Masquerade Ball Gown
From LoveToKnow Costumes
Most of us don’t get the chance to dress in elaborate costumes often enough, so the opportunity to don a masquerade ball gown with a matching mask is both exciting and daunting. Important women in Venice used to spend much of the year worrying about what their dress was going to look like, so you’re in good company – and at least you can go to a rental shop!
History of Masquerade Ball Gowns
Masquerade balls, the elaborate costume parties for the wealthy, became popular during the Italian Renaissance and were eagerly anticipated by Venetian society. The balls soon spread throughout Europe as people grew entranced with the idea of disguising themselves in fanciful costumes and being able to flirt openly and generally behave in a way far removed from the normal strictures of social decorum.
For women especially, this offered a few hours of liberation from a restrictive and tightly defined role. Even in Venice, women were kept on short rein and expected to adhere to firm behavioral rules. The chance to wear an ornate masquerade ball gown and mask and then break a few rules (within reason) was intoxicating. The more eye-catching the dress, the better, because even the most respectably married woman would then be asked to dance by the most men, making for a memorable night.
Styles of Masquerade Dresses
Masquerades have gone in and out of fashion, but in their current incarnation, the tendency for costume is towards something period – either medieval, Renaissance, Georgian or Gothic Victorian. Within these categories, there is then the decision of whether to wear something that is strictly period, or a fantasy version thereof. Women might choose an animal mask with a dress that echoes some of its styling. Or they want to suggest an idea, such as “winter” with a white dress featuring jeweled snowflakes. A masquerade is an opportunity to let the imagination run to the broadly fantastic.
Acquiring Your Costume
When looking for a great masquerade ball gown, you are best off hitting your local costume shop first. If you want something more unique and don’t sew, look for a professional seamstress who understands either theatrical or film costumes or is involved with Cosplay. Someone at this level of costume design and construction will help you articulate and then shape your ideas and be able to create a costume for the ages.
While going this route will garner you the best costume, it will not be inexpensive. If you think the costume is something you will only wear once, it’s better to rent something. But if you’re lucky enough to have costume events as a regular part of your life, it can be a nice investment.
A high-end costume rental shop will work with you to put together your perfect masquerade ball outfit. If you want a slight change in the dress they have available, it can be arranged. And if they have the perfect dress but no matching mask, they can usually either make one themselves or have one made elsewhere.
You can certainly try your luck with online vintage shops and even eBay, but when it comes to a costume this big and complex, you really want to take the time and organize it in person.
Making Your Own Gown
For an experienced seamstress, this is always going to be the most satisfying method of acquiring the perfect costume. Take your time to research both the period you choose and the fantasy elements, if you are going to apply any. Be aware that when it comes to such costumes, you need patterns for film or theatre professionals, or anyone who works in reenactment. Start by reading the various articles and searching links on The Costumer’s Manifesto, as it’s one of the most comprehensive web sites for people who want to do their costumes right.
More Masquerade Costume Ideas
Interested in finding more ideas for Mardi Gras or your next masquerade ball? Check out these great articles!
Learn More
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