makeupmag.com: If you walked through the entrance of L.A.’s Globe Theater on Feb. 11, you didn’t simply step into the lobby. You entered another world—one steeped in imagination, creativity and whimsical ghoulishness. The Edwardian Ball was in full swing. The annual event celebrates and takes inspiration from the writings and illustrations of Edward Gorey. Women in elegant Victorian-era ball gowns floated by, men looked sharp in elaborate vintage suits and top hats and a macabre playfulness underscored it all.
3 comments:
You had me at the word “Ball!” This is absolutely stunning. I can not believe that this has been going on for so long and I have never heard about it. I love when communities come together to observe and honor events, styles and traditions of the past. There is a sense of knowing where we came from and building on that. Lets those who have past know that they were not forgotten. It makes me wonder though, what will we leave behind that is memorable for those yet to come? It makes me sad that there is not much of a trademark characteristic for our time period. There has been such interesting things preserved and left behind for us. I worry that there will be a huge gap where we stand. I hope we can come to develop something that we can leave behind that can be looked back on and celebrated.
I think the way our culture romanticizes the past is very interesting. Obviously the costumes and makeup at the Edwardian Ball aren’t historically accurate (and I’m not trying to imply that anyone is claiming they are). They show a spruced up glamorized aesthetic that is loosely inspired by the Edwardian period. The costuming and makeup in these photos are all really impressive and look very interesting. I love the colors, forms, and overall silhouettes, especially when it comes to the hats/hair. But looking at them I can’t help but think about the way our culture glorifies the past. I do really like these sort of loosely historically inspired costume events, and if I were in the area and knew about it, I likely would’ve tried to go to the Edwardian Ball in person. That being said, I can’t help but think about what they say about the way we as a society think about history.
Immersive and experiential theater is becoming more and more popular. Sleep No More has been killing it but this takes it to a new level because it invites to audience to costume themselves to be a part of the fun. Since none of the stuff they are wearing is truly based in history or accurate but rather inspired heavily, the audience gets to create a character that stems from their imagination rather than copying research images. Makeup itself has always been a form of self-expressionism, but I think it is gaining traction in the last 10 years or so as a major player in showing off your personality. It is not cheap, but it is cheaper than clothing, and more fluid and adaptable than clothing for a regular consumer. It’s accessibility (in money and skill) is what I think is making such a hot topic. Also the rise of the makeup tutorial on youtube.
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