Excitement, Feathers and Good Vibes
I was in Barbados for the
Crop Over Band Xhosa’s
photo shoot and launch for the third
time and as always I refrained from sneaking a peak at images of the costumes
before hand so I could be surprised when the models were completely ready. I
was not disappointed as each designer created unique pieces to portray this
year’s theme of “Pure”. By now people know what to expect when it comes to
Xhosa Barbados - Beautiful costumes, great service and most importantly plenty
vibes on the road! I can’t wait to see the band on the road next week Monday
for
Kadooment Day, which is the culmination of the Crop Over Festival Season.
Looking through these images,
I must admit I’m a little jealous that I won’t be wining down next week in one
of these costumes!
Lights, Camera, Action
The shoot this year was held over
two days at one location-
Infinity on the Beach. This boutique hotel is
conveniently located on the gap, which meant food, the beach and (maybe most
essential of all) cocktails were all located within walking distance.
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| Infinity on the Beach, Venue for the photoshoot |
The photo
shoot ran smoothly and I loved seeing the very cool, calm and talented
photographer
Ikenna Douglas, do his thing.
The glam team worked their magic as
always and all the models looked stunning as they walked on set.
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| Ikenna Douglas, the photographer, doing his thing |
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| The team working hard on the set |
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| Degree deodorant kept everyone so fresh and so clean |
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| Camera Ready |
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| Smiles on Set |
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| St Ives and Degree helping the fellahs get ready for the shoot |
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| Elysium designed by Christian Boucaud |
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| Kool Kids Take one...Take two |
As I pulled the models to the side to take a few portraits I marveled at how they all seemed to glow
in the photographs.
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SCORCH ORO
Section Leader: SCORCH Bim, Designer: Marie Collette |
Having only one location for the photo shoot meant that it
finished quicker than the previous years and therefore I got to enjoy the beach
and a few more rum punches in between before the day of the launch.
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| Beachy Views on the Gap |
Reality Stars
Xhosa continues to be innovative,
as every year they introduce new aspects to their brand. This year they produced
a
reality show that followed several designers as they carried out challenges
in the hope of being chosen to have their design become one of this year’s
sections. The winners of the competition created a very interesting design and
their costume entitled La Sirene, joined the nine other sections for this year’s
presentation.
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| Alyssa Goddard looking on as they shoot her design LA SIRENE . Alyssa and her husband Caleb Straker won the Xhosa Design Challenge Season 1 |
The Launch
The launch was held at St. Ann’s Fort and I was eager to check out the beach nearby before backstage started to get busy.
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| Beautiful Beach by the Fort |
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| Launch time! |
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| Launch time! |
Backstage was so well set up and I think that set the precedent for the rest of the night as the show went off without a hitch. The vibe was at 100 as the models energetically showcased the costumes. You could tell some of the models were professional dancers as they quick stepped their way across the stage in high heels without missing a beat. Big props to Xhosa as all shapes were once again represented in their campaign and on stage. I look forward to other islands (especially T&T) following suit by including curvy “plus sized” models in their showcase, as this would better represent our Caribbean aesthetic.
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| Glam Backstage |
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| Backstage Beauties |
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| Backstage Beauties |
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| Getting Ready for the show |
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| Backstage Shenanigans |
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| Sections ready to go! |
Next Year for Sure!
For all those lucky enough to be heading over to Barbados and playing with Xhosa, take a wine for me and a Rum punch or two. I know I can trust y’all to not just pose but to party!! Follow Xhosa on Social media to see the band on the road! Who’s going to Crop Over next year?
Honorable Mention
Slightly off topic but it did happen behind the scenes! Gotta love
Gigi's Style! Shout out!
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| Hairstylist Gigi always brings the fashion vibe on set |
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