New band for Carnival 2008,Wee International held their media launch for the presentation "Passion, Lust and Lies - the untold story" at Coco Lounge last night. Though the venue was a bit challenging for the proper viewing of costumes, Coco Lounge is one of the newer liming establishments in Trinidad catering to the crowd that wants to just socialise among friends with a good cocktail. While the ambiance was great, seeing the costumes as a guest at the launch meant peeking over the tops of others heads as the space was very tight.
The theme of Love seems to be popular this season and as a consequence the section names were familiar. Albeit the costumes reflected nothing of the theme some of them however were a departure from the feathers, using plume less headpieces and leaving the beads behind in favor of fabric which made for some interesting designs. I like Unfaithful, yet another black costume, Deception and Fatal Attraction which reminds me of Sonia Mack's Morocco!!
After the formal launch I was able to chat with the men behind the scenes of Wee International and they were somewhat hesitant to let the public know that Wee is a combination of the sections La Flor and Prestige Promotions from the now defunct Poison. To me it gives some credence to the band as I had no prior knowledge that anyone involved had any experience in bringing any type of mas. The target for maximum masqueraders is 1000 to 1500, a deliberate attempt to keep the numbers under control to meet their expectations of keeping it intimate. Wee intends to bring to the table costumes that are affordably priced as well as offer the product to an international market with chapters in London, Ireland, Bahamas and New York.
Here is a bit more on what Wee has to offer:The theme of Love seems to be popular this season and as a consequence the section names were familiar. Albeit the costumes reflected nothing of the theme some of them however were a departure from the feathers, using plume less headpieces and leaving the beads behind in favor of fabric which made for some interesting designs. I like Unfaithful, yet another black costume, Deception and Fatal Attraction which reminds me of Sonia Mack's Morocco!!
After the formal launch I was able to chat with the men behind the scenes of Wee International and they were somewhat hesitant to let the public know that Wee is a combination of the sections La Flor and Prestige Promotions from the now defunct Poison. To me it gives some credence to the band as I had no prior knowledge that anyone involved had any experience in bringing any type of mas. The target for maximum masqueraders is 1000 to 1500, a deliberate attempt to keep the numbers under control to meet their expectations of keeping it intimate. Wee intends to bring to the table costumes that are affordably priced as well as offer the product to an international market with chapters in London, Ireland, Bahamas and New York.
Born out of the desire to re-introduce the family vibe to Carnival,Wee was created. Wee International a group of foreign-based Trinbagonians joined forces to bring back that down home, family vibes of a West Indian love affair we have known to be Carnival. Having witnessed the changes over the years, in attitudes and behaviors to what Carnival represents Wee welcomes the challenge to expose the masses to the true meaning of Carnival and what Wee know CARNIVAL to be.EDITED TO ADD THIS DISCLAIMER:
Wee are dedicated to giving the individual masquerader that personalized experience, through an intimate small band. Wee are the alternative to the big band, big market oriented environment.
Wee will be featuring – everything (well... everything, except the kitchen sink) to make your time with family and quality friends a blast!
All inclusive:
- Unlimited drinks (beverages, premium drinks)
- Food
- Mobile rest stops
- Black tie full service attendants
- A-Class security
- Transportation to meet Wee.
** All inclusive to a well made, well managed cost effective product**
Wee are about creating an environment that always you to you have the most fun! Join us in experiencing the real thing - Wee ting - Wee CARNIVAL
For more info:wee.carnival@hotmail.com
chubbie 50 @hotmail.com: In reference to the association of La Flor and Weeinternational I would like to stress that the two organisations are in no way affilated WEE was spawned from one part of the La Flor /Prestige Promotions effort to portray a section in Poison for a two year period there after there [sic] separate ways.
Passion
Infatuation
Eternal Love
Burning Desire
Ecstacy
Lust
Seductive Dance
Secret Fantasy
Forbidden Pleasure
Heartbreak
Lies
Fatal Attraction
Unfaithful
Deception
9 comments:
I had ah mind that La Flor was part of Wee. Too many of them were there last night!
The venue was either too small or not well suited or maybe not well planned out for that launch.
I felt the costumes were tres bleh. Nothing that made me say WOW!
The men real get leave out in this band boy.
"Having witnessed the changes over the years, in attitudes and behaviors to what Carnival represents Wee welcomes the challenge to expose the masses to the true meaning of Carnival..."
That's a bold mission statement.
I'd like to add ...the true meaning of TRINIDAD Carnival....
Understanding what that really means and what have been missing and bring those back, albeit for our times, I can only have much love for WEE International, and best wishes that they deliver their mission statement.
Critical note: costumes first out are more of the same (but it's a start right?) "Passion, Lust, and Lies - the untold Story" can be quite abstract or a simple story we can relate. However, the sections don't evoke something I could recognized in the names. One could scamble the names of the sections and it would not make any difference.
Design note: one of the amazing element of mas in Trinidad carnival of past outstanding years WAS amazing section design interpretations and execution.
Ent Afro Chic, for the men (this is one of my complaints for most bikini mas bands).
I like!!!
From what I have seen so far though, mas this year is not anythign new. IP really strove to give something different, but everyone else seems to have rather standard fare (which I have no issues with! LOL)
I really like Ectasy, Unfaithful and Deception, even though I am still opposed to playing in black.
Passion is nice for the costume, but the headpiece is a bit much for me.
I like all of these smaller, more intimate bands too. It must be a nice epxerience because you can really get to know a lot of people in the band. Good if you fall in love with a costume and want to go it alone! LOL
Just read dougla_1's comment. I may be part of the problem! LOL. I like a simple, colorful mas, when I am playing. But I do like to see the creative mas. I love MacFarlane and I am excited to get a chance to see Oracle. But when I play? Boy, give me a bright bikini, some beads to shake and some good music! LOL
hq, believe me I love bikini mas too, but mas bands should not talk about "themes" if that's not what their vibes are about. Just call it bikini, beads and feathers (why stress with theme interpretations), and they good to go.
And, so one could imagine where my mind is: Ronnie and Caro nailed their theme of "D Gulf" with fantastic inspired bikini mas interpretations for practically all of their sections (the only one I don't like is Pirate, but that's me). Yet still, some who are used to the Harts/and others beaded quality mas production would not enjoy wearing R&C costumes because the materials used seem to be less "luxurious." But R&C did nailed their theme, so what do I know ;)
No, you are right. Half the time I don't think about the themes, I am more surprised when a bikini mas band hits the theme!
I wonder, what is the criteria for winning competitions though (ie band of the year)? Is a theme required? Maybe that's why bikini mas bands persist? LOL. Just a thought.
hq, imho theme is not about winning competition. It's simply about just the pure artistry and pride of Trinidad mas and upholding its rich legacy :)
Well, I have learned something today!! LOL. I love when that happens....thanks!
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