How to Dress Goth for the Holidays and Save until December 30, 2008!
Four ideas for elegant gothic style and your secret code for savings now
To dress goth for the holidays, from Christmas to New Years, take a few tips from the refined vampire attire. The caped and tuxedoed vampire is a fixture in popular fiction, beginning with eighteenth century poetry and nineteenth century short stories. The first and most influential was John Polidori's The Vampyre (1819), featuring the vampire Lord Ruthven. Considered one of the preeminent figures of the classic horror film, the well-dressed vampire has proven to be a rich subject for the film and gaming industries. Not only is the vampire so popular in entertainment, it serves as a stylistic reference for many designers, from moi-même-moitié in Japan to Flaming Angel Designs in North America. Oh, East is East, and West is West, and the twain shall meet with the vampire-inspired attire!
Gothic Lolita skirt on Nurse Deisel by Flaming Angels Designs
This classy vampire look is a blend of Victorian fashion and gothic style, serving as the inspiration for Mana of Malice Mizer (Visual Kei band fame), who was the first to coin and popularize the Elegant Gothic Lolita (EGL) and Elegant Gothic Aristrocrat (EGA) styles, with his label, moi-même-moitié, Both EGL and EGA are a sub culture of the Gothic Lolitas in Japan. EGL is the mature version of Gothic Lolita, which combines the elegance of Victorianism, the darkness of Gothic horror and the cuteness of Lolita, while EGA is the androgynous versions of EGL.
In Western cultures, Goth ranges from the Victorian-inspired influences for Romantic Goths, to the bondage-inspired styles of Industrial Goths, to the futuristic elements of rave fashion for Cyber Goths. However, Gothic Lolita, EGL and EGA styles are becoming a greater influence for gothic fashions in the West. Ironically, Gothic Lolita, EGL and EGA originally borrowed from the West, with elements of Victorian, Rococo and Baroque styles. Fashion recycles not only from history, but cross-culturally. And here it has gone full circle with EGL and EGA ideas for the holiday season:
Cape, tuxedo jacket and leather collar from The Kiss Store, on Nurse Deisel
1. Classic EGA formal wear
The handsome EGA tuxedo jacket (modeled by Nurse Deisel above) is always in fashion for gothic holidays. For texture, try black garments in velvet, lace and taffeta, all are classic goth fabrics. Or go sleek and sexy in satin, which could be Victorian goth, especially with intricate detailing. Black goes with about anything and is always oh so goth with blood reds and deep purples in the mix.
2. Romantic EGL satin corsets
A satin underbust corset (on Lady Eureka below) worn over a satin blouse with skirts or over dresses can be formal, for that romantic, yet vampire EGL look. Especially worn with a black satin opera cape, it’s a regal look that’s sure to command attention.
Cape, satin underbust and lace collar on Lady Eureka
3. Victorian gothic jewelry
Add subtle shine to any outfit with jewelry that catches the light softly. For a Victorian goth look, try a crystal-beaded necklace, chandelier earrings or a lace beaded choker on Lady Eureka. Or add silver crosses on a red collar for an edgier look worn on Nurse Deisel.
4. Gothic cape
No vampire goth style is complete with the ubiquitous gothic cape. As the weather turns cold, warm up with a wool or fake fur cape, as seen on Nurse Deisel. Black is always classy, but you can always add fancy appliqués and fringes for a formal look on Lady Eureka.
Gothic holiday makeup and hair
To complement the festive gothic look, makeup on Lady Eureka and Nurse Deisel are a paler complexion from a mix of white and regular foundation, along with black eyeliner, long lashes and deep red lips. And hair has been softly waved with a curling iron, before teasing for added volume.
How to get that EGL and EGA look
Miriam Melanson of Flaming Angels Designs also takes her cues from vampire styling for men and women – from petite to plus sizes, plus bags, jewelry, accessories and home decorations at www.flamingangels.net. She likes to include vampire details such as bats, skulls, roses and high pointy collars across her many designs. Pictured below is her Mr. Underhill coat for an EGA look that’s fabulous look on men and women. Or complement a corset or cincher with a Gothic Lolita skirt.
Vampire jacket by Flaming Angels Designs.
Just email miriam@flamingangels.net for your 10% discount with code 11031230 for online shopping by award-winning Gothic designer Flaming Angels (www.flamingangels.net) until December 30, 2008. The elegant vampire has been adapted for Elegant Gothic Lolita (EGL) and Elegant Gothic Aristocrat (EGA). Find out how you can look Gothic Lolita and save even more money!
You can also email thekissstore@yahoo.com with the same code 11031230for online and in-store shopping at The Kiss Store (www.thekissstore.com) to enjoy a 10% discount on all products. Find out more about how to take care of your leather, PVC and latex with an exclusive interview with Nathan Chudrick of The Kiss Store on how to take care of your gothic clothes.
