Fantasy, Entice launch at Oval

Fantasy Carnival is celebrating seven years of mas in 2018 and will be upping the ante on mas innovations with a series of initiatives such as a section option for masqueraders to design and produce their own costumes.

“It’s no secret that there has been an explosion of young designers in recent years,” explained bandleader, Shawn Wong. “A new generation has entered the Carnival and the mas industry and we wanted to give them the opportunity to showcase their talent, so a number of our costumes for 2018 have been created by a creative team of designers, which includes some relatively new faces. Still, we wanted to take it a step further in terms of allowing our masqueraders to help mould their experience on the road, so when our committee members suggested Design Without Borders, we examined the pros and the cons, but we’re all excited about the prospect and eventually we decided to go forward with the initiative…” Design Without Borders is the label given to the initiative, which will allow masqueraders to pay a lesser price for the experience.

“There’s a lot more individuality to the mas now,” added Design team leader, Kristen Camacho.

“As younger people get into the Carnival spirit, we have observed that they are determined to add their own personal touches and accessories to their costumes. As much as they want to be a part of the collective, they also want to stand out on their own, so this initiative gives them the opportunity to take it to another level in terms of personal design aesthetics.

It’s great for those budding designers to showcase their skills and even the amateurs can just have fun and create the costume they have always dreamt of wearing on the road.” The band will also showcase several Monday wear designs at the launch; the return of the WAGS reality show stars to the band for the second year in a row; an ultra-convenient concierge service which is being offered to international masqueraders and a special VIP experience package for those wanting an extra amount of access, pampering and revelry.

Gates are scheduled to open at 10pm with costumes due on stage around midnight.