Dark Garden

2nd Annual Dark Garden Valentine Boudoir Photo Event

2012-01-29T17:23:00.000-08:00

Photo by Jude Mooney

Feeling frisky this Valentine's Day?
We are too. Come frolic with Dark Garden for an evening of boudoir photography. Dark Garden is pleased to announce our annual Valentine's Day mini boudoir event on Friday, February 10 at our Hayes Valley boutique, located on 321 Linden Street, SF CA 94102. Peruse our fine selection of San Francisco handmade corsetry, jewelry, millinery, and other accoutrements while you sip on bubbly pink Moscato or Italian sodas.

Photography sessions may be scheduled beginning at 6pm. There is limited availability so please book your sitting early. Allow for up to an hour and a half total time for complete styling and your private boudoir experience. Wardrobe is provided by expert Dark Garden stylists, featuring Dark Garden Corsetry for all participants. Hair and makeup artists will be available to complement your natural Valentine's allure. Bring your own intimates and shoes to complete your ensemble. Invite a
friend or a bring a beau (we know you have many) to join you for your photography session. If you fall in love with your corset and decide to take it home with you, we won't tell your beau!

Packages begin at $75 for personal styling, photo shoot, and instant gratification 8x10" print"!
Upgrade your sitting to include hair *or* makeup for $135.
The deluxe experience including personal styling, intimate photography session, and expert hair *and* makeup for $195.
Friends and special friends may join your session and receive their own print for $25 each.
Additional on-site prints are likewise $25.

Please call 415-431-7684 to schedule your appointment.

Photo by Jude Mooney

Dark Garden is going to Los Angeles!

2012-01-25T16:41:00.000-08:00

Kali is wearing a Dark Garden Risque' Waist Cincher with a Dollymop in a photo by Marianne Faulkner.

Dark Garden is going to Los Angeles!

One special weekend not to be missed February 2nd, 4th and 5th.

If you are looking for an amazing new hat for an Art Deco Society soiree, an accessory or an entire ensemble for the Los Angeles Edwardian Ball, that extra pizazz for your Mardi Gras outfit, or something shiny and sexy for Valentines Day, come visit us.

Naturally we will be bringing exquisite handmade CORSETS, Dark Garden's specialty since 1989, as well as offering a selection of jewelry, handmade millinery and garments from our favorite labels. We are exceptionally pleased to bring our new Ready-to-Wear styles: Dollymop by Dark Garden, and

our newest Risque line of boudoir corsets.

reVampPlatt Building

834 South Broadway, Suite 1200

Los Angeles, CA 90014

Thursday, February2, 20124PM until 8PM

Vintage Fashion Expo (with reVamp )

Santa Monica Civic Auditorium Pico & Main

Santa Monica, CA

February 4th and 5th, 2012

This Isabella dress from reVamp is perfect worn over a Dark Garden Risque' corset.

Beth & Todd's Wedding

2012-01-24T13:11:00.000-08:00

Beth in her Dark Garden wedding dress Photo by Amanda Brooks

Photo by Amanda Brooks

"Dress, necklace, and bracelet: Dark Garden. Working with Autumn and the staff at DG was a dream. If I could afford it, all of my clothes would be custom-made by DG!"

Offbeat Bride Beth and Todd
more lovley pictures

Original Music for the Ghosts of Unfortunate Heiresses Fashion Show

2012-01-18T23:56:00.000-08:00

The original music for the Ghosts of Unfortunate Heiresses Fashion Show (this Saturday January 21st at the Edwardian Ball) composed, performed and recorded for the show by Kerri Pidnow and Alex Kelly on cello and piano is mesmerizing, theatrical, intense and melodic... dreamlike with whispers of creaking doors and mournful bird cry, and a perfect companion to the magnificent garments featured in the show.

Kerri Pidnow. Photo by Kristin Argue

I interviewed sound designer Kerri Pidnow about the project...

What inspired your score for 'Unfortunate Heiresses'?
"The music was created for this show with the adjectives dark, creepy and spooky in mind. I guess I would call it experimental music, though I love the freedom of sound being open and not defined narrowly by standard terms or categories... that said, I love Tom Waits, early Medieval music, The Dresden Dolls... and too many to list!
"How did you and Alex work together?"
"I picked a key and chose pizzicato, and Alex jumped in with piano and we just started playing. It is delightful working with Alex. Even though he is my teacher, when we work together he treats me as an equal. The really challenging thing about designing for a show is that you have to fit a set amount of time and with inflections that are needed for the show".
"How do you make space for music in your life?"
When I am home alone I don't watch T.V.. I listen with all my free time to music...and when I play, when I practice or take lessons, it is like a vacation from the rest of my life. I honestly don't think I could live without it..."
Are you pleased with the 'Unfortunate Heiresses' score?
"I really like it" said Kerri, "it's just weird enough to make me happy"!

Kerri Pidnow has played many instruments, but has happily settled down with the cello. These days she is playing with Big City Orchestra.
Dr. Alex Kelly is a San Francisco based cellist, composer, electronic musician, conductor and teacher. His debut solo album will be out soon.

MACHINE a fire opera at The Crucible

2012-01-16T23:57:00.000-08:00

Dark Garden owner Autumn Adamme has created two ensembles for the

over heated world premiere opera 'Machine' at The Crucible in Oakland.

Running through the 21st of January.

"Based on a short story by science fiction author Derek J. Goodman, MACHINE is set in a fiery industrial universe in which workers have sold themselves into a lifetime of servitude. When one worker regains his power of self-determination, the story ignites into an explosive brew of escape plots, alliances, and unlikely love interests. This spectacular performance features two opera singers, a rock singer and percussionists that "play" the scaffolding-like set. Visual effects including a molten metal pour, fire performers and industrial artists such as glass blowers and blacksmiths. MACHINE will deliver the kind of awe-inspiring performance that Crucible audiences have come to expect."

Ghosts of Unfortunate Heiresses Fashion Show

2012-01-14T09:14:00.000-08:00

Illustration by Holly Bobisuthi

This year the Dark Garden Fashion Show January 21st at the 12th Annual Edwardian Ball is designed by Kalico DeLafay of Dollymop Designs and Holly Bobisuthi. The show is inspired above all by Edward Gorey and dreams of crows in the rain, smoke and shadows, Dresden ironworks, Thai neck rings, Grecian columns cracked where the tendrils of vines have pushed through. This show promises high drama and quirky elegance, and many amazing and new Dark Garden corsets.
With a education in fine arts sculpture and a back ground jewelry design Kalico DeLafay of Dollymop Designs creates hard core romantic one of a kind accessories including magnificent hats, feather fascinators, cravats and wrist wraps that are available in the Dark Garden boutique. She is also the first Dark Garden Associate Designer having created our fabulously successful Dollymop corset line. Her couture garments are available to order.
Holly Bobisuthi is an accomplished fine art metal smith and textile artisan working primarily by hand on her Teahorse line of hair adornments available in the Dark Garden boutique. This show will debut her impressive skills and a dress maker, accessories maven and designer. Her couture garments are available to order.
The show will again be directed by the fabulous B. Todi who brings her playful and delicious theatricality and dance expertise to this not to be missed yearly treat! Exotic, erotic music design by the amazing alchemical Kerri Pidnow as well as an outrageous gaggle of hot models are sure to delight and dismay...

illustration by Edward Gorey

Amanda Palmer in Dark Garden

2012-01-09T22:04:00.000-08:00

Amanda Palmer in a Dark Garden Waist Cincher Corset
of gold silk taffeta and black bee brocade.

