what is available when we source new materials for the coming year. Or sometimes we may come across something that inspires us.

Carnival in our world is not so much about sketching, but actually working with prototypes. Any way it's hard, but we get to work fully on our designs for T&T about May, but we would have shopped and bought all our materials for the prototypes already, maybe the month before. The band launch could be anywhere from late July to early September. Orders are placed from foreign suppliers no later than end of September. This timing is crucial because of the delays if you get caught in the Christmas influx off goods. Not to mention the time to make the actual costumes which can take several weeks each section. But of course you are producing several sections at the same time.

Bathing suits also should be ordered as early as possible, because most off the factories are overloaded with work at this time. It is also important for the fact that these bras have to be decorated. You must always remember in everything we do we must be as early as we can in case there are problems down the line that we may not have foreseen.

Carnival as you know is extremely time sensitive and a costume is no good to a masquerader if delivered on Ash Wednesday. That is why we have to estimate sizes so orders can go in early. If entire costumes are being ordered from abroad we must also be early. It happens often enough that a supplier fails us for whatever reason, and now we must find an alternate way to produce that particular section. Time is our biggest enemy. Most Carnivals go great! Other times you've got a tiger by the tail, and more often than not, the problem carnivals happen when you have little time to spare.

We have been seeing so many similar costume designs recently even to the point where some of us can point out striking similarities with previous sections. Is there a formal system in place for designers to patent their work and if so, how can one prove that their work is being "copied" and what are the implications for those who "copy" designs?

This is a serious problem but it happens. Designers like musicians tend to have a similar tread to their designs that is sort of their trade mark. For instance different songs from the same artiste on an album, even though different, may have underlying similarities. So to, if the same designers design for different bands, or were mentored or learned from a particular designer, there will be striking similarities. And of course there are the outright copies of designs either by rival designers or lazy designers who can't be bothered to be creative, repeat previous designs because they just want the money. The real settling of this issue is between the bandleader and the designer, and would depend on what agreement was made between them prior to the bandleader accepting the designs in the first place.

Their is no copyright in place (for now) I know off that protects either party in the case of an infringement.

Thanks again for another week, seems like I have answered most of your questions as we only had two this week. That's GOOD!!
Take care till next week.

My boots...2k9!!!

My fabulous friend Fed Exed the boots I bought online at Ami Club Wear to my hotel yesterday (nix any shipping costs to Trinidad) and here they have are after I clipped all the extra stuff off the boots last night:

They are very comfy, fit the calves snugly and are just under the knee, not mid calf, which I like. I am going to spray paint it with FABRIC SPRAY PAINT in copper so it will look like these boots that cbee did this year:



The boots are faux suede so hence the reason I am using FABRIC SPRAY PAINT and not the regular kind.

Some new boots I like at Ami Club Wear:

Fab for Natural Mystic


LOVE the low platform wedge on these,
but I would remove the fringe.

Who went Pulse 8?

Monday morning bright and early there I was scouring the net looking for photos of Pulse 8's launch to no avail. Unfortunately I could not attend "Hot,Hot,Hot" the band launch as I was out of the country, but I was expecting to see some other Carnival blogger reporting live!

Anyway, I did get some photos of the launch emailed to me from blogger Rene:

Sexy Samba


Hot Ice


Hot Tamale




Pepperpot






Bush Fire


Caliente




Explosive Ember




Flamin Sambuca




Wasabi


Tombouctou

Caliente's backpack reminds me of the section I loved to much for Carnival 2007, Fireman!! Hopefully their website goes up so we can get a better look at the costumes! I reserve my judgment on how HOT is "Hot, Hot, Hot" until then, but you are free to comment! Are Pulse 8's costumes smoking?

A little note on Bra Sizes..

Got this email from someone who says they are in the "costume making business":

I am a regular reader of your blogs and I see the issue of bras comes up ever so often. I am involved in the costume making business and to my knowledge, the real problem with sizing for the larger size breasts is probably unknown to the masquerader and those who choose to direct their grouses towards discrimination etc.

The real problem arose where during the past few years, bandleaders and section leaders have chosen to import their costumes from India, China and more recently Brazil. The problem arises when these costumes are ordered, they are done so in specific sizes - X-small, Small. Medium, Large, X-large and sometimes 2XL, which is rare.

