Consummate Grace & Freshness
Delicate Complexion, Ringlets & the Lightness of Scents
Complexion & Care Secrets
Cold Cream, Cork & the Country Glow
The ideal of translucent pallor. The Regency lady cares for her skin intensively with cooling rose water and almond oil (Cold Cream). Instead of harsh contours, only a hint of liquid rouge (Bloom of Roses) is seamlessly blended. The eyebrows also retain their natural fullness and are at most gently darkened with a little elderberry juice or burnt cork, rather than being unnaturally plucked.
I. Prohibition of Soap
II. The Chemical Trap by Candlelight
III. Blue Blood
IV. The Secret Fire
V. The Fire of the Eyeball
VI. Framing the Radiant Gaze
VII. Flawless Skin
VIII. The Gentleman's Secret Toilette
IX. The Glove Paradox
X. Isinglass Band vs. Veal Mask
XI. The Finishing Touch
XII. The Bath of Modesty
XIII. The Price of Beauty
Classical Curls & Hair Art
Huile Antique, Titus Cut & the Art of Postiches
Styling after the classical ideal without protective hair powder: Ladies frame the face with delicate heart-curls (Crochets) and corkscrew ringlets (Tire-bouchons / Ringlets), whilst the back hair is brought to a silky sheen with Huile Antique, pinned up into Grecian knots (Coiffure à la Grecque), enhanced by false postiches, or intertwined with cashmere shawls into turbans. The gentleman wears the windswept Roman short haircut (Coiffure à la Titus) with a clean-shaven face, framed solely by narrow, darkly pomaded sideburns (Favoris) – whilst in the ballroom, only cavalry officers and hussars enjoy the privilege of a moustache.
I. The Fall of the Powder Cloud
II. The Purification of Fats
III. Liquid Gold of Antiquity
IV. The Battle Against Ballroom Heat
V. Washing Hair Without Soap
VI. The Cut of the Roman Caesars
VII. Grecian Knots and Fillets
VIII. Drapery and Braiding
IX. Curls Born in the Oven
X. Black Lead and Walnut Husks
XI. The Poison of the Harem
XII. Coup de Vent and Hussar Privilege
XIII. The Price of the Classical Curl
Fragrance & Botanical Freshness
Eau de Cologne, Vinaigrettes & the Invisible Cloud
With the dawn of the Empire and Regency eras, an olfactory revolution took place upon the dressing tables between Paris, London, and Erfurt: Heavy court perfumes of musk, civet, and ambergris were henceforth considered unhealthy and vulgar. The new ideal of classical purity demanded volatile, unisex botanical distillates – above all, double-rectified Eau de Cologne, genuine lavender spirit, and cooling rose water. As alcoholic essences would have stained the gossamer-thin white muslin gowns, attire was perfumed indirectly over weeks using orris root sachets in locked chests, the interior of kid gloves on wooden stretchers was rubbed with orange blossom pomade, and hands were cleansed without soap using bitter almond paste (Pâte d'Amandes). Finally, in the hot candlelight of the ballroom, carved sandalwood fans, pungent Vinaigre Aromatique in silver vinaigrettes, as well as meticulous oral hygiene with limewood charcoal tooth powder and gilded cachous ensured that every encounter in the country dance was accompanied by flawless freshness.
I. The Fall of Musk and Civet
II. Unisex Around 1800
III. The Triumph of Eau de Cologne
IV. Eaux & Esprits
V. The Secret of Pomades
VI. Scented Powders and Dry Perfumes
VII. The Stain Taboo on White Muslin
VIII. Perfumed Ball Gloves and Pâte d'Amandes
IX. The Breath of Sandalwood
X. The Silver Vinaigrette
XI. Coral-Red Lips and White Teeth
XII. Cachous and Pastilles Odorantes
XIII. Treacherous Essences
Come & Be a part of it
Shared Photo Album
Share your finest photographs of the ball week with the company
Accommodation & Hotels
Hotel recommendations & exclusive concierge service
Registration & Ticket Sales
Advance sales begin on 15 September