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.
All articles are available below.
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With devotion,
Amanda
Cover: Courtesy of Anastacia Anastascio, The Spiritual Goth. Photography: Madeline Stanley (@Madexposure).
Style
Cover Story | Where Imagination Wanders: A Window to the Workbench of The Moon's Alibi
How designer Emma Rose transforms her innermost experiences into extraordinary works of wearable art
By: Amanda Albert
There is a profound sincerity to the way Emma Rose speaks about her art. The designer of The Moon's Alibi approaches her work with the curiosity of someone still discovering what she's capable of, and a reverence for the creative minds who have helped shape her ambitions. David Bowie's philosophy of pushing beyond one's comfort zone has become something of a guiding principle, while Alexander McQueen's deeply personal approach to design remains a source of admiration.
That philosophy has been a guiding light for Rose, illuminating the path to what has become a defining year in her creative journey. In 2026, she debuted her first runway collection, the culmination of more than a year's work in the studio and a dream she'd held since childhood. She also found herself confronting an unfortunate reality of independent design, speaking candidly about the emotional toll of design theft by a fast-fashion brand. Both experiences reveal an artist deeply invested in the integrity of what she creates.
Yet, perhaps the most compelling part of Rose's story is how intimately her creative evolution is connected to her own. Each new piece demands something of her technically and offers an opportunity to understand herself more fully. As she continues to explore what her art can become, the ambition remains personal: to keep challenging herself, honour the work and see just how far she can go.
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Emma to explore the story behind The Moon’s Alibi, and how her pursuit of creative excellence continues to shape her journey as an independent designer.
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.
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 Arts
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.
Culture
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.
Class Is in Session: Good Ember's Hands-On Approach to BDSM Education
Curious about kink? This Canadian intimacy brand has a few rather interesting lessons planned
By: The Lace Ledger Staff
Leather-clad dominatrices. Elaborate dungeons. Ominous contraptions that look like they belong in a medieval interrogation chamber. Popular culture has given BDSM a rather theatrical reputation, and Hollywood has certainly done its part to keep the misconceptions alive.
Beyond the familiar imagery lies a practice deeply rooted in psychology, where trust and communication create the freedom to set aside the weight of the outside world and become wholly absorbed in the experience you're sharing. Like most things involving desire, BDSM exists across a broad spectrum. Some people pursue intense, highly structured experiences, while others are simply curious about relinquishing control for an evening or introducing a new dynamic with a partner. There is plenty of territory to explore between the extremes, provided everyone involved understands the rules of engagement.
That is where Good Ember comes in.
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.
The Witching Hour: 13 Spellbinding Films & Series for Your October Watchlist
From ancient forest folklore to modern covens, a watchlist for the season of sorcery
By: The Lace Ledger Staff
We're positively spoiled for witches on screen this season. With Practical Magic 2 bringing the Owens sisters back and YAGA set to cast its spell later this month, there's never been a better excuse to indulge in a little cinematic sorcery.
We've revisited a few cult favourites and dug up some lesser-known gems for a watchlist that takes witchcraft in all its fascinating forms.
Grave Misconduct: 11 Goth-Coded Halloween Costumes for 2026
A little dress-up inspired by the year's most memorable troublemakers
By: The Lace Ledger Staff
This year has been especially generous with Halloween inspiration, although we're not entirely convinced that was intentional…
Cinema has delivered some extraordinary characters, while current events have provided ample material for satire. Meanwhile, the FW26 runways have made a surprisingly persuasive case for dressing like a bird of ill omen.
Fortunately, a memorable costume doesn't require an entirely new wardrobe. Start with pieces already lurking in your closet, add a few peculiar accessories and see what treasures you can unearth at the thrift store. A little imagination goes a long way, especially when you're prepared to look slightly deranged ;).
House & Haunt
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.
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 more 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.
With the season of hearty meals and leisurely mornings upon us, we're turning our attention to the heart of the home. From hardworking cookware to charmingly macabre finishing touches, we've gathered everything you need to make your hearth a little cozier and a whole lot more haunted.