gothic style | Miriam Melanson of Flaming Angels

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Flaming Angels Gothic Style Designs

With Gothic Style Designer, Miriam Melanson

April 2008 - Miriam Melanson of Flaming Angels has been sewing and designing clothes since her teens and is a graduate of Kwantlen University College. She has also been selling her gothic style designs online since 2000 at www.flamingangels.net.

1) How did you get started as a gothic style designer?

When I was in design school, I went on a trip to LA for the summer and was really inspired by the scene there. The Vancouver scene has really changed over the years, but when I was getting into it, I didn't see a career in a darker style. But LA was something different and told me there was enough interest to focus my line on gothic styles.

Miriam Melanson, Gothic Style Designer

2) What was the inspiration behind a lot of your bat-inspired designs?

I have always loved bats. When I was a kid I used to go bat watching and I even hid a dead one in the freezer for while until my mom found it and freaked out. I also have always loved comic book action heroes, including batman and the symbol he uses. So somehow this all led to my obsession with bat themes.

Flaming Angels bat inspiration

3) What is your advice in making gothic style attire fit into everyday life?

My advice is to buy a mix of dressy and casual pieces, buy from alternative brands and some that aren't meant to be gothic, but fit in. This way you will have something to wear to every occasion and not worry about feeling over or under dressed.

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Women's gothic-fetish wear polka dots and skulls

4) Are gothic trends for men and women similar or different, and why?

My gothic style trends for men and women have similarities. I offer a menswear version, but there are always more options for women since there is more of a market and the offering is more diverse. Diversity is based on demand. There are not as many options for men within my styles as men are not as adventurous as women in clothing. Women’s wear offers unlimited options and as a designer, this is a great way to experiment with new ideas and trends.

Men's gothic-fetish wear with bondage details

5) Are gothic trends for men and women similar or different, and why?

Wherever there is a need, a product will appear. Goths started making clothing for themselves and each other on a small scale. Select brands such as Lip Service have succeeded on a much larger scale by offering the right mix of product and price into the fashion marketplace and the scene has grown along with the brand. More and more people are getting into subculture styling because it helps them express their individuality. This has also led to a lot of crossover in the various alternative styles as people are multi-faceted and this is reflected in their clothing choices. In Vancouver specifically, there seems to be a lot of crossover in the club scene between goth and fetish, so the fashions crossover as well.

My designs have continued to expand with the support of the local gothic scene and this has led to the grand opening of Flaming Angels Boutique on April 25, 2008 inside The Fall Tattooing. This retail space is located in downtown Vancouver on 644 Seymour Street.

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Flaming Angel Boutique at 644 Seymour Street, Downtown Vancouver

For more information on gothic style, read “Step-by-Step Essential Guide to that Elusive Gothic Look & Style”.