It’s Carnival time, aka costume season. But, if you don’t love a head-to-toe costume look, supplementing your civilian clothes with Carnival themed pieces can do just the trick! Cute shops like Lucy Rose and Jean Therapy always have on trend accessories. And if you’re looking for items made in New Orleans I recommend Miette, Home Malone and Shop at The Collection who all go out of their way to carry products made here in towny. You can also shop for locally made one-of-a-kind pieces at pop ups and markets. Both The Little Flea at the St Vincent Hotel and the shop inside The Chloe are fantastic. If you’re a DIY kind of gal, a workshop with Ellen Macomber at the pretty Martine Chaisson Gallery would be extra glam. Or for a more theme-specific experience, book a bead dog headdress class with Mambo Midge. Also, Sorella’s will host a hat and headpiece making session on Jan. 27 at the Virgin Hotel.
For inspiration, content creators Very Local will premiere a headpiece making contest on their downloadable app on Jan. 16. The show challenges three local artists to design a New Orleans cocktail-inspired headpiece. And while not exclusively Carnival focused you can’t help but be inspired by the work! Check out both the judges and contestant’s social media pages to shop directly with them. Guest judge, Caroline Thomas creates floats for both the Rex and Comus parades and makes one of kind headpieces of her own on the side. She’s booked for custom pieces this year, so get in line for 2025! Just laying your eyes on the second guest judge, Laveau Contraire is an inspiration in itself. And don’t miss out on the local artists Midge Howe, Frances Delaune, and Sebastian Peña pieces, they all offer beautiful wearable art of their own.
