Tuesday, October 25, 2011

HALLOW'S EVE GOTHIC

Halloween traditions are as ancient as the Celts celebrating Samhain -- the most magically powerful of nights when the worlds of the living and the dead collide.  Back then, bonfires and costumes would ward off mischievous ghosts wreaking havoc with the harvest.  Divination would set the course for the following year.  Druids and villagers alike would disguise themselves in animal heads as part of the festivities.

Separately, while musing on the origins of All Hallow's Eve, Grant Wood's "American Gothic" painting was percolating in the back of my mind.  No connection, really.  Merely that The Sartorialist's recent images of couples in such upright positions couldn't help but remind me of this vestige of Americana.


A surreal take on American Gothic
Unlikely couple: no pitchfork, just a widow's bouquet
Photo: The Foolish Aesthete

So, just as Halloween has come through the ages from the pagan, adopting Christian traditions along the way, my thoughts have come together here in a Halloween Gothic scene -- with traces of Druid traditions, and Tim Burton's magical world (refer to previous post here).  And instead of a pitchfork, I wield a widow's black rose bouquet.


A widow from Sleepy Hollow?
Photo: The Foolish Aesthete

I am still tweaking all my Halloween ideas, but with several parties going on this weekend, I may try several looks!

Are you celebrating Halloween?  What costume did you decide on?

Photo details:

Top hat: Scala
Green, velvet gown: handmade, from an estate sale
Cameo brooch choker: my grandmother's
Velvet booties: Sam Edelman
Velvet gloves: thrifted
Black rose bouquet: Party City

39 comments:

  1. Oh gosh you are amazing. Another wonderful post here today. You are going to outshine everyone in these marvelous outfits. Xxxx

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  2. such an interesting post. lovely photos, so cinematic.
    oh btw. im not going to vancouver, but will be covering the vancouver fashion week on my blog still. ;)
    wish you a great week
    x

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  3. Simply stuning! velvet it's such a good material to represent Gothic and the hat adds the Tim Burton touch. Loving also the piece of history in your post!xx

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  4. Oh amazing! Ideas ideas ideas for Halloween! I still have no idea what to wear!

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  5. These images are so hauntingly beautiful. I love the whole concept

    I had no idea you teach art... that's completely amazing...now it all makes sense! I adore your intellectual comments...you are such an inspiration to me


    I love Halloween, I know in America people really get into the spirit (I sold sooo many feather pieces, haha) I wish the Brits could go crazy for the festivities too xxxx

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  6. Now this is a gorgeous interpretation of Halloween! I normally ignore Halloween but this is giving me ideas...

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  7. Oh that dress is stunning! You make me WANT to celebrate Halloween! I love your intpretation of American Gothic.

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  8. I think you have done very well with your take on Halloween. Kind of subtle spooky, which is the best kind

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  9. Nerdy admission: Some friends of mine do Celtic Reenactment with the SCA and I have DEFINITELY gone to a Samhain getaway and spent time around a bonfire looking up at the stars and listening to the sounds of the world. There may have also been a very dangerous drink called 'Bog Chocolate' involved. It was awesome.

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  10. What beautiful, evocatively 'gothic' images. I agree: love your interpretation of American Gothic. (I hadn't seen the Sartorialists' post- I can't remember the last time I've been on his blog! As it is, I've felt guilty for not visiting you- and I see my sweet real life friends, Sabine and Ediot, have left comments, which reminds me I'm neglecting them, too!)

    Been without laptop but still - that's no excuse.

    Halloween has been growing in popularity in the UK, but it's still not like in America. There used to be a block near us that had some great trick or treating - the word was out that an enclave of 'rich Americans' lived there - and the British yummy mummies would ferry their kids, in costumes, by car - or send the nanny.

    I'm going to ask Sabine if she wants to dress up together!

    Beautiful post: as David said: kind of subtle spooky, which is the best kind.

    xox

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  11. wow, looks like you are in full gear for the halloween season.

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  12. love this..it is always a delight to read your posts and see how you interpret what you wear..it comes across that the clothes are telling a story..i know which couple you mean from the sartorialist..i find his blog so inspiring!

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  13. Oh my, you look amazing! Love the dress. It's so perfect on you :)

    White Honeyr

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  14. I had sleepy hallow in my mind when I saw your pictures!!! Although I didn't see the movie because it's too creepy!

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  15. U look freaking amazing!! Happy Thursday xx

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  16. The tophat tops it. Gorgeous. Gothically speaking.

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  17. beautiful blog!!i'm following you!!if you like mine, do the same!!!!

    www.zagufashion.com

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  18. I love the effect that you put on these pictures! I will be celebrating and I think I'm going to be a detective again this year :)

    star-crossed smile
    starcrossedsmile knits

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  19. great blog!

    http://paquetevistasbien.blogspot.com

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  20. Love it! Super Creative!

    Xx

    http://chelseasgirl.wordpress.com/

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  22. i loved reading about the history of halloween...
    would love to see what you come up for each party!!
    xo sandra

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  23. The first thought I had was of Sleepy Hallow! I love the tophat with the dress. It is spectacular-looking, dramatic and refined.

    Diego
    www.howtozipyourfly.com

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  24. WOW! I really like the first photo. Amazing!! Also I enjoyed reading this story I hadn't heard before.

    Have a wonderful weekend!

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  25. Interesting blog, I really enjoyed browsing it :)

    XX JUNO ♥
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  26. The second picture in particular is soooo stylish!

    You will see I have finally managed to join your blog. Blogger followers come and go seemingly at random.

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  27. Wonderful dress and magic photos.
    Besos, dear friend.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  28. amazing post, love. I hope you had a fabulous weekend. If you have a second I'd love to hear what you think of my latest outfit post. Also I'm doing my very first amazing jewelry giveaway! So excited. xo

    http://fashboulevard.blogspot.com/

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  29. Love this look on you! It's odd you should mention American Gothic, since I just saw the original in Chicago two weeks ago.

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  30. love this!! it looks like your unique style ♥

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  31. I love your costume! &, being a Celtic descendent, I also love the little history of Halloween ;)

    Corinne xo
    http://corinnemonique.blogspot.com

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  32. Love your aura here! You look fabulous in these black <a href="http://www.loudstarbazaar.com/shop/brand-triple-5-soul/triple-five-soul-cozy-sweater-wrap-top/p_67.html>Feminine dresses</a>!

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  33. The concept and images are simply beautiful !! The last month I was role playing almost everyday ... I really like this type of celebrations !!

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Dear Fellow Aesthetes, I love hearing your thoughts. I think the other readers find them valuable too! Much love xxx

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