A performer in an elaborate costume with large feathered headpiece and a small skirt decorated with bananas, dancing in a dimly lit room with red lighting.

Event: Carnival of Couture

Date:Jun 20, 2026

Location: The Mezz | Downtown Orlando

Presented by: Vivant Production Collective

Photography: Criss Magazine™


Person walking in a dimly lit room with red lighting, wearing black high-heeled boots, patterned shorts, and a dark top, with a white quilted blanket trailing behind. Several seated people are visible in the background, some watching and some smiling.
Person dressed in a cow costume standing in a dimly lit room with red lighting and a chandelier on the ceiling.

Event Credits

  • Starria

  • Clyana Ward

  • Asia

  • Dawn Alexander

  • Royal Mafia

The Collections

Starria: Crochet Clown Fantasy

The runway opened with Tallahassee-based crochet artist Starria (@bumbreads), who redefined the medium with a whimsical yet sharp collection. Her standout look featured a two-piece cropped tank and shorts set, meticulously crafted from white crochet yarn accented with black straps and playful balls for buttons. Complete with a matching hat and shoe covers, the ensemble drew clear inspiration from classic clown archetypes, elevated through the intricate textures of her handcrafted technique.

Clyana Ward: The Carnival Asylum

Orlando's own multi-hyphenate creative Clyana Ward (@clyanastylez) brought a darker, more psychological edge to the evening. Known for her fearless use of patterns and textures, Ward stunned the audience with a checker-print straight jacket that extended into a full head covering. The faceless model, emerging like a specter from a "carnival asylum," served as a powerful testament to Ward's ability to blend high-fashion tailoring with haunting, cinematic storytelling.

Asia: Old Hollywood Heritage

Self-taught Jamaican seamstress Asia’s (@byxasia) collection offered one of the evening's most refined interpretations of the theme. Her designs were a masterclass in femininity, channeling the grace of Old Hollywood while subtly incorporating cultural elements that paid homage to her roots. Based in Orlando, Asia's work proved that timeless sophistication and modern cultural identity can coexist beautifully on the runway.

Dawn Alexander: Engineered Carnival

Closing the collections was Dawn Alexander (@custom_paperdollz), a civil engineer whose technical background informs her breathtaking structural designs. As the 2026 winner of the Orlando Caribbean Carnival costume contest, Alexander infused the runway with vibrant energy. Her collection featured expertly engineered wired bras, explosive plumage, and a kaleidoscope of colors that brought the authentic spirit of Caribbean Carnival into a high-fashion context. Speaking with Alexander after the show, she shared how she loves being able to build things as an engineer and she was encouraged to join the carnival costume contest, where she was welcomed and won.

Editorial Observations

Beyond the individual garments, Carnival of Couture highlighted the remarkable craftsmanship behind each collection. Throughout the evening, a clear contrast emerged between structured, engineered silhouettes and the softer textures of handmade techniques. Dawn Alexander's wired Carnival designs celebrated architectural precision, while Starria's intricate crochet work demonstrated the patience and artistry of handcraft. Rather than chasing trends, each designer used fashion to tell a personal story rooted in culture, imagination, and technical skill. The audience responded with genuine enthusiasm, affirming that there is a growing appetite for work that honors heritage while pushing creative boundaries. For Criss Magazine, the evening reinforced a simple truth: the most compelling fashion is created when exceptional craftsmanship and authentic storytelling exist side by side. 

Closing

Fashion shows like Carnival of Couture do more than present collections—they strengthen the creative ecosystem by giving designers, artists, and audiences a shared space to exchange ideas. As Criss Magazine continues documenting Caribbean fashion and its global diaspora, these moments become part of a larger archive celebrating the people shaping contemporary creative culture. 


Person dressed in elaborate, colorful costume with feathers, beads, and metallic accents, standing in a dimly lit room with red lighting and other similarly dressed individuals in the background.
People dressed in colorful, elaborate costumes walking on stage under red lighting at a carnival or festival event.
People dancing and socializing in a dimly lit nightclub with red lighting, a chandelier, and red exit sign.
People dressed in colorful, theatrical costumes dancing under red lighting in a nightclub or performance venue.
Performers walking in a nightclub with red lighting, dressed in flamboyant costumes, with audience seated in the background.
A woman in a red, shiny gown walking on a runway at an indoor event with red lighting. The audience is seated along the sides, some taking photos.
Woman posing and smiling under a red chandelier in a dimly lit room with red lighting, dressed in a colorful checkered outfit and high heels.
A performer wearing a red dress with sequins, high heels, and a glamorous mask performs with a ribbon in a dimly lit nightclub or dance venue. The audience watches the performance, with colorful lighting and modern decor visible in the background.
A performer wearing a long, flowing red and black striped cape dances on stage in a dimly lit venue with red lighting, while an audience watches from chairs.
People dancing in a dimly lit club or party venue with red lighting and a chandelier on the ceiling.
Person dressed in special costume, walking in a dimly lit room with red lighting, possibly dancing or performing, surrounded by seated audience members.
Indoor scene illuminated with red lighting, featuring two people walking together in the foreground, other seated and standing individuals in the background, and clothing racks on the right side.
A performer dressed in elaborate, vibrant costume with feathers and beads, standing on a stage with red lighting, surrounded by other performers and audience members.
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Performance scene featuring multiple individuals dressed in colorful, eclectic costumes, illuminated by vivid red and purple lighting, with audience members seated in the background.
People dressed in vintage and theatrical costumes dancing and socializing in a dimly lit lounge with red lighting, chandelier, and patterned carpet.
People walking in a nightclub with red lighting, some in elaborate costumes including a person with a top hat and cane, others in fashionable outfits, and a large red chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
Two people dancing in a dimly lit room with red lighting, one in a shiny, colorful dress and the other in a patterned jacket and black pants.
A person dancing on a stage with red lighting at an event, wearing a party hat, crochet skirt, and sneakers.
Drag performer on stage in a colorful costume, with audience members seated in the background, under red lighting.
Two women are walking in a dimly lit room with red lighting. The woman in the foreground is dressed in a red and white checkered, sleeveless dress with red accessories, including earrings, a choker, bracelet, and matching red footwear. The woman in t
A runway show featuring a model walking on a red-lit stage, wearing a red satin dress with black gloves and high heels. Audience members are seated on either side, some taking pictures. The room has dark walls, clothing racks, and a large chandelier
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Performers in colorful costumes with large feather headdresses performing on stage, with an audience watching.
Performance with performers in elaborate, colorful costumes with feathers and sequins, walking in a line under red lighting in an indoor venue with a chandelier and exit sign visible.
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