Babydoll Gentilly Lace

Mahogany Blue Babydolls

Christina Bragg a.k.a Babydoll Gentilly Lace has been a part of the baby doll culture since 2017. She made her debut with the Mahogany Blue Baby Dolls on St. Joseph’s Night that year, diving into the unique world of culture bearing in New Orleans.
“I wanted to keep the Black masking traditions alive,” Bragg said of wanting to become a part of the babydoll culture. “Black Masking Indians are majority male-led. When I saw babydolls and understood this was something specific to women, and Black women in particular, I really wanted to be a part of it. I felt like it was a way to finally belong to the Black masking culture and be included.”
Gentilly Lace takes a hands on approach to her babydolling, sewing and beading different parts of her group's costume.  
“I do a lot of design and styling for Mahogany Blue,” she said. “We look unique, different, and stand out from the crowd. I love to make accessories. Everything is hand designed by me.”

Keeping the Culture Alive

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, the streets of New Orleans fell silent. There were no longer second lines and street blessings being led by babydolls. But Bragg made sure the tradition was kept alive at Jam NOLA, when her group was highlighted in the Umbrella Room.
“When we came to the grand opening, the owners kept asking where I got the masks from,” she said, speaking of fringe masks she made to match her group’s costume. “When I told them I made them, they were interested in selling them in their shop. They had a babydoll flair to them. Very New Orleans, delicate while also being flamboyant.”

Art. Sisterhood. Culture.

Gentilly Lace has also been a highlighted artist for New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation Gala for the past four years. Her donated art has been sold during their annual gala, raising money for the foundation’s efforts to continue throughout the year.

Catch Me Dollin’

She is also very active in the babydoll culture, which extends beyond Mardi Gras Day. She has participated in numerous Super Sundays, Blessing of the Streets, Juneteenth celebrations, Easter parades, Southern Decadence Festivals, Satchmo Summerfests, and NOLA Riverfest in an effort to increase the visibility of this black masking tradition.