Current Issue
Letter from the Editor
2026 has been an exceptional year for creativity in the alternative space, from the expertly crafted heirlooms of tomorrow to the musicians composing the anthems that will define this chapter of our lives. Beyond the artistry, there's the mettle we're made of, revealed in moments of adversity and the courage it takes to face life's greatest uncertainties. Together, these expressions of strength and imagination have inspired our November (Heavy) Metal issue, an ode to what we create, what moves us and what we're made of.
The issue begins with a journey into the great unknown. Our cover star, Anastacia Anastascio, The Spiritual Goth, explores spirituality, inviting us to experience a past-life regression firsthand. Funeral director and embalmer Emily Murman offers a moving perspective on the care behind our final farewells. We also spend an evening among the living and dead at historic Ruthven Park.
From matters of the soul, we turn to the romance of treasured possessions. We venture inside the imaginative world of Petals & Poison, where founder Jená Bhone continues to expand her artistic repertoire beyond her iconic gothic jewellery designs. Silver and gold take centre stage in our dark feminine jewellery capsule, accompanied by statement rings, battle-inspired designs and finishing touches worthy of the grandest entrances.
Then, we turn up the volume. Musician Max Madly welcomes us into her Garden of Neglect, while our Alternative Music Class of 2026 introduces emerging talent deserving of your attention. Naturally, we've dressed for the occasion with a concert style edit that takes us from the dressing room to the front row.
And, finally, with the festive season approaching, a little anticipation is in order. Discover 25 dark feminine advent calendars and our holiday gift guide celebrating the independent artists who make alternative culture so creatively rich.
For free, subscribe below and/or read the full issue digitally here.
With devotion,
Amanda
Cover: Courtesy of Anastacia Anastascio, The Spiritual Goth. Photography: Madeline Stanley (@Madexposure).
Feature Articles
No Peeking: 25 Dark Feminine Advent Calendars with Soft Goth Appeal
An enticing assortment of little luxuries to savour throughout December
By: The Lace Ledger Staff
Christmas can have its candy canes and cheerful elves, with all our love and nostalgia. We're dreaming of a Victorian Yule, where mulled cider warms by the fire and candlelight flickers against frost-covered windows.
Our countdown brings a touch of that old-world holiday spirit into the present, with 25 carefully chosen calendars that indulge our soft goth sensibilities. Some favour the macabre, while others simply have a taste for the finer things. There's something for a range of budgets, with daily discoveries spanning everything from beauty counters to cocktail cabinets.
Artful Endeavours: Inside the Imaginative World of Petals & Poison
What happened when I explored a past life under Anastacia's guidance
By: Amanda Albert
I step into the kitchen. It's a small room, sparsely furnished, yet somehow it feels empty. A pot of salty porridge sits on an old-fashioned coal stove, left over from breakfast, but something inside me knows better than to throw it away. We'll need what's left tomorrow.
Faded blues and greens lend this farmhouse a dreary disposition, their colours softened by the grey light filtering through a weathered window above the sink. An old metal milk container stands beside the door. A wooden table occupies the centre of the room, surrounded by five chairs, although only four match. The air smells of damp earth, and my leather work boots feel heavy against the floor.
A calendar hangs on the wall, its lettering written in a language I cannot, today, understand. The illustration tells me it's May, although the chill in the air suggests otherwise. I seem to be somewhere in Eastern Europe, sometime during the 1800s.
I've never seen this kitchen before. I don't recognize the food or understand the language on the calendar. Yet, in this moment, I carry the weight of a life I don't recognize.
Somewhere beyond this farmhouse, in another time and place, Anastacia Anastascio The Spiritual Goth is guiding me through a past-life regression.
Precious Metals: The Dark Feminine Jewellery Capsule
Build your signature collection with nine must-have pieces in silver or gold
By: The Lace Ledger Staff
Life gets busy, and while we all appreciate a standout statement piece, there's something to be said for having an intentionally curated jewellery collection that simply works together. Not perfectly matched sets, mind you—think sisters, not twins. A modest selection of complementary pieces you can mix freely, pairing your favourite earrings with a well-loved necklace or stacking bracelets without giving it a second thought.
Some pieces carry sentimental value. Others become familiar favourites you reach for almost daily. All of them earn their place by working beautifully with the pieces you already own. They're the finishing touches that can take an outfit from hurriedly thrown together to thoughtfully styled, even when you've only got five minutes to get out the door.
Whether you favour silver or gold, we've identified the nine essentials to help build a cohesive collection with plenty of personality. These are the hardworking little treasures you'll find yourself reaching for again and again.
Fresh from the Forge: Battle Ready Jewellery with a Deadly Disposition
An arsenal of wearable weaponry for those who prefer their accessories armed and dangerous
By: The Lace Ledger Staff
Someone's been raiding the armoury, and we have a few suspects…
Though, these instruments of destruction have undergone a chic transformation. Medieval menace meets modern mischief as swords are miniaturized for necklaces and daggers dangle from unsuspecting earlobes. Even the flail and the scythe have found second life in fine accessories.
Once bound for the battlefield, these miniature marvels have found a much more fashionable calling. We've rounded up some heavy artillery for those who prefer a little danger in their dressing. No combat training required.
Past Issues
About Us
The Lace Ledger is a dark feminine field guide to style, culture and the arts. Inspired by soft goth aesthetics with an eye for the beautiful and strange, we explore the people and ideas shaping life on the moodier side of the culture.
Founded by writer and poet Amanda Albert, The Lace Ledger grew from a desire for a publication where alternative tastes could be treated with the same depth and editorial curiosity afforded to the mainstream.
Here you’ll find:
Style — Seasonal style, trend reports and beauty with soft goth sensibility.
Literature + the Arts — Poetry, fine art, reading lists and conversations with the creatives behind the work.
Culture — Film and music, with plenty to add to your watch list.
House & Haunt — Moody interiors and darkly refined entertaining.
Travel — City guides and places worth visiting.
Gift Guides — Curated finds for every occasion.
Work With Us
Reach out with your latest product launches, brand news story ideas, finished work or pitches. We’re here to create thoughtful partnerships.
We welcome collaborations with brands, creators, artists, writers and experts who share our taste for the uncommon.