Vida by Esquire sets new standard with groundbreaking daytime band launch

Vida by Esquire has redefined the art of band launches, setting a new standard with their innovative approach. Teaming up with Its Ah Vibe, they curated an unforgettable daytime fete, the first of its kind in Barbados, presenting the Perrier Jouet Champagne VXE Daylight — The Bottle Party at Sandalwood Estate last Sunday.

Showcasing this year’s costumes in natural daylight was a masterstroke by the band’s team. The Soaring Songbirds theme captivated attendees with six stunning sections: Raggamuffin, Tempted to Touch, Glamour Girl, Stand by Love, Road Block, and Volcano. Ruff Winers, a streamlined yet stylish section, offered an option for the guys complete with a VXE hat and cross-body bag.

The energy was electric as models took to the stage, bringing the costumes to life with high-energy choreography. The crowd erupted in cheers, voicing their excitement for their favourite designs. Riddim Tribe, a certified crowd-pleaser, set the tone with a thrilling pre-show performance. The male models didn’t disappoint either, showcasing not only the costumes but also sculpted physiques and impressive dance moves that riled up the audience.

Beyond the costume spectacle, patrons enjoyed a taste of Crop Over with live performances from Stiffy, Jordan English and Mole,  along with top-tier DJ sets, ensuring the vibes stayed high.

Jin Forde, director and lead designer, shared with Barbados TODAY that the band originally planned to unveil the Rise of the Songbirds theme in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to put those plans on hold. With the band’s triumphant showing last year—securing Large Party Band of the Year, Best Presentation, and Best Advertising—2025 felt like the perfect moment to soar.

“We feel like we’ve achieved the goals of soaring, so now we are soaring into 2025, and we’re inviting everyone to soar with us. These [the sections] are familiar songs that we would’ve grown up with that really shaped our entertainment, and we just wanted to bring that representation,” Forde said,  reinforcing the band’s commitment to being authentically Bajan.

The band’s design process is a collaborative effort featuring contributions from Envy Design, Simone Neilson, Sandra Hordatt, and Jin Forde herself.

“We embrace inclusivity in everything we do,” Forde shared with the media backstage, highlighting the collective creative vision behind the band.

With ambitions to expand their masquerader base from 800 to between 1,000 and 1,200 this year, the self-proclaimed “It” band is ready to elevate the experience. Their band house is now open at Copacabana on Bay Street, and their website is officially live, offering fans a seamless way to register.

corettajoe@barbadostoday.bb