With band launch season in full swing and many mas camps now open, many masqueraders may have selected or are in the process of selecting their costumes to play mas in for Toronto Carnival.
Once you have your costume picked, what's next???
Well why not think about how you plan to accessorize your costume?
One of the best sources for carnival accessories, from boots, to eyelashes, to stocking is CarnivalKicks!
For more information on Carnival Kicks check out our feature interview below:
1. What was the
inspiration behind the creation of Carnival Kicks?
The catalyst to start the business was the 6 week spent
searching for the perfect pair of gold/ flat/ comfortable boots to compliment
my carnival costume. During her search
Farrah realized there was a niche market here that was not being catered to.
Being a Trini living abroad it was difficult to source the Carnival fineries
before heading home for the season, so the idea of having a marketplace for
those living in the US to get boots, stockings, glitter, etc all in one place
seemed like a convenience that many would utilize.
With a small start, a homemade website, limited inventory
and a leap of faith Carnival Kicks was born.
Now in business for 4 years Carnival Kicks has a loyal following of
customers around the world. What was
initially an idea catering to those living in the US burgeoned into a
convenience for everyone, from Trinidad, Jamaica, Miami, Canada, Barbados, just
to name a few.
Customers call and write thanking for the convenience and
the products that Carnival Kicks provides.
The company has also forged great relationships with Mas troupes in
North America and the Caribbean; working with some of the big names in the
industry such as Tribe, Island People, Fantasy, Baje International, Tribal
Knights, Carnival Nationz.
2. Within the About
Us section, Carnival Kicks is described as a marketplace of products. What
types of products are available through Carnival Kicks, and how it is distinct
from the products available from other vendors?
Being a die hard masquerader I know first hand what the
ladies are looking for from Monday-wear to stockings and glitter. Here's a list
of a few of our best-sellers. We will eventually be branching into men's shoes
and kids also.
- Boots (all colors and styles- ankle, wedge, knee high, thigh-high, etc)
- Sneakers
- Stocking
- Body Art and Cosmetics (Rhinestones, Stick-on Eye makeup, glitter, body paint)
- Eyelashes
- Hair Accessories
- Jewelry
- Fletch Dry
We recently had to discontinue our line of shorts and tank
tops that were sold as Monday-wear, but these items are sold on location at the
MasCamps that Carnival Kicks travels through year-round.
3. With respect to footwear for masqueraders,
what are the best options and why?
Carnival Kicks actually designs and produces our own line of
boots. Our new boot aptly named the 'Sidekick" has a convenient built-in
pocket that can securely hold your 'vex money', credit card, and ID while you
enjoy your jump on the road. This style
comes in the basic Gold and Silver as well as blue. We will soon have more
colors available in this style. We suggest this as the best option, simply
because it's designed with the masquerader in mind and the basic metallic
colors are a staple that can be used several times, since most costumes have a
metallic accent.
Masquerader wearing the silver side kick boot
Aside from the Carnival Kicks brand we also carry lots of
other popular brands of affordable boots such as Soda, Yoki, Fahrenheit, etc.
We encourage customers to write reviews that would help anyone looking for
their new pair of road-worthy boots.
4. What trends and
styles should masqueraders keep an eye out for this year?
The new trend is definitely Fringe, although the trends come
and go pretty quickly and it differs by region. As quickly as Fringe boots are
in, they'll be out again for Wedge sneakers in a month or two. I'm keeping up
though!
5. What are the options available to someone
interested in purchasing an item from carnival kicks?
We offer international shipping, ground shipping to the US,
and express shipping. We know it can be costly to ship to our customers outside
of the US so we try to form partnerships with retailers and MasCamps in the
region of the upcoming carnivals to make it more convenient and affordable. For
the upcoming Caribana, customers can order online and ship direct or they can
order through our affiliate Leanne Amichand and collect their orders from her.
For more information on all the shipping options for Caribana they can go to
www.carnivalkicks.com/caribana
Contact information for Leanne:
Great going Farrah Ragoonath & Carnival Kicks..shows what a little dedication and hardwork can do ...and a love of carnival, fashion and shoes!!
ReplyDeleteWow, I had no idea I could purchase through Leanne.
ReplyDeleteHi Crying Wolf. You can definitely purchase through Leanne. Thanks for checking out the blog!
ReplyDeleteorder through Leanne!! cheaper shipping rate! :)
ReplyDeleteWill do from now on :)
ReplyDelete