The Carefree Attire
Empire Line, Muslin & the Classical Ideal
The Flowing Form:
Silhouette & Empire Line
The natural posture and the liberated silhouette. For the lady, the light corset (stays) forms the foundation of the Empire line. Voluminous hoop skirts give way to flowing fabrics and a more natural form. For the gentleman, the exact cut of the tailcoat and waistcoat shapes the elongated, upright line.
Chemise, Muslin & Waistcoat:
The Extremes of Fashion
The white Empire dresses of the ladies are considered a morbidly romantic homage to Marie Antoinette, who was executed in her undergarment. To resemble classical statues, the sometimes almost transparent muslin fabrics were even dampened by daring ladies – an extreme trend that accounted for countless cases of tuberculosis. Meanwhile, the gentleman shines in sophisticated, layered double waistcoats and tight-fitting breeches, which often achieved their picturesquely skin-tight fit only through knitted fabrics or wafer-thin leather.
Footwear & Etiquette:
Pumps, Boots & Parquet
Elegance that dictates the step. On the promenade, the leather boot is exceedingly fashionable for the gentleman. In the ballroom, however, an iron law prevails: boots – even magnificent soldier's boots – are strictly frowned upon! Here, the soft pump is absolutely mandatory for him. The lady wears the flat, delicately laced dance shoe. For both, a special preparation of the soles is indispensable to glide safely upon the parquet.
Adornment & Accessories:
Lorgnette, Carnet de Bal & Bierzipfel
The most important rule in the ballroom is the strict obligation to wear gloves: As the waltz requires close contact, white gloves protect the delicate muslin dresses. The lady artfully wields her fan and notes her partners in the noble Carnet de Bal (dance card). One coquettishly observes another through the Lorgnette (folding glasses). The gentleman proudly wears his pocket watch, adorned with a Watch Fob (often braided from the hair of his beloved) or the traditional Bierzipfel. Furthermore, on the promenade, the white-and-blue Bavarian cockade on the hat bears witness to loyalist local color from the year 1806.
Come & Be a part of it
Shared Photo Album
Share your most beautiful shots of the ball week with the society
Accommodation & Hotels
Hotel recommendations & exclusive concierge service
Registration & Ticket Sales
Advance sales start on September 15