When @kaiserpermanente invited Couture Zen to design costumes for their 2025 Rose Parade float, it was an opportunity to create something extraordinary. Centered on the float’s theme, “More Healthy Days for More Healthy Years,” and the parade’s overarching theme, “Best Day Ever,” this project celebrated health, resilience, and the joy of community.
The float earned the prestigious Wrigley Legacy Award for its outstanding floral presentation, float design, and entertainment. But beyond the accolades, this collaboration was about bringing vibrant stories to life through creative design and innovation.
The Vision: A Tribute to Total Health
The Kaiser Permanente float represented total health—body, mind, and spirit. Its design featured a glowing sun at one end and a tranquil moon at the other, illustrating the balance between vitality during the day and rest at night. A vivid rainbow of carnations connected the two celestial elements, highlighting healthy living through cycling, yoga, nutritious food, and mental wellness.
Each participant—Kaiser Permanente members, care providers, and Special Olympics athletes—brought a unique story of health, healing, and resilience. Their presence was reflected in every costume, tying personal journeys to the float’s vibrant visual storytelling.
“Our goal was to create costumes that not only complemented the float but also amplified the participants’ incredible energy and stories,” says Melynda Choothesa, founder and creative director of Couture Zen.
Meet the Participants: Embodying Total Health
The float’s participants were a testament to Kaiser Permanente’s mission of inclusivity and wellness:
“The participants were the heart of the float,” says Melynda. “Their stories inspired every decision, even before we met them for fittings.”
Behind the Scenes: Designing for the Best Day Ever
The costume design process combined innovation, sustainability, and artistry to align with the float’s radiant design.
AI-Assisted Fabric Dyeing
Using AI-generated dye recipes, Couture Zen achieved precise and vibrant hues by matching colors to RGB/CMYK swatches. Most fabrics were then hand-dyed, ensuring each piece was unique while perfectly complementing the float’s bold palette.
Custom Designs for Every Role
From Judging Day to Parade Day
On Judging Day, Melynda brought her signature creativity to the forefront, accessorizing with custom-painted stethoscopes that reflected Kaiser Permanente’s focus on health care.
Final fittings took place on-site, where the participants first saw their costumes come to life. Adjustments ensured each outfit fit comfortably and allowed participants to fully enjoy their experience.
“Seeing their excitement during the fittings was such a rewarding moment,” Melynda shares. “It reminded us of the joy and meaning behind this project.”
The Float: A Radiant Celebration of Health
Designed by Phoenix Decorating Company, the float measured 28 feet tall, 18 feet wide, and 55 feet long. Its floral presentation featured:
A radiant sun made of yellow strawflower, gold clover seeds, and button mums.
The float was a vibrant tapestry of color, texture, and meaning, celebrating how nutrition, movement, inclusivity, and mental wellness contribute to lifelong health.
Reflections on a Career Highlight
“The Rose Parade is such a cherished Los Angeles tradition,” Melynda reflects. “To see our costumes enhance this incredible float and win the Wrigley Legacy Award was unforgettable. It was the perfect celebration of creativity, collaboration, and community.”
Looking Ahead: Innovation in Costume Design
Couture Zen continues to push boundaries in costume design, merging technology, sustainability, and craftsmanship to tell powerful stories. From parades to live-action performances, the studio’s designs are defined by attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to creativity.
Interested in custom costume design for your next event? Get in touch with us.
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