Being a mas person I prefer to produce my costumes as opposed to importing, as I feel I am better off satisfying the masquerader's needs. I purchase my bath-suits locally in sizes commonly used in daily wear-eg: 32B, 34B&C, 36B&C etc. etc and decorate them according to my designs and colours, so this eliminates the problem of sizing which is the point of discussion.

Tribe had the problem and it was solved, now new band Spice has the problem, obviously because they lacked the experience of the bra sizing, so the above should give you an insight of what's happening with Spice.

Rest assured the problem would recur again and again as new bands emerge, so be prepared. I hope the above didn't bore you and if you had any prior knowledge of the above, I am sorry to have taken up your valuable time.
Peace.
MS.

Interesting read and though I suspected that the reasoning was the fact that costumes are being produced outside of Trinidad and Tobago it is good to hear it confirmed. I would also hazard to guess that because the costumes are not being made locally hence the reason for the deadline to submit figures/orders to the producer.

The thing is that some bands do give you a nice, sexy bra that is obviously imported and the larger sizes of the same section are the spandex bras which are made in Trinidad, obviously they cater to the larger sizes by having the bras made here.

As for the Spice bra issue, the whole subject has been derailed; now I am reading the young lady wanted to register in Paprika FRONTLINE! This is now an urban legend as I do not recall ever saying it was FRONTLINE... I mean come on even I would agree that a cage/sexy/wire bra must have a size limit to as the style is not appropriate or accommodating to larger cup sizes. Paprika does offer a regular bra option for the backline.

Persian Empire - The Karen Harts section

Each year Karen Hart produces a "budget" section for Harts, usually a simple costume option for an affordable price, in 2008 the prices were $1200 - $1300.00TT (F) and $1100.00 (M).

Carnival 2009 is no exception and here is the Karen Hart section for 2009; prices are approximately $1900.00 (F) and $1600.00 (M).

This section is a private option and will not be featured at the mas camp, if you are interested you can call or email Harts mas camp but be forewarned that Karen's section is one that sells out pretty quickly as she does have her following of loyal masqueraders!

Monday Question Time

It's Monday!!!! Time for a new round of questions for out band leader. If you have a question and want to know if it might have been answered before, just search the archives OR use the BLOG Search feature (top left).

ELEMEN Mas - For the Kiddies

The first Kiddies Carnival Band has "launched" and this time it is a newcomer to the field; the band's name is ELEMEN Mas and the presentation for kiddies carnival is "Thru My Island"

ELEMEN Mas 12 sections will be all-inclusive and prices range from $1300.00 to $1995.00 TT. The website has all the information on what the all-inclusive entails, parade route/judging and an online registration option. And for those who want to know some more about the band, here is the "about us" per the website:

Bringing an Art, Design and Fashion aesthetic to the tradition of Carnival Costumes and Masquerade, ELEMEN Mas is the debut Carnival initiative of the Manhattan based Multimedia Production and Creative Design team, ELEMEN Productions.

Fully designed and led by ELEMEN Productions' Director & Founder, Lisa Marie Nicholls Harris, ELEMEN Mas enters the Trinidadian Carnival arena with its first full scale presentation for Kiddies Carnival 2009, "Thru My Island Eyes" - a 12 section, 'fantasy themed' rendering of hope and positivity as seen through the imagined eyes of a child.

Nicholls Harris, a Trinidadian Media Producer/Presenter and Creative Designer who refined her design talents at Parsons The New School for Design (New York), sees ELEMEN Mas as an avenue through which "avant-garde elements can be brought into the craft of making Mas' and the ritual of playing Mas'. "

Drawing from a deep love of traditional & experimental Fashion/Costume design, Nicholls Harris and the ELEMEN Mas team seeks to bring these influences together in this debut presentation and in forthcoming ones.

Putting an extra focus on ensuring that masqueraders fully enjoy their Kiddies Carnival experience, ELEMEN Mas will be introducing an All Inclusive Service, offering all members neccessities such as a Mobile Refreshment & First Aid Stations, mini on-the-road DJ, Free Carnival Makeup, Free Costume Adjustments & Alterations, and Full Care and Security.

