The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

EVERY year new design innovations hit Bay Street, adding flair and longevity to costumes.

Some of the innovations were incorporated in costumes sported by winners of both the New Year’s and Boxing Day Junkanoo parades. The artistry and use of new designs contributed to each group’s placing in the competition.

After a disappointing finish during the Boxing Day parade, The Shell Saxons Superstars came with a vengeance on New Year’s Day. No position other than first was acceptable, so members in every corner of the island were rallied to contribute to the win.

Being crowned champions of both parades was ideal, however, they preferred to win the latter in order to celebrate throughout the year until the next parade.

“It is an overwhelming feeling to be the victor of the New Year’s Day parade because you have the rest of the year to celebrate. We set aside five days last week to celebrate and on those day we did different activities to celebrate,” said Antwan Dean, group leader.

For the parade, designers experimented with different techniques and methods.

One was the ‘long fringe’ method. This method involves cutting crepe paper by hand with big scissors. The short method involves the use of razors, which cut the paper into fine strips.

“The long fringe method gives the advantage,” Mr Dean said.

“There are so many creative designs that can be seen during the parade. Designers went back to the old method of creating their costumes using long fringe. This makes the colours more vibrant and brings more life to the costumes.”

This method was incorporated in costumes worn by the group, which gave them the points needed to win Best Costume category and the overall parade

Winners of the Boxing Day parade,The Valley Boys, also brought new innovations to the parade. These innovations were primarily seen in the sizes of lead pieces,” said Patrick Adderley, deputy chairman of the group

“The changing of the rules allowed the lead pieces to have two or more wheels. So, many of the groups including ours, had very large lead pieces. This allowed for more creativity because we did not have to be concern about the weight of the piece,” he said.

Apart from lead pieces, shoulder pieces were also much bigger this year than the previous.

“The A division groups really did their research and were very creative when it came to their costume designs. Shoulder pieces were also much bigger and they were embellished with lights and horns and other trinkets. For the most part size was the dominant feature,” he told Tribune Arts.

Not all of the members favoured “A Royal Celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee”  theme for the Boxing Day parade. The theme had to be executed well with music, costumes, choreography and overall presentation.

As Junkanoo is ever evolving, the artistry and design of costumes will evolve too.