2007 - Costume Making

Hard at work creating the 2007 costume! See the result on the next photo...

2007 - Final Costume

2012 - OLYMPIC – worn by Charlene Stephenson

This costume popped like a firework in a year of celebrations. 2012 was the year of the London Olympics, the Queen’s Jubilee and the 50th anniversary of the independence of Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago. The costume’s pinks oranges and blues represent the shooting sparkles of fireworks as they light up the sky. The Olympics bring people together and celebrate the best of the best, like Caribbean Carnival, uniting people as one. Olympic troupe member ©SoShain Bali

2012 - INDEPENDENCE — worn by Alice Burton

The costume represents the Jamaica national bird, known as "Dr bird”. The swallowtail hummingbird of Jamaica is the most outstanding of 320 species. It is brightly coloured in aqua blue, shimmering emerald green and black. The hummingbird’s characteristics are its long tail and pointed beak. The beautiful colours are set out like the paradise from whence it came. The flaming red forest flower on the costume represents the national flower of Trinidad & Tobago, who were also celebrating their 50th year of independence. Image: the Independence troupe © Soshain Bali

2014 - ART QUEEN - worn by Maureen Mosley

A riot of paints and brushes bringing a vibrant splash of colour to the road and communicating the joy of making, and wearing, art. Maureen Mosley and Troupe ©SoShain Bali

2015 - FREEDOM OF YOUTH - Worn by Tamara Rashford

DESIGNED BY JESSICA KEMP & LAURA HILL This costume is a reflection on young women, nurtured by their community and families, who spread their wings and, with the exuberance of youth, start a journey. Exploring new horizons and their aspirations. Young women of Derby the sky is your limit. Image: Laura and Tamara during costume development ©SoShain Bali

2015 - WIDSOM IN MATURITY – worn by Maureen Mosley

With this costume we positively celebrated the Mature Women in our society. Appreciating and admiring the wealth of knowledge and skills gained over time through life’s experiences. The costume is made up of many layers representing every personal experience, event and memory amassed over time. The rich gold colours reflect the wealth of knowledge which lies hidden beneath. Scratch the surface and you will find treasure. Image: Maureen Mosely making her costume ©SoShain Bali

2015 - MOTHERHOOD – worn by Margaret Benjamin

The costume displays special maternal qualities of motherhood. Within her wings we find warmth and protection from the outside world in our most tender years. The heart of this mother burn bright with unconditional love, and as she opens her wings to set her children free, she offers her embrace to the community, radiating her love. Image: Jess and Margaret during costume development ©SoShain Bali

2016 - MAKING WAVES

The Queen of the Coral Reef is making waves to send a message out around the world. Like her net skirt, fishermen are dragging up seabeds, destroying sea life in search for profits. Our demands on the sea comes at a high price and our excessive pollutants destroy habitats and wildlife. This costume uses recycled materials, included plastics, which instead of clogging up the oceans create something beautiful. Our Queen celebrates the colourful beauty of our delicate coral reefs, clear waters and vibrant marine creatures. Long may she reign. Image: and troupe ©SoShain Bali

THE GOLDEN LOTUS - worn by Margaret Benjamin

A celebration of art and culture embedded in a spectrum of colour and light, reflecting our diverse communities. The lotus is a symbol of our journey to enlightenment because it is born out of murky waters. The 4 colours within the flower represent these precious values: honour and respect; love and compassion; wisdom and knowledge and inner peace and fulfilment. These values combine and colours turn to become gold, symbolising true enlightenment. The rainbow extends out to the community to nurture and encourage positivity and community spirit. Image©SoShain Bali

2016 - FATHER OF THE OCEANS

Our King represents father figures within our community. Drawing on the qualities of the male Seahorse who, contrary to traditional ideas of parenting, carries, protects and gives birth to his offspring. Our King reflects and embodies the Seahorse’s positive attributes. He is strong and powerful, yet caring and nurturing. With armour to defend and protect his family, they can find shelter within his gentle embrace. Images ©SoShain Bali

2016 - PRINCE OF THE SEA — Worn by Niaz Stephenson

This spirited young prince is full of life. He is heir to the throne, but until such time, the world is his oyster. There are adventures to be had and discoveries to be made all whilst dancing amongst the waves. Let us do all we can to secure his future, by taking care of his environment, the ocean kingdom. Images ©SoShain Bali

INDEPENDENCE - Worn by Alice Burton

Costume Title: "Independence" Construction: Jessica Kemp, Laura Hill & DWICA Mas Team Creation in progress, see the complete costume on the next image...

