Fantazia International Unleash your Fantasy band launch 2014

Sponsor Cloré's section Candy Land

 

   

Forbidden Fruit

 

Fantazia International was the second band to hold their launch this season.

Six sections were presented for their Unleash your Fantasy theme at Ricky Ricardo’s club at College & Bathurst. All sections had models showing several options. Technical difficulties delayed the show for a bit at first, but then things eventually got back on track.

Magic

 Lust

 

 

Creamsicle

 

I really liked the variety given, especially the different types of monokinis.  They've designed some decorated bottoms, no waistbands, which is something new for us in Toronto. Den of Sin's bodysuit cut out is very creative and received a collective gasp from the audience. Well done! I think all the colour combinations are appealing. There were no issues with headpieces being designed a little too grandiose and unfortunately they can't actually function - none slipped off, and no models were holding onto them. They all looked quite comfortable in their costumes. Bigger isn't necessarily better - masqueraders should be able to easily maneuver around and take a wine.   

  

Den of Sin

 

Those whips & hand cuffs will come in handy on the road for masqueraders to deal with stormers!

Incentive for early registrants.

Caribana Friday night FREE event you can take your kids to (Island soul festival)

We have been blogging in support of Caribana for the last 7 years and I know how much life can change in that time. When you started to fete, you were free, single and disengaged. Now, you might be happily toting a bundle of joy and studying how to make sure that your kids get some kind of connection to this culture that we love so much.

So, its Friday night (Caribana eve) and you think you’re not able to hit a jouvert fete and still get up play mas tomorrow. Plus, if you go and fete, you need to get someone to watch the kids. Maybe you could leave them with Grandma, but maybe she would like to go out too?

I have the perfect event for you, and it’s not going to cost hardly anything at all.

Load up the minivan and take everyone (especially grandma) to Harbourfront Centre. All you have to pay for is parking (or take the TTC). It’s called the Island Soul Festival.

At 6pm they have this art exhibit called Testimonials about Haiti (see you can be a good parent and work in something educational.)

After that you can grab some food at the world café. They have lots of options there beyond the typical jerk chicken and curry, you can sample some stuff from other cultures as well (more education).

Now the good stuff:

Kobo Town will be performing at 7:45pm. I know you might not know them, but watch the video.  They take traditional Calypso and fuse it with world beats and the result is profound.

Then at 9:30pm -11pm

You get the chance to take in a living legend and pioneer in Calypso.

Calypso Rose is an ambassador of Caribbean music, a living legend, a charismatic character, the uncontested diva of Calypso music.

Now you are getting all this entertainment for FREE. All you have to do is find yourself there.

They even have a little shopping area and a licensed patio, so you can take a break and go and shop or take a drink ... something for everyone.

So come and breeze out right by the lake.

This is really a venue and an event that makes our city special. Did I mention its FREE.

Saldenah 2013 band launch Heaven & Earth (The Stage)

Last night was the 2013 band Launch for Heaven & Earth.

There were 16 sections and many beautiful costumes. Saldenah masqueraders will be very happy.

The presentation thankfully started before 1 am and they spent a solid hour on stage. We appreciated that they didn't rush through showing the costumes, they took their time. Most of the models looked like they enjoyed themselves.

Sandstorm

This truly massive creation closed the show. It's quite delicate and might need its own security detail for the road. Princess of the Gates are certainly spectacular looking mas, very impressive. The model often held the headpiece, she probably wasn't sure it was securely balancing in place.

 

Angel of Beauty

 

 

Heaven's Bliss

I'm wowed by Angel of Beauty's devlish angel for being bold, giving us a different look in a costume. Great moving wings, sexy cut out leg and arm wear and gold chains falling from the bejeweled choker.
My favourite colour combo is Heaven's Bliss, the coral & teal together is so stunning. Soft pretty heart shaped wings.

Water Spirit

 Fallen Angel

 

I like all the options in Fallen Angel, and the models wore them very well.

 Tidal Wave

  Eternity

Eternity's lavender and mauve are lovely with those rhinestones, crystals and tiaras. I prefer the medium size collar and the headpiece.

Volcanic Eruption

 Utopia 

 Arch Angels

Autumn Spectacle

Sunset in Paradise

Sunset in Paradise's fun deep plum suit base with assorted beads jewels reminds me of a tropical fruit bowl, and then together with that frontline headpiece you've got a Carmen Miranda feel. I'm more drawn though to the backline with the fringe, and jeweled headband/crown.

Rainforest

Absolutely LOVE the suit in Rainforest, that fringe is perfect for playing mas, and it's another colour combination I really like. Nicely designed wrap around headpiece. Added bonus: it glows in the dark.

Spirit of the Earth

Ronny has designed another fun colourful section in Spirit of the Earth. Men are never an after thought, he gives their costume as much attention with head ware and masks. And as Trini-in-Toronto says, guys like weapons.

Aurora Borealis

Sunset in the Nile

Princess of the Gates

While there are some colour combination repeats that we've often seen, several sections were designed with at least one different element. Most sections displayed gave options in the suits and/or bras, and bottoms, and varying sizes in headpieces.