Saldenah's much anticipated band launch THE CHRONICLES OF MACHEL MONTANO was held at the Chadni Grand.
If the crowd at the launch is any indication of the amount of masqueraders who will play with Saldenah this year, be prepared for a very big band. We arrived at 11pm and the parking lot was full as well as surrounding side streets. The line was super long. We slipped in with the media, but lots of folks spent a couple hours in that line.
This is a REALLY long post with lots of pics. We hope you enjoy them because we seriously worked.
Big Phat Fish
SOLD OUT May 9.
Outta Space
Please click on ad to visit our sponsor's site
Where to start, where to start? I'll start with overall looks that I really liked, which would be this one. The suit is designed well as is the headpiece. It's my favourite from this Powder Puff section.
Powder Puff
Carnival
The Sun
Jumbie
These Jumbie wings moved well, and the blue jewels constantly sparkled on stage. That's what a black base needs, jewels added to create a shine like this.
This was my favourite headpiece in this section, I really like how it cascades back.
Higher Than High
Wild Ants
Yellow and burgundy is a different colour combo for mas that looks nice together. These shoulder pieces are also a different design.
The impressive wings are also manageable, and the entire look is very sensual Victoria Secret's.
Pump Yuh Flag
Vibes Cyan Done
SOLD OUT May 9
Another one of the colour combinations I liked. The bra and waistband are fuller, providing more coverage. Because hey, not everyone wants to go naked!
Possessed
Feathered on one side, collar on the other, very unique look.
Just like in Big Phat Fish, the new open way these bras are designed is fantastic.
Indian Gyal
SOLD OUT MAY 9
Mr. Fete
SOLD OUT MAY 9
Another entire costume that works so very well. Because there are many who want wings, but not necessarily massive ones, so these are the perfect size. The pastel blue with a touch of mauve and yellow is super soft and feminine, and that rhinestone waistband is simply shiny fabulousness.
There were many models who enthusiastically showcased their mas and took their time to pose. But when it came to naming the Model with the Most, Trini-in-Toronto and I both named Mr. Fete here. He made the wings move with ease, and Trini-in-Toronto says it's a cool costume.
Remedy
- updated May 1: FIRST section to be SOLD OUT!!! No wonder, it's sensational. Fabulous job again Melinda.
That's it, the Remedy for anything is lilac and peach. How ultra feminine are these costumes, all feathered and jewelled. And if you simply can't get enough feathers, the monokini is fully covered in them. 
Erupt
Party Done
SOLD OUT MAY 9
You can't help but be drawn to the original look of Party Done. Those
hanging strings and chains that are moving mas reminds me of what Trini-in-Toronto told me long ago what he likes to see in a costume - or probably it was what he likes to wine on.
It's a toss up as to which one is my favourite in this section, above or below. I really like the beading and how the collar attaches to the bra here.
This is the section designed by Anya Ayoung Chee, Like Ah Boss.
The most anticipated section Like Ah Boss, which resembles Monday wear, is certainly different for Toronto Carnival.
There is talk of whether this section will in fact even remain in the band, but still, what do you think? Too risqué for mas? Or an alternative to feathers & big headpieces? Is Toronto Carnival eventually headed that way?
So what do you think, which are your favourites, which ones will be the first to sell out?
