There are many elements that go into designing and creating a successful pretty mas costume, according to Simon-Hartman. ‘A modern carnival costume should clearly represent a theme, and have an appealing aesthetic, durability and functionality,’ she says. ‘It should also have considerations for movement and being worn in an outdoor environment.’ The typical components of a pretty mas costume are: ‘the base/bodywear (which should provide options for various body types and offer coverage options), a headdress, decoration and embellishments, accessories, a backpack, and feather-work.’ Common techniques are: hand beading, placing individual rhinestones and gems, and sewing or gluing ostrich, turkey or pheasant feathers onto a bikini or leotard base and matching head pieces.
Designers with Caribbean heritage, such as Simon-Hartman, are preserving the traditions of carnival costumes not only through their creativity but through their own identities, in a way that mass-produced costumes can’t. With a legacy of tailoring and dressmaking running through generations in the Caribbean, they conserve and enrich an established aspect of the culture. Yet, just as mas has evolved over the last two centuries, so have the designs and costumes. From traditional characters played out in mas to a more modern and globalised take on costumes leaning into aesthetics – although both are still represented. ‘We live in an evolving world, so I support maintaining a deep respect for tradition and heritage while embracing new ideas and approaches,’ she states. ‘Tradition and innovation can coexist in carnival costume design, resulting in visually stunning and culturally significant creations.’