As part of a research project in the summer of 2014 Melissa spent the beginning of her summer working on the Iowa City Carnival prior to traveling to England to work with the Mahogany Carnival Company in Harlesden, London. Melissa was put in charge of the "Melting" section designed by Clary Salandy. Over the course of five weeks she created prototypes, patterns, and supervised the construction of 17 costumes by volunteers. 51 wings, in addition to hats and tabards were created out of over 1500 icicle pieces that were traced and cut from foam.
Melissa's area of research focused on the history, tradition, and construction techniques of carnival costumes.
Her summer project was fully funded by the University of Iowa through the
Stanley Grant, SIF Grant, and Ulfers/Hall Grant.
Stanley Grant, SIF Grant, and Ulfers/Hall Grant.
Design by Clary Salandy
Design by Clary Salandy
Design by Clary Salandy
Design by Clary Salandy
Design by Clary Salandy
