2026 Fashion Show Theme: Jules Verne’s Masquerade
You Are Cordially Invited to the Jules Verne’s Masquerade! (Application form below)
Step into a world of extraordinary voyages, fantastic inventions, and boundless imagination at the Jules Verne’s Masquerade at this year’s Clockwork Alchemy!
In 1877, Jules Verne hosted a spectacular masquerade ball where hundreds of guests arrived dressed in costumes based on the characters and settings of his celebrated “scientific fiction” novels. More than 60 years before the first costumed science fiction convention in 1939, Verne’s remarkable event celebrated speculative fiction through costume, creativity, and adventure. Had he once again anticipated the future?
Now it’s your turn to continue the tradition! Come dressed like one of the original attendees: in a costume inspired by your favorite Jules Verne novel, Victorian fancy dress, elegant Steampunk, or an original fantastic creation of your own. Whether you arrive as Captain Nemo, Phileas Fogg, a lunar traveler, a gate-crashing air pirate or an exquisitely attired guest of the 1870s, you’ll be part of an evening that celebrates the imagination of one of science fiction’s greatest visionaries.
For more information on Jules Verne’s 1877 ball and to see pictures of attendees, you can refer to the guest of honor, Kathe Gust’s book (with a foreword by her husband and fellow guest of honor Philip Gust) “Jules Verne and the First Science Fiction Masquerade.” It is available through: https://costume.org/