What do carpenters, accountants, gardeners, writers, boat builders, hairdressers, and dog show organisers have in common?
They are currently stitching sequins, gluing rhinestones, working with worbla, and raiding Op Shops, $2 stores, and fabric stores all around New Zealand to see what treasures that can source to create a wide array of fabulous outfits.
In July, they’ll all come together in Rotorua to immerse themselves in a weekend full of glorious, weird, and wonderful costumes, music, socialising, delicious food, and divine drinks, all held within the warm embrace of The Millennium Hotel.
This is the second year of the Costumiers’ Fantasy Masquerade Ball, and the building excitement in the attendees’ Facebook group is unmistakable. Event co-organiser Rozanne de Wild says, “Members regularly post photos of their latest finds – either to be used as is, or to be utterly taken apart and rebuilt and repurposed. Progress photos abound of outfits, headdresses, masks, and other accessories. Questions are asked too – and there’s always someone in the group with years of costuming experience willing to help out those who have never picked up a needle and thread before this.”
The same camaraderie developed at the first event in 2021. A casual observer couldn’t have guessed by looking at the outfits that many were first-time costumiers. There wasn’t a single outfit that would have attracted a comment of, well at least they tried. “Everyone came together to ensure that everyone looked fabulous.”
There are three major events across the weekend, kicking off with Creatures of Atlantis on Friday night where attendees descend into Neptune’s underwater world with a cocktail party around the enclosed heated thermal pool. Last year saw everything from mermaids, mermen, and sea creatures to Atlantis gods, pirates, sirens, and more … even a fisherman.
Saturday sees a choice of two tea parties – a morning session for the early birds, and an afternoon session for those who may have needed a longer lie in after Atlantis. These events are held off site – a short six minute walk away at Rotorua’s most unique and inspired venue – Level 13.
Rozanne says the choice of costuming to wear to Level 13 is vast. “They have four themed rooms, so something for everyone.”
The Rocket Room is themed to give the worn universe look made famous by movies such as Alien and Predator; The Ritz and The Speakeasy are inspired by the glamour, glitz, and gangster run secret bars of the roaring 20s; 221B Baker Street is a quiet nod to the Sherlock Holmes era; and The Keep captures the moody atmosphere of the medieval dark ages.
After a quick nap for many (the beauty of holding a convention in a hotel), makeup, hairdressing, and costuming activities will fill the late afternoon as everyone prepares for the main event – which this year sees two main ballrooms.
Rozanne says, “We’ve retained our Labyrinth themed Ballroom from last year, as it was so popular, but this year we’ve added the Time Travellers’ Ballroom, with theming inspired by the Victorian period, Jules Verne, Dr Who, Alice in Wonderland, and West World.”
With such a wide range of themes there is no hard and fast rule on what type of costume anyone has to wear – but everyone does have to wear a costume. In fact, it’s clearly stated on the tickets, “ORGANISER TERMS AND CONDITIONS. Costume will be mandatory for admittance to all events. No costume, no admittance. No exception.”
The theming is simply spectacular. Rozanne’s husband Paul is a boat builder, but we’re not talking boats most people can afford – we’re talking boats such as the Prada supporters’ yacht. That magnificent standard of beautifully crafted work goes into everything Paul does. Together, the pair are well known in the New Zealand Cosplay community, having taken out the highest available awards for costuming, combining Rozanne’s tailoring skills with Paul’s construction skills, before moving onto creating the Ball. Together with a small group of volunteers, the team create props and set designs that rival anything those folks in Miramar produce.
The event is only open to ticket holders – but curious members of the public can get a glimpse of the goings on by visiting the Craft Market and Costume Exhibit from 10am – 3.00pm held across the road at the Sudima Hotel.
The Costumiers’ Fantasy Masquerade Ball is on Friday July 15 and Saturday July 16, 2022.
To see amazing photos and videos from last year’s event, for more information,
and to buy some of the last few tickets available CLICK HERE.
