Style – Venice from behind a mask
Text: Noelia Santana | Press Photos
February marks the start of many carnivals around the world, but one in particular stands out for its cultural, creative and historic uniqueness which has inspired many other festivities around the world, the ‘Carnival di Venezia’.
Venice – the dreamy city amidst the water – is a fairy-tale place to hide away from reality, especially during the 18 days of carnival. The city becomes more whimsical than ever when the Breton tops and straw boater hats are swapped for spectacular masks of impossible shapes, elegant ball gowns and an attitude of high lineage.
The Venice carnival origins are not very clear, yet, some say that it started as a celebration of the victory of the Venice Republic against the Patriarch of Aquileia in 1162. It became a custom to come together in Piazza San Marco and, during the Renaissance, it officially became a Baroque carnival for creativity and pleasure. The sumptuary laws, which prevented commoners from copying the way aristocrats dressed, were also suspended, so, during the almost three months the festival lasted, there were no social ranks; everyone wore their best extravagant outfits and most grotesque masks, anyone could be their best (or worst) selves.
Sadly, the carnival stopped after the falling of the Republic, but it was still celebrated privately on the islands of Murano and Burano. It took almost two centuries for the Italian government to realise the cultural and financial benefits that bringing back a major tourist attraction could have for the city. Since it restarted in 1979, the carnival now attracts around three million tourists from all over the world every year.
If you are visiting the city during this explosion of drama and colour, please dress accordingly. You don’t want to be the conspicuous tourist in boring clothes showing your face like a common peasant! Make sure your outfit speaks of who you want to be. Have fun choosing the most absurdly decorated mask and enter the competition of ‘La Maschera più Bella’, judged by international costume and fashion designers.
What: A big party in the streets of magical Venice!
Where: Venice, Italy.
When: 8 to 25 February
How: Just show up but book your accommodation well in advance. Most events are free and out in the streets, such as parades, ‘festas’ in the water, street shows and costume competitions. For around 500 euros, you can book a place at the official Venetian dinner ball.
Dress from Alberta Ferretti
WHAT TO WEAR?
Let your creativity flow when choosing an outfit. Wear a bunch of colours and interesting materials and top it all off with the perfect mask.
A bit of couture
You can’t go wrong with couture, especially in the hands of Italian designer Alberta Ferretti. This elegant gown takes you back to the glory days of the authentic carnival.
Alberta Ferretti, satin dress with jewelled flowers, €3,240
Left to right: Sheba from Original Venice Shop | Shoes from Uterque | Bracelet from Zara
Who’s there?
Get the mask to match your outfit. You can pick from a wide range of designs, all originally Venetian.
Original Venice Shop, Sheba with tabby feathers, €129
Shoes to dance all night
Think fashion and function when choosing a pair of shoes to go with this fantastic gown. A high heel with a platform is a comfortable-yet-elegant shoe that will keep you dancing all night long.
Uterque, leather platform sandal, €99
Minimal accessories
This simple chain bracelet from Zara will add a modern twist and some bling to your elegant gown.
Zara, chain link bracelet, €10
Gran Canaria-born, London-based Noelia Santana is wrapped in high fashion, from head to heel. As founder of Estilistas, she runs a digital one-stop-shop for fashion lovers and a personal styling platform for the masses. www.estilistas.co.uk
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