Gothic Costumes of (M)Alice in Wonderland

The senior Pratt Fashion Show's most entertaining category is always costume design. For the class of 2010, it was no exception. There was a decidedly dark slant to many of the design collections, much to the delight of yours truly.
Alessandra Hammett's collection was inspired by a nightmare version of Alice in Wonderland. It was an elaborate and witty group where the Queen of Hearts was a punk dominatrix, the Mad Hatter was in a straitjacket, and the Cheshire cat looked positively feral.
Ms. Hammett draws from details of period costume and interned in the costume department of the Boston Ballet.
Ready for your trip down the rabbit hole? She can be contacted at ahammett@pratt.edu

Grand Macabre Style at the NY Philharmonic

When you think of the New York Philharmonic, does the image of stuffy and sedate come to mind? Think again.

From May 27th to May 29th, the cultural institution is staging an elaborate, multi-media run of Gyorgy Ligeti's Le Grand Macabre. Look for goblins, metallic skulls, flame engulfed costume designs by Catherine Zuber. There is a transvetite with an elaborately knotted gown, a spider-like head piece protrudes from another look.

Bosch serves as inspiration for much of the production. The alchemist is visually quoted in many a prop and costume. A carved grotesque with flames in his mouth, skulls and "live animation" are in store.

Don't worry my darlings, if you can't make it, I'll give a full report after the performance!
Photo by producer Edouard Getaz

Steampunk Inspirations Open Call

Calling all Steampunk artists, designers, crafters and inventors! Barbe Saint John and Quarry Books is looking for submissions to be collected and published in the upcoming book, "1000 Steampunk Inspirations".
Categories include everything from artwork, head gear, costumes, accessories, vehicles, home decor and gadgets. Show your work, get recognized for your talent!
Hurry! Deadline is June 1, 2010. More info at their site and download the PDF application here.

Cosplay 2.0 Party at the Japan Society NYC

Get dressed and come in your best. In collaboration with their Graphic Heroes, Magic Monsters exhibit, the Japan Society is hosting their annual Cosplay party on the afternoon of Saturday, May 15th. The party will be held in the big screen theater for a screening of Evangelion and will feature a costume competition.

Guests include Uncle Yo, Mario Bueno, World Cosplay Summit 2009 Team USA, and manga Artist Hiroki Otsuka. Nibble on onegiri rice balls, snap yourself in the photobooth.

The contest is a test of creativity, so no rentals or store bought outfits please! More info here.

Photo by George Hirose

Macabre Travel: Wave Gothic 2010

Looking for a good reason to backpack through Europe this Spring? How about just a short trip to Leipzig Germany? The Wave Gothic (Wave Gotik) music festival this May is arguably one of the best showcases of the year for Gothic Fashion.

Men, women and children put elaborate efforts into the best of dark, glamorous, Steampunk, Cyber and Lolita fashions in honor of their favorite bands. There are almost 200 bands confirmed, coming from as far away as South Africa and Japan.
Make your plans now! More information at the official webpage.

If you attend, please send us your photos!

Gothic Hats Make the Kentucky Derby

Southern Belles, sunny Kentucky, horse races... I usually don't expect to find anything but pastels and big hair at the Kentucky Derby. However, a few stylish guests brought a darker sensibility to the events. Signature Gothic details like black lace, long feathers and antiqued roses made their way to many a hat at these games.

The flamboyant Johnny Weir wore a dramatic wide brimmed chapeau with a designer blazer worthy of Gomez Addams.