The fashion industry in the Caribbean is structurally different from that of our European and North American counterparts. The orientation of our content creation in the industry aligns with noteworthy aspects of our culture hence why swimwear and carnival costumes dominate so much of Caribbean fashion content.
Modelling carnival costumes has delicate nuances to it, that vary from lifestyle or boutique modelling. The ability to accentuate one’s body in the most alluring way is what makes a great carnival costume model and of course, outrageous levels of confidence.
Application of the key principles of modelling such as body symmetry and pose variation also becomes more pronounced in Carnival costume shooting. That is why those talents that understand these delicacies deserved to be extolled. In no particular order, we present our Top 10 Carnival Costume Models for 2023.
Jesse Huggins
A fitness trainer and House music DJ, the multi-hyphenated entertainer is hailed as one of Trinidad’s most promising talents in the industry. With carnival campaigns such as Ultra Mas in St Kitts & Nevis under his belt, Jesse’s reach and efficiency in carnival costume modelling extends far beyond just Trinidad & Tobago and undoubtedly he is aptly deserving of his place on this list.
Kalista Genevieve
Kalista’s story as a carnival costume model is characterized by determination and triumph. Having been unfairly overlooked at times, her moment of carnival costume vindication came last Summer when her Shannon Britto shot video from the Tribe Band launch went viral on Tik Tok accumulating 3 million views. St Lucia, St. Kitts & Nevis, and Jamaican carnival bands have been keen on securing her services and with the effort, she puts into her dietary discipline and exercise, it’s not hard to see why her natural body and beauty create demand in the space.
Brandon Jobity
Brandon is unequivocally confident in his modelling ability and every time he dons a carnival costume, that is glaringly obvious. Whether on stage or in a photo shoot, the confidence he exudes is impossible to ignore. There are few other male models in the space that cultivate the comfort he depicts on camera and we don’t see the demand for his services in the space dissipating anytime soon.
Achsah Henry
The word consistency should by now, be automatically synonymous with the name Achsah Henry. By far the most groundbreaking carnival costume model in the region, her resume covers every major carnival not only in the Caribbean but also in key spectacles in the diaspora like Miami Carnival. The requisite body symmetry that is needed to be a good dancer is identical to that which is needed to model carnival costumes well. It’s about fluency of movement and being such a celebrated and experienced dancer, gives Aschah a unique advantage on every band launch and carnival photoshoot set she walks on.
Dr Briana Schwapp
Based on the demanding schedule of being a Veterinarian, Dr Schwapp doesn’t get a chance to stamp her class as a carnivalista as often as she would like. Her work with Elektra Tribe and Gen XS in most recent times reflects a unique ability to be classy, and graceful but still gregarious in shoots and band launches. From public speaking to witty viral tweets, Dr Schwapp makes most things seem effortless and modelling carnival costumes is no different.
Mileya Baptiste
Having had tremendous success in Europe as a fashion influencer, the demand for the melanin Goddess in the Caribbean hasn’t dissipated. Despite all her international acclaim, Mileya still dominates the regional market as one of the most sought-after carnival costume models around. Her timeless Afrocentric features and strong work ethics continue to pave the way for her ascension in the industry.
Toni Marie Joseph
Carnival shoots are long hours of preparation and execution. The extensive and prolonged nature of these shoots could be found tiresome to certain talents but not to Toni Marie Joseph. Her inclusion in almost every island’s carnival shoot regionally speaks for itself. Her work ethic is undeniable and the fierce demeanour she depicts has captivated the hearts of masqueraders all across the region.
Dania Duntin
Carnival costume shoots are never as glamorous as the finished product appears. It takes long hours of waiting on designers to perfect intricate details of costumes paired with an intense shooting schedule that includes costume after costume.
Dania Duntin has the patience, resilience, and charismatic personality to not only withstand the undesirables but to make it a memorable experience. Being on set or backstage with Dania is an exhilarating experience, as her energy levels are always high and she never fails to deliver the attitude and flair needed to execute.
Ashlie Barrett
In our minds, there is no such thing as a ‘Former Miss Jamaica’. Once a Queen, always a Queen and we could not think of a better way to extol Miss Jamaica World 2016 Ashlie Barrett than to include her in this list. The proclaimed Endometriosis warrior, was a part of the historic Gen XS campaign for Jamaica Carnival and more recently for Notting Hill Carnival, re-igniting her buzz within the space.
Monifa Jansen
Being celebrated is nothing new for this Curaçaon bombshell and former beauty Queen. Revered for her work with Oro Luxury Carnival in Grenada, Monifa has a wealth of experience in representing an aesthetic or a design with poise and fortitude therefore it’s no surprise those qualities translate into outstanding carnival costume modelling.
