Current Issue
Letter from the Editor
The steady rhythm of practiced hands. The ache of muscles pushed a little further. The moment when concentration sharpens, the outside world falls away and every movement becomes deliberate. Until, at last, all that dedication rewards you with the thrill of surpassing what you thought possible.
We begin with the arts. Our cover story introduces Emma Rose, designer behind The Moon's Alibi, who invites us into her studio to discover the care and craftsmanship poured into each of her extraordinary creations. We also meet Noël Nielsen of Deadly Night Shades, whose electric vision transforms an often-overlooked household object into a work of art. Looking beyond the workbench, we celebrate 13 contemporary gothic artists pushing their respective mediums in fascinating directions, alongside 16 masterpieces from art history whose stories still have something to teach us today.
Physical discipline offers its own rewards. From the satisfying exhaustion of a demanding workout to the confidence that comes with mastering a new skill, movement gives us an opportunity to discover what we’re capable of. We've rounded up 13 dark feminine fitness experiences for those seeking something outside the conventional gym, accompanied by a gothic activewear directory for breaking a sweat in style.
In recognition of National Kink Month, we're exploring the value of education within BDSM. Our conversation with Good Ember introduces their latest collaborative release, The Edge, while our accompanying brand directory highlights makers creating thoughtfully designed tools for exploration.
With spooky season in full swing, we've also indulged our fondness for all things witchy. Our Bog Witch style guide ventures into the darker corners of European folklore, while The Haunted Hearth brings gothic charm into the kitchen. For evenings best spent indoors, we've assembled a watchlist of 13 spellbinding films and series, from beloved cult classics to genuinely frightening folk horror.
For free, subscribe below and/or read the full issue digitally here.
With devotion,
Amanda
Cover: courtesy of Emma Rose; Photographer: @candiceghaiphotography; Model: Emma Rose, @themoonsalibicollection; Hair: @pincurledperfection.
Feature Articles
Of Moss & Malice: An Autumn Bog Witch Style Guide
Folklore-inspired fashion for wandering woods and weathering the cold
By: The Lace Ledger Staff
Every village has a story about a mysterious woman who lives beyond its borders.
She inhabits the cottage at the edge of the woods, where the trees grow crooked and the ground never quite dries. Some say she can cure an illness. Others insist she caused it. Children are warned against wandering too close, though nobody can agree on what happens to those who do…
Meet the Bog Witch.
Inspired by the fearsome women of European folklore, from Baba Yaga's forest dwelling to the Puritan nightmares of VVitch, this darker interpretation of woodland dressing borrows from the wardrobes of women who lived and worked close to the land. Coarse linen, heavy wool, weathered leather and layers built to withstand the elements form the foundation, accompanied by the colours of peat, moss, stagnant water and decaying vegetation.
For late autumn, the Bog Witch emerges in substantial cloaks, long skirts, knitted hoods and boots made for difficult terrain. Her clothing carries the marks of practical use, with a few peculiar embellishments suggesting that the stories told about her might contain a grain of truth.
The Haunted Hearth: Gothic Kitchen Essentials
An assortment of culinary curiosities for the haunted home
By: The Lace Ledger Staff
As the temperature drops, it becomes increasingly tempting to spend time at home, preferably with something simmering on the stove and a warm drink within reach. With store shelves brimming with occult items and gothic delights for Halloween, many of which will be on sale riiiiiight when you start writing your Christmas list, it's the perfect opportunity to invest in spooky pieces we'll happily use all year long.
In anticipation, we've stocked the cupboards with everything you need to make your hearth a little cozier and a whole lot more haunted..
A Killer Workout: 13 Dark Feminine Fitness Experiences for Creatures of the Night
Find your fighting spirit, perfect your posture and put your body to work
By: The Lace Ledger Staff
Even creatures of the night need their cardio. For the darkly inclined, there's a growing world of alternative fitness experiences that cater to unconventional tastes. From heavy metal yoga to horror-inspired pole dancing, there's plenty of opportunity to break a sweat without compromising your vibe.
There's something for every schedule and skill level. Join a local class, follow along from the comfort of your crypt or make a getaway of it with destination retreats and special events.
We've rounded up a wicked assortment of ways to get moving, wherever you happen to haunt.
Dead Serious Dress Code: The Gothic Activewear Directory
13 alternative fitness brands and collections for lifting, lunging, stretching and sweating
By: The Lace Ledger Staff
We go to the gym to feel our best, so, what we wear should help us feel like ourselves, too. From yoga and pilates to the weight rack, spin, barre and boxing, there's no reason to leave your personal style in the locker room.
We've rounded up our favourite gothic and alternative activewear brands and collections, featuring everything from romantic, lace-trimmed sets to death metal-inspired gym gear.
Designed with performance in mind and plenty of personality to match, these pieces are ready to work as hard as you do.
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.