ELEMEN Mas' Kiddies C2k9 Presentation of 'Thru My Island Eyes' is conveniently located at 'The WoodSpace', in St James, Trinidad.

Spice Speaks on the Bra Issue

The following is a letter to blogger "voluptuous masquerader" that was also copied to Trinidad Carnival Diary:

Dear VM,



Thank you for your inquiry. I am responding to you on behalf of Spice.



Firstly there is no controversy as we have never denied anyone a large or small bra size.



The reality is that we recently had ONE masquerader request a size in a particular FRONTLINE of a very in-demand section called Paprika. This masquerader was advised that the very large sizes were sold out in this FRONTLINE and when offered the size in the regular section of Paprika or in another section of the band they refused. This individual seemed bent on making an issue of this and sadly seemed prepared to use any means to do so including distorting the truth, to the extent that they CREATED a story that they went to the mas camp with their friends and everyone else was allowed to sign up and she was refused. I can tell you with absolute certainty that this never happened and what actually happened was that this individual actually called in by phone. It is this ill intent on that individual’s part that has fuelled some debate.



Now, producing a band is a very complex undertaking especially in the first year. The average person perceives that costume production begins in January when in fact it begins as far back as September and October of the preceding year. Herein lies the challenge, particularly for new bands, as most of the major suppliers give PREFERENCE to their established clients, which in most cases include Tribe, Island People, Trini Revellers etc.



What this means is that many of these suppliers simply do not have the capacity to take on work and additional production in the October to December period. As a result, production schedules are brought forward even earlier to August - September. As a new band this was the dilemma SPICE faced as the bra, shorts and other suppliers gave 31st July deadlines for orders. I can tell you for a fact that the supplier of the shorts turned down the band’s business initially due to commitments to IP and Tribe and only reconsidered after we agreed to a very early production date of September and leveraged our relationship with them through other members of the band who give that supplier business through their other companies.



The downside of this entire arrangement was that SPICE had to ESTIMATE the sizes to order. In so doing we ordered more of the standard sizes and fewer of the extra small and extra large sizes in keeping with the buying trends of masqueraders as we know them to be.



I would like to add that SPICE has several well seasoned and highly experienced individuals when it comes to mas. Many of these persons have done successful sections for years in various bands including Poison and Tribe. In fact the collective experience in mas exceeds 50 years. It was this experience that was drawn upon when calculating the ratio of various sizes to order in each section FRONTLINE and REGULAR.



With regard to the FRONTLINES, most have a maximum of 15-20 costumes which is inline with the industry standard. We allocated in every frontline approximately 3 extra large sizes and 3 extra small sizes. Now note the following:



In the case of frontlines with a maximum of 15 costumes the allocation of 3 extra large sizes represent 20% of the total stock allocation
In the case of frontlines with a maximum of 20 costumes the allocation of 3 extra large sizes represent 15% of the total stock allocation
In the case of frontlines with a maximum of 15 costumes the allocation of 3 extra small sizes represent 20% of the total stock allocation
In the case of frontlines with a maximum of 20 costumes the allocation of 3 extra small sizes represent 15% of the total stock allocation
Collectively that means that 30-40% of our frontline stock was allocated to SPECIAL small and big sizes


The reality is that this is not an unreasonable allocation and when translated into actual numbers it represents 3 extra large costumes allocated for each of the 8 frontline sections as Mediterranean Borage and Garden of Sage do not have frontlines. This therefore represents a total of 24 extra large size costumes available across the entire band. So what you have collectively for your frontlines across the entire band is a ratio of:

24 extra large costumes
24 extra small costumes
Approximately 72 costumes to now split between small, medium and large – which if evenly split gives 24 each.
A collective total of 120 frontline costumes.


Finally, our core committee does include some full figured persons and out of the 24 extra large costumes available overall, at least 12 were taken IMMEDIATELY by these persons when registration opened on the 25th July and the rest were taken up by registrations at the mas camp within the first few days. So sadly we did not have these sizes to offer online by the time the “online store” opened a week or two ago, but we did honor any costumes booked in large sizes via the online application process which preceded the online store.



It is worth noting that nearly all of the band’s frontline sections are now fully sold out and I expect that this will be posted in the next few days.



I sincerely hope that this email will answer your questions and I would be interested in hearing your thoughts, feedback and suggestions on this matter.



I have also chosen to copy Saucy of “trinicarnivaldiary” whose blog carried an article related to this matter.



Hopefully this email will help to clarify things for everyone.



Should you have any further questions or comments please feel free to email them to admin@spicecarnival.com



Best Regards,



M



Team Spice

Spice Carnival Band Limited

I would like to state that the young lady in question did not go to the mas camp to register for her costume as she does not live in Trinidad. I am unsure as to how this information has translated into now accusing the young lady in question of "making up stories" as when I wrote on the bra issue nothing was said about going to the mas camp.

And while I can understand ratios and deadlines there are suppliers in Trinidad who will do a special sized bra, as pointed out to Anya by Anthony (of Richard and Anthony productions designers of eight sections of Spice). The fact remains that this explanation, to me, is just a justification of their actions. And, there is nothing mentioned about allowing the masquerader to bring their own bra. If other bands can do it, and Spice IS speaking about what other bands are doing in THIS letter, why can't THEY allow masqueraders to bring their own bra as well?

This practice of allocating sizes is just another form of marginalizing certain size labels; as I said before why not just allow a masquerader to register with their individual size details and then sumbit their sizes to a producer LIKE TRIBE DOES? Surely the commitee member from "TRIBE" could have informed Spice of how this is done!Hopefully they will learn from this for Carnival 2010 and realise that all their "averages" are for nought as clearly there are more masqueraders wanting larger bra sizes than they anticipated!

Band Launches continue this weekend

The band launching season is surely not slowing down for September even as one band is completely sold out and another only has two sections remaining. Masqueraders have lots to choose from as Trevor Wallace launches his 2009 Carnival presentation "Dance your Dance" tomorrow, September 6th, at The Lure, Chaguaramus.

Pulse 8 launches "Hot,Hot,Hot" at the Oval on Sunday, tickets are $200.00.

And I have been informed that Brian Mc Farlane will hold a media launch "at sunrise in Grand Couva" on September; Mc Farlane is going to "Africa" for Carnival 2009 and I cannot wait to see his interpretation of that continent!

D Krewe Prices

For the sections, visit their website:

1. Morning GlowThis is a( Frontline only section)
MALE: TTD 2995.00
FEMALE: costumes come in four versions and are not yet available for registration



2. Spirit of Iere
MALE: TTD 2595.00 without fabric arm pieces
TTD 2795.00 with fabric arm pieces
FEMALE: TTD 2995.00 without fabric side pieces
TTD 3495.00 with fabric side pieces
FRONTLINE: TTD 4995.00 (Pictures will be up for this on the website soon)
INDIVIDUAL: TTD7895.00 (Masquerader expected to compete)



3. Sun
MALE: TTD 2395
FEMALE: TTD2895
TTD3195 with large headpiece

4. Iguana
MALE: TTD 2450.00
FEMALE: TTD 2650.00
FRONTLINE: TTD 4500.00

5. Water
MALE: TTD 2800.00
FEMALE: TTD 3195.00

6. Tropical Fish
MALE: TTD 2295.00
FEMALE: TTD 2895.00
FRONTLINE: TTD 4500.00

7. Hummingbird
MALE: TTD 2495.00 without cape
TTD 2695.00 with cape
FEMALE: TTD 2895.00 without “wings”
TTD 3045.00 with “wings”
FRONTLINE: TTD 4500.00

8. Bird of Paradise Flower
MALE: TTD 2395.00 without cape
TTD 2545.00 with cape
FEMALE A: TTD 2995.00 with feathered flower on bra
FEMALE B: TTD 2995.00 without feathered flower on bra
FRONTLINE: TTD 5500.00

9. Butterfly
MALE: TTD 2395.00
FEMALE: TTD 2695.00 with small headpiece
FEMALE: TTD 2995.00 with large headpiece
FRONTLINE: TTD 4500.00

10. Falls
MALE: TTD 2595.00 without cape
TTD 2795.00 with cape
FEMALE: TTD 2895.00

11. Parrot
MALE: TTD 2295.00
FEMALE A: TTD 2795.00 with beaded fringe belt
FEMALE B: TTD 2795.00 with frill skirt

12. Pitch Lake
MALE: TTD 2595.00 without cape
TTD 2795.00 with cape
FEMALE: TTD 2995.00
FRONTLINE: TBA
INDIVIDUAL: TTD 7000.00 (Masquerader expected to compete)

13. Scarlet Ibis
MALE: TBA
FEMALE: TTD 3495.00
FRONTLINE: TTD 4195.00
INDIVIDUAL: TTD 8200.00(Masquerader expected to compete)

14. People
MALE: TTD 2695.00
FEMALE: TTD 2995.00

15. High Priest_People
MALE: TTD 2895.00 BRIEF VERSION
TTD 3395.00 FULL VERSION
FEMALE: TTD 2895.00 BRIEF VERSION
TTD 3395.00 FULL VERSION

16. Ceremonial Dancers
MALE: TTD 2395.00
FEMALE: TTD 2895.00
FRONTLINE: TTD 3295.00

Most sections EXCEPT Tropical Fish, offer a bustier/corset option for TTD 100.00 more. Boy shorts are also available for most sections at a cost of TTD 25.00 more.

To register online, just fill in the form, submit it and make your down payment via Western Union or Senvia. Send an email to info@dkrewecarnival.com with any additional information, including options, or any special request. Once your payment is confirmed, we will email you a bar coded receipt/statement that will show your registration details.

The minimum down payment is TTD 700.00 for backline costumes and TTD 1,500.00 for frontline costumes

Sold Out Section Update

The only two remaining sections in Island People are LOVE and Paradisus.

Registration for Paradisus will not begin today, when I called for more information I was told it will start "sometime later this week", and the website will also be up "sometime this week.

I was advised in the interim to email Sonia Mack with the following information.

1. Sizes (bra, waist, hips, bikini for females; chest and waist for males)

2.Option you are interested in, frontline or backline.

Preference will be given to past masqueraders to register first, after which those wishing to play in Paradisus will be accommodated where there are remaining sizes. If your size is not available you can request to be put on a waiting list in the event that you size is available up later on.

The new mascamp will be located on Kathleen Street St. James.

Check Sonia Mack's website for contact numbers and email address!

The Bra Size Issue... AGAIN

Every year another band has another issue when it comes to bras!

In 2006 it was the infamous sizing issue with TRIBE and their bra cup restrictions for the sections Tales of Benguela and Nylon Pool front line; this one brought scathing commentary from Terry Joseph which accused TRIBE of being racist and was the topic of discussion on many a radio call in show.

In 2007 Island People and their bra sizing were also put on blast, though to their credit Wyatt was very pro active in trying to get a proper sizing chart to ensure that masqueraders were able to choose their bras with more information on what the S,M,L,XL sizes translated to in actual bra sizes. Of course, no one made a fuss about the bra sizes, no scathing commentary, no call in programs, it was only my lone article on the subject which you can read here.

Now it is 2008 and the bra wars is still a hot topic with another band, this time newbie SPICE.
I have been informed by one of the bloggers registered in the section Paprika that her well endowed friend (she wears a 44 DDD bra) has been told by SPICE that:

1. Her bra size cannot be accommodated in the section Paprika.
2. That she is not allowed to bring her own bra to be decorated, even though she offered to pay extra.
3.There are no other sections where her bra size is "available" or where she can submit her own bra to be decorated.

Needless to say this potential masquerader is very disappointment as all her friends are playing with Spice and at this point she is the odd man out because of her bra size.

To tell the truth I am totally FED UP of this whole issue of bra sizing. Is it THAT difficult to afford a masquerader willing to submit their own bra AND pay extra the courtesy of being catered to? Not to mention that a custom made bra can be made in Trinidad by the swimsuit manufacturers, of course this brings with it other issues such as having one bra made for one masquerader at possibly cost instead of wholesale price, as well as going through the effort to have this done.

And if the fact is the band really only wants to cater to a certain aesthetic when it comes to their masqueraders, man up and say so, let people know you have a size limit instead of wasting their time! There are many tactics bands have been using to ostracize the larger cup sizes to make them feel unwelcomed from ever since the bikini bra top made it's way into mas. A masquerader cannot force a band to change their policy, the only recourse is to take your money somewhere else !

