Panorama Fashion '03 - from the New York Steelband world

Date: 09.03.03

PANORAMA FASHION '03

By TASHA MORRIS - Basement Press

The Brooklyn Museum’s parking lot was the home of the 2003 Panorama competition. Patrons were treated to the sounds of New York’s best steel pan bands.

Panorama competition is not just about rhythm, tempo and status. Style also plays a major part.

Panorama 2003 first place winner, Pantonic, was properly dressed for the abrupt change in weather. Their white sweat suit with red and black piping on the side kept them warm through the competition. They also added this summer’s latest trend, trucker hats. The red hats displayed the groups’ creative style, with their name spray painted to match their red t-shirts.

Another blast from the past was the jump suit. The jumpsuit is mainly worn by inmates but became a fashion statement in the mid 90’s by hip hop artists. Bands CASYM and Pan Sonatas dressed in jump suits. Both bands added their own flair to the suit. CASYM was written in red letters down the sleeves of the white jump suit and their logo on the back. Pan Sonatas placed a gold music symbol on their red jumpsuit. Music is important to these 4^th place winners.

If the competition was based on set design, Marsicans Steel Orchestra would have won that competition. Their rendition of Music In We Blood allowed the group lots of leeway in costume design. Marsicans chose to wear full doctor’s scrub attire including mask and footsies. They happily welcomed the audience to the “Marsicans Blood Center”. Using cardboard the band created drops of blood, placing them in front of each section.

Summer is the best time and for some, the only time to wear white. However, Dem Stars chose white long sleeve satin shirts and pants. Any other summer night this would have been a no-no. The weekend’s chilly temperatures made their hot attire seem cool. D’Radoes went with classy and comfortable. Their white linen outfit could be used not only for a performance but a hot date.

CYP’s African clothing helped break the monotony. The males sported headbands with the colors black, red and green. The females used the same material for the dress as head ties. However, it was not enough for them to be in the top ten.

Despite that nights fashion do’s and don’ts, Panorama is still about the music.