What exactly is a
carnival costume?
Carnival costumes have
evolved throughout the
years but were once a form
of freedom and expression
from the days of slavery. Carnival costumes may range
from traditional such as the
Fancy sailors to Blue devils...
to what is now considered the
modern costuming of bikini
mas with feathered adornments. The transformation of
freedom and revelry comes
into play when costumes are
worn. Some costumes, more
on the traditional side, depict a story which is acted on
the streets during the parade
day…while the majority now
just wears costumes for fun,
vibes and parade.
What was your own
favorite design
so far?
My favorite design thus
far was the collection I did
last year that consisted of 5
shades of blues inspired by
the ocean to show depth. It
was a wing with cascading
plumes from shoulder to the
floor beginning with powder
blue and ending with cobalt
blue with elements of turquoise, teal and sky blue and
accented with clustered peacock feathers.
What makes a costume
the best costume on
the road?
Definitely colors and gems
that catch the sunlight.
How do you get Sometimes the size makes
the inspiration for it more attractive as the deyearly
designs? tailing shows off most. Also,
how effective the masquerInspiration comes from any- ader portrays the costume in
where basically... I’m attract- movement shows the feathed to color combinations... ers in motion.
so anywhere I go and I see a
combo that I like I take a pic- What would you call
ture then get feather samples this feeling you feel
of it and hold it till the right when you see the
vision of design comes to
mind. At times I am inspired whole section in the
by moods, movies, nature or carnival band wearyour design?
simply by the theme that is ing
put forth to design under
The first time I experienced
this, it was some
what emotional.... A happy sad feeling just full of anxiety
and excitement... Just knowing you are able to make
someone’s day through your
work makes it all worth the
sweat, burns and toil.
what emotional.... A happy sad feeling just full of anxiety
and excitement... Just knowing you are able to make
someone’s day through your
work makes it all worth the
sweat, burns and toil.
What are your
future plans
as a
designer?
Everyday I’m learning and always willing to…whether it
is research or just better techniques. The goal is to remain
humble and work honestly.
I’ve been fortunate to be the
mentor to few persons wanting to enter the design world
which is a blessing taking
into consideration.
I do want to continue spreading happiness through my
work worldwide. Apart from
Trinidad, I continue to design
for carnivals throughout the
Caribbean and North America definitely keeping the flag
of color and bling hoist high.
Your advice to people venturing
into this career?
It is easy to get ‘swell headed’ as I have seen happened to persons who have just entered
into the industry. This industry looks pretty but it is not as easy as it looks… Like in every
profession, there would be obstacles and challenges but you MUST remain focused and
keep your eye on the prize. Get proper training not just in designing but in proper work
ethics. But I say once you have the love and passion for creativity, mas and people then go
for it. Remain humble and embrace each opportunity as it comes.