Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association’s King Elexis I: Richard D. Edwards, Jr.

Not only is Richard Edwards Jr. charming, handsome, and kind to all, he’s an accomplished celebrity fashion industry insider as well. Well suited for the role of royalty, Richard is the perfect choice for the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association’s (MAMGA) King Elexis I for 2022. A graduate of The University of Alabama at Birmingham with an established career, he’s determined to expand his professional portfolio. We met this talented Mardi Gras King to learn more about his fascinating life, both as local royalty and a fashion stylist and designer in Atlanta.

By Amber Wielkins; Photography by Stevye Murray

Ready to ensure his reign is a festive celebration for the entire community, Richard Edwards Jr. shares, “I’ve dreamed of being MAMGA’s King since I was a kid”. Living proof that dreams can come true, he’s grateful for the honor and ready to reign as MAMGA’s King Elexis I in 2022.

The son of Richard D. Edwards Sr. and Felicia Thomas, Richard hails from a large family and has five siblings— Matthew Gibbs, Tyler Reese, Morgan Reese, Zoria Hunter, and Tonecia Marzette—ranging in age from high school senior to college students and adults. Recalling his upbringing, he shares, “While growing up, my family celebrated Mardi Gras by stressing the importance of gathering together. We attended the parades, shared Chicken on a Stick, and walked miles to enjoy the festivities.” His favorite memory of Mardi Gras? “Watching my grandmother transform a traditional Christmas tree into a vibrant Mardi Gras tree was pretty special. It really brought home to me that Mardi Gras is a holiday, not just parades to attend, but a staple of life in Mobile.”

Although he resides in Atlanta, he’ll always be a Mobilian at heart, “I especially love watching the entire city ceasing all activities that aren’t Mardi Gras-related,” he smiles, saying, “It’s always heartwarming to witness the people of Mobile come together to celebrate something that is culturally unique to our city. This is one of many reasons I take pride in being a native of Mobile.” Richard has many other reasons to be proud of his hometown, but Mobile is equally proud of him. An honors graduate of John L. LeFlore Magnet High School with a concentration in pre-law, his work ethic and intelligence were evident, but even more apparent was his big heart. He spent his high school years committed to becoming a leader and giving back. “I was very active in school and community- based organizations. I participated in Spring Hill College’s Upward Bound, S.T.A.R.S and S.T.R.I.P.E.S student excellence programs at the University of South Alabama, The Mobile Chapter of Jack and Jill of America’s Le Beautillion Militaire, and Culturama. I also served as an escort for the Strikers Club Incorporated,” he declares.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) was where Richard received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Marketing with a minor in Public Relations. “While at UAB, I continued cultivating my leadership skills by participating in the 4th Cohort of the Blazer Male Excellence Network and was named a marketing champion for Regions Financial Institution of Midtown-Atlanta,” he says, adding, “I completed my undergraduate studies by interning as the marketing specialist for Hibbett Sporting Goods.”

Today, Richard is an in-demand fashion stylist and image consultant, traveling wherever his clients need his services. But he’s more than a stylist—he’salsocuratinghisownfashionbrand, Cr’m Clothing, in collaboration with his cousin Dominique Crum, First Knight in the MAMGA Court. Further, he says, “I’m expanding my professional portfolio by styling several high profile, A-list celebrities and musical artists. My work has appeared on many television networks and at popular events such as The Grammy’s, The BET Awards, and The MTV Video Music Awards.

My diverse background and breadth of knowledge regarding the fashion industry has yielded several of my clients being named ‘best-dressed’ by multiple publications.” In his free time, Richard enjoys traveling and exploring, learning about different cultures and traditions. Naturally, he had us at “fashion,” since we don’t often work with men who get excited over driving gloves or the perfect pocket square. So imagine our delight when—before we revealed we were planning a fashion story inspired by Netflix’s hit show Bridgerton—he mentioned that would be his dream photoshoot. Thrilled with our eerily similar visions, Richard agreed to join our Bridgerton-esque photoshoot with several Court Ladies. Turning up the excitement, he brought several fabulous looks spanning the past, present, and future. It was then we realized this King has more than diverse interests— he has many looks, too, and who are we to turn down the opportunity to photograph a man in Bottega Veneta? This fashion chameleon effortlessly took his place in front of the camera for a change.

King Richard’s royal regalia is a reflection of his fascination with diverse cultures. He explains, “My coat, which was hand- beaded and sewn in India, is inspired by Haile Selassie, the former Emperor of Ethiopia, as well as Arabian culture, which places loyalty to family over the individual.” Crediting Mrs. Patricia Richardson with carrying out the design and execution of his vision for his royal garments, he continues, “The focal point of my train was inspired by the Greek myth of the phoenix rising from the ashes, which is symbolic of emerging from a catastrophe stronger, smarter, and more powerful. The phoenix spirit animal represents a magical and gentle soul, greatly reminding me of my late grandmother, Betty Brown Thomas’s personality. The eyes of the largest phoenix on the train are made up of sparkling blue aurora borealis crystals and diamond birthstones, which represent both her and my late best friend, Anthony Bunn.” Richard’s crown was also designed by Mrs. Patricia Richardson and his staff was designed by Dynasty Collection, which executed both pieces.

Curating a wardrobe for all the events of the season wasn’t easy for this fashion professional. He laughs, “You’d think this process would be a breeze since I am awardrobe stylist. However, it was a difficult process because of my indecisive nature. Nevertheless, I found it both fulfilling and rewarding because being MAMGA’s King was a dream come true. I started by creating a mood board for the season with each event’s date and I pulled pieces that were most meaningful to me, incorporating them into my wardrobe.”

Lastly, Richard expresses his gratitude to MAMGA for bestowing this honor upon him, further stating, “I am thrilled Mardi Gras is returning because this is the biggest time of the year for Mobile and it’s always been my favorite season. As King Elexis I, I am looking forward to making my reign as memorable as possible. Given the past year, I will ensure a well-deserved and festive Mardi Gras season.” We’re guessing it will be a well-dressed season, too. For that, the honor has been all ours.

Shot on location at The Driskell, a future social club from proprietor Murphy D. Bishop, II in partnership with Coastal Domain LLC. For booking inquiries, contact Director of Hospitality Amber Bell at Amber@thedriskell.com TheDriskell.com