CHYNA DOLL

From BabyDoll to Grand Marshall: Saran Bynum for the first time at JazzAscona

Saran Bynum is a leading exponent of New Orleans’ Babydoll tradition, a centuries-old cultural practice in which women in elegant dresses, masks and colorful petticoats parade during Carnival, embodying strength, independence and cultural identity. Known as Babydoll Chyna Doll, she is also the director and owner of 5th Dimension Studioz, as well as leading the Southern Charm Babydollz organization.

Granddaughter of civil rights activist Horace C. Bynum Sr., Saran has dedicated the past two decades to community activism, honoring her grandfather’s legacy by volunteering at numerous city events. She has received the Babydoll Sisterhood Award from the Babydoll Sisterhood Organization and several official awards from the City of New Orleans for her contributions as a filmmaker, activist and cultural gatekeeper. In addition to serving on the board of Friends of Treme Culture, in support of the music and traditions of the Treme, Saran has also taught students in the neighborhood the arts of painting, filmmaking and Babydoll costuming and disguise, continuing to pass on and enhance this historic cultural expression. 

At JazzAscona for the first time, we will be able to see her as Grand Marshall leading the brassband parades.