Mardi Gras Costume Designer Laron Nelson Brings Regal Flair to Carnival Royalty

Nelson's opulent creations, including elaborate feathered collars, adorn New Orleans' Mardi Gras royalty at balls and parades.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Laron Nelson, a master of Mardi Gras pageantry, crafts extravagant costumes and custom back-pieces, also known as collars, for royalty in some of New Orleans' most prestigious krewes. These collars are ornate sculptures of feathers that frame the wearer in a radiant display of art. Nelson's designs are a staple for predominantly Black organizations, including the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club, NOMTOC, and the krewes of Athena, Nandi, Nefertiti, and Music, as well as his own Krewe of Symphony.

Why it matters

Nelson's work is a vital part of the Mardi Gras tradition in New Orleans, helping to bring a sense of regal flair and pageantry to the celebrations. His designs for Mardi Gras royalty, including kings, queens, and dukes, are a central part of the cultural heritage and identity of the city's predominantly Black Carnival organizations.

The details

Nelson started designing Mardi Gras costumes after his godmother's costume was damaged in Hurricane Katrina. He began experimenting with making his own costumes for his Krewe of Symphony in 2009, and then started taking on commissions for other krewes. His elaborate feathered collars, which can cost up to tens of thousands of dollars, have become a signature part of Mardi Gras royalty attire. Nelson is one of only a few designers in the New Orleans area who specializes in creating these custom pieces.

  • Nelson started his Krewe of Symphony in 2009.
  • Nelson designed his first costume for the Krewe of Athena in 2015.

The players

Laron Nelson

A master of Mardi Gras pageantry who crafts extravagant costumes and custom back-pieces, also known as collars, for royalty in some of New Orleans' most prestigious krewes.

Krewe of Symphony

Nelson's own Mardi Gras krewe that he founded in 2009.

Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club

A predominantly Black Mardi Gras organization that Nelson designs costumes for.

Krewe of Athena

A Mardi Gras krewe that Nelson designed his first costume for in 2015.

Colombo's Artistic Creations

A family that Nelson cites as an inspiration for the style and techniques used in his Mardi Gras costume designs.

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What they’re saying

“I always want the wearers to feel just like what they are: kings, queens and dukes. Very regal, very royal. Once you put it on, you definitely feel regal and royal, because it definitely has weight to it, so it makes you feel totally different from your average everyday gown or tuxedo or suit.”

— Laron Nelson, Mardi Gras Costume Designer (veritenews.org)

The takeaway

Laron Nelson's elaborate Mardi Gras costume designs, particularly his signature feathered collars, are a vital part of the cultural heritage and identity of New Orleans' predominantly Black Carnival organizations. His work helps bring a sense of regal flair and pageantry to the Mardi Gras celebrations, allowing royalty to feel truly "kings, queens and dukes."