Xodus Carnival unveils Mas Couture
Published:Wednesday | October 18, 2023 | 12:09 AMKrysta Anderson/Staff Reporter
The first band to launch for Carnival in Jamaica 2024, Xodus, made a brave costume debut on National Heroes Day at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre.
Feterans came out casually chic for the highly anticipated event. Gates opened at 5 p.m., much to the delight of a few who were happy to get the party started before sunset. While others showed up later than expected to close off the party weekend with a bang.
Whetting their carnival appetites were the likes of soca hits after hits from some of the country’s most talented disc jockeys. Those in attendance waited with bated breath for hours before officially laying eyes on the full soca regalia close to 10 p.m.
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for. Once the curtain was raised, the show included a total of 15 costumes gracing the main stage. Mas Couture did not disappoint in showcasing quality lines and designs against the backdrop of daring and enchanting colours. Audience members reacted favourably to those on display, cheering on their favourite models and designers.
“We displayed 13 Xodus costumes and two external partners,” Pierre Goubault, chief executive officer of Xodus Jamaica, told The Gleaner. These include Art Deco, Boho, Flower Power, Hollywood Glam, Gothic, Disco, Roaring Twenties and Cyber Punk.
Similar to last year’s showcase, Bacchanal Jamaica has returned with two costumes, Rave and Pop. “Lila Nikole started as a designer with us. She always had great costumes, so we decided to make her a section owner this year,” he said. Her debut features Electonica and Rococo.
Envy, he says, has been around as the band’s premium line since the start of Xodus. The royal line-up comprises of Hippie, Victorian and Regency.
According to Goubault, the reason for rolling out on the runway has a lot to do with making up for last season’s costume issues, “With the worldwide shipping delays and production issues from last year, we had to start a month earlier than usual, so that we are able meet our deadlines and have our patrons get their costumes in due time. We have also changed our entire design process and we’re currently in the process of doing some restructuring in the company as well.”
Noting that the team has yet to raise the costume prices, the company will be releasing set figures by later this week, “You can make a deposit as early as right now to secure your costume,” said Goubault.
He added that Xodus’ ultimate aim is to provide the most exclusive premium experience for soca lovers. “We are putting a lot more details into pleasing our patrons. You can expect the greatness that we always deliver, plus more – more premium, more VIPs and a better experience, bar none,” he added.