PoisonUK Season Launch 2010 Zero Degrees

Last Friday saw Poison uk kick off the start of their season events for Notting Hill Carnival. Starting at Zero degrees the band launch at the The Cobden Club in the heart of the Carnival route

We headed down to the band launch not sure what to expect but as the models skank there way on stage we were very impressed at the standard of the costumes. We have played mas with Puk before but wasn't really feeling the imported costumes. But this year we can tell you the costumes are 100% made and designed in the UK.



The theme for this year is That's Amore with sections such as Jungle Fever, Tempest, Desire, Erotica, Black Magic, and as always their fun mas section 'The Gondoliers'. Also Dynasty entertainment presented Tribal Love to go along side the theme.

Jungle Fever
This is the wilder side of Amore...Love. This costume depicts sensuality in the open jungle – feel at home with nature. The lovely headpiece represents the outdoors in Love’s natural surroundings.


This has to be our favorite section and the one we would probably go for. We love the different shades of lime and emerald green which complements the gold.

Tempest
Tempest portrays the thin division between happiness and tragedy, and uses fantasy and magic to explore love and hatred… The temptation is wrong but feels so right!



Another hott section, love that the belt is made up of rhinestones.

Desire
This section was designed to show rawness and carnality. That under-lying sexual instinct that we all possess.


This is our least favorite, the head piece is really basic but the bra is well balanced and loving the use of tassels

Erotica
This creative piece has been designed to represent European erotic desire. Erotica was created to transcend the areas of style, fashion and carnival.


We really like the corset on this costume and the fact that it gives you more coverage. However with a name like Erotica a darker, stronger colour could of been considered.

Black Magic
As we all know all’s fair in love and war and what better way to execute this than in the form of Black Magic. The hands on the bra reach for the star. Black is beautiful, black is magic



Over all a very nice costume but would of liked to see more black for maxim presence.

The Gondoliers
Is the fun mas section for the guys and girls who would like an alternative to beads and feathers.





Tribal Love by Dynasty entertainment
This year's theme was chosen to highlight the similarities in the richness of the culture of Caribbean people and Native American Indians. Our diverse and colourful cultures are both influenced by music, dance, rhythm and a love for nature and life.



We really like the colour combination of this costume but it was a bit too much beads for us. But we love the one shoulder and the deep purple design.

Poison UK present 'Togetherness' for the kiddy mas and we have always love the creativity and freedom they put into the kids costumes. No miniature adult costumes instead they give you sculptural forms with hand painted fabric.



Poison UK have definitely stepped up their game with these costumes. Although not groundbreaking they are contributing to the creativity and craftsmanship of mas in the UK. We look forward to hopefully playing mas with PUK this year. Much thanks and ReSpecs to Catharine and the other Puk girls who made us most welcome.

All 2 piece costumes packages are from 125.00 make sure to sign up for a Puk card this will entitle you to a 10% discount. click here for more details.

All pictures are from Trini Jungle Juice and BNN

Get In Your Section

Well its 2 weeks and counting to Notting Hill Carnival. By now you should know we love, ok maybe slightly obsessed with everything and anything carnival. We can not even describe the feeling we get when we hear sweet Soca music playing and the freedom of masquerading on the streets of Notting hill. Carnival for us is strictly Mas, Soca, Fetes, Pan and Rum.

So bands launch long time and the mas camps are in full swing. Here is a quick round up on some of the bands and their links.

The newest and most exciting band to join Notting Hill carnival is Bachanal Mas portraying PARADISE. What we like about this band is that they have managed to make and design all costumes in the UK. As some of you may know there is a lot of imported mas from Trinidad as well as wholesale bikinis are killing the art of mas making in the UK. Bachanal Mas





Mahogany is also a good band which used colour and textiles to create flamboyant sculptural costumes. They are popular with children and best if you want to avoid the typical beads and sequins. This year they are portraying Mosaic. Mahogany

Big band Poison UK is also one to look out for as they have paired up with Choice Fm and MTV Base, so expect performances on the road from Machel Montano, Shaggy, Busy Signal, Lloyd, Jasmine Sullivan, 3Canal, Shal Marshal, Olatunji and Ricky T. Costumes are quite nice (again not made in the Uk), but it seems most people will be in fun mas. Their children’s mas is imaginative, fun and not just a replica of adult mas wish this same creativity can be applied to the adult costumes. Poison UK





Dragons have made a come back this year and have teamed up with Soca Cartels Release de Ridim. So expect pure rudeness on the road. Dragons Mas band with RDR

Cocoyea now in their 26th year import their costumes from Masquerade band Trinidad. However if you looking for a good vibe, mature crowd at a good price this is your band. Cocoyea London



Lagniappe now in there 2nd year back as a full band have teamed up with newish band Trini Posse and Busspepper more known for their club nights to give you these.

Trini Posse


Busspepper


Burrokeets UK this year are portraying ‘Symphony of Life' their costumes are quite nice and are made here. Music on the road is from Choice Fm’s Martin Jay. Burrokeets UK



Mash carnival Band is back this year with better and more creative costumes. A band that mainly promotes Guyana but have many supporters from all Islands. Mash carnival band



Jewels de la Carnival a separate section in the band Arawak, which this year presents VIVA LAS VEGAS . These costumes are designed and produced by the costume designer Big Mike from Trinidad band Legacy. Jewels de la Carnival




For more info on bands Itz Caribbean

Costume prices range from £45- £200 see band websites for more info.

Please note BNN will not be partaking in or have any knowledge of the following:

1. Standing on the pavement watching from the sidelines at all the pretty mas
2. We do not recognise that Red Stripe as the official beer of NHC
3. We will not be whining on any policeman
4. We will not be at any Sounds System
5. We do not know where you can get ganja, jerk chicken or a coconut

Bnn will be:

1. Going to panorama in Hyde Park
2. Playing in full Pretty mas
3. Playing in chocolate mas with pure lime on Sunday
4. Whining and getting on stink on the road
5. Posing for pictures if you ask nicely
6. Getting security to chuck you out my band if your not in costume (we pay big money for we mas)
7. Drink the bar dry in our all inclusive band
8. Nursing our injuries the next day

Don’t spectate, participate