made by Julianne

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LOST BAYOU RAVERS

31 July 2018 by Julianne

I think I made 11 costumes for Krewe du Vieux this year, but I guess these two looks would count as twins. They were made for a couple with a lot of complimentary material swapping between the garments. Though fine city folk now, these two are originally from swampier lands and called themselves the Lost Bayou Ravers (a play on local band Lost Bayou Ramblers).

His costume consisted of a long sleeve undershirt made of laser-cut spandex over green micro mesh; a wide-mesh tank top; LED headpiece; goggles made from plastic bottles; the JNCO-inspired sequin pants with cargo pockets and light-up suspenders; and sequin manties worn underneath.

Her costume was a snap-crotch bodysuit made from mesh and foil spandex with built-in bra; a hood covered in beaded appliques, ruffles, and EL wire; wide-mesh tights; aqua metallic leggings; a glitter vinyl fanny pack with plastic fish in a bowl; and leg warmers made from crawfish sacks. Whew!

Most of the costumes I make aren’t quite as involved as these, so I appreciate the opportunity to really explore an aesthetic through fabulous details and flashy accessories. Almost all of the fabrics and appliques came from Jefferson Variety.

Gus got lots of great action shots of these two! They totally embodied their characters and brought the costumes to life, and people later told me that they really stood out in the crowd of paraders.

They are such fabulous freaks and I love parading with them! (That’s me on the right!)

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ROYAL TRIBUTE 2018

10 May 2018 by Julianne

Krewe du Vieux tradition dictates that each Subkrewe’s creative director pays tribute to the year’s Royalty with a gift and often mutually embarrassing presentation at our annual pre-parade Captain’s Dinner, which I’ve had the honor of attending for the past 2 years. Held 3 days before we roll, it forces a pause in the last-minute chaos.

In that spirit, I use the Tribute as an opportunity to unwind from the tornado in my sewing studio. An afternoon of watercolor is a pretty good antidote. Our friend at Uptown Frames hooks us up and LEWD rolls in with a classy gift and a raunchy joke.

Since this year’s King is a respected member of the loTcal intelligentsia we compromised on the lewdity of our interpretation of the Krewe du Vieux Goofy Guy (our float was a little more explicit). But Richard better have it hanging proudly in his office or else I’m gonna have to draw penises all over his chalkboards. All Hail!

And then THEY gave me this sick patch! I’m on the prowl for fabric to make a jacket to put it on.

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LEWD Float 2018

3 April 2018 by Julianne

I got to design another float for Krewe du Vieux! This was my second year serving as creative director for LEWD, a subkrewe of very talented perverts. With a tight 7 week schedule we deconstruct the former float, make structural renovations, design a concept with costumes and throws, and build the damn thing. The three hour parade is one the highlights of my year and the entire process is truly a dream come true.

This year we are celebrating the 300th anniversary of the founding of New Orleans! The theme of the parade was Bienville’s Wet Dream (satirizing our city’s founder Jean-Baptise Bienville). LEWD’s take on it was “300 Years Cums Quick” and referenced our endemic flooding with a torrential swamp mutant entertaining our tattooed pater on a bucking catfish. Surrounded by springy light up penises!

The forecast called for catastrophic rain, and the city was smothered with terrifying lighting that whole afternoon. Luckily the power didn’t go out as I was furiously hot-gluing last minute costume accessories in my studio. It was pouring as we drove towards the French Quarter, but by the time I finished my facepaint the skies were clear! It was a truly divine night and so artistically satisfying.

Our faithful photographic friend Gus captured these shots above from the route and were published on Where Y’at.

I was even interviewed on the local news while in my parade costume! (at 1:23)

I also got lots of behind-the-scenes-in-process shots! You can see some of the float building process, and also the fun we have creating with each other.

When it’s time to deconstruct this float I anticipate a lot of conflict over who gets to keep this prop. The lights even twinkle!