YES.

She rocks and inspires. We love her.

Reminder: Edwardian Ball Preparation Party January 13th

2012-01-05T13:34:00.000-08:00

Dark Garden Proprietress Autumn Adamme

Just a reminder that our Edwadian Ball Preparation Party is in one week!

We are having a styling party at Dark Garden to help you prepare your outfit for the Edwardian Ball. Start, add to, or do the finishing touches on your costume for the ball. Get your whole ensemble or that one special accessory. We will supply ample skilled advice and libations as well as skirts, blouses, stockings, hats, fans, gloves, jewelry and of course CORSETS.

Special discounts and dressing up expertease!

January, Friday the 13th

6:00 to 9:00 PM

321 Linden Street S.F. CA 94102

MAP

Model Penny McDish, Photo by Kristin Argue

Corsets, Sports Cars and Love.

2012-01-04T11:54:00.000-08:00

A beautiful image of our lace overlay corset by roi brooks of
roijoy photography modeled by Wataya.

"Trying on corsets at Dark Garden is like trying on sports cars or love. You know it's not something you need, but you try it on anyway to get it out of your system. Once you do, you cannot imagine your life without one.

Having experienced both a gain and a loss in 2011, I can assure you that motives to acquire corsets, sports car, and love may be complicated, but the decision is made in a split second, and without regret: a gasp upon seeing one's own beautiful silhouette looking back in the mirror, with tinier than imaginable waist, the inexplicable sense of femininity and power mixed in with sexiness. It was like being told I had a huge grin on my face when I test drove that sports car, and kissing back that someone who makes me want to become a better person. You know you need to hold onto it as long as you can.

So my "test drive" quickly turned into an order for a made-to-order corset of my own. Made-to-order corsets are made with precut patterns of individual size with fabric and style of your choice. Little alterations are possible with extra charge to make it fit as best as possible. You could also get custom-made corsets which involves cutting a pattern just for you based on your sizing.

Special thanks to Autumn and Lauren for their expert and friendly advice and help during the process. The shop is also full of beautiful things like accessories, jewelry, sexy under garments, outer wear, and hats. I can't wait to go pick up my corset (currently it's a seven-week wait) but I might have to visit sooner to take a stroll again in this beautiful *garden* indeed."

This beautifully written review is by Alice A. and was posted as a 5 star review on Yelp.
Our clients say it best.

Edwardian Ball Preparation Party January 13th

2011-12-30T00:49:00.000-08:00

Victoria Dagger and Dollymop designer Kalico Delafay back stage at the Edwardian Ball

Come play dress up!

Special discounts and dressing up expertease!

January, Friday the 13th

6:00 to 9:00 PM

321 Linden Street S.F. CA 94102

MAP

Gift Idea: Gift Certificate

2011-12-23T11:30:00.000-08:00

Corsets, hats, stockings, panties, jewelery, skirts, tops and dresses!!

Neck corsets, sock garters, fascinators and scarves!

Something for everyone.

We are open Friday the 23rd until 7:00 and the 24th until 5:00.

Hope to see you, and Happy Holidays.

Leather Applique Corset and a Gift Idea: Neck Corset

2011-12-16T17:12:00.001-08:00

Anthea is modeling a customer's Black Leather Sweetheart with

Flame Applique in copper and pale blue metalic leather and

A Black Leather Neck Corset available in the shop right now for $125.

Merry Christmas!

Photos by Kali Lambson Bloom

Gift Ideas: Panties, Garter Belts and Lingerie Skirts!!

2011-12-13T15:44:00.000-08:00

Garter belt $34 shown with a Risque' Waist Cincher Corset

Jezebel panties $34 shown with a Risque' Waist Cincher Corset


Jezebel lingerie skirt $31 shown with a Risque' Waist Cincher Corset

Link: A Dark Garden Wedding Ensemble featured on SF Gate

2011-12-09T14:51:00.001-08:00

Michele Ronsen (in an ensemble by Dark Garden in orange dupioni) and

Tony Marcell at their wedding.Photo: MarlaChristina.com

Michele Ronsen, Tony Marcell; Love Thy Neighbor
This is a story about the birds and the bees, love and marriage. And also, the shuttle bus.

Lady Lovelace Photography Parlour at the Dickens Fair

2011-11-25T23:34:00.001-08:00

This is Dark Garden's second year of bringing you a boudoir photo service at the Dickens Fair. Lady Lovelace's Photography Parlour offers portraits of you dressed in Dark Garden finery. You can be completely outfitted by our Dark Garden dressers or photographed in your own corset. What a beautiful gift for yourself or an appreciative someone!

All photos by Jude Mooney

Dickens Fair Time!

2011-11-19T09:23:00.001-08:00

Come join us at the Dickens Christmas Fair weekends November 25 through December 18th. The Dark Garden shop at the fair naturally has our amazing corsets, but also stunning jewelry, stockings, clothes and hats for holiday gifts or yourself! Our shop windows featuring live models have been a favorite at the fair for years.
Now you can model Dark Garden wares at Lady Lovelace's Photography Parlour! More to follow...

photo by faeofdoom

Live models in the shop window at the Dickens Fair

photo by Raymond Van Tassel

Rock n' Royalty Jewels

2011-11-07T15:04:00.000-08:00

Crystal Spikes $288 20% off till November 26th

We are happy to introduce an exclusive new local jewelry designer, Rock n’ Royalty Jewels. This is Judy Sachs’ first new Holiday line and is available exclusively at Dark Garden. Judy designs beautiful one of a kind Victorian, Romantic and Fantasy necklaces and earrings in antiqued gold brass filigree, Vintage findings and Swarovski crystals using colors of the Season - perfect for Dickens Fair! Mention that you saw this posting, as she is graciously offering a 20% discount on all Rock n’ Royalty Jewels, necklaces and earrings now through November 26th. Or visit her complete line available at www.RocknRoyaltySF.com

Victorian Rose $158 20% off till November 26th

Golden Shadow $172 20% off till November 26th

Link: Bowes Museum Film, The Art of Dressing in the 1870s

2011-11-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

This is a film, The Art of Dressing in the 1870s by Luca Costigliolo, shows a complete and authentic recreation outfit from bloomers to bustle! It is beautifully done.

Halloween Ideas: The Queen Of Halloween

2011-10-25T16:12:00.000-07:00

Model Penny McDish is the Queen of Halloween!

in a Dollymop one of a kind witch ensemble.

This amazing outfit is ready to go for Halloween parties this weekend

and will take you to the Edwardian Balls in January!

Come in and play dress up....

Striped taffeta corset with fringed straps & back panel 26" $550

Matching taffeta skirt with detachable draped bustle bow $650
Hand sculpted felt hat

with vintage polka dot veiling & baby raven $400
czech beaded necklaces $55 each

Dollymop for Dark Garden is designed by Kalico Delafay

Photos by Kristin Argue, Styled by Holly Bobisuthi. Modeled by Penny McDish

Halloween Idea: Dandy

2011-10-24T23:02:00.000-07:00

Halloween costume #4, A Dapper Dandy!

We have all these items in the store right now.

Come get ready for Trick or Treat.

We have so many ideas...

Cat is wearing:

Wild Card sock garters $48 & long bloomers in red $80

Dark Garden waist cincher in black and red pinstripe wool $350

Dollymop one of a kind necktie $75

House of Nines fedora $300

Teahorse mustache in wool felt $30

Pinstripe umbrella ON SALE $52

Photos by Kristin Argue, Styled by Holly Bobisuthi.

Masqerotica October 22

2011-10-19T11:00:00.000-07:00

Dark Garden, Dollymop, Lust Designs team up with many others for Dark Kabaret hosted by Paul Nathan with music by Eric McFadden at the first annual Masquerotica this Saturday October 22nd at the Concourse in San Francisco. Our show is at 9:30!

Dark Garden

Dollymop Designs. Model and designer, Kalico Delafay. Photo by Mr Nightshade.

Lust Designs Model, Miss Conduct Photographer, Stephen McClure

Eric McFadden

Halloween Costume Idea: Vampira

2011-10-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

This sultry Vampira costume will also take you

to Masquerotica and the Edwardian Ball in style.

These are items we have in the shop right now, ready for Halloween.

Come play dress up!

Kali is wearing:

Steam Trunk 'Moscova' blouse in blk $180

Rock & Royalty necklace $360 & earrings $36

Dark Garden waist cincher in cherry leather $400 with back panel

Cordelia Trumpet Skirt with velvet trim in black $193

Topsy Turvy velvet top hat $290

Photos by Kristin Argue, Styled by Holly Bobisuthi.

Halloween Costume Idea: Saucy Sailor

2011-10-14T11:55:00.001-07:00

We are having so much fun putting together

Halloween costumes!

These are garments we have and stock right now

for your oh sooo cute and sexy pin-up sailor suit.

Come in and play dress up!

We have so many ideas...

Amanda is wearing:

The Dollymop Sailor Suit

Lancer Corset $600

Bloomers with pockets $125

Detachable collar $110

Hat $125

Leg Avenue Cuban heel tights $14

Weekend Store 'Kiss' necklace $36

Photos by Kristin Argue, Styled by Holly Bobisuthi.
Dollymop for Dark Garden is designed by Kalico Delafay.

Halloween Costume Idea: Pirate!

2011-10-12T11:45:00.000-07:00

Just two and a half weeks 'til Halloween!

This is the first in a series of our costume idea posts.

These are garments we have in stock right now for your Halloween splendor.

Come in and play dress up!

Lauren is wearing:

Young Essence scarf in brown $32

Dark Garden black poplin Sweetheart Victorian corset $325

Cordelia 'Chelle' vest $177.50

Wild Card striped long bloomers in olive and black $90
Czech beaded necklace in bronze $125

House of Nines one of a kind tricorn ON SALE for $150

Photos by Kristin Argue, Styled by Holly Bobisuthi.

Burning Blog Link: A Playa Love Story

2011-10-10T13:23:00.000-07:00

Helen is wearing a Dollymop Lancer Corset with gold buttons and braid ladder striping,

adjustable bustle skirt,shorts and bolero with gold braid epelettes made of hemp and silk.

Check out this fabulous wedding outfit by Dark Garden Dollymop designer Kalico Delafay and insightful love story on the Burning Man Blog posted by John Curley.

A Playa Love Story

We’ll ask for your indulgence today and offer a personal story in place of the regular blog post. But we’ll write a little about love, and we’re hoping you’ll be touched by the people involved, even if you don’t know them.
The Burning Man guide book will tell you that love on the playa is a complicated thing. Burning Man is good for couples, Burning Man is bad for couples. That’s what it will tell you. It’s a hard place to be together, and it’s the best place in the world to be together.
We will tell you, though, that playa love, the kind that blossoms in the extreme atmosphere here, both sensory and emotional, where all your experiences are intensified and more vivid, we will tell you that playa love can survive, prosper and endure. It can take root, and flower. We tell you this because we have seen it over and over, and we saw it again last night.
More

Photos by John Curley.

Lingerie Addict Link: Corseting For Your Needs, Part 1

2011-10-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

We are proud of Marianne Faulkner becoming a regular contributor to The Lingerie Addict. Check out her excellent article on corset shopping "Corseting For Your Needs Part 1, How to Choose the Right Corset for Any Occasion " with many Dark Garden corsets featured!

Victoria Dagger is wearing an Alyscia Custom Corset in rose satin with black net overlay, black boning casings and binding and sequined net ruffle at the bust. Photo by Ryan Chua.

Folsom Street Fair

2011-09-24T22:29:00.000-07:00

Sunday September 25th we will be at the Folsom Street Fair and the store will be closed. Come find us at space 822 on Folsom between 8th and 9th street. We have great leather stock and new designs to share with you!

Offbeat Bride Link: Dorian and Lynn's Wedding

2011-09-15T21:13:00.000-07:00

Photos by Matt Miller, Our Labor of Love

The offbeat bride: Dorian, attorney (and Tribe member)
Her offbeat partner: Lynn, QA Lead for video game company
Date and location of wedding: Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, CA — June 11, 2011
What made our wedding offbeat: Almost every vendor we used, we found on Offbeat Bride or the Tribe, directly or indirectly. There was no single theme other than the fact that it reflected each of us individually and our relationship together, though there were some sub-themes of color, geekiness, sci-fi, and nature.

MORE...

