YUMA BAND LAUNCH 2025
Attending YUMA’s 2026 band launch felt like stepping directly into a world built on colour, fantasy, and Caribbean glamour. Held at the Port-of-Spain International Waterfront, the unveiling of “Luxe: A Lavish Escape” transformed the evening into a vibrant showcase of artistry and imagination, and from behind the camera, every moment felt like a visual celebration.
This year’s theme draws from global icons of luxury, the bold elegance of haute couture houses, the ornate richness of Fabergé-style detailing, and the serene dreaminess of Nirvana. The result was a collection that shimmered under the lights, with costumes adorned in jewels, metallics, feathers, and textures that danced beautifully with every movement. Photographing them felt like capturing living sculptures.
What impressed me most was how inclusive and thoughtfully designed the costumes were. YUMA offered options for all body types and comfort levels, from bold, minimal looks to more modest and structured designs. It was clear that every masquerader, no matter their preference or size, could find a costume that made them feel confident, comfortable, and part of the spectacle.
The colour story was a feast for the eyes. Each section felt like its own micro-universe, with palettes ranging from deep, sultry tones to bright, celebratory bursts. Some sections radiated softness and champagne-like sparkle, while others leaned into moody burgundies, pastel luxury, or crystalline brilliance. As the music swelled and models took the stage, the movement of the costumes brought the theme to life in a way that was both theatrical and immersive.
This launch marks YUMA’s 16th year on the road, and the attention to detail showed. The aesthetic was cohesive yet varied, with fourteen sections that told a unified story of opulence without feeling repetitive. Every transition during the show felt seamless, and the entire production, the lighting, staging, timing, choreography, all made the event not just enjoyable, but truly impressive to experience and photograph.
The sense of community within the band also translated onto the stage. There was an energy of shared excitement, creativity, and pride that radiated from both the models and the crowd. Even from the sidelines, you could feel it.
As Carnival continues to embrace more luxurious, fully immersive experiences, this year’s launch positioned YUMA once again as a leader in spectacle, creativity, and presentation. Whatever innovations they have planned for the road, this launch made one thing clear: 2026 is shaping up to be a visually unforgettable Carnival season.
From start to finish, the event was well executed, vibrant, and an absolute joy to document through the lens.
