New Carnival, the carnival arts organisation based on the Isle of Wight, has collaborated with international costume designer Melissa Simon Hartman, and helped by Barbara Nyarko from Mas Africa, to create a stunning ‘Spirit of the Isle’ costume.
The costume, inspired by the Isle of Wight’s heritage, wildlife, and coastal landscape, will be showcased at the IW Mardi Gras on Saturday 8th July in Ryde.
Melissa said,
“It was an incredible experience to connect with such passionate individuals and share my knowledge with them. The energy and creativity in the room were simply electrifying! We had a blast!”
Ray: We can’t wait to showcase our work
New Carnival Director, Hannah Ray expressed her excitement about the collaboration, saying,
“What a treat to be able to get all our talented carnival artists together for a special masterclass workshop.
“We have all been so inspired by Melissa and can’t wait to showcase our work at the IW Mardi Gras.”
A wealth of experience
Designer Melissa Simon Hartman has worked with Notting Hill Carnival, she also works within theatre, TV, film, and the music industry. Her clients include Beyonce, Doja Cat, and The Royal Shakespeare Company.
The artists, from New Carnival, Ryde, and Ventnor Carnival Associations, worked together to come up with ideas to visually represent the Island’s environment, and rich artistic culture of festivals and carnivals.
A ‘maximalist’ style costume
Melissa ensured that the costume represented the Island and the people creating it.
The costume combines mini 3D textural pieces made by each individual participant to create a ‘maximalist’ style costume.
Brave Islanders
Two young people who applied through Ventnor Exchange’s Brave Island creative network, were given the opportunity to join the group and get a taste of carnival costume design.
Theodora Travers said,
“It was amazing to see the process, how it all comes together.”
While Cara Goodrem was able to put her sewing skills to good use helping to create the bespoke robe for the wearer.
IW Mardi Gras
The ‘Spirit of the Isle’ costume has a few finishing touches to be completed before it is showcased at the IW Mardi Gras on Sat July 8th in Ryde, 3pm from Simeon Recreational Ground Themed ‘Year of the Coast’.
The full programme for the IW Mardi Gras can be found here.
News shared by Hannah on behalf of New Carnival. Ed
