Glittering Sequin Beanies: An Iconic Mardi Gras Accessory

The Sparkling History of Mardi Gras Sequin Beanies

Mardi Gras is known for its colorful parades, vibrant floats, and people dressed up in flashy costumes. One iconic accessory often spotted during the Carnival season is the sequin beanie hat, a sparkling headpiece featuring the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold.

The Origins of the Mardi Gras Sequin Beanie

The sequin beanie has become a symbol of the New Orleans Mardi Gras over the years. Also referred to as a crown or cap, this shiny hat is based on the traditional medieval jester's hat, representing freedom from rules and constraints during the free-spirited celebrations.

It's not entirely clear when these decorative caps first made an appearance at Mardi Gras. Some accounts date them back over a hundred years. The early versions were simple cone-shaped hats made from cardboard and other humble materials. They allowed people to participate in the Carnival festivities affordably.

Why Sequins?

Over time, crafters and milliners started embellishing the caps with sparkly sequins in the traditional Mardi Gras hues. The shiny circles lent an even more festive vibe to the headpieces. As the parades and parties became more elaborate, so too did the popularity of these glittery hats.

Sequins likely became the decoration of choice because their flashy glint perfectly embodied the bright, indulgent spirit central to the Carnival season. The shiny discs also caught and reflected the light beautifully when on display in the New Orleans parades and street parties.

The Modern Mardi Gras Sequin Beanie

Today, sequin beanies remain a must-have accessory for partiers during Mardi Gras from New Orleans to Mobile. Available from street vendors, costume shops, and online retailers, beanies feature plastic sequins stitched onto a fabric base making for a bright crown.

Some designs incorporate sequins or shiny plastic jewels in specific Mardi Gras symbols like the iconic fleur de lis. Others arranged colored sequins in bold zig zag stripes or contrasting green, gold, and purple patterns.

In addition to the classic cone hat shape, some modern versions experiment with different silhouettes like rounded crowns more reminiscent of royal regalia. The sequins may also vary in size, shine, and intricacy of color patterns.

Representing Freedom and Frivolity

Why do celebrants still don these sparkling caps today? The sequin beanie allows people to tap into the unrestrained joy and freedom that Mardi Gras is all about.

Mardi Gras marks a final chance to indulge before the rituals of Lent begin. A last opportunity to feast, party and live it up before six weeks of fasting. The caps harken back to medieval days when the Lenten constraints didn't apply to jesters and fools.

So donning a sequined crown allows everyday people to embrace the role of fool and be exempt from the rules for a while. Flaunting an extravagant, impractical hat lets them be someone else, if only for a short time.

Where to Sport Sequin Beanies

Partiers wear these glittering caps all over the French Quarter, in the Marigny, at parades along St. Charles Avenue and throughout greater New Orleans during Carnival season. Locals and tourists alike don them for Mardi Gras parties or while taking part in the parading krewes.

Some bars and clubs even host "Sequin Sunday" events where everyone dresses up in shiny, dazzling outfits capped by an sequined beanie. The sparkling caps can be spotted on men and women, children, families and pets!

Adding Your Own Twist

Half the fun of Mardi Gras is expressing yourself though flashy costumes. Sequin crowns or beanies make the perfect base to build a unique ensemble around. Add feathers, ribbons, patches and appliques that channel your own personal flair.

Many marchers pair attention-grabbing beanies with similarly bold makeup featuring the symbolic combination of purple, green and gold eyeshadows, lipsticks, and nail polish. Colored hairspray, face jewels and glitter take the look to maximalist heights.

For people wishing to participate in Mardi Gras away from New Orleans, donning an audacious sequin hat instantly connects them to the signature style of Carnival regardless of geography. Slipping on a sparkling crown immediately taps revelers into that freeing festive spirit.

How to Craft Your Own Mardi Gras Sequin Beanie

Want to make your own sequined showstopper? Crafting a custom beanie allows getting creative with colors and decorations. With some basic sewing skills and supplies, the possibilities for DIY crowns are endless.

Supplies Needed

First, assemble your materials. You'll need:

• Fabric (felt, faux suede, etc.)
• Thread (coordinating colors)
• Sewing needle
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Pins
• Hot glue gun + glue
• Elastic cord
• Bag of sequins (various colors and sizes)

Instructions Step-By-Step

Follow these steps to put together your own incredible beanie for Mardi Gras or other costumes:

1. Measure around your head to determine desired hat circumference.
2. Cut a rectangle of fabric based on head size + extra for seams.
3. Sew fabric into a crown or beanie shape leaving opening for elastic cord.
4. Try on hat and attach elastic for snug fit.
5. Embellish outside of hat by gluing on sequins in fun patterns.
6. Add other decorations like feathers, ribbons, appliques etc.
7. Rock your flashy handmade hat and have a blast channeling the festive spirit!

It's so satisfying to wear a hat you customized yourself to match your personal style. Making DIY sequin beanies for friends or family also makes fun group crafting activity before hitting the streets to celebrate.

Sequin Beanies Year-Round

Mardi Gras caps don't need to be tucked away as soon as Lent begins. The spirit of abandon and self-expression they represent can be summoned all year long. People incorporate sequined hats into various colorful celebrations and festivals.

Over-the-top New Year's Eve parties are made even more decadent with a disco ball inspired beanie. Sparkling caps brighten up any Pride event with their symbolic rainbow colors. Even Halloween costumes become more dynamic when topped with an eye-catching crown.

In New Orleans and beyond, shiny spirit of the sequin beanie lives on whenever people indulge in carefree revelry. The glint of those tiny shiny discs will always be intricately linked to the rich heritage of Mardi Gras.

FAQs

Where can I buy a sequin beanie for Mardi Gras?

Sequin beanies and caps are sold by local vendors in New Orleans year-round. Many costume shops and online retailers also carry them leading up to Carnival season.

What colors should a Mardi Gras sequin hat have?

The traditional Mardi Gras colors are purple, green and gold. Most sequin beanies feature combinations of these signature shades.

What types of outfits do sequin hats match with?

Sparkly crowns pair perfectly with any flashy Mardi Gras costume. Feathers, bold makeup and shiny accessories complement an eye-catching sequin beanie.

Can I make a DIY sequin hat if I don't sew?

Yes! Simple no-sew beanies can be made using hot glue and elastic cord to attach sequins and other embellishments to a fabric base.