Experts believe the origins of fancy dress costumes in the UK date back to the 18th Century during the Victorian period. However, the concept for fancy dress can date further back to the 15th Century in the Renaissance period in Italy (http://www.victoriaball.com/history.htm). These fancy dress occasions commonly came in the form of masquerade balls, which were fondly thought of in Venice. Through this the concept of masquerade balls became popular across Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries.

However, long before the Europeans celebrated the Masquerade, a long history can be found in Africa, which still lives on today with popular events such as Boxing Day and New Year. (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/photography/8067153/Behind-the-masks-the-photographs-of-Phyllis-Galembo.aspx). Across Africa the costumes traditionally invoked those of their ancestors, spirits and deities, which travelled across to the America’s when the Nobles made commercial costumes that symbolised religious figures.

During a masquerade ball attendants would place a mask upon their faces, disguising their identity, thus creating excitement between peers. Typically the masks are worn for protection and concealment, but in masquerade balls masks were worn to invoke sexual desire towards one another.

Masquerade balls are still popular today, with many events scheduled throughout the year. It has also taken a on a new form, with operas such as The Phantom of the Opera embarking on the mysterious effects masks have on people conceptions.