Italian Masquerade: Costumes and Masks

Our fascination with masking our own identity, or donning another's, for just a night, has led to a longstanding love affair with masquerade balls. As popular today, as they were with European and Elizabethan royalty, they now find their place at dances, carnivals and parades. They have also served as inspiration to literature, art, theater and the movies. They are prominent in most movies where the indulgences of royalty are being emphasized or, royal bacchanals are being depicted. For me, the word masquerade takes me back to the famous masked ball scene in The Phantom of the Opera.

Italian Masquerade

In its nascent stage, the masques were meant to provide entertainment to the members of the court. There were variety of forms, sometimes a pageant, at others, a theatrical performance. During the Renaissance period (16th century), it blossomed into costumed revelry. As it progressed, it was adopted in other European nations. Arriving in France, it gave rise to the ballet de cour. Popular in Venice, these celebrations included not just royalty, but also other privileged members of society. When many experienced the demise of their good fortune with the fall of the Venetian Republic at the end of the 18th century, these expensive soirées also died out.

Many decades later, in the mid 1900's, owing to the efforts of a youthful bunch of theater aficionados, the grand Venetian carnival tradition was revived. Elaborate masks and costumes draw people from around the world, as it is realized in complete splendor, in the last week before lent in Venice.

Masquerade Masks

Modern masquerade masks can be half or full face masks. In present times, half face masks are more popular, as full face ones restrict eating and conversation. Masks are available in plenty and in a wide range of prices. Elaborate expensive metal ones may be adorned with gemstones or intricate gold leaf. Masks similar to the original papier-mâché ones are also available. Most beautifully made masks are dramatic, and make excellent decorative pieces.

A popular half face mask is the catface. If you think you can carry it off, some full face joker masks are exquisite. And if, like me, you too are a The Phantom of the Opera fan, the phantom mask would be ideal. A Harlequin pattern is seen quite often on half-face masks. Another favorite and one that will get you plenty of attention, is the jester mask replete with beads and bells. While most masks were worn strapped to the face, it was also popular to carry masks on a stick and occasionally show someone who you really were. A tradition Venetian design seen often is a half face mask with a long beak-like nose. One may be surprised to learn that these masks are used at varied occasions, from sweet 16 parties, to theme parties, even for some weddings!

Masquerade Costumes

Contemporary masquerade parties often see guests dressed in stylish attire wearing masks. But there are those who choose to stay true to the masquerade tradition, and dress in elaborate costumes, inspired by clothes of the seventeenth and eighteenth century royalty. A spectacle to behold, women turn out in flamboyant ball gowns with frills and men in old-fashioned tuxedos with long coats or tails and top hats. Yet these outfits are comparatively conservative to those you see at the carnival in Venice. A good way to add to your costume is accessories. You could wear long gloves or a tiara and carry a hand fan.

Masquerade balls are always a lot of fun. One can buy or rent a costume for this occasion. If you are a creative person, it is not too difficult to make your own costume or mask. There are plenty of instructions available on the Internet. Above all, don't shy away from a melodramatic costume. Conceal your own identity, and be a count or countess for a night!