Filigree Lace Masquerade Mask - Black Venetian Eye Mask, Ribbon Tie, Women

The Lace Is the Mask

There is no rigid shell underneath this and no lining behind it. Cut lace in a filigree scroll, stiffened just enough to keep its own shape, is the entire mask. That is why it lands somewhere between a piece of jewellery and a veil instead of reading as a costume item, and why it rests directly against the skin with nothing in between.

Sitting flush, it follows your own bone structure rather than flattening it, which is the opposite of what a moulded mask does to a face. The openwork lets people watch your eyes move behind it and leaves your peripheral vision completely intact, something most rigid eye masks give up on. It measures 21 cm (8.27 in) across by 9.5 cm (3.74 in) tall and covers the upper half of the face, eyes and the bridge of the nose. Black satin ribbons tie at the back of the head, and one size flexes to any face shape.

Clean it in patches with a barely damp cloth. Soak it and the lace loses its stiffening, taking the shape with it. Keep it stored flat rather than folded so the filigree never takes a crease. And keep it well clear of rings and nails, because cut lace catches on almost anything and a run through the pattern cannot be mended.

• 21 cm (8.27 in) wide by 9.5 cm (3.74 in) tall
• Stiffened cut lace with no shell and no backing
• Covers the upper half of the face, eyes and nose bridge
• Full peripheral vision, with the eyes visible through the openwork
• Black satin ribbon ties at the back; one size
• Spot clean only, and always store it flat

Masked parties happen here more often than in most cities, and this reaches a Miami Beach address the same day you decide to go.