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
The Dark Feminine Gallery: 16 Gothic Masterpieces & Their Hidden Meanings
From formidable heroines to notorious villains, discover the women and mythology behind some of art history's most captivating works
By: The Lace Ledger Staff
Some of art history's most captivating women have terrible reputations. Others paid dearly for their convictions. And a few have been immortalized in paintings that tell us more about humanity and culture than the women themselves.
We've gathered 16 of our favourite gothic masterpieces from art history, each with a fascinating story to tell. Behind their haunting imagery lie timeless reflections on the human condition, revealing the shifting perceptions of women over centuries.
For the dark feminine woman, there's plenty to admire, and perhaps a little wisdom to take home.
The Dark Arts: 13 Contemporary Gothic Artists You Need to Know
An appreciation of the modern makers bringing their darkest imaginings to life
By: The Lace Ledger Staff
In celebration of International Artist Day on October 25, we're raising a glass to the creative minds who give form to the otherworldly and beauty to the unexpected. From classic oil on canvas to experimental mixed-media works, artistic expression knows no bounds, and neither does the gothic imagination. Here, medieval romanticism finds new life alongside surrealist visions, while the natural world inspires creations that are equal parts enchanting and unsettling.
We've curated a shortlist of contemporary artists whose extraordinary portfolios deserve your attention (and patronage), each bringing their own interpretation of dark subject matter to life. Take a leisurely stroll through our virtual gallery and discover a few works you might be tempted to bring home.
The Electric Vision of Noël Nielsen: Deadly Night Shades
How an unconventional idea became a thriving creative pursuit without compromising its artistic vision
By: The Lace Ledger Staff
There is a special kind of frustration reserved for instances when you know exactly what you want and discover that nobody makes it. Urgh. For Noël Nielsen, the artist behind Deadly Night Shades, that frustration began with lampshades. Boring beige cylinders were plentiful, but something with a pinch more personality seemed beyond the imagination of conventional home décor retailers. So, she took matters into her own hands.
What began as a solution to a decorating dilemma gradually developed into a business specializing in extravagant gothic lampshades, each lovingly crafted by hand. The designs are fabulously eccentric, with some requiring upwards of 50 hours of work. Yet, behind all that extravagance is a carefully considered approach to entrepreneurship. From early experiments for friends to commissioned creations, Deadly Night Shades has grown at a pace that allows Nielsen to remain both artist and business owner, without sacrificing the joy of either.
She understands that sustaining a creative practice requires knowing when to push forward and when to let an idea go. There are limits to how often she wants to reproduce a design, even when customers are eager to purchase it. As she explains, the key is finding a medium you enjoy enough that it doesn't feel like work, while maintaining enough objectivity to recognize when a creative direction has run its course.
We spoke with Nielsen about Deadly Night Shades’ evolution and the discipline of keeping an independent creative vision alive.
Bound to Impress: The National Kink Month Brand Directory
13 brands we recommend exploring, whatever your experience or interests
By: The Lace Ledger Staff
October is National Kink Month, and we can't think of a better excuse to indulge a little curiosity. From haute couture latex to furnishings with rather interesting design specifications, the world of kink offers plenty to discover.
We've rounded up our favourite brands worth exploring at every level of experience, from the kink-curious to seasoned enthusiasts. A little inspiration for wherever your interests might lead.
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.