Feature Articles

Cathedral-Core: Gothic Fashion’s Ode to Architecture

How gothic cathedrals inspire the runway, the wardrobe and the home

World Architecture Day (October 6) is a celebration of the structures that shape our lives and our imaginations — and in the world of fashion, few inspirations loom larger than the gothic cathedral.

Rising in popularity this season under the banner of cathedral-core, we see runway looks evoking stained glass hues as well as patterns inspired by soaring spires and ribbed ceilings.

From couture gowns traced with echoes of ornamental stone work to ready-to-wear silhouettes modelled after vaulted arches, the fashion world is turning to stone (literally) for inspiration.

Dark Dramas for the Corporate Gothic Soul

After a long week of boardroom battles, what you need is a TV ritual that whispers of power and decay. These are the nights when corporate ladders don’t just rattle — they creak under the weight of intrigue and moral rot.

Each of these shows offers razor-sharp dialogue, luxury turned sinister, ambition pursued with velvet gloves — perfect for tuning out the daylight world and indulging in something beautifully dangerous.

From spooky clutches to crystal confections, celebrate National Handbag Day with fashion’s most playful rebellion

October 10 marks National Handbag Day, and what better way to celebrate than with the pure joy of novelty purses? These small-scale works of art remind us that fashion is not only about function — it’s about play and imagination. A coffin-shaped clutch, a book turned into a bag, or a crystal-encrusted martini glass: novelty purses prove that style can have both substance and sparkle.

On the runways, novelty bags have become a language of their own. Dolce & Gabbana set the tone this summer with its Trevi Fountain handbag inspired by Rome’s iconic monument — part sculpture, part accessory. Moschino has long embraced the whimsical, from wine and spaghetti to chic irons reimagined as purses. And no conversation is complete without Judith Leiber, whose crystal minaudières have become red carpet icons, turning everything from UFOs to love letters and tea tins into glittering treasures.

Today, the world of novelty purses stretches far beyond couture. For the spooky set, designers offer witchy cauldron cross bodies, heart-shaped handbags and horror-inspired totes. For the quirky, Betsey Johnson delivers with an adorable penguin, while Vendula London creates a miniature butterfly garden brimming with charm. For the literary romantic, a shelf of clutch-sized classics brings your favourite novels into your evening wear. No matter your archetype, there’s a novelty bag waiting to whisper your story.

Black and white photo of ornate chandeliers reflected in large mirror.

A Gothic Sanctuary for Style, Culture and the Arts.

Black and white photograph of an historic library with tall wooden bookshelves filled with books. There are classical bust sculptures on pedestals and a ladder leaning against one of the shelves, with intricate architectural details.

About Us

The Lace Ledger is a gothic anthology for the romantics, misfits and dark femmes who’ve always felt “othered”. It’s a community altar for poetry and literature, alt femme style and slow, sacred living.

If you’ve ever longed for a space that honors darkness and elegance — this is for us. For every goth girl who couldn’t find herself in mainstream style or wellness. Every writer who wanted to publish raw truths. Every creative who had to mask their feelings for fear of being “too much.”

We are captivated by the brush of lace on bare skin, the perfume of crushed gardenias, the glint of candlelight in a crystal glass and the echo of footsteps in an empty corridor.

Founded by writer and poet Amanda Albert, The Lace Ledger was born from a lifelong love of vintage elegance and unapologetic self‑expression.

With roots in fashion, literature and cultural curation, this digital publication weaves together worlds where depth meets decadence, and where every article invites you to linger a little longer.

Whether you come for the poetry, the playlists or the party tips, The Lace Ledger is your invitation to step into a world where elegance flourishes in the moonlight.

Here you’ll find:

Style — fashion, accessories, beauty and the gothic archetypes that inspire them.
Literature + the Arts — original and beloved poetry, reading lists, gallery and bookstore recommendations, artist and author features and more.
Culture — music, film, television and fun for the romantic and the restless.
House & Haunt — moody interiors, darkly refined entertaining and recipes as ritual.
Sensuality — lingerie edits, sensual embodiment, spell craft and explorations of desire.
Gift Guides — curated for every occasion and recipient.

Coming later this year, Confessions by Candlelight, our interview series with authors, artists, designers and thinkers who live beautifully and on their own terms.

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