Not to mention that the bra sizes available ONLINE for certain costumes only go up to a 36B... is Spice trying to send us a message here? This was one of the flaws pointed out when I observed their online registration process last week and I came to their defense when a blogger wanted to know if "based on those notations in this post, it appears as if the band is catering only to smaller sized people. not necessarily, true, but that's the way it is looking. But don't want to stir that pot as I "heard" similar accusations against TRIBE and other bands so....interesting.....inquiring minds and conspiracy theorists want to know...".

Today I am doubting that a band touting themselves as being headed by all females would be so insensitive to a request made by a sister female on such a sensitive subject!

Question and Answer The Bandleader

What made you want to become a bandleader? Now that you lead a band, do you that the reasons that you continue to lead a band are the same as your original reasons? As a general matter, do you find being a bandleader to be more of a business or pleasure (i.e. love/furtherance of mas)? Do you have any advice for someone who might eventually want to become a band leader?

First off I must be very careful how I answer this first part of your question, don't want to give away my identity. Carnival has always been and always will be the one thing that defines who I am. It's in my blood and once it's there, there is no getting it out. It's all I have ever known, and even though I do have other occupations, being a band leader truly is who I am first and foremost. I continue because it's what I do, I am good at it, and even though It is also a business, to me, it's a labor of love. In other words I am happy to be able to make a living doing the thing I love the most.

What are your feelings on the bikini & beads mas issue? Do you appreciate what mas has become, or do you long for the days of Peter Minshall and think bikini mas is not furthering the culture?

Like all things, carnival is driven by what the consumer wants. I cannot sell a costume that people don't want to wear. I like seeing beautiful people in sexy costumes, so I don't have a problem with the beads and braid, if that is what you want to call it. And as long as people disguise and enjoy parading on the road, then the culture of Carnival is being served. Remember you are free to play mas how you wish, without anyone telling what you can or can not play. That freedom is the essence of carnival.

Peter made great costumes for his masqueraders, but even they moved on. Some play with Brian Mc Farlane, some stopped playing, and the rest scattered to other bands. So my advice to the future band leaders is to put the needs of your masquerader first, and do not be blinded by your personal ambition, you must listen to your masqueraders and keep them in mind when you design. In the future when taste change, as they always do, you must be flexible or you will not survive.

What was your first experience with carnival and what made you want to come back again and again?

My first experience with carnival would be kiddies carnival. Even from a child I liked the thrill of it. Everything from making my costume to performing on stage.

Where do you see Mas heading in the near future? and do you think that the creative aspect of carnival has been lost to the bikini?

No, Actually it takes way more effort to make costumes different and beautiful when you have the constraints of the bikini to deal with. You are assuming that everyone sees things the way you do, I personally like the bikini. As for the future, it is yet undiscovered,. Who knows what will be popular in the future.We will have to wait and see, most importantly ENJOY CARNIVAL NOW! And enjoy it your way, don't let anyone tell you how to play your mas.

When a band offers options such as a corset of tankini for the more modest sisters, what techniques can be used with the design to make it look more appealing? How can one visualize if a bikini prototype would also look as good with a corset/tankini?

That's a good question, It will look good if it suits your body type. Tankini's and corsets are normally for the more conservative mas player who wants to cover up. I personally find corsets very sexy on voluptuous women. It slims the waist and gives that coca-cola bottle shape. Takini's are more functional as they don't require
removal every time you need to use the girls room, as say a whole piece. But all will pretty much work with most designs, it's a give and take, whats more important is what makes you more comfortable.

This question can be for you or the bandleader...as a new masquerader I wanted to know what exactly happened to the stage? Why was it removed and what are the chances of it ever returning?

The powers that be in all their wisdom, decided to fix something that wasn't broken. And build another monument to their reign as government, regardless of the sentiments of the masquerader. Newer is not always better, the Savannah worked fine, it was the access that was the problem. The same access they want to use for the this stab in the back building they have erected. I am pretty sure we won't be seeing our beloved Savannah venue with it's exciting stage ever again. But we will still endure the long waits to cross this betrayal of a venue with no stage. Money better spent on the Hospital.

Sold Out Section Update

Carnival 2009 is shaping up to be a bumper year for some bands!!Island People is almost SOLD OUT in ONE week!

