Create that ‘air of mystery’

Masquerades are fun! The tradition of having a ball where invitees all attend in a costume of their choice, and a mask to go along with it is deeply rooted in European culture, even before the War of the Roses. It was common for royalty, and pomp to the nouveau riche. From that time till now, the concept of masquerades have evolved in different regions in myriad ways. Whatever the description, masquerades are very much en vogue in the local context. The mystery surrounding them perhaps take us in a setting that truly was never ‘ours.’ We have learned to skip some of the details, added a little shade here, a stroke of colour there…we have created our own version of masquerades, with a twist.

Fashion Police

The appeal of masquerades is universal. And now, even the Dhaka socialites have jumped on the bandwagon. There are so many themes that can be followed for a masquerade; the masks can be typically Venetian, or English. But why not twist things a little, and turn the tables from hiding behind a mask, to revealing your inner being!

There's no need to hide our faces, because frankly speaking, everyone knows each other at these Page-3 parties.

So, what can be done differently? Let me elaborate.

Why not select a theme, and let all invitees share a ride on a boat of creativity? How about asking them to use face paint and create that 'air of mystery.'

Van Gogh — one of the most celebrated painter in the world, and yet, as the story goes, just sold one of his works. The Starry Nights, Irises, Starry Night over Rhone, Café Terrace at Night. Sounds intriguing, no?

You think it would look odd, and uncharacteristic? Flip over the pages and see how we prove you wrong.

The CRESCENT MOON: The crescent moon is an intriguing composite of the common themes found in Van Gogh’s work. It is one of Van Gogh’s most well recognised forms, and interestingly enough, it may also be one of the easiest themes to work with. Van Gogh always depicted his moons as a considerably large entity, in proportion to the rest of his paintings, and also as a very luminous object. Surrounded by the night sky, in a shade of deep blue — this look (of the crescent moon) may just turn you into a goddess of the cosmos. Model: Anika

Model: Anika

WHEATFIELD WITH CROWS: Many consider this as Van Gogh’s final painting. So, what can be better than a makeover, paying homage to the guru of post-impressionist paintings? This particular painting uses the colours of harvested wheat, typically an abundance of yellow and a mix of blue and green to denote the sky and the green fields. The colours can be simply taken as an inspiration. The eye makeup can be elaborate, so that it takes all the inspiration of Van Gogh’s final painting, but also has a unique twist of its own. Model: Anika

MISTRAL: These are the swirls in the sky that Van Gogh places in many of his paintings. They are said to represent the strong, cold northwesterly winds, which had a profound effect on the artist, especially during the time he spent in an asylum in Provence. It is also said that it was the mistral which triggered his first breakdown. Slightly grim concept…? Well, no one ever said masquerade balls are all hunky-dory! Model: Surjo

THE STARRY NIGHT: Considered as one of Van Gogh’s-est works, it is also one of the most recognised pieces by the artist. The picture was painted during his stay at an asylum. It is depicted by historians that he took inspiration in the painting from the view that he witnessed from his bedroom window at the shelter. The most interesting part of The Starry Night is that the moon depicted in this particular painting is actually the picture of Venus. Researchers actually have proof for this argument, as weather reports said that Venus was indeed visible at dawn in the spring of 1889. So much for mystery! If you like ambiguity and respect the beauty of Van Gogh’s paintings, then this just might be your theme at the party. Last but not least, to pay utmost respect to the magnificent painter; do not overdo your wardrobe. The highlight should always be in the face-paintings! So, if you wanted suggestions — as to what to wear? My advice would be, the little black dress or a black blazer to go with something neutral in colour. There you go – you look complete!

Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed

Styling: Sonia Yesmin Isha

Model: Surjo

Makeup and face art: Raisa Naushin

Hair: Farzana Shakil's Makeover Salon

Style council

Create that ‘air of mystery’

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