The Lace Ledger’s Alt Brand Directory
A guide for the poetic, the provocative and the perpetually overdressed
By: The Lace Ledger Staff
Honouring your gothic archetype is not solely about fashion—it’s about devotion to aesthetic and experiential autonomy. Whether you drape yourself in lace like armor, stalk city streets in leather, or serve corset-core by candlelight, this directory is for you.
Curated with care, every brand listed here lives at the intersection of darkness and desire.
1. La Femme En Noir
Photo Credit: La Femme En Noir
Vibe: Old Hollywood witch meets vampiric heiress.
Best For: Luxe curves, dramatic draping, femme fatale silhouettes.
Why We Love: Created by gothic goddess Micheline Pitt, this brand designs elegant and seductive dresses, shirts, skirts, pants, statement bags and special collections for the woman who knows her worth. Size inclusive.
2. Foxblood
Photo Credit: @foxbloodshop
Vibe: Everyday goth with elevated edge.
Best For: Office-to-coven staples, witchy basics, oversized outerwear.
Why We Love: A queer-owned, size-inclusive brand that nails wearable goth. Comfy cotton. Flowing dresses. Loungewear you’ll love. Dark, but practical—like the goth version of a capsule wardrobe.
3. Killstar
Photo Credit: @amiraithe via @killstar
Vibe: Gothic kitsch with occult flair.
Best For: Statement pieces and haunting home decor.
Why We Love: Whether you’re shopping for a pentagram mug, coffin shelf or mesh bodysuit, Killstar offers something for every goth archetype.
4. Unique Vintage
Photo Credit: @uniquevintage
Vibe: Dark pin-up at a haunted speakeasy.
Best For: Retro silhouettes, holiday party drama, workwear-friendly pin-up attire.
Why We Love: Not strictly goth, but undeniably romantic. Their velvet dresses, tulle skirts, swing dresses, wiggle skirts and 1920s-inspired accessories are perfect for the romantic goth or those looking for pinup couture.
5. Disturbia
Photo Credit: @disturbia
Vibe: Punk meets whimsy goth with an office job.
Best For: Deconstructed tees, velvet dresses, darkly endearing jumpsuits.
Why We Love: UK-based and unapologetic, Disturbia offers alt fashion with brains. Think existential slogans, asymmetrical skirts, structured knits with edge.
6. Hot Topic
Photo Credit: @hottopic
Vibe: Teen goth’s first love… but, still serving.
Best For: Affordable alt basics, pop culture crossovers, band tees galore.
Why We Love: Hear us out: nostalgia is goth-coded. Hot Topic’s alt aesthetic has matured—plus, they carry collabs with gothic staples like Beetlejuice, Wednesday Addams and Vampire Hunter.
Keep your eyes peeled for more Canadian and USA designers, specialty fashion stores, retailers that ship world wide and more.
If a brand celebrates sensuality, artistry and a little bit of shadow—we want them here.
Want your brand featured? Email: editorial@thelaceledger.com
