EGL Magazine
EGL Magazine
Exclusively Gothic Lifestyle
27 May 2010
Gothic Art Dolls from Blackmirror Designs
Marianna is an artist, fashion designer and creator of some of the scariest dolls you'll ever see. Her interest in fashion began when she was a child when she would spend hours designing and making clothing for her dolls. She graduated as an art teacher from the Institute of Art in Venice, and went on to complete her degree in 'Decoration and Painting' at the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice.
During her studies, she experimented with fashion, treating it as sculpture and using materials and fabrics outside of the traditional fashion boundaries, such as using hospital materials to create a skirt and corset.
In 2003 Marianna moved to London where she found an environment she considered to be perfect for pursuing her love of alternative fashion. In 2004, she started Blackmirror Design; designing and making all of the clothes.
As part of Blackmirror Designs, she also makes spooky gothic dolls. We caught up with her to find out more about her creepy dolls.
Where did your interest in gothic fashion and style begin?
I started dressing in black when I was 11; I have always been fascinated by horror movies, peculiar make up, rock metal and goth music. The passion for the goth culture grew in London, through taking part in the alternative scene, to the extent that it become a strong influence on all my works, from clothing to dolls and illustration.
How did you first get interested in doll making?
I decided to work on my first doll while I was looking at the website of my favourite artist Scott Radke. Unfortunately I do not have much time to dedicate to my doll making, and it has grown to become more of a hobby than anything else. When I need to relax, I sit and work on my dolls: it is a stress release, drawing me to a distant world, something like Alice in Wonderland. That is what I call the magic of art…
Marianna's clothing designs are on sale on her Blackmirror Designs website, and you can also view more pictures of her dolls. The dolls also have their own MySpace page: www.myspace.com/art_gothic_dolls
What was the first doll you made and do you still have it?
My first doll was called Rosemary, a victorian lady. She wears a black dress and is very gloomy. I ended up giving it to my mother as she collects dolls too.
Which is your favourite doll that you've made and why?
My favourite is Oddilie and her Little Ghost (pictured left). It is the latest doll I made and I love her melancholic face. I believe my mood transpires on every doll I make.
How are the dolls made and how long does it take to make one?
My dolls are made in paperclay, a very soft material, easy to model, which becomes hard and light once it dries. There is an iron armature, which I cover with paperclay; it helps shaping the doll which will be left to dry for one day after the modelling phase. Once the doll is dry, I paint it and apply the wool hair, then I sew the clothes directly on it. It takes two days for the whole process.
You design clothing as well as making dolls. Which did you start doing first?
I started both together, but clothing has always been my main activity, doll making still being just a hobby, something I do when I need to relax.
Where does your inspiration for designs come from?
I draw inspiration from 19th century costume books, 30’s 40’s 50’s vintage magazines. I am not fond of modern fashion, I love things from the past. I love Edgar Allan Poe’s books and I draw my inspiration from them. I like mixing different styles from the past to create something new.
Article Written By...
Keller is EGL Magazine's editor. She has a degree in Writing which includes Journalism, and is quite scared of dolls. Especially dolls like these.
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