All of our masks can truly claim to be Venetian as theyare designed and made in our workshops in the heart ofVenice to the very highest standards.
They are strong, durable and stylish,yet lightweight and comfortable.
We have many colours and designs of mask to choosefrom,so there is something for every occasion in termsof both style and price.
Our half-face masks leave your mouth uncovered,whichgives freedom for eating,drinking,talking – and maybestealing a kiss from a mysterious stranger!
We are always adding to our vast collection of masks soif you require one not featured in our brochure or yourequire a bespoke mask,please contact us.
ANIMALS BAROQUE BAUTA COLOMBINA COMEDY FEATHER JOLLY & JOKER LEATHER LUXURY LINE PARTY PUPPET VOLTO
For over 700 years,Venetian masks have played a majorpart in the intrigues and mystique of Venice.
In the fourteenth century it became necessary to introduce decrees forbidding the everyday wearing of masks,and masquerading was restricted to special carnivals and festivals.
In modern times this intrigue has been enhanced by two movies:Fellini's controversial Casanovain 1976 and the more recent Eyes Wide Shut,directed in 1999 by Stanley Kubrick and starring Tom Cruise andNicole Kidman. A number of the masks in Eyes Wide Shut were supplied by the Venetian Collection.
Worn in many scenes by naked women and men inblack cloaks,our masks were carefully designed tocreate a strange and mysterious atmosphere of surreal,dream-like decadence. On its release,the movie generated a storm of mediaattention and a huge upsurge in the use of Venetianmasks at parties, product launches and corporate eventsaround the world.
'Masquerading' started in the thirteenth century,whenVenice was as lively and crowded as it is today.As a result,many people,particularly the rich andfamous but also courtesans,gigolos,and others whoneeded to conduct themselves with the utmostdiscretion and privacy and who required anonymity,started to wear masks to achieve this.
Consequently a new breed of professionals emergedwho were able to make stunning masks for these clientsand a whole new industry was born. But the secrecy that the masks provided also led to an inevitable increase in crime and a general decline in morals. These spectacular happenings draw visitors from allover the world with the main Venetian event,The Carnavale,taking place in February each year.
Store location
City Store
69-85 Tabernacle Street
London EC2A 4BA
Tel: 020 7253 1003
cityshop@madworld.co.uk
Monday to Friday 9.30am until 7pm
Thursday 9.30am until 8pm
Saturday 10am until 5pm
shop location map
Gatwick Store
1 Barns Court, Turners Hill Road,
Crawley Down, West Sussex RH10 4HQ
Tel: 0134 271 4056
gatwickshop@madworld.co.uk
Monday to Friday 10am until 6pm
Thursday 10am until 8pm
Saturday 10am until 5pm
shop location map