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Celebrating the messy glamour of Mardi Gras balls


During February in Louisiana, we let our outfits do the talking. Nearly every Saturday night this month, krewes will don their finest at balls across the city. For this month’s style shoot, we couldn’t resist paying homage to that atmosphere by filling a dressing room at Theatre Baton Rouge with all the opulence of the season: Mardi Gras ball gowns, king cake, Champagne and lots and lots of beads.

While several Baton Rouge balls already occurred last month, there’s still time to get some inspiration for a few more:

Karnival Krewe de Louisiane: Feb. 3
Krewe of Romany: Feb. 4
Krewe of Spanish Town: Feb. 4
Krewe Mystique de la Capitale: Feb. 11
Mystick Krewe of Louisianians: Feb. 11
Krewe of Orion: Feb. 11
Krewe of Tucumcari: Feb. 18


Silk and Secondline

The culture of Mardi Gras balls is a singular one, soaked in wine and dusted with glitter, decked out with feathers and sequins, loud and debauched and unmatched. We slip into the most glamorous, sparkling gowns we can find, and then hours later we hike them up past our knees and kick our shoes off to dance the night away.

Tucked behind the scenes and the stage where queens and debutantes are presented during the tableau, there are the dressing rooms where all the bottles, discarded heels and trappings of the festivities collect. It’s the scene of the most fabulous hangover you’ll ever have, the perfect picture of what a Mardi Gras ball is: the intersection of glam and gritty.

Styling: Elle Marie
Photography: Tate Tullier
Hair: CeKeisha Williams
Makeup: Katrina Liza
Models: Hunter Allen and Mirijam Johnson
Site: Shot on location at Theatre Baton Rouge


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Jovani dress, $1,089
From Chatta Box Boutique

Katrina statement earrings, $295
Cole bracelet, $250
From Kendra Scott


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ON HER:

Sherri Hill rose dress, $715
From Chatta Box Boutique

Bexley gold drop earrings, $75
Elis red pendant necklace, $60
Elton cuff bracelet, $65
From Kendra Scott

ON HIM:

Paul Betenly suit, $595
Trafalgar white shirt, $135
Cuff links, $80
Dion silk cummerbund set, $185
Handkerchief, $18
Mezlan shoes, $375
From Perlis Clothing


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ON HER:

Jovani dress, $748
From Chatta Box Boutique

Belinda stud earrings, $65
From Kendra Scott

ON HIM:

Paul Betenly suit, $595
Tuxedo shirt, $145
From Perlis Clothing


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ON HER:

Jay Godfrey asymmetrical dress, $484
From Chatta Box Boutique

Elton cuff bracelet, $70
Bexley earrings, $75
From Kendra Scott

ON HIM:

Paul Betenly suit, $595
Trafalgar white shirt, $135
Suspenders set, $88
Mezlan shoes, $275
From Perlis Clothing

Top hat
Courtesy Theatre Baton Rouge


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ON HER:

Jovani dress, $649
From Chatta Box Boutique

Bernice collar necklace, $150
Bexley drop earrings, $75
Bianca cuff bracelet, $60
From Kendra Scott

ON HIM:

Trafalgar white shirt, $135
Suspenders set, $88
From Perlis Clothing


This article was originally published in the February 2017 issue of 225 Magazine.