Historical Costumes: dress code for Carnival Balls in Venice
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Historical costumes for Carnival in Venice |
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The historical costumes
Clothing in Venice during the Renaissance
Italy has been a mainly Catholicic country for a long time. In Venice the celebration of a military victory grew into an annual carnival, a last big party before the holy season of solemn fasting and prayer started, called Lent. Lent leads from Ash Wednesday up to Easter. The core word in 'carnevale' is 'carne', meaning 'meat' or 'flesh'. During carnival social hierarchies - and also marriage vows - were forgotten.
Masquerade balls became popular with members of the Venetian artistocracy in the 16th century. Masks offered anonymity and prevented scandals. The Venetian Carnival became more and more decadent, 'a lavish celebration where participants engaged in lusty behavior outside the normal rules', as historian Phillips remarks. Both men and women dressed sumptuously, displaying their families' wealth.
But how could women who did not belong to the highest nobility, afford dresses of beautiful, handmade fabrics? The price of a new, red velvet gown was as much as 100 ducats. To get an idea how much this is: courtesan Veronica Franco (see the description of the Courtesan Dream Ball) charged 2 ducats for her services. Researchers found that most garments were made of recycled fabrics. The handmade, exquisite fabrics were used over and over again. And there was also a lively trade in rental clothes. So if you rent a costume, that is a historical correct choice.
Masquerade balls became popular with members of the Venetian artistocracy in the 16th century. Masks offered anonymity and prevented scandals. The Venetian Carnival became more and more decadent, 'a lavish celebration where participants engaged in lusty behavior outside the normal rules', as historian Phillips remarks. Both men and women dressed sumptuously, displaying their families' wealth.
But how could women who did not belong to the highest nobility, afford dresses of beautiful, handmade fabrics? The price of a new, red velvet gown was as much as 100 ducats. To get an idea how much this is: courtesan Veronica Franco (see the description of the Courtesan Dream Ball) charged 2 ducats for her services. Researchers found that most garments were made of recycled fabrics. The handmade, exquisite fabrics were used over and over again. And there was also a lively trade in rental clothes. So if you rent a costume, that is a historical correct choice.
Renaissance: noble woman in Venice
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Renaissance: lower class noble woman Venice
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The wife of the Dogue of Venice
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Renaissance: noble woman with fur Venice
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Renaissance costumes during Carnival in Venice
Carnevale Veneziano di Andrea Rizzo. Source: https://youtu.be/RSmQQH5Cem0
All costumes included in the packages are handmade
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All historical costumes your can rent for the Russolo Family's Balls are hand made by Giulia Russolo and her apprentices. You can either buy or rent. Renting costs of a dress or costume are around € 500. The entrance fee with costume included is really attractive: you save a couple of hundred Euro's per person.
Dresses can easily be adjusted and Mrs Russolo has a very good eye for what makes you look beautiful. She provides you with mask and accessories if the dress code requires this. For hygienic reasons masks cannot be rented, only bought. You are requested to make an appointment for a fitting session one or more days before the Ball. You can take the costume with you or Mrs Russolo arranges that it is being brought to your hotel. |
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If you want to include a costume, you are advised to request an invitation as soon as possible. The number of available costumes is limited.
During the After Dinner Parties of the Ball of Dreams and Grand Ball you are allowed to wear black tie/long evening dress with mask.
During the After Dinner Parties of the Ball of Dreams and Grand Ball you are allowed to wear black tie/long evening dress with mask.
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