ROLL CALL 2009!!

Leave a comment to have your name added to the ROLL CALL for 2009:

MC FARLANE
Masai Red Dancers
Tacariguagyul

Himba Bride
Tallawah

Zulu
Red Tide


SPICE
Sea Salt
Rene - FL
goodnready- FL

Scotch Bonnet
Mimi - FL
Seawitchsapo - FL
cutedougla - FL
JP

Paprika
**D**

Golden Basil
Hottie Mari
Dimples
Linda

TRIBE

Secret Section
Saucy

Bird of Paradise
HeatherA- FL
amw
princessredz
hayden fox
sweettrini X 8

African Love Bird
Mystique
Triniwifey
Wajang
LB
Dougla_1
Tiffany
Tanu
lawyergirl
arlbuss
shells X 5
KK
darkie-ann
LB
bizzie chick X 8
Marva
hotandgroovy

Caged Canary
Wasp – FL
Prima Donna – FL
Gtwarrior – FL
TrInIgyaL – FL
Jaded Teardrops – FL
Gracia - FL
Lulu- FL
Boobs - FL
Megs
Jap
Saundra
Seana
Sexy Scorpio
Kuntreegal
LC
aisha
Sexy Eyes
Tru
trinibyinjection
krystle
jewels
glitter sweetie
KITT CAT Crew X 4

Green Honey Creeper
ampy - Individual
JJ
Moni
Trini D
NY2cali
trinelle
D'Spirit
Ninz
Niks
Rees
Nevon

Snowy Owl Individual
Trish973

Owl
Dinah

Golden Dove
NYC Yahdie
Livi

Blue Tanger
Jon

Macaw
the lethal batty crew X 2- FL
skydec - FL
Prince Namor
No longer anon
Kevianne
carnival enthusiast
legz
Trinibears X 5
Kelly
DQ

Kiskadee
Caisoqueen – FL
Socaholic - FL
Jewel
JT
carnivalbaby

Ruby Topaz
Nikki – FL
lethal batty crew X 1
Krissyt

Pheasant
Msjbunny - FL
Dc Chica - FL
quiksilver

Spangled Cotinga
SAGAGYUL - FL
partyc- FL
Carnival Jumbie
redwhiteandblack
drew
Sweet7

Hummingbird
q0s
Deredting
Nicole
d_reigns
jv

Flight of the Ibis
Shells's brother

Harts
Mesopotamia
Franny - Individual
ria ree

Squeezle - TBA
Jumbie - TBA

D Krewe
carnivalkrisdue - Individual

Spirit of Iere
Jady

Pulse 8
Caliente
Voluptous Masquerader

Spicy Wasabi
Island Soul

Flaming Sambuca
Triniannie82

Hot Ice
Elsa


Island People
Secret Section
Afro Chic - FL

Dreams
Love - FL
Bajangal and crew X 6 - FL
Neds - FL
makeupgirl - FL
Diamond Trini - FL
babydoll
quiche

Ocean Whispers
TriniPrincessa X 3 - FL
trinivice - FL
S
rika
sweetdance
dcarnivalbaby
cassleberryfin

Rays of Light
Wajang - FL
Trinijam
yanz69
Ayanna
Carla Marissa
trinidoll
bubblenut X 4
TriniS
DeeDeeBee
Kielle
liketulum

Paradisus
Salsaman- Individual
Joe
candywash

Heavenly Sky
lady - feathered skirt

Afrodisiac
Triniprincess -FL
Puppy
Penny

Touch
trinicandy
Jillian
triniterese
Richie Spoilchile

Chocolate and Caramel
Swaky ak Sexy T
fruity

Love
Ms Sexy - FL

Ronnie & Caro's website is up...

Click on the photo for Bakkanal

Tuesday Question time!

Yes, I know it should have been Monday question time, but yesterday was a holiday in both Trinidad and the United States so since lots of you were enjoying the day off on the beach or on the Parkway the questions have been pushed back to today!

You know the drill, leave your questions in the comment section for the band leader. Once again, please do not address the bandleader with BAND specific questions, for example "why does TRIBE or Island People do xyz". The bandleader will not be able to answer those questions.

Thanks!