Its no secret that I've been a part of Brooklyn's carnival's largest masquerade/costume band, Sesame Flyers for several years ("modeling," doing registration, customer service, supervising, and all kinds of other things in between). The customers always used to ask "which one is your favorite?" I would lie and say "ALL," but what I'm looking at is "which section (costume) needs people and what they would look good in." Many people don't understand that there is a scientific formula to picking the perfect costume. Let's take a look shall we!
Color: High yellow people, such as myself, should try to avoid costumes that would camouflage our skin, mainly yellow, gold, tan, pale pink and orange. Darker skinned people should try to avoid colors like bronze and chocolate brown.
Headpiece: If you are WOTLESS in nature, don't get a big showgirl headpiece or just leave it at home.
Comfort: Although its not always clear, almost every costume offers the option of a 1pc swimsuit in lieu of the bikini. Some also offer tankinis, boyshorts, and monokini (aka the 1 piece cutout). If your friends feel uncomfortable with the thought of being 1/2 naked, let them know their options!!!
Bra: Early registration = an increased likelyhood of customization. Many designers allow you to try on a sample bra. MAS BRAS ARE NOT THE SAME AS REGULAR BRAS. Do the jump test; make sure the girls are not flying out. If you have an unusual bra size, buy a comfortable bra in the color you need and take it to the designer EARLY.
Beadwork: Women with longer torsos should get a bra where the beads on the bra fall longer and shorter torso women can pull off 2 inches of draped beading.
Waistpiece: Big stones on a waistband make it HEAVY! Check to see how the belt is expected to stay up ( Heavy + velcro = FAIL). Women without a naturally defined waist ought to try a belt that curves and doesn't go straight across.
Panty: This is very important to know: TRINIDAD PANTIES ARE CUT SMALL. They are NOT the same size as Victoria Secret. Ask to see a sample! The small is INCREDIBLY small.
REMEMBER: if you are paying hundreds of dollars for it, you might as well get the costume that suits you the best and fits well!
Lol. This needs to be featured on Sesame's website!! And distributed at the door of ALL mas camps! Your like the Carnival Guru.
ReplyDeleteGirl, you are an EXPERT! LOL. I l've always loved seeing those pictures of you on Facebook all dressed up in your costume. You ALWAYS look so good it them and wear them well. I never know that you can order them as a one-piece if you feel more comfortable doing that. And ditto on the bra thing -- no one wants the girls to fall out.
ReplyDeleteO My this really is a science!!! Some ppl need to read this to avoid looking a hott mess as many people do.
ReplyDelete