Wondering what our cover model for this very issue is wearing? It’s a Design by Dru original that embodies the spirit of the Designer Dru Chuck.
The Jamaican designer picked up the passion at a young age while witnessing the spectacle that is Carnival. As a youngster, Dru can remember watching carnival from the streetside with his parents and grandmother. It’s clear that feathers and gems have been a constant fixture in Dru’s life but it wasn’t until he received an invitation from Giselle ‘The Wassi One,’ known as a pioneer in the mas world according to Designer Dru, to mas camp.
“That moment in 2008 changed everything,” recalled Dru. “I returned year after year, eager to learn, create, and contribute. Over time, what began as helping hands turned into a full-blown passion for designing. Carnival gave me the space to express myself creatively, and I’ve been bringing my vision to life ever since.”
Bit by bit Dru honed his skill of design, which led to the superb designer he is today bringing to life custom designs for personal clients as well as creating unique designs annually for Miami Carnival. Our Cover Model Tropicana is donning this year’s design Lapis Lazuli, the Royal Stone and Soul of the Gods as the inspiration.
“Treasured by pharaohs and traded across empires, Lapis Lazuli evokes Egypt’s deep spiritual and commercial influence along the Silk Road,” an expressive Dru conveyed. “With celestial blues and golden details, Lapis Lazuli channels the mystique of a stone once bartered like gold — a symbol of divine wisdom that journeyed far from the Nile to the East.”
Every year Dru envisions a new design in time for Miami Carnival 2025 taking place annually in October. From now until then, the public can purchase the Lapis Lazuli outfits on revelnationcarnival.com. Even though Dru’s creations have become a staple at the globally recognized carnival event, it’s not just Miami Carnival that he creates the one-of-a-kind costumes.
In between his labor of love cycle that begins towards the end of each year as he prepares his new collection just in time for Jamaica Carnival at the start of every year then back to Miami Carnival in October, the passionate designer also takes on special commissions and custom projects upon request. Other than specializing in costume carnival designs, he dabbles in creating bold creative swimwear with a Caribbean flair.
Every creation the dynamic designer makes is a nod to his Caribbean roots with a commitment to preserving the legacy of mas making. However, the tradition is infused with his desire to break the template norm and cast aside the trends ultimately producing fresh unforgettable authentic designs.
See Dru’s designs for purchase at revelnationcarnival.com, and reach out to him for private commissions at Designsbydru@outlook.com or @designsbydru on Instagram.
