Fashion History Class & Ballgown & Suit Design Workshop
Schedule
Sat Mar 07 2026 at 02:00 pm to 03:30 pm
UTC-05:00Location
4081 Erie St, Willoughby, OH 44094, Willoughby, OH | Willoughby, OH
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Masquerade: Fashion, History & Design WorkshopStep behind the velvet curtain and into the glittering world of European masquerade balls and prepare for The Viridian Bookshop’s Fantasy Masquerade Ball being held on October 3rd.
From candlelit 18th-century salons to the dramatic elegance of 19th-century evening wear, this immersive workshop blends fashion history with hands-on creative exploration. Whether you’re a history lover, costume enthusiast, artist, or simply curious, you’ll leave inspired — and equipped — to begin designing your own historically influenced look.
Part I: The World of the Masquerade (45-Minute Presentation)
Begin with a richly illustrated presentation covering:
•The origins and evolution of masquerade balls
•Social rituals and symbolism behind masks and dress
•Popular European evening styles of the 18th and 19th centuries
•Key silhouettes in both men’s and women’s fashion
•Fabrics, embellishments, and construction techniques
•A crash course in period clothing construction basics
•Curated resources for further reading and research
•This portion is designed to give you the vocabulary, context, and visual references needed to truly understand the era — not just admire it.
Part II: Design Your Own Masquerade Look (45-Minute Guided Workshop)
After building historical context, we shift from lecture to creation.
You’ll browse through a selection of inspiring reference books and then be guided through the process of sketching your own design (or multiple concepts). Together, we’ll explore:
•Choosing an era and defining silhouette
•Working with proportion and structure
•Selecting color palettes and fabrics
•Adding period-appropriate details and embellishments
•Translating inspiration into a cohesive design
No prior drawing or fashion experience required — this workshop focuses on ideas, exploration, and creative confidence.
What You’ll Leave With
•A foundational understanding of 18th and 19th century European evening fashion
•Practical insight into historical garment construction
•A list of trusted books and resources to continue your research
•One or more original masquerade costume concepts
•The language and confidence to begin exploring historical fashion on your own
Who This Is For
•Historical fashion enthusiasts
•Costume designers (aspiring or experienced)
•Artists and illustrators
•Writers and world-builders
•Anyone curious about the romance and drama of masquerade culture
This experience is less about perfection and more about possibility. It’s an invitation to explore — to look closer, ask better questions, and imagine boldly.
Step into history. Sketch your vision. Begin your masquerade.
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Where is it happening?
4081 Erie St, Willoughby, OH 44094, Willoughby, OH, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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