Save Venice's Byzantine Ball Is This Week - Are You Prepared?

Next week's Save Venice Ball is sure to be golden.

But actually.

In tribute to the organization's most recent project, restoring the mosaics in the Church of Santa Maria e San Donato on Murano, the black tie soirée's theme this year is Byzantine, a period bursting with golden hues and a penchant for ornate ornaments. 

As with all themed high society affairs, there will of course be a generous sartorial split. 

There will be those who really go for it, decked out in over-the-top headpieces, toting custom accessories that feel more like theatrical props. There will be those who phone it in, simply sporting their standard evening wear. And, perhaps most boring of all, there will be those just treading water in the middle, all but uncommitted to the spirit of the evening save for a semi-on-theme last minute purchase - a mask or some toss away piece that spends most of the night sat on their table.

If you never spent a semester indulging your inner liberal arts cool kid, dabbling in Art History, the Byzantine Era is widely remembered for its glowing mosaics and frescoes.  

Of course any of the looks from Dolce & Gabbana's Fall 2013 collection would be the MOST perfect, but alas, there's just no place in New York society wardrobes for the designs of gays who don't support gays. Not cute. Don't do it.

Oscar de la Renta and BVLGARI are the main sponsors of the evening, so they'll certainly be well represented by the society staples in attendance like Lauren Santo Domingo. I personally can't wait to see who wears this stunning Strapless Sequin Degrade Column Gown and this Off Shoulder Silk Taffeta Caftan. 

Ooh, what do you think Di Mondo will wear! Remember his epic Under The Sea ensemble last year!? I predict at the very least a face fully flaked with gold leaf and a dramatic embroidered robe-cape moment that everyone will be stepping on all night long.

For those popping in later for the Drinks, Dessert, and Dancing portion (FYI there are still tickets available), there's room to be a bit more playful with the dress code. If you're there for the whole shebang, you've got to be in a gown. If you're there to hit the dance floor, you could possibly show off a little leg after-party style.

Still intimidated? 

Just (tastefully) drench yourself in jewelry! 

À la Empress Theodora layer on chunky gold necklaces, toss on your most colorful jewels, drape yourself in pearls, throw on a tiara and call it a day!

[Photo by Matteo Prandoni/BFA and via]