Coney Island Mermaid Parade 2017 Boardwalk Style

Summer is here in Brooklyn when the Coney Island Mermaid Parade hits the boardwalk. The creative mermaid costumes, sexy sea outfits, and marine creatures parade in this grass roots 35-year tradition. It originated within the artist and circus folk community.

The costumes range from simple bikinis, seashells, and netting to elaborately constructed wearable floats. There is a lot of skin, but the parade is family friendly. While colors and sparkle are the norms, there are a few Gothic fashion lovers in the mix. Mystical creatures of all sorts are mixed in, like unicorns and satyrs. There are a lot of pop culture hybrids, like "Clamilton The Musical", Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland mermaid group costumes.

This year, I saw a lot more protest outfits. There were the "Handmermaids of Gilead" in tribute to The Handmaid's Tale to raise awareness of feminist issues. There were several environmental protest looks, ranging from saving the oceans, the EPA and other organizations. A Trump impersonator getting caught in a net was a visual punchline. Performance groups sang and danced protest messages along the parade that were supportive of the Women's March.

My look incorporated a Diane Von Furstenberg blue wave wrap dress mixed with tentacles and paired with a mermaid crown I made. I walked and photographed the parade. What I love most about walking along the Surf Avenue route and boardwalk is the ecstatic expressions on everyone's face. Everyone is so happy to dress up as a fantasy creature or see others dressed as one. The crowd is incredibly diverse. People of all genders, ethnic, shape, orientation, and physical abilities are well represented and supported. I was pleasantly surprised to see minimal corporate sponsorship, so the parade really felt it was put on by creatives for creatives.

The Coney Island Mermaid Parade is an event you need to experience at least once in your lifetime. I highly recommend you dress the part to fully experience the fun. If you do, get ready for me to catch you in my lens!
Photos by Mariana Leung

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2015 Coney Island Mermaid Parade

Do your fishies swim? Saturday marked the 2015 Mermaid Parade in Brooklyn. It is a tradition of Coney Island in its 32nd year. It takes inspiration from the burlesque dancers, side shows, circus and artists living the community (there is a Mermaid Avenue next to the Parade route).

With the rich entertainment history of the parade, the perfect King Neptune and Queen Mermaid for the event were unsurprisingly Mat Fraser (musician and actor on American Horror Story Freakshow) and reigning star of burlesque in NYC, Julie Atlas Muz. I loved their work separately even before I found out they were married. (I heard they even had a zombie walk during their wedding, which makes them the coolest couple in the world).

I was sadly home sick and missed the parade. I had to live vicariously through the photos of my friends and Instagram. This parade is a gorgeous display of sexy costume and fashion design. A lot of people have artistic interpretations of the mermaid and sea theme. Some do a great mash-up like the Marilyn Monroe mermaid or Goth-maid. As many outfits lean towards the skimpy side, it creates a palette for some dramatic hair and makeup creations. Jewels, long lashes, pear
ls, shimmering body paint, seaweed, and coral are the clear style winners. While the ladies are bringing it, I'm happy to see lots of men bringing their art to the parade as well and just having fun.

From fins to fashion boardwalk, the Coney Island Mermaid Parade was the place to be!
photos from Don O'Neill, Norman Blake and crowdsourced from Instagram.

Check out Style Your Inner Mermaid
by Mariana Leung at Mode

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