Revelers take to the streets in Trinidad for its annual Carnival the biggest…

This year, the Trinidad-born, New York-based Ayoung-Chee was the festival's unofficial grand dame, her designs stealing the show on Carnival Tuesday. For upward of $700, revelers could "play mas" — participate in the grand parade — wearing a getup designed by the "Project Runway" star.

"My costume was loosely inspired by Native American tribal wear, and adapted for the glamour and glitz and sensuality of the road," explained Ayoung-Chee, a graduate of Parson's School of Design.

Turquoise Feathers, animal tooth accents, gold beads and a flowing silk cape made for a standout look in line with the designer's signature style, which she has described as "sexy, easy and island vibes."

"Carnival is entrenched in my psyche," said Ayoung-Chee, who in 2008 represented Trinidad and Tobago in the Miss Universe pageant. "Its energy, richness and sensuality influence my work in ways I am not even aware of."

"Trinidad and Tobago is the most diverse country I know — culturally, ethnically, religiously — and I am constantly inspired by the people and their history," she added.

Ayoung-Chee's Carnival costumes — aptly called "The Runway" section — were part of a larger band in the Carnival parade. TRIBE, which pioneered Trinidad's all-inclusive Carnival concept, charges several hundred dollars for a costume, food and drinks for two full days of dancing behind the mobile music trucks. The band is extraordinarily popular with locals and visitors, and its some 5,000 costumes sell out almost instantly.

Her section was launched last November at an elegant bash attended by actor Will Smith. Several days before Carnival, Ayoung-Chee also threw an all-inclusive bash at a decked-out private residence in Port of Spain.