New local designers have emerged as finalists of Xaymaca International’s Inaugural Costume Design Competition. These designers were selected from over 100 submissions. The finalists were chosen based on the likes they garnered on Instagram via the Xaymaca International page and the judges’ critique.

Upon being chosen as finalists, Francine Watt, who received the most votes for her initial design on Instagram, Melissa-Kim Dunkley, Shanique McPhail, Jessica Hewitt-Haynes, and the team of Anisa Cole and Ryan McDonald, had to create an original costume design that was different from the sketch submitted. They all received the same resources, in the same quantities, and were given two weeks to produce the entire costume, inclusive of decorated bodywear and a feathered backpack.

As part of the competition, all finalists had to participate in a carnival design workshop which introduced them to the techniques of constructing their prototypes. “This was an important aspect of the competition for us,” said Band Leader Andrew Bellamy. “Our aim is to grow the carnival industry, not only by increasing the number of masqueraders on the road, but by using our resources to advance the skill set of our local designers to be able to produce our costumes locally.”

Facilitators

The workshop was facilitated by Anna Guthrie, a young designer, who started out with Xaymaca International two years ago, and now designs regionally and seasoned carnival costume designer, Jodi ‘Jinx’ Henriques.

Wire bending and creating a feathered backpack were the elements of the production process