If there’s one rule to Mardi Gras fashion—it is this: there are no rules. Indeed, anything goes this time of year and judging from the annual parade of costumes, headdresses and masks—the bigger the better.
St. Louis proudly hosts the second largest Mardi Gras in the nation with its Soulard and downtown celebrations. Revelers of every stripe will take to the streets this Carnival Season which culminates with the River City Grand Parade, March 5 and the subsequent Lumiere Place Fat Tuesday Parade. But from beads and boas to leather and lace the runway of Mardi-Gras finery on display will be second to none.
The colors of Mardi Gras or Carnival (which runs from Jan. 6 to the day before Lent) are purple, green and gold and stand for justice, faith and power, respectively. They can be found on everything from costumes and beads to the Flag of Rex (The official flag of Mardi Gras adopted around 1872).
BEADS
One of the staples of Mardi Gras has long been beads—and plenty of them. This unlikely phenomenon got its start in 1871 when a New Orleans Santa Claus masker threw objects from his Krewe's float, much to the crowd’s delight. Since then, a wide array of “throws” have come and gone ranging from beads and doubloons to plastic dolls and cups. And for a few short weeks, they’ll become the most sought after trinkets, the city wide.
Now I always buy a handful of collectible strands to wear around town and to trade. Then there’s the time-honored tradition of “earning” your beads with a friendly flash. But be warned—the misdemeanor does come with a hefty fine.
COSTUMES
It’s been said that Mardi Gras is Halloween on steroids with its hyper-sexualized offerings and gender-bending dress. In fact the costume possibilities are endless with many dedicated revelers drawing heavily from pop culture and current events to the traditional period costumes of old Europe.
But no matter what your style make sure to dress in layers. St. Louis Mardi Gras celebrations are traditionally, well—cold. You’ll also want to invest in a pair of comfortable shoes as you’ll be navigating the crowded streets to parade your Carnival dress.
MASKS
While it’s tradition to wear a mask on Mardi Gras Day, more and more celebrants continue to sport them throughout the season. To that end you can wear your mask sans costume or as the centerpiece of an outrageous ensemble.
“Masking” brings an element of anonymity—so much so that many Hollywood celebrities come to New Orleans during Mardi Gras because of the freedom the costumes afford. Masks range in price from a few dollars to couture custom pieces and can express the bearer’s inner personality or something altogether unimagined.
Alas, in terms of Mardi Gras fashion, there are no limits and excess abounds. To that end here are a few area shopping destinations to help you get your Mardi Gras on. So be safe, have fun and “let the good times roll!”
Cheap TRX
http://www.cheaptrx.com/
Alternative Clothing and Accessories
The Clubhouse Shop at the Independence Center
http://web.mac.com/independencecenter/Clubhouse_Shop
Upscale Resale
Jerry’s Wearable Art
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Custom Mardi Gras Masks/Leather
Johnny Brocks
http://www.johnniebrocks.com/
Costumes and Mardi Gras Supplies
Retro 101
http://retro-101.com/
Vintage Clothing
Smelly Things Candle Company
Mardi Gras/Specialty Candles
Soulard Oktoberfest's Mardi Gras Party
http://www.soulardoktoberfest.com/tickets.html
Live Music, Cajun Food, Draft Beer and Wine at the Franklin Room
T.F.A.
http://www.tfa50s.com/
Vintage Clothing
Vintage Haberdashery
http://www.vintagehab.com/
Vintage Clothing and Costumes
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
