Dark Revival - The Art and Fashions of Antoinette's Atelier

Decadence, luxury and opulence. The aristocracy of the 18th-century really knew how to party and dressing up was one of the most important aspects of the culture at the time. If you didn’t look good you didn’t really have a future in society. Expensive gowns, elaborate jewellery and finely made accessories were key if you wanted to be somebody in France... well, at least until that revolution got started but hey, it was fun while it lasted. Even now, the image of Marie Antoinette is one of global renown and she remains an icon of wealth and fashion for the ages. The iconic image of the 18th-century woman is still one of familiarity today in movies and media long after the fall of high society all those years ago...

Enter Kathleen Marie – Designer, Artist and Creative Director of Antoinette's Atelier (www.kathleenmarie.net). She’s a specialist in delightfully dark, historically rooted fashions that embody the very essence of the lavish lifestyle of era in which she is inspired. Extravagant handmade gowns, ornate powdered wigs and original art pieces fill her shop and it’s obvious that each piece is carefully and skilfully constructed by the hands of an artist.

Now these aren’t some fluffy costume dresses and cheap reworked Halloween wigs but carefully detailed replicas in the truest form of the historical models. The wigs are actually treated for the authentic look of powdered hair, not simply a white wig with some curls thrown in. The dresses show serious attention to the finer details of what the fashions actually detailed and avoid looking like costume party throwbacks by holding onto that same indulgent quality in the fabric, the design and overall quality. None of this is surprising though when you look at Kathleen’s education in fashion design and her focus in baroque and rococo art. Her work isn’t just something of a hobby or craft; it’s a passion and the accumulation of years of study and labour. Her designs all seem to carry an undertone of modest sin and sexiness that entices and pulls at the eyes as well as the imagination. These dresses are not for your average frat house costume party but you could imagine yourself wearing them to some fine masquerade ball or an elaborate tea service at your next gothic court.

It’s important to note that these aren’t some single use disposable costumes, in fact they’re not costumes at all but fine clothing and accessories that require the same care and preservation as any other fine garment you might buy. So while the price tag might be a bit more than that fantasy court princess costume you bought for last Halloween, it is well worth it if you want to own something that truly echoes the design and spirit of one of the most sumptuous royal courts in history. Can’t afford the whole outfit yet and still want a piece of Antoinette's Atelier? Kathleen Marie has some wonderful original silk paintings in her shop with which to adorn your walls.

*All photos courtesy Alberta Gaither