Fancy That

The Black & White of Masking

It's been a hot minute since I have had the urge to write. I had a couple of requests this week that have gotten me in the mood, and when you are in the mood you might as well just keep going because you never know when the mood will strike you again. I also heard that saying 'mood' a lot makes you sound young but I don't think it's working, so moving along.

Saturday next is the annual Black & White. Now I shouldn't have to tell you that this is a masquerade ball, and that means masks are required. Even though we are having our gathering through magically distanced means this year, that doesn't mean you get to skip out of the rules, my dears. Rules about masks are rules about masks, and I don't care what your excuse is, you wear the damn mask. So let's talk about masks then, shall we?

Yes, I know, we are all sick of masks, but a properly worn mask helps stop the spread of a certain mundane virus so kindly stop whining and just wear them, please. Also, they hide your face, which for most of you is really a service unto the world in and of itself. However, I am not here to talk about masks for health reasons, but rather I am here to talk about masks for fashion's sake. While our safety masks can come in a variety of prints and styles, they are somewhat limited by their primary purpose: keeping your nasty plebeian germs to yourself.

Masquerade masks don't need to have the added bonus of being medical grade, they just need to look fabulous and hide your face from death. And yes, death can see you even in your own home. You can't really hide from it, it's quite inevitable that it will find you, unless you look fantastic *and* keep your face covered. It's common knowledge that the more phenomenally spectacular your mask is the less death will be attracted to you. And while the idea of courting death sounds quite alluring, I assure you it is not the tantalizing experience you think it will be. Ghoulish delight decays rather quickly, or so I am told. So, my dears, you'll want to do your very best to adorn your face with the finest covering possible.

Most often we wear Venetian masks which originated in Venice, wherever that is. Clearly it is not in the Realms, but I hear the nation it's in is shaped like a boot and has a whole festival celebrating hedonism. Anywhere that has boots, masks, and debauchery is winning in my book, so hooray for Venice. There are a couple of different types of masks and you should know the differences between them, if only to make yourself look and sound less like an uncultured pleb and more like a sophisticated gentleperson. I shall endeavor to educate you the best I can, thought really I am not sure how much I can do in such a short time. Yet, I will try as I've nothing better to do.

Bauta

A square-ish design that gives it a wide chin and normally lacks a mouth. Its particular shape still allows the wearer to eat or drink without having to remove the mask. It is usually worn with a black tricorn hat, a veil and a mantle that is worn over the shoulders to complete the costume. The name Bauta actually refers to the entire costume and not just the mask.

Medico della peste

A very distinct look consisting of a mask with a long and hollow beak-like nose with round eyes. It usually has a simple design and not as lavish as other carnival masks. The mask is traditionally coupled with an ankle length overcoat made of black fabric, as well as waxed, protective gloves. This design was inspired by 16th century Venetian doctors who believed that adopting this look protected them from disease and plague that was prevalent during this time.

Volto

A simple style that covers the entire face, giving the wearer complete anonymity from others. It is commonly seen even in modern times and has many variations in terms of decorations and style. It is typically worn with a three-cornered hat and a cloak, which adds to its mysterious aura. Unfortunately, because of its restrictive design, its wearer cannot eat or drink anything without taking it off.

Arlecchino

This mask has the classic Harlequin features, which include a colorful outfit and exudes a very flamboyant style. It usually has a large headpiece that may have bells attached, with the mask’s features having a short nose and arched brows for a more comical effect.

Colombina

Usually seen as a heavily decorated half mask worn by women, it is considered the female version of the Bauta. It can be adorned with a variety of jewelry, feathers and other fabrics, which gives it a very ornate look. This is the most common mask worn to the annual Black & White ball, and it can of course be worn by any gender regardless of its origins.

There are other types of masks, and many variations of each, but these are the ones I commonly see. And if we are being honest, I pulled the descriptions of these from some library archives located here. With a little research, you too can sound like you have a modicum of fashionable intellect. A little knowledge about what you are wearing is really a fantastic thing to have. The history and evolution of fashion is not for the faint of heart, but it is absolutely something that you should not overlook.

Black & White is one of my favorite gatherings and the fact that it's a gathering where one needs to hide their face should not be discounted in the reasoning. But it is also steeped in traditions and finery, and I am truly a fool for such things. They put me in a good mood. A giving mood. Speaking of giving, as I desire to see all of your masks, and I also desire them to not be awful, I have a contest to announce! I will be personally giving out a prize for my favorite mask this year! I have no criteria for the contest, just that you somehow show me a rendered likeness of you in this year's mask. After the educational materials I have provided above and the amount of free time it would appear you all have, my expectations are quite high. So please, don't disappoint me.