Halloween Masquerade Inspiration

Getting ready to attend a masquerade ball this Halloween? Well, you’re in good company. These parties have been around since the 15th century and are still going strong today. Originally happening during the festive time before Lent and celebrating marriages and life events, today the masked ball is about socializing and having fun, meeting new people, and even concealing your identity to be able to free your inhibitions and party more freely.

Originating in Italy, masquerade balls have spread rapidly to most of the world. Each country and culture that has adopted this celebration has added their own spin and fashion to these festivals, culminating in beautiful masks ranging from modern to traditional and showcasing the country’s heritage and roots. This Halloween, you’ll see masks ranging from traditional Venetian, to lace, feathers and jewels, super hero and tv characters, animals both real and mystical, Day of the Dead, classic Halloween icons and even painted on masks made entirely of jewels and make up. Whatever look you’re going for, we’ll help you get inspired with some of our favorite masks of 2017. Masquerade balls are one age-old tradition that we can’t wait to partake in each year!

First up, we have Venetian masks from the Carnival of Venice, a traditional celebration held each year and filled with some of the world’s most elaborate masks. These masks are characteristically full faced and monochromatic, with matching feathers, jewels and trim.

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Next up is a mask of one of the year’s most amazing super heroes. Who can forget Gal Gadot’s performance in Wonder Woman? If you’re looking to dress up as your favorite sci-fi role model, look no further than this stunning mask filled with eye popping gold and sleek, full bodied, dark feathers.

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As far as mystical creatures are concerned, unicorns rank as the very best. It would be utterly cool if these legendary beasts came to life. In the meantime, show your love with this easy to make unicorn mask complete with horn and hair in soft pastel colors.

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The beauty of the traditional lace mask is that it will go with any outfit and is as elegant a mask as it gets. It is chic and dressy and won’t take the focus away from your killer dress. Add rhinestones and assorted jewels to the mask for a hint of sparkle and sophistication.

This offbeat Minnie Mouse lace mask appeared in a 2005 Vogue but it’s still so stylish and relevant.

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When considering a Halloween mask, be sure to also consider Halloween make up and nontraditional masks that utilize jewels and sequins to paint the face in an unrecognizable, dazzling work of art. Here are some favorites. Maison Margiela is known for the full face rhinestone masks.

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Halloween tends to bring out a bit of our darker sides. It’s just starting to get cold and you can feel the first chill of winter everywhere around you. It’s pitch black outside and you’re pressed against a throng of people at a parade or a party. This is the best atmosphere for a dark, alluring, raven mask. You’ll blend in to your surroundings elegantly and seamlessly.

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Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is a celebration honoring the dead. What better look for your spooky masquerade ball then an otherworldly dalliance with the dead and perhaps, the undead? This look is heavily centered around a red and black floral and lace headband and ornate, hand drawn designs and drawings on the mask itself.

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Classic masks should not be overlooked when choosing your masquerade look. These masks can easily be DIYed with feathers, rhinestones and perhaps beads or flowers. This is the best look if you want to customize your mask and make sure that it will be truly one of a kind. The possibilities are endless but here are a couple of ideas to get you started.

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This Halloween season, it is our responsibility to continue the 600 year old tradition of attending masquerade balls like our predecessors have done for generations. This is the one night a year that you can revel in a new identity and embrace the mystery around you without any reservations. Wherever this night takes you, put on a mask and party in style.

 

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