William James Topley’s Fancy Dress Ball Photographs

The fancy dress ball was a popular private costumed event in 19th century Canada. Those invited would portray characters from history, literature, mythology, or fairy tales, or dress in outfits inspired by foreign lands. While guests were expected to conform to societal expectations, they were allowed a few liberties - for example, women were permitted to wear their hair loose and they could reveal more of their legs than a typical ball gown of the day.

#williamjamestopley #photographer #photography #fancydressball #fancydress #costumeball #costumes #canadianhistory #canadianphotographer #canadian photography #vintagephotography #fotografie #fotografía #bwphoto #photoworld

William James Topley’s Fancy Dress Ball Photographs

The fancy dress ball was a popular private costumed event in 19th century Canada. Those invited would portray characters from history, literature, mythology, or fairy tales, or dress in outfits inspired by foreign lands. While guests were expected to conform to societal expectations, they were allowed a few liberties - for example, women were permitted to wear their hair loose and they could reveal more of their legs than a typical ball gown of the day.

Artist: #DavidZinn in City: #AnnArbor USA 01/2025 - Title:
"Lucy is a reluctant herald of
frivolity and light"
"Lucy ist eine widerwillige
Verkünderin von Frivolität und
Licht"
#StreetArt #Art #Chalkart #Artist #SidewalkChalk #Dog #Fancydress #Socks #Antennae

Are you going to be sleeping like Lainey?

Or getting dressed and celebrating the new year?

We got all your fancy dress needs covered - vintage vests, long dresses and shoulder coats galore!