For Kalista Genevieve, Carnival is not a season. It's a responsibility. From carrying culture internationally to calling out what social media gets wrong about the art form, she speaks plainly, poses precisely, and thinks generationally.
What does it mean to represent culture through your image?
For me, it means carrying the story of my people with pride. Every photo, costume and campaign is an opportunity to showcase the creativity, resilience and energy that makes "we culture" unique and diverse. It's about making people feel connected to our roots and showcase "we ting" internationally.
“Every photo, costume and campaign is an opportunity to showcase the creativity, resilience and energy that makes ‘we culture’ unique and diverse.”
Kalista Genevieve · Know Your Models Issue 001
What separates a good model from a memorable Carnival brand face?
A good model can wear a costume. A memorable Carnival brand face can bring it to life. Most of these costumes have a story or character behind it, so bringing it to life — it's about personality, presence and making people feel something when they see you. The most memorable faces don't just sell a look, they sell an experience.
What do you want international audiences to understand when they see Carnival images?
I want them to understand that Carnival is more than feathers, beads and "pretty mas". It's history, culture, artistry, music, community and freedom of expression all wrapped into one. The costumes are beautiful but the people and the stories behind them are what make Carnival special.
“Carnival is more than feathers, beads and pretty mas. It's history, culture, artistry, music, community and freedom of expression all wrapped into one.”
Kalista Genevieve · Know Your Models Issue 001
What is one industry habit you would love to see improve?
The way Carnival is portrayed on social media. Too often the content that gets the most attention focuses on the "sensational moments" while the culture, artistry, history and people behind Carnival are overlooked. We have incredible storytellers, designers, musicians and traditions that deserve just as much visibility. I'd love to see more of the private media space capture the full essence of Carnival so international audiences can appreciate it as the rich cultural celebration that it truly is.
What has been your most memorable Carnival experience, and why?
One of my most memorable Carnival experiences was Spirit Mas' band launch during the Arte Is Love weekend. It created a space where families could experience the culture behind the costumes, not just the spectacle. Watching my nephews explore the exhibits, ask questions and connect with the stories reminded me that preserving our traditions starts with the next generation.
“Preserving our traditions starts with the next generation.”
Kalista Genevieve · Know Your Models Issue 001
What advice would you give to aspiring Carnival models who want to be taken seriously?
Kalista's Playbook
HOW TO GET TAKEN SERIOUSLY
- 1
Make yourself visible. Build a professional social media presence. Stay plugged into the industry and keep your eyes open for castings. Carnival photoshoots happen all year round — designers are constantly looking for new faces.
- 2
Treat it like a profession. Once you've booked your first gig, show up on time, be prepared and carry yourself professionally. Watch the seasoned models around you — how they pose, move, bring a character to life, and work with photographers and designers.
- 3
Put in the reps. Practice posing at home. Work on your expressions. Invest in your health, fitness, skin and overall presentation. You are your brand. Growth happens when you're willing to learn.
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MasOS provides the operational infrastructure that bands and designers rely on to manage registrations, inventory, payments, and distribution. Know Your Carnival is a MasOS × Glam Hub editorial series, part of our mission to document the creative economy of Carnival.
Learn about MasOS �����Photography provided by Kalista Genevieve / @kalis.genevieve.
Photo credits include @ajpstudiostt and @facesofbellar.
Interview conducted by Know Your Carnival editorial team.
© Know Your Carnival, a MasOS × Glam Hub production.
