Sydney Mardi Gras costumes a 'dying art', claims designer

The over-the-top costumes at Sydney's Mardi Gras festival are thought to be a dying art, according to one designer.

Ron Muncaster, the 75-year-old designer responsible for introducing the outlandish costumes to the Australian gay and lesbian event, said that it upsets him that current participants in the parade don't make as much effort as they used to.

Muncaster told The ABC: "People love to see a bit of spectacle and sparkle. Most of the people in the parade do not even bother to dress up.

"I think there should be a dress code on it. I think if you want to be in the parade, dress up."

Muncaster was featured in a 2004 documentary entitled Queen Sequina, in which he spoke about his life and the costumes he has made for the Mardi Gras.

This year's Mardi Gras parade takes place on Sydney's Oxford Street on Saturday, March 3.

Kylie Minogue has already been confirmed as the event's headline act, while singer Sam Sparro recently admitted that he is "terrified and excited" about being the closing performer for the festival.

George Michael also said that he hopes to "come back" to perform at the Mardi Gras, depending on how he feels after his recent bout of pneumonia.

Watch a promo video for 2010's Mardi Gras festival below: