| A year later, In the summer of 1992, I studied architecture in Europe. During our stay in beautiful Venice, Italy, I wandered into a shop marked "Bottega d'Arte" a shop which was filled to overflowing with masks. The owner was working hard on a mask made of leather and he explained how the mask had been formed and showed me several styles that were worn for carnival, as well as masks for theatre and for wall decor. Some were made of leather, paper mache, ceramic, and some fabric and feathers. |
| In 1991, I decided to join the Renaissance Historical Society to learn stage combat from the Chessmasters d' Viscaya. In order to perform in front of an audience, I discovered I would need a "costume". And to make matters worse, I would need Italian Renaissance Garb for festival in March, and Medieval Garb for Harvest Festival in November. And I needed to have both peasant and noble attire. I didn't need just a costume...I needed a whole wardrobe!!! |
| Welcome to Milady's Chamber |
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| Venetian Style Leather Masks, Renaissance and Medieval Garb |
| As an artist, I feel that each mask is a one of a kind piece of artwork, so no two masks are created exactly the same. I create no more than ten of each style of mask, before I destroy that template and create a new one. Each of those ten is unique and has subtle variations. Every mask is made of high quality leather, hand formed and hand painted. Although some of my designs are based on historical characters (commedia dell arte) and on mythological creatures, my designs are original and are exclusive. |
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| When I came home I took out my leather tools and a double shoulder, and started working. Over the years, my designs have become more complex and more three dimensional. I have been experimenting with burning, stamping, cut aways, different types of finishes and I have begun adding beads and feathers to some designs. Most designs leave the mouth uncovered to allow eating, drinking, and clear speech. Some designs have a detachable veil to further hide the wearer's face. |
| I suddenly realized (as many others have) that there were very few places to get garb locally unless I paid someone an arm and a leg to make it. I knew almost nothing about sewing, so I picked up a few books from the library and purchased someone's beat-up old court dress. After dismantelling the dress to make a pattern from it, the chaos ensued! Three sewing machines and two sergers later, the Privileged Peasant is now able to offer a variety of styles for both men and women, Royalty and Peasant. |
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| To learn more about Historical Costumes and Masks... |
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| This webring site owned by Adeliza & maintained by Chris Cintron. |