The Ideal Venetian Masks - Summer 2013

Summer is finally here— Let the party begin! Whoa, and let us not forget the most looked forward to occasion of the season—Fourth of July!

So you have got a big masquerade bash in the offing and you want to look classy and stylish at the same time? A brilliant idea is to match your elegant outfit with the right kind of Venetian mask to complement your attire that will help you look like a million bucks.

The hot trends we are witnessing this season are:

Trends for Women

• Long Slits:  This elegant style is reminiscent of Hollywood kind of glamour
  Mask to pick: Columbina Monica Gold/White
  
• Leather: Not just the jackets, we are seeing the entire dresses, skirts and shorts made out of leather
  Mask to pick: Malazia Black mask
  
•  Neon: This trend is seen largely in accessories
  Mask to pick: Elfe with Plume Stick Red
  
• Streaks: Big, bold stripes (mostly black and white) appearing on dresses, gowns, shirts, trousers.
  Mask to pick: Colombina Black/White
  
• Shades of Blue: The mint and electric blue are perfect for a fresh summer look.
  Mask to match: Colombina Crackle Blue Stucco
  
• Flowery Prints:  This carried over trend from spring can be seen on dresses, t-shirts and skirts.
  Mask to pick: Colorosa Chiocciola

Trends for Men

• Style Tailoring: Suits this season are simply brilliant. Trend includes summery suits with a bold print or pattern with a metallic finish
  Mask to pick: Bauta Silver Macrame
  
• Stripes: Be it suits or shirts, statement stripes are one of the foremost trends for summer 2013.
  Mask to pick: Columbina Stucco Brown/Gold Music
  
•  Pinky Pink: No longer considered as girly color, is flaunted with ease.
  Mask to pick: Full Face cut out
  
• Shades of Blue: Every shade of blue does the trick of enhancing the glam quotient
  Mask to pick: Columbina White 1 / 2 Macrame

Here are a few tips on how to select the right kind of Venetian mask for you that will blend perfectly well with the latest trends in vogue.

• Select your outfit. We know it is a tedious job but then you have to do it in order to select a mask in a timely manner
  
• Find a reputable seller of authentic masks. All you need is an authentic Handmade Venetian mask that should not only make you look beautiful but should also be long lasting
  
• Skim through the different styles of masks available bearing in mind the following:
  
•  Event type:  Is it Casual, formal or theme based
•  Dress Type: Short or long, Color
• Accessories
  
•  Pick the mask that suits your personality the most. Go in for a mask that will keep you at ease and self-assured all night.

So wear the right mask and gear up for a trendy, mysterious and glamorous party!

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All you Ever Wanted to Know about the Carnival!

Carnival or ‘Carnevale’ is among the largest celebrations in Italy. Also celebrated in many other parts of Europe and Latin America, this festival is complete with masquerade parties and Venetian masks! In Venice and in all other parts of the world, the Carnival takes plays on the days leading up to Lent.

During the 40 days of Lent, parties, eating meat, sugar and fats are off limits. As a consequence of which the Italians would try to get rid of all their food and drink before lent. As a matter of fact, the word Carnevale comes from the Latin words carne meaning meat and vale meaning farewell. Though this tradition it believed to have started in the late 1100’s the extravagance of it all was introduced in the 16h century.

Venetian Carnival Masks – A History

With a tradition that dates back centuries, Venetian masks feature in Italian culture beyond that celebration of Carnival. Way back in 1268, a law was passed to put a ban on wearing masks and throwing perfumed eggs!

By this time, these exquisite masks were already an integral part of the Carnival celebrations. The

law was reversed in the 18^th century, where Venetians were permitted to wear masks for 6 months every year.

Carnival Over the Centuries

In spite of a long and colorful history, the festivities started to go downhill during the 18^th century. With the Austrian conquest of Venice, wearing Venetian Carnival masks and celebrating was out of question. Also Mussolini banned the celebrations altogether during his regime in the 1930s.

In the late 1970s a group of Venetian artisans joined together to restart the festival. Since then, over 3 million people choose to visit Venice alone for the festivals each year.

What to Expect at the Carnival

The celebrations commence on a Friday afternoon with La Festa delle Marie. This is a masked procession through the city that takes place right before the official opening of the Carnival on Saturday. The Piazza San Marco in Venice is the place to be during this time.

If you were to visit a carnival celebration, you can enjoy a number of events such as the lavish masquerade balls, candle-lit parade of boats, concerts and street performances. You may be required to get an invite or pay a steep ticket price to get into a masquerade ball.

If you missed the carnival celebrations this year, you can still purchase authentic masks from anywhere. Use them as ornamental wall hanging, as a creative Halloween costume or as an accessory to your exquisite gowns. 

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