Hajra

CIAO! TODAY CARNIVAL OF MASKS IS INTRODUCING CARNEVALE COSTUME MAKER, HAJRA KEMARI.

Sue Lay photographed by Barak Shacked in Hajra Kemari’s design.

CoM: How did you hear about Carnevale?

HK: Since I was a teenager. I always loved it. Luckily, one of my customers asked me to make her a version of Queen Elizabeth I costume last year, 2025.

CoM: What do you love about Carnevale?

HK: The beauty of the costumes, the place, everything. It is one of the most beautiful events in the world.

CoM: Tell us about your Carnevale business.

HK: I’m a costume maker and designer. Last year, I made my first costume for a customer. And I did a second one for 2026 for the same customer who fell in love with Carnevale. I also make: masks, accessories, fabrics, haberdashery, hats, and jewelry.

Hajra Kemari in her own design. Photo by Bob Baines.