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An Insight Into The Victorian's Themed Parties
Fancy dress and themed parties are very popular nowadays and this custom has been celebrated in many different cultures across the world. In 17th Century Italy it became popular to dress up in masks and elaborate costumes during carnivals. This ended up becoming a direct influence on the 18th century trend of masquerades and masquerade balls in Europe.
The immoral behaviour that occurred from these masquerades made them unpopular by the very beginning of the 19th century. The masks were removed but the elaborate costumes remained popular and developed the idea of 'fancy dress' in the Victorian era. During the 1820's and 1830's themed parties were usually inspired by characters of romantic poetry and fiction and were very fashionable.
Queen Victoria was also fond of fancy dress parties and her personal interest in British history brought forward the popularity of historically accurate themed parties through a large part of the 19th century. By the middle of the 19th century the fancy dress party was a common occurrence for any occasion, even if the party was private or public. Fancy dress became the very fashionable theme to have at your party.
The themed parties continued to be based on 18th century characters in literature such as Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Charles Dickens characters and Tennyson. Young girls liked to dress up as peasant girls from other countries where they believed the poor dressed 'attractively'. Outfits would be very colourful compared to normal everyday clothing and it was an opportunity to show off jewellery and charms.
Another fashionable theme that appeared in the Victorian fancy dress themed parties was the theme of allegorical costumes. Ladies would love to dress up as the 'night' or 'summer' and the possibilities of these were endless. Some women would like to get creative and dress up as the 'last rose of the summer'. Dress makers as this time probably encouraged this theme as the ball dress could easily be adapted for the next fashion and themed party.
Ideas and designs for the fancy dress party in the 1860's were presented in many collections, women's magazines loved showing off new designs and accessories for fancy dress, with a list of instructions of the materials used. Often prints of famous actors and female actors were shown in period drama outfits from popular plays and ballet. These were a great source of inspiration and the fashionable thing to do. Today fancy dress is still as popular and still often based on eras and iconic people.
About the Author Dominic Donaldson is an expert in the fashion industry. Find out more about Themed Parties and how the services available can help with planning your event.
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