one of my favorite places on the planet is new orleans, and one of my favorite things is the mardi gras indians. this sunday, they will be out in full regalia at their annual parade...i will be there again, in a haze of feathers and beads watching their beautiful handmade costumes parade down the street. each costume is handmade by the wearer, sewn by hand and beaded by hand, with a new costume being made each year. please enjoy these images from last year's parade.
words & photographs by rinne allen