The beauty of carnival is not only found in high energy road experiences and beautiful costumes but also acknowledging that it creates tremendous opportunities for cultural integration across the region. For years, there have been these inane conversation about Jamaican and Trinidadians not being united but thankfully we are witnessing an emergence of a new generation of thought leaders that are passionately fighting to see those antiquated notions dissipate.
Just ahead of its third-year anniversary, SPIRIT Mas has added serious Caribbean creative firepower to its design arsenal, announcing Jamaican designer Anna-Lisa Guthrie, known in creative circles as Annaixe, as the newest member of its design team for Carnival 2026. SPIRIT Mas, a band already synonymous with pushing boundaries in the Trinidad Carnival scene, continues to affirm its commitment to platforming fresh, disruptive Caribbean talent. And Annaixe? She’s exactly that. Her resourcefulness and creativity has been the source of major vitality in recent times but the coolest attribute Annaixe is her desire to push the culture forward.
“I think there is constant discourse between islands across the various industry topics and sometimes that feeds into the notion that we are not united as Caribbean people. I think this partnership is monumental because it not only breaks down barriers that both seasoned and up and coming creatives alike all face when trying to branch out, but also because it sets the tone across all industries that we are one Caribbean community united and theres a lot of culture and history to be shared and respected” Guthrie boldly asserted.
A multi-hyphenate artist think creative director, costume designer, production designer, and photographer Annaixe doesn’t just design, she redefines. Her signature aesthetic bends the rules of carnival couture, turning everyday materials like rope and beads into high-art statements. It’s that blend of innovation and cultural edge that’s made her a standout name across the region’s festival landscape.
“The integration is extremely important to me! I have been designing for more than 10 years and I managed to accomplish a great deal from where I stood in Jamaica, but knowing that I have that love, support and access from the country that is the mecca for the work I do, really feels special to me.”
From Jamaica to Cayman, Grenada to Miami, Guthrie’s portfolio has been steadily growing since her breakout moment in 2018, when she made history as Jamaica’s youngest costume designer to mass-produce for Carnival. Now, with Trinidad in her sights, she’s entering the Mecca.
“It’s a dream come true to be entering the Trinidad carnival space and with a band as innovative and trailblazing as SPIRIT,” said Guthrie. “Carnival is one of the most powerful cultural expressions in the Caribbean. I’m honoured to bring my vision to life alongside such an incredible team.”
That team includes some of the region’s most respected and eclectic creatives: Rhion Romany, Sandra Hordatt, Nakita Hyatali, Douglas John, Levi Marcus, Kriston Milano, and Trishelle Leacock each known for shaping the visual language of modern mas.
SPIRIT Mas CEO Adrian Scoon calls the addition a perfect fit. “Anna-Lisa is a creative force with a vision that’s as unique as SPIRIT’s,” said Scoon. “Our goal has always been to build a design unit that reflects different aesthetics and perspectives. We’re thrilled to have her join the family as we solidify our position as Trinidad’s premier Carnival band.”
With band launch season right around the corner, the vibes are high and the expectations higher. One thing’s clear: SPIRIT Mas isn’t just playing pretty. They’re building a legacy — one visionary at a time.
