Darwin’s Thoughts on the Evolution of Carnival

Currently working on costumes for next year’s Carnival in St. Lucia, Darwin Guard is on a mission to help bring meaning back to costumes. He believes that Carnival has become a bit too commercialized, and even hedonistic. According to Darwin, the purpose of Carnival is to celebrate life and inspire.

Darwin was born in St. Lucia. He studied graphic design at Baruch College in New York City. With his interest in the arts and culture, he designed his first costume band in St. Lucia in 2003. The theme for one of his bands was Apilo, the name given to one of St. Lucia’s most outstanding painters. The inspiration for Darwin’s style of design comes from Peter Minshall, one of the most outstanding Caribbean Carnival costume designers. Peter Minshall always tells a meaningful story in a creative fashion. Darwin’s goal is to learn from the best and be better, as he helps preserve this aspect of our culture. Below is one of the exquisite costumes designed by Darwin.