Gian Franco speaks to Caroline Taylor about the exciting new Carnival Catwalk series premiering in January
1. inspired by carnival catwalk?
carnival catwalk Inspired by the vibrant artistic tradition of Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago, the birthplace of Carnival in the Caribbean. We aim to combine this frenetic cultural extravaganza with the high-stakes world of high fashion, creating a platform that showcases the creativity of designers from around the world. This is a testament to the potential of Caribbean culture on the global stage.
Jerome “Roma” Prescilla, a well-known name in Trinidad’s entertainment scene, conceptualized the idea based on his experience at VH1. girls cruise — After seeing the world of reality TV production firsthand, I realized there was an opportunity to share Trinidad’s carnival culture with the world.
As CEO of Pavilion Entertainment, I have extensive experience in producing and distributing Caribbean-focused content. Jerome approached me with this idea, and we continued to develop the concept by inviting major domestic and international creators and fashion and reality TV producers.
Rodney Seemungal, CEO of leading production studio Start Global Productions, paid the final and significant price for the puzzle. We are Chandler DeWitt (Project Runway to Success), Taylor Gilmartin (love is blind), Rebecca Snavely (project runway).
2. What can viewers expect from this series?
carnival catwalk offers dynamic reality TV competitions filled with creativity, drama, and cultural exploration. 10 designers from around the world are participating, including T&T’s local talent and international designers. Each brings a unique perspective and influence to the competition.
The organizers are Roman (from T&T) and Kandi King (from Jamaica), both charismatic figures with deep roots in the world of carnival. A panel of judges led by former Miss Universe Wendy Fitzwilliam and Anya Ayong Chee (fashion designer) project runway Winner) and cultural icon of fashion, music and carnival.
Designers will then take on challenges inspired by carnival culture, including creating eco-friendly resort wear, futuristic designs, and costumes that reflect themes such as Birds of Paradise and Mass Metamorphoses.
The prize includes a $100,000 prize, an all-expenses-paid trip to Milan Fashion Week, a scholarship to the University of Trinidad and Tobago School of Design, and other exciting rewards.
The show combines runway drama, intense design challenges, emotional storytelling and stunning visuals, making it a compelling watch for audiences around the world.
3. Where do all the participants and organizers come from?
The designers are from T&T (Kristian Juggesar, Naballah Chi, Ryan Chan, Panterona). London, United Kingdom (Si Boraki, Mimine Agbantu); Berlin, Germany (Damur); United States (Tristan from Atlanta, Georgia; Sandhya Garg from Scottsdale, Arizona). and Amsterdam, Netherlands (Marco Stefano Pintus). This global lineup of local and international talent gives the show a rich blend of cultural influences, creating an authentic yet globally appealing dynamic.
4. Where can viewers watch this series?
Caribbean Airlines will exhibit carnival catwalk as part of the in-flight program. Our broadcast partner CNC3 will broadcast the show in T&T. Premium Caribbean Network Flow 1 will broadcast the show throughout the Caribbean. Pavilion+ is our streaming partner. This multi-channel approach makes it more accessible to both domestic and international audiences.
5. What do you hope will come next in this series?
vision of carnival catwalk It extends far beyond the first season. Future seasons will include localized versions such as: carnival catwalk canada, carnival catwalk uk,others. The winners of these editions will compete in the grand “All-Star” finale to be held in T&T.
The show aims to elevate T&T Carnival as a global cultural and creative phenomenon, promote tourism and showcase its heritage. We also plan to establish a continuous pipeline of designers contributing to both the global fashion scene and Carnival bands around the world.
More than just a reality TV competition, this is a celebration of creativity, culture and community, providing a unique platform to highlight the rich heritage of the Caribbean while fostering global connections. The series is intended to be a long-term series with sustainable impact, creating opportunities for up-and-coming talent and contributing to the cultural and economic development of T&T and beyond.
The production is focused on authenticity and excellence, employing over 180 T&T creators and leveraging financial incentives such as FilmTT production rebates and a 150% tax deduction for sponsors. These efforts ensure both the cultural integrity and economic viability of the show.
