20.9.08

noir ce soir

Fashion historian Valerie Steele was in Toronto Thursday night to debut her latest book, Gothic: Dark Glamour (the accompanying exhibit at FIT is top on my list to see in New York next week). Here are a few photos from the event.

Fashion illustrator Danielle Meder

...whom I was happy to finally meet.

And Carolyn Rohaly, who writes Rags and Mags with Danielle.

Ms. Steele briefly traced the history of "gothic" in fashion, beginning with Medieval manuscripts and morbid etchings from plague torn Europe, through Victorian mourning attire and Elsa Schiaparelli's surreal skeleton dress, up to the present, with darkly imagined designs from Rick Owens, Ann Demeulemeester, Olivier Theyskens, Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy, and Rodarte (swooon), among others. She also mentioned gothic subcultures, including industrial, Victorian, and cyber goths, as well as Japanese horror Lolitas.

One of the striking flower bouquets... I liked that the roses were just on the edge of going off. It seemed to reflect the theme of decay and death frequently attributed to gothic style, and by extension to fashion in general. "One must forgive Fashion everything, because it dies so young" - Jean Cocteau

Beautiful Lavinia and Annisa.

Adriana's cyber goth boots - her work is featured in the exhibit.

Her friend looked stunning with neon hair.

The book is not yet available, but here is a peek at the images inside...

With Nathalie Atkinson, style editor for the National Post.

And Ms. Steele.

I wait with baited breath to report on the exhibit next week!

2nd last photo with Nathalie Atkinson by S. Ramos for WireImage.

12 comments:

Siru said...

Those lights are very very pretty!

juliet xxx

The Spicers said...

The show sounds great. Love Valerie Steele!

Siska said...

lovely pictures!

Anonymous said...

These photos are great, so much diversity!

AusAnna said...

this book looks amazing, i love fashion history books. Must have a peak when its out :)x

Danielle said...

Such a great pleasure to meet you too!

negrito said...

you were gorgeous. who's the red bag from?

so said...

this looks like it was an amazing event.

...love the red clutch.

Nature Graffiti said...

looks like such a lovely party!

j said...

Yes Goth. Did you dress for the occasion or have you been feeling a little soul sick lately?

la femme said...

The clutch is 1947 vintage. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

So nice to finally meet you at this event!