Couture Noir: The Darkened Bazaar

Photos by Marcus Metropolis In the midst of MNFashion Week, a dark and sultry secret emerges from the underground: Couture Noir, a masqueraded runway show complete with the latest goth fashions and costumed burlesque dancers, takes place within the velvet-ensconced and chandelier-lit environs of the Varsity Theater. Long before the doors open, a line of eager patrons decked out in ruffles, lace and Venetian carnival masks stretches down the block. The casual observer might wander by and think to themselves, "Selves, there's some serious Eyes Wide Shuttery going on in there tonight," but for those in the know, the event's draw to fashion aficionados is as natural and imperative as is the flame's to moths. The many styles of dress and demeanor that have come to reside beneath the umbrella term "goth" have enjoyed a long history of residence upon the fringes of high fashion and, for years, have worked their ways into the mainstream of everyday street ...