Pieces Of Me: Notting Hill Carnival

Notting Hill Carnival: 28th August

Notting Hill is the largest festival celebration of its kind in Europe. Originating in 1964 as a way for Afro-Caribbean communities to celebrate their own cultures and traditions, the roads of west London are alive with sounds, smells and sights of the Caribbean. The annual festival lasts for two days across the August bank holiday, attracting millions of visitors from around the globe. The main attraction for many people, are the beautiful vibrant colours displayed in the famous parades. The vibrant costumes are a collection of uplifting, cheerful colours that reflect the temperament of the Caribbean people. Many designers have Caribbean prints featured in their designs for the summer trends.

This year’s celebration kicks off on Sunday 28th of

August with the street bands getting the party started. On the Sunday they invite children to dress up and take part in the annual costume competition. The bank holiday Monday (29th) is the most anticipated part of the carnival. The parade begins on Great Western Road then flows along Westbourne Grove, following on to Ladbroke Grove. The parade fills the streets with the sounds of the Caribbean, drumming and dancing displaying the vivacious colourful costumes.

Later in the evening, the floats and performers leave the streets in a lively procession; the crowds disperse to the Notting Hill Carnival after parties.

Music is at the heart of the festival, with a huge range of traditional and modern vibes. The Calypso, steel bands, Samba and the Soca are the most popular, however, R n B and soul style music is also played with guest musicians appearing on the stages to support the carnival.

Rihanna often replicates the Caribbean prints and colours seen at the carnival. As the ultimate Caribbean icon, she is the ambassador of culture for the island of Barbados. Rihanna’s signature style is a mixture of high fashion designs with a Caribbean twist, her latest look is her bright red afro hairstyle which gives an ethnic edge to any outfit she wears.

The high street is currently offering a wide variety of tropical and Caribbean trends, that are perfect for the hot weather and getting into the spirit of the carnival weekend.

Whether you are abroad or at home, you can recreate the vibrant colours of the Caribbean in your outfit, and bring the uplifting atmosphere of the carnival to your appearance.

26 August 2011