Dia de los Muertos Style

Dia de los Muertos, the Mexican holiday celebrated at the beginning of November to celebrate loved ones who have passed on has become a huge aesthetic trend of late.

I first saw a flood of gorgeous beauty editorials from studios like 666 Photography.  They did a series of elaborate, burlesque-type looks with intricate floral headpieces and beautiful makeup.  I saw more and more of this as a cosmetics trend, culminating in several Dia de los Muertos fashionistas arriving at my recent Halloween party (that's Ulla in the red leather chair).

The Day of the Dead has a certain romantic appeal, judging by the many weddings that have incorporated the theme over at the Offbeat Bride.  The cakes looks beautiful and delicious!

The trend of nail art has inspired amazing works in manicures.  My favorite was the three dimensional look seen from Wicked B3eauty's  Tumblr.   Over at Etsy, designers like Kasket Kustoms are creating elegant and macabre jewelry collections that honor the skull-headed revelers.

Manicure photo from Wicked b3auty, corset/flower/beauty photos by 666 Photography, Ulla in chair by Mariana Leung, Cake photo from  She-n-He Photography, jewelry from Kasket Kustoms

Gareth Pugh - Summer Rooftop Goth

NYC has been hit with record high temperatures and unbearable sun.  Those are not exactly the ideal conditions for Gothic fashionistas, but it didn't stop them from supporting Gareth Pugh's launch of his M.A.C. cosmetics collaboration.

The season-defying black-clad guests at the New Museum's patio enjoyed having their nails in done in various wicked shades of off-black.  Many wore the designer's label.  Pugh's nails himself were a witchy iridescent green and purple. Vampire-worthy crimson lips kissed cheeks while clueless pastel-clad tourists passed by below.

Gareth Pugh had previously collaborated with M.A.C. for his "Goddesses from the Grave" runway show in 2010.  One of the reasons the designer created this line was to that there would be a product with his aesthetic that was accessible to everyone (pricewise, style-wise, etc.)  The cosmetics packaging will be a special edition in his signature palette of black and grey and will hit stores in November.

Photos By Steve Eichner

Gothic Diva Makeup Ideas

Halloween may be two months away, but Fashion Weeks around the World are gearing up starting next week.  Depending on the impression you want to give, choose your make-up accordingly...
I came across this lovely portfolio of 'beauty' photographs from Lyne Godin via Trendhunter.  It ranges from dramatic/glam to movie horror.  The make-up artist is Lisa-Marie Charron, and the images range from simple face embellishment to full body paint.  They may not be for everyone, but they are fun and might give you some ideas for your next ghastly soiree.

Paris Vogue Gothic Beauty Spread

This May 2010 issue of Paris Vogue Beaute will feature a gorgeous spread of beauty portraits inspired by Punk, Goth and Manga themes. The shoot was styled by Julia von Boehm and shot by Ben Hasset. The full photo gallery of the looks can be seen on the site Trendhunter.

Dark and Gothic Beauty Trends for Fall Go Mainstream

You may have always done the "smoky eye" and have never been stingy with the eyeliner (ladies AND gents). The deathly violet or blood-red lipstick may have always been part of your repertoire. Your manicure was "vamp" long before a little company called Chanel tried to claim it as their own.

Beware my chic brethren, but the mainstream fashionistas have caught on, and are coming to join you in droves this season.

M.A.C. cosmetics created an entire night out of the dark aesthetic on Vogue's big "Fashion Night Out" event and a whole campaign of "Style it Black" complete with How-to videos.

Elle Magazine ran an entire article on Gothic hairstyles and makeup in response to Zac Posen's Fall show and many other runway presentations.

Will this trend go away when the snow melts in Spring 2010? Don't count on it yet... Makeup artist Lucia Pieroni said she made up the models at the Jonathan Saunders spring 2010 show to look like "beautiful, sexy vampires."

So, do you mourn your loss of individuality? (Well, you know you mourn so beautifully darling). At least you can take comfort in knowing you were a pioneer.

Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab

What a delectable find for my boudoir. The sexy and independent Black Phoenix Apothecary Labs creates high quality perfume blends for the dark seductress. Intoxicating scents like Absinthe, Ars Moriendi, and Diabolis are blended for you.
The website itself is a treat. It features lovely Gothic artwork from a range of artists as well as some of my favorite classics. Along with such luscious perfumes, the alchemists of Black Phoenix offer luxe cosmetics, jewellery and accompanying accessories.
Available online, at specialty boutiques, and oddly, the Whole Foods in Roswell, Georgia