Dark Garden at IXFF

2011-09-07T22:01:00.000-07:00

Dark Garden is proud to help sponsor the Good Vibrations Indie Erotic Film Festival! Join us at the IXFF Short Film Competition on September 22nd where you can see Dark Garden Lovelies at the Barbary Coast Pre-Party and then M.C.s Peaches Christ and Dr. Carol Queen dressed in Dark Garden finery...
Check out the Good Vibrations release below:

IXFF Short Erotic Film Competition 2011

Hosted by Your Glorious MCs Peaches Christ & Dr. Carol Queen

Thursday, September 22nd @ Castro Theatre
7pm $10 Pre-party – tix only available at the theatre the night of
8pm $10 Screening – buy tickets here

On September 22^nd saucy Indie film queen and drag celebrity extraordinaire, Peaches Christ and Good Vibration’s own staff sexologist Dr. Carol Queen welcome you to the international short film competition where you can see what’s hot in New Zealand, Mexico, France, Israel, North America and beyond, all in 7 minutes or less. For those envisioning an awkward night of TMI, rest assured that the films go far beyond amateur porn, and while Peaches Christ and her veteran drag queen friends Hugz Bunny and Lady Bear are on hand to bring comic relief to the unusual experience of watching sex on screen with strangers, Dr. Carol Queen calls out the short films’ sexological significance.
Lube up for a night of sex and laughs upstairs at the Barbary Coast themed pre-party in the Castro Theatre mezzanine where whiskey, women and song welcome you to a night of decadence with sexy prize, live music, ye olde mustache booth and bawdy burlesque by Twilight Vixen Revue.
Good Vibrations, the trusted Bay Area retailer that takes pride in providing accurate information on sexuality and toys for grown-ups, presents erotic cinema that goes far beyond the standard erotic fare offered by mainstream media, be they funny, romantic, hardcore, no sex, gay, straight, lesbian, queer, or kinky.
Finalists include: “Me or the Porn” (Ryan Mains, Canada); “Salam & Love” (Julien Rotterman, France); “30 Love” (Rollo Wenlock, New Zealand); “Tales of Mere Existence” (Levni Yilmaz, US); “Dildo Sport” (Lucia Aniello & Paul W. Downs, US); “Fight, Flight, or Fuck” (Oscar Salisbury & Kelly Robinson, US); “Tooth and Nail” (Danille Sipple & Elizabeth Weisbrot, Canada); “Burger Time” (Neranjan Bissoon, US); “Room 33″ (Erika Lust, Spain); “Always, Only, Ever” (Barbara Benas, US); “La Putiza” (Gerardo Delgado, Mexico); “My Erotic Video Art” (Debi Oulu, Israel); “Horsey” (Amber Dawn and Bren Ryder, Canada); and “Barbie’s Washday” (Cherry Chapman, UK).
San Francisco Castro Theatre
429 Castro
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 621-6120

Buy tickets
Share this event on Facebook!

High Fashion Highlight: Vogue Italia

2011-09-03T22:40:00.000-07:00

Vogue Italia's cover story in the September 2011 issue is an amazing display of corsetry. This is a must see layout for corset lovers and includes a beautiful film by John Christopher Alberico.

Photographer: Steven Meisel
Stylist: Karl Templer
Stylist Assistant: Elin Svahn, Karen Kaiser, Matthew Tauger, Joshua
Courtney, Gro Curtis
Hair stylist: Hair by Guido for Redken
Make-Up Artist: Pat McGrath for Dolce & Gabbana The Make Up
Manicurist: Jin Soon Choi for Jin Soon Natural Hand & Foot Spa
Set Design: Set Design by Mary Howard
Production: Produced on location by PRODn / Art + Commerce
Location: Location Sandra L. Galuten

High Fashion Highlight is a new feature where we show you corsets
from the world of designer fashion.

Customer Highlight: Annie Nozawa

2011-08-29T13:52:00.000-07:00

Annie is her Dark Garden black leather Dollymop overbust corset.
Photo by Annie Nozawa

Annie Nozawa works in marketing.
web page: vivisaqueen.blogspot.com (a blog about my dog Vivienne)

1. What is you earliest corset memory?
I think I was in my early teens, cruising around on the interwebs when I somehow stumbled upon a website about fetish and fashion. Within this site was an excerpt from an interview with Mr. Pearl, famed corset-maker, where he talked about how "to be caned is to know the great pleasure of correction" and, of course, waist training. I was fascinated. I didn't realize one could eventually train one's waist into a more attractive, slimmer size. So followed my secret obsession.

2. Describe the first corset you ever wore.
Technically, the first corset I ever wore wasn't really a corset -- nor was the first "bustier". I'd find boned shirts and dresses that did a decent job of forcing the garments' intended shapes upon my body, but nothing with actual steel ribs or anything. Really, my first corset was at Dark Garden - a stunning leather Dollymop that I had seen hanging on the ready-to-wear rack. As soon as it was on, I was hooked! My torso looked exactly as I had hoped it would for the past ten years, and right away I had one made to order in a smaller size.

3. What is your favorite style of corset?
My favorite style of corset is probably the waist cincher. While I love all the over-the-breasts corset styles and necklines, for me, the waist cinch is so versatile and wearable that I often wear one under a tee shirt, just knowing my waist looks fierce even under a drapey, baggy top. Also -- sometimes I'll wear my normal bra with the waist cincher, which is HELLO, the best push-up of all time.

4. What do you like about wearing corsets?
First and foremost, I love how my body looks in a corset. Not that I don't love my body in general, because I do, but I am naturally shaped like a slender 12-year-old-boy -- I have strong shoulders and NO waist. Wearing a corset gives me an unnaturally tiny silhouette, which looks amazing especially under structured clothes. I also love how being in a corset makes me feel protected, kind of. All the structure around my torso feels like I've got armor on or something!

And secretly, I take a little pride and pleasure in the reactions I get from co-workers and friends when they find out I 1) have a corset on at that moment, and 2) wear them all the time, and can walk briskly, eat, drink, and dance in one.

5. What is the greatest style influence in your life?

Stylish 80-year-old women. Hands down. I love irreverent fashion where one's look owes nothing to trend but rather is a total expression of whimsy and one's history. My style icon: Iris Apfel.

David Mohammadi and Annie Nozawa in a photo by Matthew Lee Valentine Davis.

Mr. Pearl & his creations.

Corsets, black and white photo by: Michael James O’Brien, color photo by: Francois Nars.

Autumn's Travels: London

2011-08-28T22:23:00.000-07:00

: Daniel Silveira, Autumn Adamme and Stephanie Selmar in 18th c "Turkish" finery.

That is Dark Garden owner and master corsetier, Autumn Adamme, in London last week. Check out the Londonist article and photos below.

In Pictures: The Wild Boy's Ball @ Kenisington Palace
By Franco Milazzo . August 24, 2011 at 12:15pm

Not all masked balls turn into Bacchanalian orgies but that doesn’t mean you can’t still have plenty of fun. Last Friday, Kensington Palace hosted their second annual Wild Boy’s Ball, named in honour of a foundling discovered in 1725 brought to the Palace where King George I held court. Originally from Germany, “Peter” amused the monarch and bemused the staff with his unconventional hair, bedroom antics and his strange choice of clothing. These days, the palace is used on an unofficial basis by Prince Harry. MORE

Break a Leg! Sense and Sensibility

2011-08-25T16:38:00.000-07:00

We at Dark Garden love live performance arts: dance, music, circus and theater! Here is a quick shout out to our friends at TheatreWorks in Palo Alto, California: Have a Great opening night this Saturday and a smashing run.

