It must be love....

Love is in the air as Valentines day is just around the corner. London has many great events planned to celebrate (or commiserate!). Naturally, we think the best events and parties involve dressing up in fun, elaborate costumes so here is the lowdown on the best ways to celebrate Valentines in style.

The ever popular Last Tuesday Society are holding a Valentines Animal Love Party on Friday 15th Feb at Islington Metalworks. They are donating 10% of the ticket price and 10% of the bar takings to Save The Rhino "so drink up you filthy animals". Fancy dress is compulsory! No costume, no entry! BUT you can be rewarded for you efforts as there will be best dressed competitions and prizes. Mad World offers 20% off costume hire for ticket holders.

If you fancy some Valentines glamour, the Belle Epoque Party hits The Grand Hall in Euston. Whether embarking on a passionate escape with a lover or fleeing a broken heart - run away to the Circus this Valentine’s Day at A Ball For Lovers And Haters. Taking place on Saturday 16th February 2013 at The Grand Hall, this event promises to be a night of heady dissemblance, smouldering looks and stolen glances. Throughout the evening, the finest acrobatic acts from across Europe will draw an intake of amazed breath from their audience as aerialists and trapeze artists twist and turn from the ceiling. Daring dancers dazzle as heady cocktails tantalise. Survey the stage from the intimate curtained areas on the mezzanine level, or pay a visit to the boudoir for a lesson in costume make up. Channel the spirit of Parisian Bohemia with feathers  furs, opulence, corsets, sequins, circus ringmasters, exotic flowers, can can, Moulin Rouge, tutus, burlesque etc.

Proud Camden are throwing a decadent Valentines Masked Ball on Saturday 16th February. Ever wanted to be someone else for the night? Masquerade balls are the perfect opportunity to become a mysterious stranger. With the dangerous lure of anonymity and no expenses spared – the stables are set to transform with a stately decor, live entertainment and a veritable swathe of mystery dancers. Put on your mask and let Proud sweep you away this Valentine's weekend… The venue will be transformed with opulent red drapes and opulent statues, the perfect setting for a Valentine's Ball! The outdoor terrace has been converted into a cosy ski lodge with a romantic 'mountain scenes' and hidden corners! Tickets are just £10 before 11pm or £15 after. Strict dress code: Ball dress required for entry. Dresses and suits. No mask, no entry. Don't forget we have a stunning range of handmade Venetian masks perfect for this event in our stores, starting at just £21.

Perhaps you are in the mood for something even more risque? Legendary London fetish club Torture Garden are having a Valentines Ball on Saturday 16th February. Offering 9 fully themed rooms to explore, it features dance floors, musical acts, performance art, fashion shows, djs. theatre, interactive props and an S&M 'dungeon'. Their dress code policy is known as one of the strictest in London. It has been summarised as "if what you’re wearing wouldn't get you stared at in the street, don’t bother even queuing up to get in". Suggestions for what you should be thinking of to adhere to the dress code are: show off, goth, industrial, punk, burlesque, circus freaks, latex, fantasy, drag, medical, military, fetish, Moulin Rouge, top hats and tails, Venice carnival and steam-punk. This is a place you can really let your imagination run and run and a wonderful excuse to go wild. So whatever you decide to do for the day of love, remember: It's more fun in fancy dress!