Lolita, Steampunk and Victorian How-To's - Rebecca Brooks

Let me introduce you to one of my favorite new bloggers. Perfect for designers, DIY crafters and all manner of Gothic fashionistas, Steampunk and Lolita enthusiasts. Rebecca Brooks of Victorian Nonsense creates a lovely website filled with classic inspiration of Victorian Times. She not only shows her muses, but then creates crafts with detailed descriptions and photographs so you can follow along. Rebecca also gives great resources, like Katherine's Dress site, containing a wealth of antique patterns for those who need a proper period corset or crinoline.

Gothic Beauty Magazine Giveaway from The Screamstress

Consider it the Vogue or Vanity Fair of the Goth set. Publisher Steven Holiday publishes this glossy magazine covering fashion, beauty, pop culture and events for dark souls around the world.
Horror blogger The Screamstress is giving away three free magazine subscriptions on her website for those who comment and tweet on her behalf. For more information, click here.

Peacock Perfect: Boutique Nicole at Tokyo Fashion Week

Kyoko Higa's collection for the Boutique Nicole during Tokyo Fashion Week reminded me of somewhat spooky, wide-eyed dolls I used to own as a child. The hair was a dramatic, extended version of the folk dancers I used see during trips to Europe. The clothing was a rich mix of dark jewel tones, feathers, fur and embellished motifs. The result was a collection of very pretty, edgy but wearable outifts that could actually still be flattering for many people.

There and Black Again: Aguri Sagimori from Tokyo Fashion Week

OK, we know fashionistas around the world (and especially Goth-loving fashionistas) love black as a wardrobe staple. Can you truly keep things beautiful, unique and creatively interesting for each and every outfit with only one color? Answering this question with a resounding YES during last month's Tokyo Fashion week was Aguri Sagimori.

Her looks for this season used the textures of black to cleverly reveal the body in different ways. The styling of the hair and models were reminscent of Daryl Hannah's character in Blade Runner.

The 24 year old designer was one the more highly anticipated shows of the event and won both the Prize for Excellence at the New Designer Fashion Grand Prix and the Nagoya Fashion Grand prix Contest in 2007.

Pale and Sculptural Gothic Fashion - Michael Lau at HK Fashion Week

Does Gothic Fashion always need to be dark and somber? Designer Michael Lau proved it did not at Hong Kong's Spring 2010/Summer 2010 fashion week.

The designer took two of next season's most important trend directions, (pale, neutral colors and surface texture embellishment) to a new, innovative level. Michael Lau's background is quite diverse, his resume includes toy design, painter and artist in addition to his skills in fashion.

The collection came across as The-Mummy-Meets-Phantom (or Mike Myers), but in a most elegant, feminine way.

Tim Burton Exhibit at MOMA NYC

Did you miss Harper Bazaar's fabulous fashion spread last month? If you did, naughty one, at least you can catch the inspiration at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC. If you find yourself in GOTHam, you will be treated to an exhibition of art made by Tim Burton. The collection is of more than 700 “drawings, paintings, photographs, storyboards, moving-image works, puppets, maquettes, costumes, and cinematic ephemera” Some 550 of those pieces come from the visionary film director's personal collection, meaning that most of them have never before been seen by the general public, let alone any public.

The exhibit runs from November 22, 2009 to April 26, 2010. I'm sure you can get to the city sometime in the next six months darling?

If you simply cannot wait until the 22nd, you can also enjoy this exhibit earlier and party with the city's biggest Tim Burton's fans at the museum's benefit gala November 17. If you have truly deep pockets, there is the presentation and banquet starting at $2500/ticket. Late night party-goer? Go for the (more fun) after party for $100/ticket. Tickets available here.

Grand Shipwreck Ball in NYC

As further evidence of the arrival of "Shipwreck Goth", may I present to you, Dances of Vice's Grand Shipwreck Ball. Taking place November 20 - 22 in New York City, the event presents a fanciful gathering of castaways, sailors, glittering mermaids, sea sirens, pirates, sea captains and scalawags.

Be dazzled by an extravagant display of live classical opera to rock ballads, historical costume fashion shows, dance, puppetry, fencing, performance art, vendors, and ballroom dancing, among other chimerical amusements
The festival takes place at several inspiring locations, so check the website to decide what port you decide to sail away to (sorry, had to).

Dia De Los Muertos with Gothic Tea Society

Dia de los Muertos may seem like a grim day to the uninitiated, but in many Mexican communities, it is a day to honor and celebrate those who have passed on.

On a decor front, the holiday involves elaborately decorated skulls, sweets, marigolds and other flamboyant offerings.

Gothic Tea Society is a delightful blog dedicated to the obscure and macabre by photographer Wendy. Her shop on Etsy celebrates this holiday with a small collection of handpainted skulls and memento mori pieces that incorporate some of her images.