Happy Gothic Halloween

Here and there, fashion designers are paying tribute to the dark yet ethereal gothic world with vampy creations, suitable with the upcoming Halloween celebration that falls on 31st October every year.

From what was actually a cult celebration known as Samhain, celebrated by the Celts (and witches as a part of their Sabbath), it is now a widely celebrated holiday around the world and it is also the only day (or night) when you get the chance to become someone else, err, and that would be in costumes!

Though Halloween is the only time when all of us get the chance to channel the looks of characters (apart from the typical ghosts and other scary things),classic silver screen sirens like Marilyn Monroe (the curly platinum blond hair and the pleated white chiffon dress are so typical and overrated that I've got bored with it) and Audrey Hepburn (the Breakfast at Tiffany look with a small tiara and oversized Jackie-O glasses matched with the little black dress) or maybe the worst of all, Tina Turner and Spice Girls wannabe (I can't stand with that lousy spiky blond locks and leopard prints), maybe it's time for us to give the costume shops a run on their money.

At the recent regional Dior runway show staged in Shanghai, floor sweeping gowns in printed maroon tafetta, Holy Dior cross pendants and all-black ensemble (single-breasted lapel jacket and tulle skirts matched with oversized buckled wide belt) are their latest offerings and even made it to the fashion lovers' wardrobe. Models were given an edgier transformation when struting their stuff complete with a long raven wig covered with maroon bandana and complemented her look with the Swarovski crystal-encrusted aviator shades.

Over to Paris at the Fall/Winter 06-07 Jean-Paul Gaultier runway show, the mood was haunting and a little bit eerie yet supernatural as models were given a zombie-inspired look- pale skin, smoky eyes, toussled hair and lifeless-looking. Supermodel Lily Cole was transformed into a living Shirley Temple doll sans the blond lock and a porcelain facial finish.

Looking somber and holding a rag doll that bears her likeness, the British supermodel walked the runway in a semi-transparent chiffon in rusty bronze and layered by a knitted vest top. So real that she looked as if she has been a doll who was brought to life by a wizard to do the catwalk!

So, thinking of dressing down in designers instead of the typical yet overrated Morticia Adams costume? Then try matching the seaon key pieces to create that ethereal mood for this Halloween. Cue from the looks of these two fashion shows and as the night falls, you will be transformed into a vampier-then-ever vamp or should we call it the Belle of the Vamps? Happy trying and Happy Halloween.

The Christian Dior Fall/Winter 2006-07 Collection is available now at Christian Dior stores and selected multi-label boutiques and department stores.

*Photos by Marcio Madeira/VOGUE

Christian Dior - Indulge Floor, Starhill Gallery, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur; Passenger Level, Satelite Building, Kuala Lumpur International Airport; Isetan Suria KLCC, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.