Say the word Carnival and it conjures up a visual of stunning, colourful costumes with feathers and beads; outfits adorned in gems and jewels and beautiful women; rhythmic music, partying, liming, and dancing – something we in the Caribbean are well-versed in! Carnival is celebrated throughout the region and different islands call it by different names, and impart their own style. Some are better known than others, and as the diaspora has spread through the globe, they have taken their festivals with them to the streets of New York, Toronto, London and LA. The world has embraced Carnival Caribbean style!
“It’s said you haven’t played mas until you’ve experienced true carnival in Trinidad, jumped in Jamaica and wined in Barbados…”
In homage to carnival, we asked M.A.C Cosmetics to create some stunning makeup looks for a shoot with Zulu International, (one of Barbados’s most popular bands) to showcase the vibrant colours of the gorgeous headpieces that form part of their costumes for Kadooment 2014 – the culmination of Barbados’ CropOver (carnival) season, their stunning designs will cross the stage on Monday 4 August as they dance their way to Bridgetown with pulsing music and a premium experience that has garnered a loyal following.
Zulu International has established itself in just two years as a band to watch out for (they sold out their entire 2014 band in 3 days!) and was chosen by none other than the Caribbean Queen herself, Rihanna, to be the band she jumped with in 2013. Rumour has it she’ll be back again this year in a custom design! Through the creative direction of their designer and co-producer, Lauren Austin, the costumes each year just keep getting more spectacular and her designs for 2014 are no exception. Based around the theme ‘Once Upon a Time’, inspiration was drawn from well-known folk tales and fairy stories, creating a beautifully put together collection that takes characters from fables and brings them firmly into Zulu territory!
Makeup provided by M.A.C. MUA: Sabrina Newsam.
Creative Direction: Caribbean Bazaar
Photography: Jaryd Niles-Morris. Assistant: Ryan Austin
Models: Ashlee Haynes, Tamika Grant, Jena Barrow, Helena Shankar, Karma Warrington, Kanisha Taitt; Saadiyah Nakhuda/LOUD|87
Thanks to Zulu International: Ryan and Lauren Austin/Rondell Jones
Take a look at their band launch video and see the costumes in their entirety!
Caribbean Bazaar 