When the plans were being made to pump in Orlando, then drive from our hotel straight into PUNCH it seemed like the best idea ever. Unfortunately for my body, it just couldn't keep up with the plans my mind made. By the time I walked into PUNCH I was a walking dead. I could have cared less for any drinks or food. The only thing on my mind was getting to see the costumes that Jamborii Mas was bringing to the carnival mas table and to then head for a spot to 'relax the eyes'. Please keep in mind, I had no camera, my cellular device failed and worked with what I borrowed.
The breakfast cooler fete/band launch was advertised to start at 5am and end 12 midday. We got to the venue about 8:45ish. As I entered the venue, a signature cup was given to me to enjoy my drinks. Although I had no desire to use the cup, it was already impressive. I've never attended a band launch that distributed cups to their patrons. Some looked at this as a waste of money because not everyone that comes to a band launch is interested in playing mas with the band. That's not what I saw. What I saw was a band that was going over and beyond to bring a difference to the Miami carnival experience and so far this was two for two.
What I noticed next was the crowd *or lack thereof. The crowd that I was expecting, I didn't see. With the heavy promotion and positive buzz circulating Jamborii Mas, I expected to see a higher attendance. After the sun cooked my skin for almost an hour and speaking with numerous friends who did make it, I was made to understand that more than half of South Florida (which also happens to be the same half that partake in carnivals) was plainly too tired or hungover from the carnival in Orlando to make the drive back and were still up there. This made more sense as I myself was in terrible condition. With that being said, I realized then that there are many people who wished to be there and are waiting to see what Jamborii Mas has to offer. So I hope this helps.
There 5 sections (in alphabetical order) are:
- Birth of Venus
- Broken Column
- Dijinn
- Jamaican Vibe
- Solice - The Sun God
BIRTH OF VENUS:
DESIGNED BY SAVAGE MAS PRODUCTIONS
IN THE SUNLIGHT
This is a costume I can easily see myself in. I'd just love to see a bikini bottom option seeing as I'm not a thong kinda girl.
BEHIND THE SCENES:
BROKEN COLUMN:
DESIGNED BY ADALIA
What I believe to be the backline and frontline/midline would be the option for me here. The pasties in the frontline/superfrontline wouldn't work for me for obvious reasons. Not taking away from it's beauty, I just know my place in the bust category.
BEHIND THE SCENES:
(backline headpiece)
DIJINN:
DESIGNED BY ADALIA
ON STAGE
The first thing I saw when I entered backstage were the headpieces of Jijinn. The headpiece of what I believe to be the frontline was nothing that I've ever seen before in the mas world and it had me at a loss for words. The headpiece has a Cleopatra finish and has the most beautiful lengthy feathers pointing downward, passing the hips of the model. Another headpiece option that nailed it for me was the mohawk. The body options in this section are more practical as they're more covered.
BEHIND THE SCENES
JAMAICAN VIBE:
DESIGNED BY SAVAGE MAS PRODUCTIONS
What appears to be a slip is actually intentional. This also was a first for me. It's a bit daring for my part but there is something for everyone in the mas world. Although the colors are red, gold and green, the designer didn't kill it with corny. It still looks like a costume that people can wear and be proud of. In many ways this costume could have gone wrong and it was done right.
This line is my favorite in the Jamaican Vibe section. The jewels (that you will see a close up of below) shows off the glitz and glam that I love in a costume while being covered. This would be my choice in this section.
BEHIND THE SCENES
SOLICE - THE SUN GOD:
DESIGNED BY: DESIGNS BY DRU
(the entire collection and the designer)
IN THE SUNLIGHT
BEHIND THE SCENES
I can see myself in any one of these lines as they are covered (top and bottom). The only thing I wouldn't do would be the wings. Although they're gorgeous, I just can't take too much cloth on my skin for carnival. Especially in the back as it interrupts the sweet wine. Masquerading for carnival is my time to be free and not hold any cape/wings. I'd demand them when it's time to cross the stage though!
All in all, I think Jamborii Mas did an excellent job of being different and have certainly gone outside of the box. The most daring that I've seen in South Florida. Kudos to Adalia for her originality on Jijinn's Cleopatra headpiece! Savage Mas Productions, what can I say but you never fail or disappoint. You put your mind to a themed piece and stick to it. Both your sections were dead on, you nailed it and your work is always a pleasure. Designs by Dru, I've been a fan for years and as the years go by, you're only getting better and better. Your entire collection is perfect. There is skin but not too much and this would be the section I'd play in if I were to decide to play in Jamborii Mas.
The designing team for Jamborii Mas is a force to be reckoned with and the bar has been raised. Registration information will be available online shortly. If you are interested in registering now, you can contact a committee member
HERE and someone will get back to you shortly. Again, my apologies as these pictures do these costumes no justice.
