On Saturday evening, Carnival Nationz launched their 2013
presentation of The Reef. Arriving at the venue at around 10:30, my friends and I were among many others who arrived early to secure a spot close to the stage.The early bird catches the worm! One of the first things I noticed was
half of the venue was blocked off with black curtain. My guess is this was done
to create a backstage area for the models and the costumes. Despite the partition, the venue was spacious
and able to accommodate the growing number of people making their way in.
I think Carnival Nationz was successful in creating an atmosphere
that had both a band launch and party feel.
With respect to branding for the band launch, the staging included a
large banner display of The Reef positioned across the back portion of the
stage. On the left side of venue, a monitor was displaying video footage of
Toronto Carnival from Carnival Chaser Magazine, and included Carnival Nationz
masqueraders in addition to masqueraders from other bands.
The dj booth was positioned at the center front of the
stage. At first I thought the
positioning of the dj booth was a bit out of place with respect to how the
models would be walking out, however prior to the start of the show the dj
table was moved to the left side of the stage. Resulting in plenty of room and
space for the models to walk and be seen. The launch location being at Kool Haus definitely
contributed to adding a party vibe, however hands down the dj line up took the
cake of bringing the vibe to another level.
Shiv Soundcrew set things off, playing nice a mix of current
soca. De Jump Up Kings (JUK) followed
with their set, and got the crowd turnt up. Oshawn from Juk did a great job as
the hype man; from his dancing and skills on the mic, he was extremely entertaining
to watch. If what JUK did at the launch is any indication of what they will be
like on the road, I think CNz made a good choice including them within their dj
lineup. Dj Private Ryan and Soca
Sweetness, followed with their set and it was phenomenal. The mixing of the tunes, from classics to the
latest hits got the crowd ready!! Let’s just say djs helped to make the wait
for the 2:00 am start time enjoyable.
Though the start time was late (imo), I can’t lie I was rocking and doing a
little wine while waiting.
Costumes
From the presentation of The Reef we saw costumes of an
array of colors, with detailed beadwork. The sections reflected aquatic species
and objects. This year Nationz section leaders showcased their craftsmanship
with sections that had elaborate headpieces donned with long feathers. Flasher
Wrasse, Seahorse, Mandarin Fish and Emperor Angelfish are prime examples.
Several of the designers used elements that reflected their
section well, such as the use of pearl and trim, in the section Pearls.
I also think the detail and use of spikes, diamond like jewels and
pop of colors were nice touches in Sea Urchin.
Intricate bead work was visible on the body wear of Fan Coral
and Hawk Fish.
Elaborate backpacks were used on the frontlines for Scorpaenidae Fish, Sea Urchin, Hawk Fish and collar in Pearl.
A few new elements that were visible with respect to the
bikini base for the costumes were the use of patterned bikinis as opposed to solid in sections such
as Seahorse and Scorpaenidae Fish. The use of cloth in Angel Fish backline
and monokini frontline were also nice touches.
Having seen all of the launches so far, Nationz costumes
compared to the others are a bit more on the skimpy side yet very pretty. Jeweled wire bras
were showcased in several sections such as Temminckii Fish, D’Zebra and Mandarin
Fish.
Though the belts on some sections do not provide much backside coverage, Yellow Nudi Branch has full coverage with the added boa and D'Zebra with partial coverage from a feathered bum piece.
The male costumes were good, with various options to choose from.
Apart from the band, I definitely want to give props to the
models! It was great to see the models cover the entire stage and stopped at
various points on the runway. I had a few friends modeling so it was nice to
see them strut their stuff on the runway (Bee, Mish, and Joe). In thinking
about what it must take to walk confidently, while showcasing a costume, I
definitely think a few models deserve recognition for always killing it on the
runway. In seeing them in several launches this season, in whatever costume they wear they always seem to bring their A game. I don’t know
all their names, but they definitely deserve their props! (Who know just like
there is Band of the Year, I have been thinking of doing a fun post and poll
for Caribana’s model of the year).
Overall, good job to carnival nationz on The Reef. What are
your thoughts on the presentation?
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