Sense and Sensibility
Based on the novel by Jane Austen
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts
August 24—September 18, 2011
http://www.theatreworks.org/shows/1112-season/

Customer Highlight: Frédérique

2011-08-17T16:40:00.000-07:00

Frédérique is wearing her Dark Garden wedding ensemble of an Aziza custom corset
and tiered ruffled skirt in silk dupioni. Photo by Claudia Akers Photography

Frédérique

510.239.FRED(3733)
TheLadyFred.com
Frédérique is a professional belly dancer, instructor and performer lucky enough to travel the world doing what she loves most to do; dance.

1. What is your earliest corset memory?

My earliest corset memory involves my older sister, she was a deathrocker at 18 and wore a corset or two at that time; I thought it looked so beautiful on her and thereafter I knew one day I'd have my own.

2. Describe the first corset you ever wore.

To be honest, I've tried a few on here and there throughout my life but they always looked funny or didn't fit right...there was always something that kept me from either borrowing it from my friend or buying somewhere. So the first corset I ever truly wore was my perfect and beautiful corset made for my wedding day; most amazing fit ever, I was comfortable the entire 10 hours through photographs, dancing, sitting, standing, all of it...and I had never really worn a corset before so I wasn't savvy on what to expect besides what I'd been told, that it would get very uncomfortable a couple of hours. Didn't happen to me!

3. What is your favorite style of corset?

That's a hard one to answer as I only own one corset and all the styles I've ever seen look so beautiful that it'd be hard to pick just one! I love them all!

4. What do you like about wearing corsets?

I like how feminine and sexy they are, how beautiful and surprisingly comfortable they are as well! I also love that you need someone else to help you put it on, AND take it off. ;)

5. What is the greatest style influence in your life?

I pull inspiration from all manner of styles for my personal style, however I'd have to say that I pull the most from the vintage eras, the most prominent being cira 1880's - 1920's.

Frédérique is wearing her Aziza custom corset and tiered ruffled skirt in silk dupioni.
Photo by Claudia Akers Photography

Detail of garters covered in silk dupioni matching the Aziza corset.
Photo by Claudia Akers Photography

Customer Highlight: Sarah Gill

2011-07-27T22:19:00.000-07:00

Sarah is wearing her Sweetheart Longline corset
in satin with black lace overlay.
Photo by Autumn Adamme for Dark Garden.

Sarah Gill is Entrepreneur in the art of gluten free vegan treats.

What is your earliest corset memory?
I was at the Mayland Renaissance Fair in 2002. I saw someone make a corset and was impressed at the craftsmanship , which turned a woman's body into art.

Describe the first corset you ever wore.
It was a Renaissance bodice of gold brocade in new Hope Pennsylvania.

What is your favorite style of corset?
My new corset! I studied patent design in corsets. I have a long torso & discovered I like the Sweetheart Longline best.

What do you like about wearing corsets?
That I feel beautiful,confident, strong and ultimately taller. Femininity doesn't have to be weak and in a corset it is both womanly & strong.

What is the greatest style influence in your life?
That which is lovely. My dad always said "Dress how you want to come to mind and be perceived in the world". My grandmother had great style and taste as well. I like to stay classic and current.

The customer highlight is a new feature on the Dark Garden blog where we discover and share more about the style influences of our customers and why they love to wear corsets.

Autumn's Corsets

2011-07-26T11:58:00.000-07:00

Dark Garden Owner and Master Corsetier Autumn Adamme in her Alexandra Corset, part of our Ready To Wear line. Autumn made this ensemble for the Venice Carnival 2011. This 18th century outfit consists of the striped silk bloomers, burgundy silk overskirt with lace trimming, Alexandra corset, short jacket and turban in aqua paisley with a contrast of jade and maroon silk.

Spring 2011 Photo by Daniel Silviera

Customer Highlight: Jonelle Patrick

2011-07-20T13:10:00.001-07:00

Jonelle is wearing her Dollymop Lancer Corset and special order Dollymop skirt
designed by Kalico Delafay for Dark Garden with wool suiting from Britex Fabricsall photos of Jonelle were taken by Kristin Argue for Dark Garden

Jonelle Patrick is a writer

What is your earliest corset memory?
Walking into Dark Garden! I never considered wearing corsets before, because I didn't think of them as outerwear. It was such a revelation that corsets don't have to shout "lingerie" – they can be subtle and attractive without being overtly sexy, more like haute couture than underwear.

Describe the first corset you ever wore.
It was a black velveteen Classic Victorian which I bought instantly the first time I came in. I put it on and didn't want to take it off. Then I came back and ordered another.

What is your favorite style of corset?
This one: the Dollymop Lancer. I love how it looks sedate and tailored and "daytime" from the front, but the lacing in back is like a shot of Sriracha.

What do you like about wearing corsets?
Corsets make me feel beautiful. And I love that after I put one on, I can be confident that it'll stay exactly the way it looked in the mirror until I take it off again. It does all the work of looking good so I don't have to worry about it.

What is the greatest style influence in your life?
My greatest influence at the moment is Japanese design, both modern and traditional. Strangely enough, I find Dark Garden clothing very similar to kimono, because no matter what size or shape you are, when you put on a kimono or a Dark Garden corset, you become the ideal woman. Both make you feel beautiful, and both are about combining colors, textures, materials and accessories for a look that's much more flattering and interesting than ordinary Western clothing.

The customer highlight is a new feature on the Dark Garden blog where we discover and share more about the style influences of our customers and why they love to wear corsets.

A Look Back: My First Corset

2011-07-07T09:54:00.000-07:00

Picture of me in the first corset I ever made, a Victorian corset which, if I'd been more experienced at the time, I might have drafted it to accentuate my already meager bosom rather than to flatten it to nothing. Photo taken by Autumn Adamme

Wearing a corset is believed, by many modern women, to be a specious kind of torture. Many actresses will say that the hardest part about playing their historical role was having to be squeezed into a tight corset in which they couldn't breathe. If you can't breathe in your corset it's probably tied too tightly. While history does report some rib removals and fainting from lack of oxygen, this was not necessarily the norm. As with people throughout history (and certainly true of our modern times) there are always a few extremists in the lot to make us believe the worst of everything. There are certainly people today who's love of corsets stems from a desire to milk from it the most extreme expression of shape, and perhaps some pain as well, but that's a personal choice.

