MOBILE AREA MARDI GRAS ASSOCIATION
Queen Richlyn Sydney Pugh
By Caroline Edmondson Photos Stevye Photography, StevyePhotography.com
Hair Jason Chambers & Felisha Allen, Headdress Salon, 251.689.7427.
Makeup Courtney Matthews Makeup Artistry, Cocokat1978@gmail.com & Jessica Price, Primp Lash & Beauty, 251.285.3000.
Paving the way as the first Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association Monarch in her family, Queen Richlyn Sydney Pugh embodies exactly what is means to reign with poise and grace, while remaining a steadfast inspiration and role model to those around her and for those who will follow in her footsteps. The daughter of Mr. Richard Pugh and Mr. Raymond and Mrs. Frances Johnson, Queen Richlyn Pugh does not take her selection as Queen lightly, saying how much of an honor and privilege this is for not only her, but for her entire family. “I am not from a family of royalty, and the absence of past lineage is not the normal for a Queen’s selection,” shares Richlyn. “It is a very humbling honor, and, in a way, I feel as though I have opened the door for those who may be the first-generation. I have remained authentic and shown that it is possible to accomplish something grand without the perfect blueprint.”
And though Richlyn does not come from royalty, she is setting the stage for her family’s Mardi Gras future, starting in 2004 with her time as Goblet Bearer for MAMGA’s King Melvin Lamont Green Love and Queen Cecelia Shunta Limpscomb. Richlyn then went on to serve as First Lady in Waiting for MAMGA’s King Richard D. Edwards and Queen Myea Elenora Rice. Now, it’s Richlyn’s turn to wear the crown, proudly reigning as the 2023 MAMGA Queen.
For Richlyn, Mardi Gras has long been her family’s favorite holiday. “I grew up riding the float every year with my dad and the Krewe of Mystic Merry Makers. When I wasn’t on the float I was with my grandparents,” recalls Richlyn. “The entire Mardi Gras season is a tradition for my family. My dad’s house is along the parade route and we all park at his house and head to our favorite spots to catch the parade. Mardi Gras is a true staple for the City of Mobile and a time of the year where strangers become family.” She is thrilled to be experiencing this year’s Carnival season from the lens of a Royal, and getting to share this season with her family and friends makes it all the more special. “My family and friends have truly supported me since the day I found out that I was chosen as the Queen,” she fondly shares. “My reign thus far has shown how willing and committed my loved ones are in helping me create a legacy. I coined the phrase ‘Queen’s Krewe’ for every person who has assisted me on my journey. Part of this reign is for them. I’m truly hoping we enjoy this Mardi Gras season.”
““THE ENTIRE MARDI GRAS SEASON IS A TRADITION FOR MY FAMILY. MY DAD’S HOUSE IS ALONG THE PARADE ROUTE AND WE ALL PARK AT HIS HOUSE AND HEAD TO OUR FAVORITE SPOTS TO CATCH THE PARADE. MARDI GRAS IS A TRUE STAPLE FOR THE CITY OF MOBILE AND A TIME OF THE YEAR WHERE STRANGERS BECOME FAMILY.”
Richlyn has coined her reign as “A Renaissance Reign,” paying homage to her identity as a Renaissance woman herself—full of many passions, interests, and competence in various skills. This can be seen throughout the assorted pieces making up her Royal wardrobe. Coupled with her Regalia’s theme of “Transcends the Imaginable,” Richlyn’s wardrobe is a rich selection of white, silver, and golden hues. Conferring with Johnny Weaver of Royal Clothiers, Richlyn’s train is a creamy white American satin overlaid with a stalk white, seed bead studded lace. The outer circumference of the train is framed with a thick layer of natural white fox fur, which is underlaid with the same custom tulle and ostrich feathers that are featured on her royal dress. The entire inner span of her 16 by 8-foot train is lined with a handcrafted gold bullion ribbon imported from India. The rich natural fur is encrusted with antique brooches and handcrafted Swarovski crystal baguette medallions. The foremost focal point of her train is an abstract illustration of the baroque inspired chandeliers found in the Palace of Versailles. Embedded within the motif, is her royal moniker, which is constructed of gold threaded Dupioni silk and outlined with crystal banding.
