Wednesday 20th September: Notting Hill Carnival - Monday Finale

Its taken me a long time to get this post published because not only does it take a while to edit a selection from all the glorious photos but also because Ive been set back by the devastating news that the community has lost Gloria Cummins.  Visiting Gloria is the fondest memory I have on my Carnival research explorations.  I fell so in love with her and her house / studio that I totally out-stayed my welcome and couldn't leave.  She was one of Notting Hill Carnival's original mas designers and still staying true to the art form of making traditionally inspired, narrative themed costumes.  There are only a handful of bands holding on to the practise of creating larger-than-life constructions to tell the story of the roots of the tradition.  I've placed her pieces as the top 4 images here to see the beautiful authentic materials and techniques that she used and taught to pass on to the next generation.  I'm so saddened that Notting Hill Carnival's procession will be missing the place of her unique designs keeping it epic in scale and educational in message.  Not only this but her knowledge has gone with her and we've lost a rare, invaluable mentor.  I'm deeply regretful that I didn't get to know her better but magically humbled that at least I did get the chance to discover her.  Long live the legacy of Flamboyan Arts and the mas camp on the Carnival route that had a Trinidad flag hanging out the window 365 days of the year.

Read my original report here.

The rest of the photos here, from the Grenfell tribute costume downwards are an amalgamation of highlights from the various mas bands that contribute to the splendour of the day.  These include (in running order) Chocolate Nation Mas, South Connections, Baccahnalia, Wassiville, Ebony, Samba Batida, Elimu / Paddington Arts, Paraiso School Of Samba, Sunshine Arts, Urban Touch, Carl & Glyn Gabriel, Mahogany.

See more on my Instagram for The Carnival Arts & Masquerade Foundation here.

Monday 11th September: Notting Hill Carnival 2017 - Children's Day

We just need to take a moment to stop and appreciate how good this costume is and why it was the highlight of my Sunday at Carnival this year.  

Children's day is always my favourite for costumes, when I get to see tiny little faces immersed in feathers and covered in crystals.  This has to be one of the best yet.  Its a pearl baby in a clam shell pram.  Too much.  Look at her regal demeanour, sipping on her 'bena, being pushed along the route of cheering, adorning crowds totally endeared by her.  She looked the bomb, and she knew it.  Exactly what Carnival is all about........ celebrating feeling amazing.

Thursday 30th March: Trinidad Carnival 2017 - Tuesday

As you can see, Tuesday at Trinidad Carnival was an absolute dream for me!!!!!!!!!!!!  I was literally in heaven.  Not only did I get to witness carnival but I actually took part in it!  I wore a "Powder Sailor" Mas to fete with The Trinidad All Stars.  It is one of the original and most established Mas Bands with Keith Christopher Rowley (current Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago) playing mas alongside all of us.  It was so much fun seeing him getting involved with throwing talcum powder and getting covered himself.  I just can't imagine a UK politician doing this at Notting Hill Carnival! 

My absolute favourite costume was this gentleman photographed above, who balanced a wire sculpture on his head & shoulders for the duration of the day and entire route.  He must have done this a few times before - professional! The tinsel and pom pom decoration was just so exquisite.  

In these photos are also shots of another band of "Fancy Sailors" who had sea creatures harnessed to their backs, see the hermit crab here!  Everyone was so smart, I want to dress like this EVERY DAY.  FOREVER.  AND EVER.

(Photo credits: Marsha Trepte in the Quechua sun costume, Mr Dapper in the pink suit, and the fancy sailors with the sea creatures are Belmont Exotic Stylish Sailors.)