INDEPENDENCE - Worn by Alice Burton

The costume represents the Jamaica National Bird, known as "Dr Bird" The swallow tail Humming Bird of Jamaica is the most outstanding of 320 species. It is brightly coloured in aqua blue, shimmering emerald green and black. The Humming Birds characteristics are its long tail and pointed beak. The beautiful colours are set out like the paradise from whence it came. The flaming red forest flower on the costume represents the National Flower of Trinidad & Tobago, who are also celebrating their 50th year of independence.

2018 Derby Caribbean Carnival Queen: Elaine Yorke

Elaine brought elegance to the EMCCAN regional King & Queen show which was warmly welcomed by all, especially on carnival day by leading the procession and CRCT. Elaine fulfilled her queen responsibilities throughout the year and as such we all recognise Elaine as a supporter of Derby Caribbean Carnival and as such she is a good ambassador for Derby.

2018 Derby Caribbean Carnival King: Niaz Stephenson

DWICA has witnessed a journey of growth and personal development for Niaz which came to light in 2013 at DWICA summer school in which he produced outstanding artwork so much so that he was encouraged to complete his silver Arts Award on successfully achieving his Bronze Arts Award, a national vocational qualification awarded by Arts Council England. We saw Niaz grow from a boy to a young man, which he communicated through his very own carnival costume designs named "King of the Black Panther'. Niaz performed at all CRCT events and gave cameo appearances at Derby University and college, as well as entering The EMCCAN regional King and Queen show. Niaz has gained the respect from his peers, volunteers, DWICA Management, and staff as he displays a positive attitude and character underpinned by his humbleness and willingness to support others such qualities will make him a good role model for the next generation behind him.

2019 Queen: Design Drawing

Luna Goddess ... Mother of the Stars Designed by: Jessica Kemp & Laura Hill Worn by: Elaine York (see next pictures)

2019 Queen: Elaine York

The Luna Goddess is the ultimate maternal power and force of all the planetary activities and constellations. She is the supreme mother figure of everything in her midst and beyond... and is the invaluable connection that enables cosmic life to truly function and exist. The stars are her children and her role in the vastness of space is that of creator and nurturer. Her costume seeks to depict all this and portrays her as being the goddess of moon light...by lighting up the dark, she shines silver with the luminescence of the moons glow - a gentle embrace from the night sky...gathering her children to her. Furthermore, the Mother of the Stars celebrates the circle of life...marking the passage of time through the waxing and waning of the moon in its monthly circle, which can be seen around her costume. The silver wheel of the year also circles her costume, with the ebb and flow of the tides around her skirt...pulling in time with the phases of the moon.

2019 King: Design Drawing

Scorpio King ...of the Night Skies Designed by: Jessica Kemp & Niaz Stephenson Worn by: Niaz Stephenson (see next pictures)

2019 King: Niaz Stephenson

Inspired by the theme of space and time together with this year's 50th anniversary of man first stepping on the moon, the Scorpio King connects with the intergalactic theme by showcasing his astrological Scorpio power and prowess. This is exemplified and manifest in his costume by his impressive scorpion tail, pincers and body armour - all designed to portray strength, determination, resourcefulness and passion. The king is strong, brave and bold...and his eye-catching costume totally reflects this with magnificent colour, spectacular sparkle and shine of the night sky represented in the hand painted silk flags. Showing no fear and that everything is possible, the daring King knows no boundaries and travels afar to the depths of the universe... ..he is unafraid to blaze his own trail! Life is a huge journey and adventure...and the world is a series of discoveries, opportunities and reflections...all that shape who we are, where we came from and who we can be.

2017 Queen: Mica Barrett

Queen Bee is the head of the family; she is mother of all. Representing strong Queens from around the world and throughout history, She weaves together global colours and designs and surrounded by her offspring she presents joyous, loving family bonds, perpetuating strong families and communities in perpetuity.

2017 King: Montell Windsor

This king is the life and soul of the hive. Through song and dance he celebrates the vibrancy of his community, lifting their spirits and adding magic to their working day. He reminds us that to work together well, we must also have fun together.

2010 Queen