I'm not a romantic nor an extremist. I have always been boringly pragmatic. I can tell you from personal experience that wearing a corset can be comfortable and supportive. Although my love of historical fashion started, according to my mother, before I could talk, I didn't make my first corset until I worked with Autumn making custom costumes for dance and fair folk way back in the early nineties. I've only ever made one corset for myself, though I've made quite a few for other people. The corset pictured above is what I made for myself. It no longer exists and it makes me sad because it represented for me a great shaping time in my young adulthood, both literally and figuratively. It burned to a crisp in an attic fire several years ago and I wish I had carefully photographed it before it went up in flames. These couple of pictures that Autumn took of me in it are all I have. Aside from memories.

Making a corset is an arduous affair. I loved making them. They take hours of drafting, cutting, piecing, lining, grommeting, and then, just when you think you can't take any more of it, you have to hand bind the whole thing closed. You can't skimp on quality, you can't use broad loose stitches. A corset is a utilitarian object meant to last. It has a purpose and to perform you must use tight close stitching. I have to admit that I didn't love making costumes for dancers. I hated making random custom clothes for people who didn't want to pay more than $1 an hour in labor. I still have nightmares about a certain pair of chinos. I should have known that anyone getting a pair of chinos custom made was going to be a busk up my ass.

I loved making the corsets. I loved hand work. It gave me plenty of time to let my imagination run wild. I lived in a microcosm of thread and brocade. My fingers literally bled from the work. It pleased me to imagine doing it all by candlelight. I imagined being a seamstress during the French revolution and how much that would stink (literally) but how the work would have been amazing too. I would get lost in all the pieces around me. I loved pounding the grommets with a mallet on a piece of battered wood we had just for the purpose. That's a noise people have been making since man first fashioned bludgeons to beat the brains of fish with. I loved it when a grommet was driven against its washer cleanly. I loved working the metal against the heavy rich brocades. I loved the juxtaposition of the stiff boning and the malleable fabric. Like real bones beneath human flesh.

The last step, binding the corset, was both an exquisite pain and a great triumph of will over object. I loved this step best of all. Tight tiny stitches pushed relentlessly through so many layers of fabric you could bend the needle if you weren't careful. I'm not sure you could use a needle again after it worked through a corset binding. Might only have been good for some light mending of airy single layer silk after that. My fingertips were pocked with needle pricks and though it was painful at first, by halfway through sewing the binding the tips would be numb from the abuse.

When my own corset was completed I was very proud of it. I can see many faults even in this old photograph of it, yet it was something so complicated and so pretty, with such a satisfying weight to it, I didn't care about the puckering which I would later get better at avoiding. I did wish I had been more careful with my own fittings so that I could have prevented smashing my very small bosom into nothing.

I am not a person who wants pain in my fashion. I don't ever wear shoes that are too small even though my feet are already far from dainty. I will not wear heels that make it difficult or dangerous for me to walk. I refuse to get my legs waxed. I will, under no circumstances, wear a waistband that cuts into my flesh. So when I say that wearing a corset is comfortable, I mean you to understand that I found it truly comfortable. Some people like a corset for different reasons and may seek constriction and pain, and we can all be pleased in our own way because the beauty of a corset is that it's adjustable.

When I look at this picture of myself, so much thinner than I ever remember being, it might seem that my corset is so tight it's given me a much smaller waist than I already had. This is not the case. I had a very small waist in proportion to my hips already. Which is pretty amazing because I haven't got one at all now. My corset might have taken my waist in by an inch. Maybe a little more. But that's it. I wore mine as an undergarment. This photograph is of me in my Victorian underwear. I have never before or since allowed myself to be seen in public in my underwear. I wore this underneath my Victorian ball gown. I danced waltzes and polkas in them.

Wearing a corset pulls you up to your maximum height. It doesn't allow you to slouch or slink. It holds you tall, strong, in some ways impenetrable. It's like wearing soft armor. It accentuates your figure while giving courage.

Wearing a corset does not impoverish a woman's strength, it supports the strength she already has.

Written by Angelina Williamson.

Customer Highlight: Fitria Yusef

2011-07-01T11:28:00.000-07:00

Fitria is wearing her black patent Underbust Edwardian corset

in a photograph by Nicoline Patricia Malinaand styled by Aldi Indrajaya

Fitria is wearing her lace overlay Sweetheart Longline corset
in a photograph by Nicoline Patricia Malinaand styled by Aldi Indrajaya

Fitria Yusef is a socialite, fashion stylist, business owner and
the writer of "Little Pink Book: Jakarta Style & Shopping Guide"

What is your earliest corset memory?
I first was mesmerized with the curve of a women's body when it is cinched by a corset. I love history and period costume is one of the reasons. I dwell on stories of the belle epoque and Edwardian era. I always imagine myself wearing that kind of clothing that accentuates the woman's curve.

Describe the first corset you ever wore.
My first corset was made at your place actually, well, formerly I used a bustier, but my first custom made corset was made by Dark Garden :) it was patent leather and underbust. I love it , it's a work of art.

What is your favorite style of corset?
I like the overbust corset in sweetheart neckline.

What do you like about wearing corsets?
Corsets enhance my sensuality, perfect my posture and boost my confidence.

What is the greatest style influence in your life?
My style is influenced by periods of time, movies, and music. For example, I want to dress like the movie "The Night Porter" or "Dr Zhivago" or "When God Created Woman" and such.

Bridget Bardot in "When God Created Woman"

Charlotte Rampling in "The Night Porter"

The customer highlight is a new feature on the Dark Garden blog where we discover and share more about the style influences of our customers and why they love to wear corsets.

Design Elements: looking for design inspiration

2011-06-29T06:57:00.000-07:00

When I attended FIDM in the fashion design program I learned to draft patterns using two different methods (draping and flat pattern), I learned how to make a color wheel in color theory class, I learned to sketch design ideas on an anorexic croquis, I learned about different fabrics (weaves, fiber, construction, use), and theoretically I learned how to grade patterns (but didn't because back then I couldn't do math worth a damn and it's quite mathematical). But one thing they didn't teach me in design school was how to find inspiration for new designs. Perhaps they assumed that if I was in fashion school I was already full of inspiration and ideas. That was true, of course, but judging by the general lack of ingenuity in fashion design out there I would like to make the argument that classes on where to find inspiration and how to translate that into design would churn out some designers with a lot more fresh ideas to give. A lot of design out there is derivative of other design rather than from influences outside the general flow of fashion trends.

The cool thing about doing custom design work for people is that there is often a more interesting conversation about inspiration and ideas and lots of opportunity to step over the sludge of mediocrity to arrive at something truly different and beautiful. Carla Gonazalez was inspired to have a corset made with elements of a tea set she saw in a photograph. That inspiration was translated by the Dark Garden team into a beautiful combination of color and embroidery work that reflected elements of the tea set but unless she told you what her inspiration originally was, you'd never guess.

Design is a combination of many elements: texture, color, drape, fit, shape, sound (yes), function, and emotion.

