Heroes - Mas Toronto

The second launch we attended last night was Alicia and Errol Achues Mas Toronto Presentation of Heroes. Thanks Courtnay!

This was held at Embers banquet hall, it was really good that they used a higher elevated stage, it was much easier for those in the back to see the costumes. Also, after the presentation, the models hung around and there was ample opportunity for picture taking.

There are a lot of pretty interesting costumes to choose from, and as a man, I appreciate that some of the mens costumes looked pretty cool and weren't just an afterthough.... I know, I know Carnival is about WOMAN. Onto the pics...

Arc Angels
(Karabana's favourite picture)

Avatars

Beast Masters

This Shadow Lord was very theatrical

Fire Starters & Guerilla Infantry

Jeanean

Arc Angels & Wind Walkers

Beast Masters

Fire Starters & Shadow Lords

www.mastoronto.com

Toronto Caribbean Connection - Band Launch

Last night we had the pleasure of attending the Toronto Caribbean Connection (TCC) band launch. Thanks a lot Mervyn! The costumes were quite attractive and they were very proud to mention that all of their costumes were designed and made right here in Toronto. The name of the presentation was VISIONS-THRU ONE'S EYES. Toronto Caribbean Connection has the number 5 position on the road. I think that's a good time if you are fetein the night before and would like to take your time making it down to the CNE. www.tocarnival.com Onto the Pictures:

frontlines

!!Deep Rising!!

Dexter Seusahai came out strong again this year with Deep Rising, Tribal Knights presentation. Tribal Knights secured an enviable #2 position in the parade, and with Blaxx from Roy Cape providing music on de road, this band is going to have a fantastic year.

I really liked this in the launch photos, but it looks even nicer seeing it up close. I haven't seen a Caribana (or Carnival) bra like this before with individual flowers, it's so different! This is the type of out-of-the-box design that Caribana needs to see more of!

(click to zoom in & enlarge photos)

The purple green combination works so well with this one. The whole costume is vibrant & has fun touches that make it stand out. This is an example of what I mean by quality.

So well made with beautifully matching jewelery.

Costume Prices are still $140 ($220+ Frontline) and kiddies costumes are free with registration of adult costume. So when you're frustrated that the section you wanted in other over hyped bands has sold out, don't worry, Tribal Knights has pretty, great quality costumes. www.TribalKnights.com

In Deep

A favourite: firey red, lots of full feathers = fantastic frontline!

Saldenah Mas-K Club launched their long awaited In Deep. Big thanks Louis!!Lots of colour & feathers, all done up Sally style.

http://www.saldenahcarnival.com/

Rich purple, full headpiece

Christine's section, the bacchanal crew. The shimmery cleavage revealing top is a different design for carnival, it resembles club wear. Sheer belly dancer style skirt matches well.

I really like the coin belly dancer headpiece with full feathers in Bryant's section.

What's in a name?

This year it's Scotiabank Caribana. Ok, that I can deal with, at least they kept the name, but remember Toronto Caribbean Carnival in 2006? Steupsing could be heard far & wide over that one. What controversy the festival had that year! Government audit. Criminal investigation. Alleged fraud. Misappropriation of funds. You mix ill gotten supplies from the third world with shady promoters, and man, the glitter & sequins went flying! Put down that glue gun! (ok, so not that last part... but it just started to sound like mafia not mas makers.)
Whatever sponsors want to rename it the year they are paying (putting it on), it'll always be Caribana to me & most people. Check out the video, thanks Buublenut, I finally got around to posting it, I know, I haven't been posting.http://www.citynews.ca/news/news_21916.aspx
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Also in Caribana news, I'm pleased to see Mervyn Skeete's Toronto Caribbean Connection's 2007 costumes in the Keshia Chanté There's No Place Like This - Ontario tv ad!

http://www.ontariotravel.net/

I do like the style of these ads, & to see Caribana costumes promoting summer in Toronto makes this one even more appealing. It's reminding me of the billboard I saw near our home in April of last year - I got tingles, & it would get me pumped & ready every time I'd drive by.
This is Living! http://mocagyrl.blog.com/2007/4/