Genesis Mas Band launched it's Carnival 2013 collection, "Mirror, Mirror - Who is the..." at Chaconia Hotel in Maraval recently. Led by husband and wife team Ian and Nina McKenzie, the couple showcased the 11 sections from their latest collection. Who is the Fairest; Who is the Enchanted; Who is the Rainbow; Who is the Mirage; Who is the Richest; Who is the Vain; Who is the Reflection; Who is the Sorcerer; Who is the Majestic; Who is the Seducer and Who is the Emerald were all designed by McKenzie except for two.

She said, "The section Reflection was designed by Kenty DeFreitas; the section Sorcerer was designed by Elwin Johnson. I have known Elwin for many years and worked with him. He is very creative especially when it comes to wire bending and sculpting. The King in his section is called "Man in the Mirror" and the Queen is called Reflection. I brought him on because I know Elwin's work and he is very good at what he does. De Freitas is a well-known designer for Carnival King Costumes and he came on board with me to design the Sorcerer section."

Using a wide range of colours that stemmed from the richest of reds to the cool tones of silver, blue and grey, the collection was designed to ignite the senses, McKenzie said.

"The concept for this collection is based purely on fantasy. Everyone knows you can use a mirror to look at your reflection but you can also use a mirror as your own window to look into and create whatever is your fantasy. I know some people may not see it that way but if you look into a mirror and see you are strong, successful, charming then these positive terms can help change a person's attitude overall and build confidence," she said.

Passionate about her work and extreme love for Carnival and everything associated with it, McKenzie though tickled at the idea of how the thought for this collection came about was not surprised with the location when her creative juices began to flow.

She said, "While playing mas on the road with my husband this year the concept for this collection came about. We already had themes for what we wanted to do for next year and Mirror Mirror was not on the list. I saw a costume passing by me with 'piats' (piece of shiny fabric almost like aluminum that has shapes cut into it). The sun hit the costume and I was almost blinded by it for a second but then I saw how the fabric reflected everything around us, I thought why not create a collection around this concept hence the name Mirror, Mirror."

One of the unique features of this collection are strategically placed miniature mirrors that will be placed on all the costumes of each section. How much will these twinkling costumes will cost avid Carnival masqueraders?

McKenzie could not say but urged the public to go online and check out their Facebook page genesis carnival limited or call 480 -9108 for more information.

Meanwhile the band Trini Revellers, which for 2013 is presenting, Brazil Brazil hosted its launch on September 23 at a venue in North Valsayn. The band is thorough in it's presentation exploring the various unique cultural expressions of the South American nation as well as several of its legendary cities.