Macabre Travel: Dark Mills Festival in London

The Dark Mills Festival is a celebration of the alternative scene in London. On the 5th of September, it will bring together a wealth of talent from cabaret, burlesque, art, music and theatre from the Gothic scene. The English setting for the event is positively Medieval (in a good way!). What could be a better backdrop for Steampunks, corset-laced Goths, dramatic musicians and vintage-inspired artists than an ancient textile water mill ?
This free (!) festival features acts like the Eden House, Noblesse Olbige and Global Citizen among many others. Look for sexy burlesque performers the Satanic Sluts who remind me of vampiric fetish cheerleaders on acid. Admire visual artists like Chris Archilleos and then dance until morning at the Reptile Club.
Of course darlings, do me proud and look your seductive best...

Dark and Chic Down Under: Melbourne's Circa Nocturna

When one thinks of Australia, images of the epic Outback, the Sydney Opera House and handsome Hugh Jackman come to mind. Edgy, dark and alternative fashion do not spring to mind. However, a collaboration between a group of entertainers and designers came together last spring to produce the Circa Nocturna.

Held at the dramatic Fitzroy Town Hall, the Circa Nocturna was a grand fashion presentation featuring Gothic, fetish and all sorts of alternative style for artistic souls to network, share and educate. Photographers were able to show their work as well, newcomers were able to be inspired, and everyone else was able to party.

The designers ranged from the cute stylists who showed their love of the theme is simple ways to true masters of tailoring and corsetry. All seemed to appreciated and supported by their fellow creatives. A festival that I would love to see happen more all over the world

Absynthe Giveaway Winner! Evil Lily Originals

Congratulations to Courtesan Macabre's first giveaway winner! The lucky subscriber is the very stylish Evil Lily who will be receiving Christian Lacroix's newest fragrance, the sensuous Absynthe. The wicked lady is a fellow designer and has her own shop on Etsy. Her 'craft' includes gorgeous decor, accessories and clothing with a dark and romantic slant.

Lily explains that she is not really evil. Her name is a "Reference to deep purple/black calla lilies, as opposed to the innocent white ones. The calla lily is my favorite flower. The dark purple is equal to the black sheep, daring to be different from the norm." Her motto? "Step out of the box. Enjoy life." Amen!

Addams Family Coming to Broadway!

There are some very smart producers on Broadway who have realized Goth+Musical=Theater Gold. Just take a look at the success of Phantom of the Opera and Jekyll and Hyde. Coming next spring, Charles Addam's kooky family will make its debut on stage. The cast will feature theater greats Bebe Neuwirth as Morticia and Nathan Lane as Gomez. Their website is already up.
The site hints that the show's macabre story will involve an 18-year old Wednesday finding first love and the tension, jealousy and dark humor it causes the rest of the family... Phrases such as "Like yesterday's road kill" are part of the show description. Sounds morbid and hilarious!
A powerhouse combination of producers, directors, designers and cast are collaborating on this one and I can't wait!
If you are as impatient as I am, check out the classic television show, the great movies or even the M&M commercial...

Gothic Decor For Dummies

Anyone can dress up in dark romantic finery for special occasions. While there is nothing wrong with the weekend warriors, how many of you have the passion to make your home a Gothic haven as well?

Unfortunately, Gothic interior design often runs the gamut from cheap, tacky vampire clichés to very expensive custom creations that are out of reach of most people. How does a lady or gentleman of taste manage to bring such seductive style to their home in a practical and accessible way?

Not everyone can afford the gorgeous purple velvet coffin couch from indie designer Erickson at $3500. However, most of you can swing the Billy Blue 22 hand-cast metal bird skull door and drawer knobs at $16. While black lace and roses may not work for the more husky princes out there, these birds are sexy AND masculine.

Looking for Gothic home decor from mainstream sources? Anyone can turn a plain, generic room into a lusty den with a well chosen shade of red paint for the walls. For the bedroom, choose your favorite bedding in black satin or Egyptian cotton and add a Black Chandelier Wall Decal for an inexpensive, modern twist on a traditional vampire castle staple.

Lastly, don't forget CANDLES. Candlelight makes any environment more romantic and mysterious. You don't need elaborate candelabras for that. Inexpensive votive holders can be dressed up (colored paper will do!) in any hue to accentuate any theme. Buy them in bulk, find them at a discount store, or swipe a few at the next wedding you attend...

Need some more background on the different styles of Gothic design genres? Check out Marie's Manor Decorating blog

Gothic Weddings Around the World

There are many couples who do not relate to the white and pastels of traditional wedding themes (contrary to what the magazines tell you). With a desire to go against the grain, or inject a more cynical, or humorous touch their nuptials, there are many duos who have opted for the Gothic wedding. This may come in the form of darker colors in the attire, to motifs in the food. Some are surely executed in better taste and style than others. Hilarious wedding site tackyweddings.com profiled to good, the bad and the ugly in this genre. The Courtesan's own suitor once presented her with a "Corpse Bride" cake one lovely night, similar to the one at the website, with the two leads set against a backdrop of silver leafed white chocolate moon.

Carnivale of Ascension: Death, Decadence and Dinner Party!

If you are in NYC next week, RSVP quickly to this dark and debauched dinner banquet... Artists, chefs and performers are coming together to produce the delightful Carnivale of Ascension event in the East Village. The invitation asks guests to come masked to dine in a "Grandiose setting on the bridge between life and death".
Specially created cocktails will be served with "whole roasted animals and vegetarian delights." Prepare for a sexy dessert "Devoured from a human serving tray".
When you are good and intoxicated by the musings and rituals of the 'dead' you will be entertained by the "lurid" antics of musicians and burlesque performances to enhance your evening. Contact rsvp@designsbyadamaleksander.com to confirm your attendance.

8/16/09: If you have have read the comments there was one guest who did not enjoy the event, and many who did. One guest was generous enough to share his beautiful slide show of the soiree... You can judge for yourself: