19th Century Extravaganza

Group portrait.

Countess Cynthia von Buhler, in an Edward Gorey inspired "The Evil Garden" gown in monochrome shades of shimmering and velvety black with accents of silvered grey. Note the plethora of tassels á Les Passementeries Horribles.

Ruffled collar made from antique Chantilly lace found in Paris, oversized black rose hat, and beribboned bodice.

Cat Valente, looking every bit the goddess she is, with a headdress made from a combination of velvet, glass beads, and silken flowers.

Isabella Coatdress made from lightweight teal wool, with art nouveau organza flounces in shimmering teal and black with golden highlights.

Naeelah wrapped in shimmering Art Nouveau organza atop a ruffled dress in translucent black, edged with iridescent peacock shades. The diadem styled headdress is made with salvaged Victorian jet beadwork, framed in pleated satin, upon a velvet base.

Monsieurs Curse—in a silver silk dupioni high collared shirt and matching cravat, with a peacock feather silk brocade long waistcoat, and Joel—in a crinkled cotton high collared shirt and matching ascot, with a black, blue, and gold-toned silk brocade double-breasted vest.

C'est moi, in tentacular black.

Aurora, in a Gloria de Notte skirt, lace gloves, and fitted jacket made from antique hand-embroidered soutache in an elaborate striped design.

These were topped off with an authentic Victorian black jet Medici collar, placed atop the jacket.

Judy, as the perfect mysterious femme fatale, in a ruffled capelet of sheer black netting and pleated satin, worn atop a gown of vintage lace inset with black velvet, beaded accents, and openwork sleeves.

Topped off with a velvet hat edged in beaded fringe, and hand-cut tattered ribbons.

Gala in an elegantly whimsical gown of silver and ivory striped taffeta, edged in black lace, and featuring a pictorial bodice centerpiece—again topped off with one of my giant black rose hats!

Backstage bonus shot! Wherein Cynthia and I are apparently brushing up on our skills of telekinesis.