Inspiration can effect any of these elements and it's all around you. The following is a list of places to look for design elements:

Music - music is very emotional and can be evocative of images and these emotions can be drawn out into design. Think of how one of your favorite songs makes you feel, what visuals does it bring to you? Sometimes music creates a theatre in your head that's rich with personal details that the singer/songwriter/band didn't have in their own heads, this is all your own and no two people will see exactly the same thing in music.

Nature - nature is a classic and rich source for design. Nasturtium flowers were a great inspiration for design in the Art Nuveau period. Flowers are easy and always have something to offer but look further and you'll find an endless design muse in nature. Twigs, bark, leaves, trees, whole landscapes, pistils and pollen, clusters of fruit, verdant stretches, cabbage roses in a vase, summer honeysuckles curling against faded old fences. Nature is full of sex and death. I would love to see someone design a wedding dress based on bare winter branches.

Food - cherries are iconic in fashion. Apples can either be sinful or wholesome, depending on who's eating them. Food represents abundance and starvation. It's elemental to life which may explain why we are constantly using it in art, music, books, and design. It can be hedonistic or spartan. Look at trends in food and consider how the taste of the foods you love makes you feel (much like with music) and try to see what images it brings to your mind, because if you're paying attention it will almost certainly bring connective ideas to you.

Insects - I'm not a fan of insects in my house, on my skin, or in my shoes. However, I am constantly fascinated by them when I see them outside (where I can easily run from them if I need to). Insects are examples of nature's incredible capacity to blend form and function. There is nothing sexier on earth than form and function combining to create something both beautiful and useful. Insects are often a breathtaking example of this: lemon yellow crab spiders that blend perfectly with the yellow flowers they set up house on. Did they become yellow for the flower or did they go looking for a flower to match them? Beetles come in irridescent colors and were a huge inspiration for Egyptians three thousand years ago.

Animals - Their skins, their forms (egrets are achingly elegant for example), their speed (cheetas are the fastest mammal on earth), and their characteristics. Whole schools of martial arts are based on animals they take inspiration from (Preying mantis, monkey, etc). Peacocks have been the inspiration for a great deal of design throughout history (they have also been directly used to augment fashion literally with their feathers). Look for patterns on hides and feathers, look for characteristics animals you love have that you'd like to bring to your design.

Objects - everyday objects or unusual ones. Things you use everyday like silverware, china, books, scissors, furniture, lamps, or jewelry. Good design inspires more good design. I have a handmade walnut wood soup spoon I am smitten with. I want to use it all the time because the handle is perfectly shaped and the bowl is gorgeous and deep like a ladle and perfectly round - I'm not sure how I might translate that but it's been on my mind since I got the spoon. Machines, chains (of all stripes), ropes (thick and rough or fine and smooth), and nails and screws. You might think it worth looking to these kinds of things for ideas for beautiful design but if you open your mind and appreciate their details and function there's no telling what ideas will come to you.

Pop culture - this is a valid place to look for inspiration but you have to be careful not to let it replace unique ideas for copies of other people's ideas. You may love Lady Gaga and that's cool, maybe you love her style, so figure out what you love about it and then go look elsewhere to find similar elements that can become your own.

History/literature - books and history. I can't separate them out though they aren't twins. When you read a favorite book, or poem, or piece of historical fact, it puts you in a certain place and evokes a mood just like music does. The author's images will become your own as you imagine them because there's no way, no matter how good with words an author is, that you can replicate exactly the same image in your head that the author was describing from his/hers. Reading Madame Bovary made me angry, it brought a very mean small kind of Victorian to my mind and I don't think I'd like to translate Emma Bovary into design but if I did it would be dark, tight, scornful, thin, full of sexual tension, and death. Those, my friends, are design elements you can use and draw from.

There are many other places to look for design inspiration but I think these examples give a broad selection of places to look for it. Are you a clothing or costume designer looking for your next idea? Are you a bride looking for a custom design for a gown? Are you a fetishest wanting to create something completely different than what you've seen out there already? Are you a design student needing some creative direction? Look all around you. Make sketches or write down what's inspiring you and see what shapes, colors, sounds, and textures are drawing you in.

What's drawing you in?

Written by Angelina Williamson for Dark Garden
All photos in this post by Angelina Williamson and may not be reproduced without permission.

Customer Highlight: Carla Gonzalez

2011-06-21T18:24:00.000-07:00

all photos of Carla were taken by Kristin Argue for Dark Garden

This was Carla's inspiration for her corset:

Martin Brigdale photographer
Workman Publishing Co.
The Collectible Teapot and Tea Calendar for 2011

Carla Gonzalez is a make up artist and emerging corset model.

What is your earliest corset memory?
I was in high school and someone showed me a picture of Betty Page in a corset and I thought "I want to look like that!"

Describe the first corset you ever wore.
It was from Fredrick's, and it was an over-bust. It was black and I think it had a floral design. It was pretty simple.

What is your favorite style of corset?
The Under-bust Victorian because it's super comfortable and I like the waist reduction I can get in it.

What do you like about wearing corsets?
I like how it feels, like it almost hugs you and makes you feel supported... and how it looks. (She says with a big smile).

What is the greatest style influence in your life?
Dita Von Teese. She has such a classic style. The first time I came in here (Dark Garden) the woman helping me said "you just ordered the same corset as Dita Von Teese" and I didn't even know she got her corsets here! (Dita gets some of her corsets here)

The customer highlight is a new feature on the Dark Garden blog where we find out and share more about the style influences of our customers and why they love to wear corsets.

Dark Garden's Rummage Sale

2011-05-30T13:56:00.000-07:00

Woo hoo Annual Rummage Sale time! Sunday, July 17, 2011 from 11am - 5pm.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=218189404871334
321 Linden St., (Hayes Valley) San Francisco, California

While in the neighborhood, be sure to drop by our favorite Miette sweet shop, delicious Blue Bottle coffee, or the new ice cream shop SMITTEN!
http://www.miette.com/
http://www.thefeast.com/sanfrancisco/restaurants/Smitten-Now-Open-120631144.html

Dates, New Madam Corset, and More Dates!

2011-04-28T10:59:00.000-07:00

April showers bring May flowers and street fairs in San Francisco! We've got some crazy spring and summer fun planned, but before reading up on all the dates, check out this awesome new corset---the Madam. The pattern is a waist cincher, made of Black Duchess with non-functional fan lacing detail. It is $425 as pictured, size 24" is on the shelf at the shop right now. Of course it can be ordered in any size, or color, you can even order it with contrasting lacing.

May 1, Sunday, 11am-6pm: Vending with our darling friends House of Nines at a fair right in our area---Capsule. We're going to have a booth, which we've never done before, and we're open as usual. CAPSULE Design Festival is a fashion street festival held twice per year in Hayes Valley at Octavia & Hayes Streets.

