AN EMPIRE HAS RISEN!
Fantasy Barbados launched its 2014 Kadooment collection in a flurry of elaborate feathered headpieces, beaded and bejewelled bra tops last Friday at Charles Fort, Hilton Barbados.
The three-year-old band will pay homage to the Great Empires Of The World with sections Persia, British, Virtual, Windies and Hollywood, along with two individual costumes, representing Atlantis.
Bandleader Amanda Reifer told WEEKEND BUZZ that a spike in production costs had forced the band to increase costume prices slightly. However, it has still allocated for more 200 more revellers this year, up from the 400 catered for last Kadooment.
“Production prices have gone up – from the materials, feathers, shipping, freighting – it has all gone up,” she said via telephone interview on Thursday afternoon.
Reifer added that it remained to be seen whether the local service providers would also charge more.
In order to deal with higher prices, Reifer said the band had introduced payment plans as well as corporate packages.
“That was also the reason that we launched early, so that people who want to jump would have time to save the money.”
While regular sponsors have come on board, the bandleader said it was difficult to get new ones.
She also urged corporate Barbados to pay earlier notice to the season.
“We have been discussion and planning and sending proposals since last year. . . but sponsors don’t consider Crop Over before March or April, and that is a challenge for us as bandleaders.
We are hoping that with our early launch, that business owners would see that we are serious . . .,” she said.
Once again, Fantasy Barbados, which also has a large international and regional following, will not face the judges
“We just want to participate and add glitz and glamour on the road, but we are not in it for the competition,” Reifer said. (LW)
