MOST IMPRESSIVE COSTUME AT THE MIAMI BROWARD ONE CARNIVAL LAUNCH

I've seen all of the costumes in person prior to this launch with the exception of Major Players who will be launching on the 25th of July at 7528 W Oakland Park Blvd, Lauderhill, Florida 33319 and Island Gems Mas.  Island Gems' costumes actually look better in person than their website shows.  They too tell a story. Their story is of the ancient ancestors of the Caribbean however inspection of these costumes nor close up pictures were not done due to personal circumstance.  Party Room Squad is celebrating their 20th year on the road this October and elected to not have a band launch.  Instead they are focusing on their masquerader's road experience as this band has their own crowd and a heavy following.  As the costumes graced the stage one after the other, the one that caught my eye is called "Great Wall of China" from their portrayal "WONDERS".  This costume has answered my call.  Everything about this costume says CHINA!  As time goes on, I will make it to Party Room Squads mascamp for further inspection and close ups.

Without having the entire kimono this costume is as close to a kimono as carnival can get!  There are cutouts of the shoulders which leave the lower arms covered in the traditional look of the kimono.  The upper arm areas are still decorated beautifully. The  neck is bare but nothing's needed with the yellow feathers coming out of the right breast area, it isn't needed.  It would have been overkill.  The midsection/belly is left out to satisfy the 'nakedness' along with the shorter hemmed 'skirt'.

I AM IN LOVE!

The skirt is made of what I'd call the traditional Chinese fan.  In growing up to now, each painting that depicts the Chinese culture includes in some way or another that fan!  Designing at it's best!

(Letara Ingraham, designer )

Letara Ingraham of Vindi Dynasty

Male

The Chinese straw hat, the use of the color red *which is VERY symbolic in the Chinese culture and the emphasis on the made up eyebrows took me all the way back to childhood watching Kung Fu on a weekend with my cousins.  

These models are born Black but when I saw them at the launch, all I saw was Chinese.  They both acted as if they were born Chinese and displayed the Chinese culture well as they became the costume,  the costume wasn't lost in either of them.  The models, in costume was a perfect example of mas portrayal!

For any and all inquires Party Room Squad can be located at 5138 NW 194th Lane, Miami Gardens, Florida 33055.  I'd advise calling any of the numbers displayed below for hours of operation.

• Micka or Carl (305) 625-0492
• Mimi               (305) 342-6988
• Jerry                (305) 213-3440

www.partyroomsquad.com

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partyroomsquad@gmail.com