Royalty at the Met Masquerade Ball – a dazzling spectacle of costumes, revelry, and entertainment
Trinidad-native Donna Bridgeman is the epitome of grace and elegance. When she stepped onto the red carpet as Queen Nefertiti and into the Exclusive Marine Park Golf Course Ball Room in Brooklyn last Saturday, Sept. 20, she was met with three hundred guests who showed up and showed out in dazzling costumes and masks to celebrate her annual All-Inclusive Royalty Masquerade Ball at the Met.
Billed as one of the most exciting productions in the borough, the event, which started at 6 p.m. with a Cocktail Hour, came alive with the magical sound of NYC-based Saxophonist Davishmar (Tiktok@DAVISHMAR), whose music blends Afro, jazz, blues, and soca.
His solo melodies set the tone for a night of riveting entertainment, featuring DJ Gary of Foreign Boss Production, Conquest Sound DJ Droopy, and the rousing antics of emcee Emile ‘Mr. Voice’ Gittens” who excited patrons with his electric, vibration.
The entertainment continued with sensational superstar guest artiste Anika Berry, whose captivating performance delighted the crowd during the hours-long production. Trinidad-born fashion designer Mel Simon, founder of Madd Fun Family Entertainment, Harry Haynes, and Office of District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, Community Liaison Karen Crawford, attended the event.
The cultural richness and diversity of Trinidad and Tobago were evident in the energetic celebration, which was thrown into a carnival-style revelry.
The Dee Jays kept the electrifying crowd moving to the soca beat at the Masquerade Ball, which showcased some of the most innovative and dazzling creations.
Bridgeman, a costume designer herself, was decked out in a stunning ensemble inspired by African Queen Nefertiti. The ensemble included a matching headpiece and metallic mask that complemented the gold outfit.
As part of the event, three costumed patrons were judged for their originality and innovative creations. First prize of $300 went to the lady in a stunning silver, firm-fitting gown. The piece was intricately designed with beading and accessorized with a crystal rhinestone mask.
The Second Prize of $200 was awarded to a gentleman decked out in a silver pantsuit and black mask, while the Third Prize winner of $100 wore a floor-length metallic sequin gown and matching mask.
District 58 Assembly Woman Monique Chandler Waterman bestowed a NYS Assembly Citation to Bridgeman of Silent Promotion Masquerade Ball at the 8th Annual Ball, which read, “A great state is only as great as those individuals and organizations that make exemplary contributions to their community, other endeavors, or simply through a lifetime of good citizenship.“
She thanked Bridgeman for his dedication to her culture and for hosting the ball for many years.s
DJs Teddy Mohamed, Emanuel Abel, Mad Man Maddy, Felix Author, and Winston Machuki were also presented with Citations from Assembly Member Brian Cunningham and District 42 Council Member Chris Banks, who thanked Bridgeman for hosting the ball, and called on patrons to make NYC a brighter and better place to live.
Designer Patterson Nelson, founder & creative director of Peacopat, said, “Designing this gown for Donna Bridgeman was an honor. Her presence radiates grace and resilience, qualities I sought to reflect in every line and texture of the piece.”
“Inspired by the mysterious beauty of Queen Nefertiti and the richness of African heritage, the bias cut becomes a symbol of dynamic strength, while the regal accents mirror her commanding elegance.
“Donna embodies the harmony of tradition and modernity, and this gown, a Peacopat creation, celebrates her unique essence. My vision is always to design not just garments, but stories woven in fabric, and this story belongs to her,” said the couturier.
Angela Sealey, a board member of the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA), praised Bridgeman for her continued commitment to hosting the ball, which she (Sealey) has attended many times.
“She puts on a beautiful event, and it should be supported. She is a giving person. She does not have to know you to help you,” said Sealey, who recalled meeting the host many years ago. I want to tell Donna I love her, and continue to do what she does best, and may God bless her and keep her in good health.
Bridgeman expressed gratitude to patrons who have supported the excellent event over the past eight years. She told Caribbean Life that the music manager, Mr. Gary Pierre, selected the cast of DJs, and the timing of selections had to flow with the different segments of the evening’s presentation.
“I was absolutely pleased with the turnout. To top this year’s presentation, I have to focus, listen, and feel the pulse of my supporters. The event is the end of summer going into the holiday season,” she explained.
She added that her patrons know that “we are the original kings and queens, hence the reason Royalty is the main focus of the masquerade ball.”
“With an event such as this, there is always a learning experience, mistakes are made, but we put our best foot forward to ensure our patrons get and appreciate their money’s worth,“ said the promoter.
The spectacular event was captured and documented by media platforms – www.choclatewomilkk.com and @richieimage.
