15th century Europe was for very long time the center of cultural expression and high-living. At the heart of this was the masquerade ball (or bal masqué). These events were grand affairs and participants attended wearing costumes and the all-important mask.
The masks themselves were quite elaborate, but they represented something much deeper. You see, masquerade balls were attended almost exclusively by the upper classes. The masks were effectively a way for the very wealthy to have a playful time behind a mask and a costume. These special events became so elaborate that entire regions of Europe developed their branded masquerades. One of these famous masquerades belonged to the ducal court of Burgundy.
French Masquerade Costume 18th Century Ball Dress Fashion – Chromolithograph – Circa 1876
Today masquerades have lost some of its exclusive luxury appeal but it is still a part of the upper classes. But they are now a bigger part of most societies and the cultural landscape. This is a good thing, because it means at least, that anyone with a desire for luxurious enjoyment and playfulness can enjoy the delights of a masquerade.
The Kashmir Company is committed to spreading cultural elegance and is proud to introduce our latest shawl collection. The founder believes that given the rich history behind masquerades—luxury, elegance and its royal connections—masquerade was a fitting name with which to delight shawl lovers.
Frontière Jardin Noir Mascarade Shawl – Seasons – Kashmir Company
We think you’ll agree once you take a good look at the shawls in the collection. The collection is designed to give you that thrill, that exclusive mystic enjoyed by French royalty.
Each shawl in the French Masquerade collection has been given a distinct elaborate treatment. The exquisite embroidery acts as a fitting motif which delicately runs along the border of each shawl. This design and arrangement of the world-renown Kashmiri patterns adds a luxurious touch to each shawl and makes for a delightful wearing experience.
Trois Frontière Pavot Rouge Mascarade Shawl – Seasons – Kashmir Company
The delicate cashmere with which each shawl is made adds that extra touch and wearing one gives you an intensified feeling of yourself. It’s not exactly an out of body experience, but it is akin to taking a magical journey in time back to the heyday of French royalty and aristocracy. This is the effect of the Masquerade shawl collection and quite frankly, it is the strongest appeal to the whole collection.
Frontière Jardin D’ivoire Mascarade Shawl – Seasons – Kashmir Company
Just by looking at a shawl from the connection and you can see the transformative power of wearing one. And did we mention that these shawls have a tendency to make its wearer exude greater than normal levels of confidence? In fact, we believe the power of each shawl in the French Masquerade collection is its ability to transform your mood, lift your spirit and deliver a deep sense of personal freedom. Things members of the privilege upper classes needed a mask in order to possess.
Rouge de Paisley Frontière Noir Mascarade Shawl – Seasons – Kashmir Company
So, whether you are looking to reconnect with a timeless display of luxury or you simply want the aesthetic appeal of a wonderful fashion accessory, a shawl from the Masquerade shawl collection will help you.
You can enjoy the intensifying feeling of the French Masquerade shawl collection by clicking here.