At the tender age of 24, Trinidad-born costume designer Assata Rodriquez is already making headway as one of the up and coming bandleaders to watch. She is diligent and steadfast in her quest for perfection — qualities revelers will take to the parkway to revel in “Under the Sea.”
Now in her second year of competition, Rodriguez who garnered her experience under a familiar big band will vie in the medium band group with both kiddie and adult bands, portraying all things found under the sea.
Inspired by her four-year-old daughter Zoe, the designer is adding the finishing touches to costumes for 70 revelers and 70 kids who will mas in pieces representing Mermaids, Seashells, Fishnet and other designs to the depict the beauty under the ocean.
“This is a phenomenal experience for me,” said Rodriguez, owner of Inspire by Zoe children’s custom wear, who always look for ways to express herself, and using carnival as one of the ways to do so.
The collection made use of spandex, and other fabric to created both the men, women and kids costumes, and embellished with lots of glitter, rhinestone, studs and streamers.
And since the theme takes its inspiration from the sea the designer used just enough feathers to highlight the headpieces, and then used eye-catching colors such as aquamarine, peach, and white, trimmed with sequins.
Located at 8920 Ave. D, at the corner of 89th Street in Brooklyn, the camp is open from Monday through Sunday to put everyone in the carnival spirit said Rodriguez, who also hosts a weekly Sunday play day for children. The camp will also hand out 1500 backpacks on carnival weekend.
“It would be great to come home a winner, but the focus is to have an enjoyable time because we are all winner,” said the artist whose costumes range in price from $75 to $175.
“We want masqueraders to leave our band with a good impression so that they can return,” added Rodriguez who is gearing up to party with Deejay Teleton Sound System, for a fantastic appearance.
For more information, call 347-867-1665 or 917-651-6662 – www.inspi
