As Carnival royalty parade through crowds, waving and tossing beads, their elaborate costumes stand out even before the first throw reaches spectators.
Behind thousands of beads and stones โ and hundreds of hours of handwork โ is Connie Perry, a ถถา๕h seamstress who has dressed generations of Mardi Gras kings and queens.
Her process begins with conversations with each krewe to discuss themes, colors and expectations before a single stitch is sewn. Designs are then sketched, fabrics selected and hours of detailed work follow.
โThis is time-consuming,โ Perry said. โPeople donโt always realize that. A lot of people think, โOh, I could do that,โ but itโs not as easy as it looks.โ
Each custom outfit typically takes from three days to several months to complete, depending on complexity. Prices generally range from $1,000 to $2,000 per piece, though more elaborate designs cost more based on labor, materials and scale.
โIโve made a $25,000 dress before,โ Perry said. โThat was a one-time thing, and it took a long time. Usually, most pieces fall in that $1,000 to $1,500 range.โ
Inside Perryโs home workshop, racks of princess gowns line the walls alongside styled wigs, theatrical props and a sewing machine that is rarely idle.
In addition to Mardi Gras court attire, Perry operates Princesses of Acadiana, creates stage props, designs dance recital costumes and produces custom pieces for themed events and childrenโs parties. During Carnival season, however, her focus returns to the court.
Perryโs journey into Mardi Gras design began decades ago when her children served as king and queen for the Krewe of Augustus. She made her first ball gown to save money.
โI always loved sewing, and I always loved creating,โ she said. โAnd at the time, it was expensive. I knew I could do it myself.โ
Word spread, and over the next 30 years Perry designed for krewes across ถถา๕h, including a long-standing relationship with the Town Club in Crowley.
Expectations vary by krewe, she said.
โSome krewes know exactly what they want. Others tell me the theme and trust me to take it from there.โ
Court costumes can also be physically demanding. Some historical designs โ including those worn by the Krewe of Rio โ weighed more than 50 pounds. Most three-piece court costumes use velvet, satin and beaded fabrics, with weight depending on materials and construction.
โVelvet looks very luxurious, and itโs expensive,โ Perry said. โThe beaded material gives it that weight and royal feel.โ
Because of the extensive labor involved and her recent role as deputy director of Thriller Fest, Mardi Gras court attire is no longer her primary focus.
โI like being behind the scenes,โ she said. โFor me, itโs not about recognition. Itโs about keeping the tradition alive and creating something people remember.โ