The Bold and the Beautiful: A Glance at the Making of Carnival Costumes
A close look at how the colorful creations are crafted.
1 / 12
Bedazzled in Brooklyn - Feathers, sequins, gems and beads of every imaginable hue filled the basement office of Sesame Flyers International. Less than a week away from this year’s West Indian American Labor Day Parade, the award-winning non-profit community organization were tirelessly dedicating their days and nights to adding finishing touches to and distributing their handmade carnival costumes to eager revelers. Keep reading for a behind-the-scenes look at these dazzling creations. – Patrice Peck(Photo: Patrice Peck/BET)
2 / 12
Giving Back - Since its founding 30 years ago, Sesame Flyers International has been a renowned figure in the Caribbean-dominated Brooklyn communities of Flatbush and Crown Heights and throughout Canarsie, Brooklyn.(Photo: Patrice Peck/BET)
3 / 12
Jack of All Trades - In addition to providing a number of educational and cultural programs to local young people, the non-profit organization also spearheads multiple productions for the annual West Indian American Labor Day Parade, including making some of the most renowned masquerade costumes for adult and children revelers and hosting a steel band group.(Photo: Patrice Peck/BET)
4 / 12
Huge Demand - There are about 1,500 to 2,500 adults in the organization’s adult carnival band.(Photo: Patrice Peck/BET)
5 / 12
Never Too Young for Carnival - The children’s carnival band ranges anywhere from 150 to 500. (Photo: Patrice Peck/BET)
Photo By Photo: Patrice Peck/BET
ADVERTISEMENT
6 / 12
A Group Effort - As Chief of Staff, Aisha Carr leads a mix of staff, freelancers and volunteers, all of whom dedicate many sleepless nights to getting every order made on time and in perfect condition.(Photo: Patrice Peck/BET)
7 / 12
Masquerade Masters - Sesame Flyers International has won the Carnival’s Large Band category 11 times thanks to their masterful steel pan orchestra and more than 1,000 dancing masqueraders.(Photo: Patrice Peck/BET)
8 / 12
Going for Gold - The organization hopes to snag another award for its children’s carnival band which has won several times in the past.(Photo: Patrice Peck/BET)
Photo By Photo: Patrice Peck/BET
9 / 12
Praise for Community Service - Various government offices have also acknowledged the work Sesame Flyers International does by providing major funding to the non-profit.(Photo: Patrice Peck/BET)
Photo By Photo: Patrice Peck/BET
10 / 12
Trini to the Bone - An international organization, Sesame Flyers has branches in Trinidad and Tobago and Canada.(Photo: Patrice Peck/BET)
ADVERTISEMENT
11 / 12
New Territory - As for U.S. cities, aside from their New York City division, they also have a Miami division and one in the works for Atlanta.(Photo: Patrice Peck/BET)
