In 2013, due to a health issue, Robin had to completely reset her lifestyle. At the time, as a musician without insurance, her life savings were going to medical bills. She was walking with a cane, on eight medications and needed to get moving, but there were no affordable or free fitness options in the city. So, she made a single Facebook post asking for support. To her surprise, 10 strangers showed up, and that call to action became the foundation of Move Ya Brass. Eleven years later, the organization has grown to offer free programming across New Orleans—from yoga to run/walk groups, dance cardio, and more. “I made a vow that if I got healthy, I’d pay it forward and be part of a movement that helps others live healthier, happier lives—all while embracing the joy and culture that makes us New Orleanians,” said Barnes. Learn more at moveyabrass.com.
Keep an eye and ear out for Robin’s new album coming soon, as well as a new single,
“Hey Na (Iko Iko)” out February 5, featuring Big Freeda, HaSizzle and the Kings of Brass.
Shot on location at The Historic BK House and Gardens @bkhousenola, bkhouse.org
Robin Barnes and Move Ya Brass: @NewOrleansSongbird, @MoveYaBrass, robinbarnesmusic.com.
Dress, Alexis at Century Girl. centurygirlvintage.com. Headpiece, Parrish Lee, @parrishhatter. Earrings, Madiso, The Closet by Saint Claude Social Club, saintclaudesocialclub.com
Dress, Alexander By Daymor, Ballin’s Ltd, ballinsltd.com. Headpiece, Parrish Lee, @parrishhatter. Rings and shoes, worn throughout, Robin’s own.
Growing up in the south, Milliner Parrish Lee found himself captivated by the hats women wore to church every week. Now selling his one-of-a-kind creations via Instagram and word of mouth, his fantastic designs are the perfect finisher for your carnival look.
Dress, L’Idée. Neckalce and earrings, Grainne Morton. All at ByGeorge New Orleans, bygeorgeneworleans.com.
Dress, Déluc, Perlis, perlis.com. Jacket, Greta Constantine, Sosusu Boutique, sosusuboutique.com. Necklace and earrings, Ninon, Angelique, shopangeliqueboutique.com.
Dress, Lucien Matis, Ballin’s Ltd, ballinsltd.com. Earrings, Madiso, The Closet by Saint Claude Social Club, saintclaudesocialclub.com.
Dress, Vintage. Earrings, Madiso. All at the Closet by Saint Claude Social Club, saintclaudesocialclub.com.
Saint Claude Social Club has re-opened inside the iconic Columns Hotel with a mini version of their beloved boutique in the hotel’s coffee shop. In the parlor room of the hotel, owner Margaret Sche has also opened an in-person rental showroom and styling concierge service called The Closet where customers can rent unique designer, vintage and costume pieces.
I love Mardi Gras because it embodies everything I cherish about being a New Orleanian—our unique ability to celebrate life. While the rest of the world is stuck in winter, we’re out together embracing music, culture, and the joy of being alive. It’s a season of costuming, dancing, and creating moments that become core memories. There’s nothing like the energy and intensity of a marching band as the music fills the air—the colors, the rhythm, the magic. Mardi Gras is a celebration of life in its most vibrant and beautiful form.”
Dress, Bernadette, Pilot and Powell, pilotandpowell.com. Necklace and earrings, Ella Bartlow, Angelique, shopangelique.com. Purse, Paco Rabanne, ByGeorge New Orleans, bygeorgeneworleans.com.
Dress, Pedram Courture, pedramcouture.com. Earrings, Madiso, The Closet by Saint Claude Social Club, saintclaudesocialclub.com.
My favorite Mardi Gras tradition is January 6—King’s Day. It’s also my mother’s birthday, so every year we celebrate by presenting her with a different king cake or one of her favorite ones. Then we honor the day and her by attending the Joan of Arc parade. It’s pretty special to have a mom who’s essentially our king cake baby!
Dress, Essentiel Antwerp. Earrings, Ella Bartlow. All at Angelique, shopangelique.com.