Richlyn’s mantle was designed by by D&D Creations of Kenner, Louisiana and features handspun threads of copper and gold that are used to create intermittent floral appliques that cascade the entire mantle. Her coronation dress was custom-made by Samantha Blake Designs of Richmond, Kentucky.
““NO MATTER YOUR BACKGROUND, CULTURE, OR BELIEFS, WE CAN CELEBRATE EACH OTHER AND CELEBRATE OUR CITY TOGETHER.””
Outside of her Royal wardrobe, Richlyn’s own personal style is that of the “everyday girl,” comfortable, effortless, confident, and chic. “I’m your Lululemon Groove Pant and Scuba Half-Zip Hoodie girl with a nice pop here and there,” laughs Richlyn. Coining her mother as her style inspiration (and her own personal shopper!), Richlyn leaves most of the shopping up to her mom. “She is extremely fashionable and creative. She can literally see one thing and envision and execute it completely different.”
Richlyn and her mother bought several pieces of her Royal wardrobe from local favorites such as Debra’s, The Holiday, and Gallery Shoe Boutique. “My mother has longstanding relationships with these shops, and they have all been so gracious towards me!”
Not only is Richlyn a first-generation Royal, she is also a proud first-generation scholar having graduated from the University of Alabama with a dual degree in Criminal Justice and Computer Science. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from the University of South Alabama. She hopes to become a Woman’s Health Nurse Practitioner or a dual role Family/Emergency Nurse Practitioner with a specialization in Oncology.
Perhaps even more impressive, Richlyn is currently an All-Source Intelligence Analyst for the United States Air Force providing intel training to aircrews and conducting debriefings of military personnel in combat operations. Of her time in the Air Force Richlyn says, “The military challenges me and allows me to utilize my criminal justice and computer science degrees, but losing my grandmother and grandfather to cancer drew me to the medical field and I couldn’t be happier mastering something completely different.”
Outside of her reign and schooling, Richlyn loves living on the Gulf Coast, saying the seafood and the proximity of the beaches is her favorite part. And of course, she loves spending time with her family. “Since the passing of the elders, the younger generation has started getting everyone together each month to catch up, eat, and spend time so whenever I am in Mobile, I look forward to that.”
She is also a huge advocate for self-care and mental health, saying she takes the opportunity to rest whenever she can. “I feel like it’s extremely important to recharge so that you are able to pour into others. Nursing school has taught me if you don’t take time for yourself then you won’t be able to function at your full capacity and others may not get your best,” she tells us.
She is looking forward to all this Mardi Gras season has to offer and hopes to bring people together with her reign. “No matter your background, culture, or beliefs, we can celebrate each other and celebrate our city together.” And we could not agree more.
Shoot Location Courtesy of the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, USSAlabama.com Marquee Lights Provided by Lights by the Bay
Custom Gown by Rasa Lee Douglas. Earrings, $48; Rise, 251.341.7096.
White Gown, Provided By Over The Moon Bridal, 251.459.0871.
Pink Dress, Call For Price; CK Collection, 251.990.9001. Earrings, $48; Rise, 251.341.7096. Bracelet, Call For Price; The Holiday, 251.432.4911.
Dress, $545, Fascinator, $150; The Holiday, 251.432.4911. Earrings, Call For Price; Over The Moon Bridal, 251.459.0871. Heels, $89; The Gallery Shoe Boutique, 251.344.4257.
Gown in front of Jet, Call For Price, Earrings,$48; The Holiday, 251.432.4911. Heels, $79; The Gallery Shoe Boutique, 251.344.4257.
Gown, Call For Price; The Holiday, 251.432.4911. Earrings, $20; Hemline, 251.287.6875.
