GLAMOUR, ELEGANCE, MYSTERY, EXUBERANCE are all synonyms of masked balls. Whether thrown by Truman Capote in 1966 and known by society’s elite as the event of the decade, or hosted by Carine Roitfeld in celebration of Vogue Paris’ 90th anniversary—with the magazine’s favourite designers, editors, models and actors in attendance—a party that requires an elegant dress code and a mask promises only the most enchanting night for its guests.
There is something about concealing one’s identity whilst wearing the most exquisite couture gowns or made-to-measure suits that makes the night open to infinite possibilities. One can adopt any character they wish — become the person they’ve always wanted to be — for a few short hours. One’s composure moulds to the part they wish to play, and their appearance becomes the language they use to express themselves. Will it be a colourfully embellished Venetian Colombina, or a gilded metal filigree mask? Will the dress echo the mask or contrast it? Will the hair be worn in a chic voluminised chignon or romantic waves à la Veronica Lake? The mysteriousness dims the visibility in the room, leaving the night open to a charming, crazy, sumptuous kind of fun. —Victoria
Images: 2, 4, 9, 15, 25 – Bougeotte, 1, 11, 17, 23, 26, 30 – The Fashion Spot, 3, 6, 7, 16, 21, 28 – Vogue, 5 – Simply Style, 8 – Pinterest, 10 – Pessimiss, 12 – Anna Comas, 13 – Tumblr, 14 – Pleasure Photo, 18 – Focus Features, 19 – Max Farago, 20 – Lily, 22 – Visual Optimism, 24 – We Are So Droee, 27 – Lissi Loves, 29 – Paperless Post, 30 – Vogue UK.
