In the wee hours of the morning, 12:17 AM to be exact, the air was electric at the International Waterfront Centre in Port of Spain, as Yumans eagerly awaited the highly anticipated band launch for 2026. The tension was palpable and the excitement, contagious.
The evening’s dialogue commenced with a thought-provoking question: “What if luxury wasn’t about wealth? What if it was about freedom?” This question not only resonated deeply but also served as a precursor to the breathtaking display of costumes that followed.
The designers’ liberating use of colour to evoke emotions of freedom was exceptional, with each costume boasting its own unique conceptual and technical nuances. Yet, amidst the diversity, a common thread ran through the burnished and gleaming fabric choices, giving the overall presentation of the costumes a resplendent feel.
YUMA unveiled 14 costumes this year, giving masqueraders many quality considerations to choose from: ‘Champagne’ by Alejandro; ‘Fabergé’ by Marie Collette; ‘Juliet Rose’ by Rawle Permanand; ‘Legacy’ powered by Jam the Band; ‘Luxara’ powered by Marie Collette; ‘Merlot’ by Alejandro; ‘Monaco’ by Kwasi McDonald; ‘Nirvana’ by Kwasi McDonald; ‘Noir’ by Rawle Permanand; ‘Pink Diamond’ powered by Alejandro; ‘Panthère’ designed and powered by Krave the Band; ‘Reign’ by Rawle Permanand; ‘Savage’ by Lauren Austin of Barbados, and ‘Tiffany’ by Christian Chow Chung of Grenada.
As Yumans prepare for the 2026 season, they’re faced with a daunting decision that may require hours of deliberation, or perhaps even spiritual guidance from the Minister of Vibes, Junior Lee, as to which costume to choose for YUMA 2026.
