Men's Fashion Paris - Rick Owens Spring 2011

Rick Owens jarred the weary fashion crowd awake by blasting a techno soundtrack at the start of his show. The thumping beat was a high contrast to the "monastic" theme of his recent menswear show. The runway was a bleak grey while smoke swirled around the models heads. The clothing did have a long and monastic silhouette for the most part. Edgy details like asymmetrical straps and zippers were seen a few times. Patent leather boots gave a fetish-like edge to the presentation.

Men's Fashion Paris - Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2011

Jean Paul Gaultier's recent fashion show for men drew from diverse influences. The long, flowing silhouettes were inspired by Moroccan djellabas. There were stark black shiny pieces with a corset theme. Austere paint-splattered pieces were also show with classically tailored separates.

Macabre Travel: C'est La Vie Vanities in Paris

I am currently packing for my trip to Paris at the end of the week. I am eagerly looking forward to the ''That's Life! Vanities: From Caravaggio to Damien Hirst'' exhibit at Paris' Musee Maillol

until June 28th.

The exhibit is a collection of work from contemporary and classical artists that examines the relationship of life, death and vanity. Modern artist Damien Hirst's crystal studded skull was a flashy controversial piece when it debuted, but suits the theme perfectly as a representative of today's interpretation of the theme. Contemporary artists seem to view death with a rebellious view. Caravaggio's haunting monk, or Luigi Miradori's Sleeping Cupid showed the macabre respect of the elders in accepting detch.

There is pop art from Keith Haring, surrealism, and historical pieces dating back to the mosaics of Pompeii. If anything is to be learned from such work, it is that life is short, enjoy it any way you can...

Kerli's Gothic Lolita Music Style

Her music is infectious. Her style is part Lolita, part Barbie part Goth on acid... And I love it. Her two most popular music videos have some of the best fashion styling in Gothic Lolita mode I have seen in awhile.

Her music video for "Walking On Air" was an eerie, creepy doll fantasy that suited the haunting song:

Her recent tune for "Tea Party" was part of the recent "Almost Alice" soundtrack for Tim Burton's film. The catchy dance video was pure fashion porn... Enjoy!

Designing Decay on the Set of True Blood

What goes into creating a dark, sexy mood for a tv show? New York Magazine just ran an interview with True Blood producer Alan Ball about the details that make that death and decay so seductive.

First, he treats the set for Sookie Stackhouse’s home as if it were his own. He travelled to the deep South to get every item right. For Sookie’s aged home, inherited from her grandmother, designers had the floors sag deliberately and made sure the joints did not line up perfectly. Bits and pieces were purchased from salvage yards. A hand-crocheted piece about “The Home” was even created by Alan Ball’s mother.

Production designer Suzuki Ingerslev explained the infamous Wheel of Torture in vampire bar Fangtasia’s basement as the work of incredible artists and plasterers. The bar itself is the public face of vampire sheriff Eric to entice revenue from the human population. Tacky, and meant to be sexy.

For Bill the vampire’s house, everything was meant to look like it was disrepair. Everything was worn through, including the velvet couch. What else would you expect from a bachelor of over 150 years?

Photos courtesy of HBO

Gothic Weddings - Part Two

L'amour... There are no laws that weddings have to be frilly, saccharine affairs. If white, daisies and fondant don't suit you, don't bother!
Here is a round-up of real weddings I found online where the couples were tasteful, gorgeous and projected their own personalities for their big day...

Rachel & Tom's Halloween wedding was mostly DIY, she made everything from the invitations to the gown. Instead of your typical bouquet, the bridesmaids carried the stunning lanterns you see above. Cocktails were in the form of an 'eyeball' punch. The cake was made up of rich red layers, topped with dripping dark chocolate ganache and skeletal figurines.


Kelifern & Hamilton had a quirky Day of the Dead themed wedding in a friend's backyard. The bride wore a simple black dress, embellished with butterfly wings and skull. Cute skeletons decorated the tables along with traditional Day of the Dead figurines. The drinks were themed for the afterlife, as well as the menu. Marigolds are a tradition flower of the holiday, keeping the overall wedding palette very cheerful.

Danielle & Kyle's theme was "Gothic Fairy-Tale". He is a big fan of Metallica and skulls. She loves deep colors, architecture and used a glass slipper as a motif throughout. The bridemaid's gowns were black lace on white. The bouquets were different shades of blood red, embellished with jewels and black feathers. The cake was an exquisite off-kilter black and white creation with deep red velvet inside...

Photos and wedding stories from styleunveiled.com and offbeatbride.com

Lolita Fashion Day in NYC

Get your petticoats, lace gloves and parasols ready. Kinokuniya Bookstore in Midtown Manhattan is hosting a full day of events and treats for the fashionably Lolita this Saturday, June 5th.

Prominent Lolita bloggers from La Vida Frills, Lolita Charm and Pretty Wonderland discuss their work and how Lolita fashion inspires them. Bibi will discuss Lolita history with tutorials on how to Lolita your own life.

Learn about DIY Lolita fashion or how to start your brand with designers of I Do Declare and Morrigan NYC.

Stick around for giveaways and gifts from Anna Sui, Magnolia Bakery, Tokyo Rebel among others. Anyone that is dressed in Lolita attire will get free sweets from in-house Cafe Zaiya (I love their carrot cake cookies). For more info, click here.

Photo from Lolita Charm

RIP Louise Bourgeois, Pioneering Artist and Sculptor

Louise Bourgeois was photographed by Robert Mapplethorpe, had her own retrospective at the MOMA and influenced many a young artist passed away today in Manhattan. Her work was dark, witty, erotic and emotionally charged.

She worked in primarily steel, wood and stone, often depicting the human form. Her French childhood was a major influence in many of her pieces. She represented the United States at the Venice Biennale and has been featured at the Tate Modern.

Photo of Louise: Maplethorpe Gallery