Just like that it’s Notting Hill band launch season again UCOM BAND LAUNCH AMAZONIA
Just like that it’s Notting Hill band launch season again and to headline, UCOM has lead with ‘Amazonia’. The vision, which promised an array of rich tropical hues and vibrancy of natural resources, pays homage to the organic beauty of the Amazon rainforest and its inhabitants. UCOM offered the enticing return of familiar American and British costume designers, as well as offering a spotlight to new talent, which enlivens their vision of a “commitment to the historic traditions of mas, fusing them with modern design and technique”.
Set in East London’s ‘Sugar Studios’, the premium band offered a signature launch experience from the guest’s arrival, right up to the in-house afterparty. A quick walk to the venue entrance meant that fete-favorites, Bokit-la could provide their well-loved Guadeloupe food menu to the attendees. Additionally, a trip to the fully stocked bar meant that guests could fill their complimentary branded UCOM cups to prepare for the launch. This was offset by the music provided by the bands’ award-winning RC1 audio, providing the closest thing to an authentic carnival road experience in the middle of British winter.
The band prides itself as an established connoisseur of modern carnival design and this could be seen from the moment the costumes were unveiled. Impeccable attention to gemwork, with carefully considered featherwork made up the essence of the collection. The tropical theme of ‘Amazonia’ was encapsulated by the immaculate attention to detail, through thoughtful features. The wild animals of the Amazon, such as the jaguar and anaconda, were celebrated and incorporated through raw print,
emblems, and a tropical array of feathers, reminiscent of indigenous parrots. The wildness of Amazonian terrain was encapsulated by bringing Iguazu falls and fauna such as the Passiflora flower, into costume format. Rich bejeweled bodywear and accompanying backpacks celebrated and created a true vision of the Amazon.
For many mas bands with a customer base of UCOM gravity, band leaders might find themselves filled with logistical dread, but UCOM has taken advantage of their large numbers and used it to create a unique business model, where every style, gender, and shape is represented limitlessly. Masqueraders have been spoiled this year with 10 separate sections for Carnival Monday, catering to an array of sizes and budgets. Within each section, the designers have included various coverage options, alternating from skimpy to full coverage, as well as a compromise of both styles.
Each section sampled a separate feature of the Amazon rainforest which meant that no two designs overlapped. Masqueraders had the option of a lower-cost entry to the band, with the fun mas section beginning from £275 upwards. This featured smaller backpacks and leotards which had a surprising amount of detail and accessories included, considering the price point. I appreciated that fun-mas was presented in a costume-style, reminiscent of the other sections, as very often fun-mas seems like an afterthought with a singularly uninspired leotard. The array of sections also included ‘Wai-Wai People’ which stood out as one of the most innovative sections.
Normally I wouldn’t even consider a costume that features black, but the juxtaposition against the boldness of the rainbow-patterned bodywear solidified the artistic vision of the homage to Amazonian natives. Seasoned masqueraders will also appreciate the inclusion of boy shorts as a panty option, a real throwback to costumes of the 2000s. Before the unveiling, I had a chance to preview the costumes and a closer look drew my attention to Wassiville’s ‘Poison Dart Frog. Inspired by the Amazonian amphibian, the premium section showcases a mixture of reptilian-esque bodywear and memorable featherwork to create a tropical fantasy. The juxtaposition of the spider panty and full arm and leg pieces recalled the richness of the dart frog’s bright coloration.
The use of local models was well received as familiar faces graced the launch platform, there was a real authenticity to the launch, confirmed by the successful reception. Considering the customer base is the key to a successful carnival and UCOM is a band driven by their audiences’ needs. A derived sense of community within the launch meant that reactions to each section were indicative and veritable, with one guest commenting “I don’t see anyone else doing a better launch than UCOM,
they excel in what they do”. ‘Jaguar’ another UCOM premium section drew similar reactions, having brought to life the very essence of the Amazonian predator in costume format. This was one of the largest sections in the launch and featured a gold backdrop of feathers and jewels to offset the cat’s signature print as the main feature of the bodywear. Attendees appreciated the artistic innovation of the vision, having stated “It made the whole section, even the gemming was perfect”. I liked that texture through feathers on the bodywear was included, this added interest to the design but was a thoughtful nod to the recent trend seen on other costumes across the islands throughout the past year.
From the perspective of a seasoned masquerader, quality is a non-negotiable for me. I turn to studying the costume and any promotional imagery for guidance when considering the practicalities of the bodywear on the road. When considering a costume, the smaller details also decide my choice. Does the section have a fuller coverage option? Are there add-ons available to elevate my choice? Is the bodywear impactful enough to withstand the look without the add-on of a backpack? ‘Iguazu Falls’ did just that for me. Reminiscent of foreign waterfalls and symbolizing the iconic water feature of the Amazon, the costume seemed to flow like a body of liquid on stage. For me, this was the most inclusive section, with male options available, as well as a variety of coverage choices. This is something that I struggle with
as a smaller customer. A lot of the current costume options seem to drown smaller frames and I have to constantly think of ways to tie wire bras and panties to create more shape on myself. I loved how the bodywear was proportionate in this section and had the right amount of coverage for a frontline costume, whilst still having options to create a fuller coverage aesthetic. The costume was proportionate in terms of balancing the body and I loved how the fabric was strategically draped diagonally which could be used to create an hourglass on every frame. I always welcome the use of dripping gemwork as it adds an extra dimension to the costume when moving on the road. It was impactful during the launch to see the bodywear in action as it presented a real sense of fluidity. The grand backpack of ‘Iguazu Falls’ was reminiscent of the formidable backpacks seen in Trinidad, which from personal experience are for the sturdy and resilient only! The vibrant blues offset by the floating feathers created a feathered backdrop that will draw the right amount of attention on the streets of Notting Hill.
‘Amazonia’ is a true representation and celebration of the diligence UCOM puts into considering its customer base and crafting an array of art that combines mas with the avant-garde. The winners of the prestigious NHC ‘Band of the Year 24/23 reminded guests why they won this title, with a smooth and vibrant band launch for Notting Hill 2025.
For more info visit: https://unitedcoloursofmas.com/
Review by: Aysha-Amaiyah Salman
Images by: DevantyJ
