Velvet and Lace: an interview with MoonMaiden Gothic Clothing

MoonMaiden Gothic Clothing, based in Cornwall, design and make gothic clothing that cover the whole spectrum of the goth style. Dripping in luscious velvet and wrapped in intricate layers of lace, you can find anything from corsets to cloaks, gloves to gorgeous gowns, all made to order.

Despite her hectic schedule, we managed to quizz Sarah on her life as designer, dressmaker and even website model!

How did you first get into fashion designing and dressmaking?

Well, ever since I could say, no I don't want to wear that! I'm afraid I was forced to wear THE worst clothes of all time, when I was younger and it soon dawned on me, that if I make my own stuff, I would love it, and it would be original. So I'd say it's always been in me. I think some people are just meant to do their own thing, and fashion designing is my thing.

Has it always gothic fashion you were interested in, and what attracted you to this particular style?

Oh yes, I've never been into anything else really. I think it was the lace and velvet and all the drama that goes with it! I just couldn't wear anything else, and it's odd, because most people grow out of it..........I never have and never will!

Where does your inspiration come from?

All sorts of things, sketches , I like to sit and doodle and see what happens, I dream a lot about clothes so ideas come from sleeping as well!!! It could be an old film, or just something I want to wear so I make it and put it on the site. That's what's so good about design, it's completely up to you, and nothing is out of bounds. That's the part of moonmaiden that I really enjoy.

How have you developed as a designer over time?

I think I have, I mean it was basic styles to begin with, but now we have the Forsaken gown with gathering and eyelets, and I even do my own corsets now, with boning, so yes I like to make things more difficult as we go on, or else it just gets really dull. I need to do new things to keep me on my New Rocks!

What's the biggest fashion mistake you have ever made?

Oh lots and lots! When I first started to design my own stuff.......I was only about 15 and had no training at all.......Anyway I dyed a pillow case black, it was flowery and pink you see and you can't wear a pink flowery pillow case can you? So I dyed it black and it came out a sorta grey/pink flowery pillow case! I turned this into a mini skirt and it really didn't work!

My next disaster was a yellow dress that I was given , I shudder now to think of it! It was bright yellow, with a drop waist, and it sucked big time! So I painted it with black gloss! I think it worked because it went all hard and I never had to wear the monstrosity again.

And I did try to make a mini skirt out of a lamp shade! I thought it worked well, it was shiny purple with tassels on! Really skin tight, in fact I could barely get it on, but I thought it looked fab! I remember my boyfriend at the time refused to be seen in public with me when I wore it. But it's all progress, so I think they help me in the long run.

What's your favourite item you have designed and why?

Most favourite is probably the forsaken skirt and the Obsidian Corset, I was so chuffed when I'd finally got my head around boning, and the skirt is just so beautiful all those layers of net and satin and cobweb! When I first tried them on, I was like 'did I really make this?' But of course you can't go around wearing stuff like that every day, so I think my most worn Moonmaiden design, is the black widow mini, I love it, and it's just so cute and simple, but it still kicks butt!

Where do you see MoonMaiden heading in the future?

You know, I really don't think about it. I just carry on, designing and sewing and keeping it as enjoyable as possible. Life is a bit of a bugger sometimes, and there's so much going on, so if you have a job that you can enjoy, I think you're on to a winner. Secretly though, I'd like to be a lady of leisure with a collie doggie, walking for miles and miles on the Moors and growing my own veggies in a cottage in the middle of no where! But in the mean time, I get to do what I love and get to wear fabulous clothing, which is what it's all about really!

Keller is EGL Magazine's editor. She has a degree in Writing which includes Journalism, and has a wardrobe which is half-filled with MoonMaiden creations.