2nd week of May: RTW orders need to be in for PRIDE weekend http://sfpride.org

May 21, Saturday, 10am-6pm: SF Made Pop-Up Store at 780 Valencia Street, San Francisco. http://www.sfmade.org

June 4, Saturday, 8pm-1am: Elegantly Waisted – a Celebration of Corsetry. Autumn is giving a talk with fittings at the Citadel. http://www.sfcitadel.org/

June 18-19: NorCal Pirate Festival Weekend, Vallejo Waterfront. Not vending this year so we can PARTY LIKE A PIRATE. So be sure to visit us at the shop or online for something fabulous to wear! http://norcalpiratefestival.com

June: 25-26: Pride Weekend. Not vending in the street, but we're here for you in the Valley, baby! http://sfpride.org

July 17, Sunday: Annual Rummage Sale at the Shop! 321 Linden Street

End of June: Custom orders need to be received to be ready in time for Folsom. http://folsomstreetfair.org

Remember, you can always check out our Google calendar at the top of this blog for upcoming events.

Dark Garden Couture Nouveau Collection for Spring Into Fall

2011-03-31T23:50:00.000-07:00

On March 11, 2011 Dark Garden took to the runway in Amber Marie Bently's Spring Into Fall Fashion Show. Owner and designer, Autumn Adamme, worked with resident designers Kalico Delafay and Kali Lambson on seven new looks for the show.

Lauren: A melt in your mouth dress of champagne crepe-back satin beneath black silk chiffon stitched with French seams and delicate flounces and a deep back drape. The dress is constructed over our Alyscia corset in champagne crepe-back satin with a sheer lace back.
Harlow: An elegant 30’s starlet wrap dress in champagne silk crepe-back satin with bias skirt, shawl collar, and darted and gathered twist patterned sleeves. The dress exposes the bodice of our Adelaide corset in transparent nylon net and black French lace overlay with cups and spaghetti straps. Underneath is a pair of tap pants in champagne silk crepe-back satin with black lace hem and hand stitched black lace medallions.
The Beau Brummell has the appearance of a tailored waistcoat, with the function of a figure-shaping corset. Choose either a single- or double-breasted waistcoat front. Shown here in black wool damask stripe, silk gazar interlining, with poplin inner corset front and petersham detailing. Designed for men and also available for women. Shown with hand-tailored trousers. Want a 3-piece suit? We can work with your tailor in the selection of quality fabric.
Tallulah: A sophisticated cocktail dress of black silk duchess hand pleated over a sleek pencil skirt and our Sweetheart Victorian corset.
Grable: A romantic ballet skirt of black tulle paired with our Grable corset in champagne silk crepe-back satin, black silk duchess satin and black net lace. The corset (originally designed for Dita Von Tesse) has the styling of a 1940’s pin-up bathing suit with s-curve pieces that enhance the curves of any figure. Marlena: This dashing ensemble consists of jodhpurs in black wool sateen and silk duchess paired with our new George Sand corset with a collared double breasted vest front and cross back straps. Audrey: A delicious tiered ballet skirt paired with our Alyscia corset, both in champagne silk taffeta and black French lace and topped with a single layer black lace bolero jacket.

Made in San Francisco since 1989, all work from design concept through to garment completion is done at the Hayes Valley shop. To see more photos from this collection, visit http://www.flickr.com/photos/darkgarden/sets/72157626403668042/

Corset Mafia Bumper Stickers at Edwardian Ball Los Angeles

2011-02-23T22:44:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, March 5, 2011, the Edwardian Ball will be at at The Music Box (Henry Fonda) 6126 Hollywood Blvd from 8pm to 2am. Inspired by Edward Gorey, the evening will delight you with circus, music hall, dance, and fashion. Dark Garden will show its latest delightful creations, the Dollymop line by resident designer Kalico Delafey, in a theatrical fashion performance. The last time the Edwardian Ball was in LA it sold out---so get there early!

And hot off the press---bumper stickers 11"x2". We love our new t-shirts "I got waisted at Dark Garden", sassy, flirty and the perfect thing to wear through airport security when sprung steel is just too much. However, after much debate, we realized having this slogan on a car might just be an invitation to trouble with the law. And since we firmly believe that no one looks good in an orange jump suit, we amused ourselves with:

Dark Garden Corset Mafia -- Are You )In( or Are You (Out)?

Dark Garden will be giving away the new bumper stickers, drop by the booth in LA or the shop in San Francisco to get yours. And if you can't make it to either, send a self addressed stamped envelope to the shop (321 Linden Street, San Francisco CA, 94102) and we'll send one out to you.

INTIMATE APPAREL & ON THE EDGE

2011-02-10T13:46:00.000-08:00

Dark Garden is so very pleased to invite you to two artistic events opening this weekend: An art exhibit ON THE EDGE featuring work of one of our favorite photographers, S.N. Jacobson; and to the play INTIMATE APPAREL at the 6th Street Playhouse, where Sarah DeLong has chosen to incorporate Dark Garden corsets into her costume designs.

_______________________________
ON THE EDGE - Erotic Photography Exhibition
February 11-13, 2011
The Artists Alley Gallery
863 Mission St. San Francisco
(between - 4th &5th St.)

The inaugural event, ON THE EDGE is a group exhibition of 18 erotic photographers exhibiting over 400 of their best cutting edge nude, sensual, glamorous, exotic, bondage, fetish and kinky erotic photographs. The exhibition will be held at The Artists Alley gallery at 863 Mission St. (bet. 4th &5th St.) in San Francisco, on February 11-13, 2011, just in time for Valentine's Day. It will be an excellent opportunity to purchase an erotic photo. (21+ only)

Hours for the show are: Friday opening and reception party, 5-9pm; Saturday exhibition and reception party, 3-9pm; and Sunday exhibition, 12-3pm.
http://snjacobson.com/OnTheEdgeBlast/ONTHEEDGECARD4X6.jpg

_______________________________
INTIMATE APPAREL
By Lynn Nottage (2009 Pulitzer)
Directed by Bronwen Shears

Set in 1905, this moving story follows Esther, a talented, lonely, unmarried African American seamstress who creates intimate apparel for women of New York society and prostitutes. Esther's desire for love, affection and a better life weaves her into the complicated pattern of early 20th century society where she finds the common thread that unites and divides. Intimate Apparel received the 2004 New York Drama Critics Circle and the Outer Critics Circle Awards.

Friday, Saturdays and Sundays for the entire month of February. Tickets range $15-$25.
52 W. 6th Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Phone: (707) 523-4185
http://www.6thstreetplayhouse.com/guides/season-201011/studio-series/intimate-apparel/

Edwardian World's Faire 2011 - Dark Garden Fashion Show with Designs by Dollymop

2011-01-08T11:01:00.000-08:00

So much to do! Skirts to fluff, hats to buy, mustaches to wax and corsets to tighten... With less than two weeks to go, better start getting ready now for...

Dark Garden, onstage! A dozen lovelies wearing stunning new ensembles by Dark Garden and by Dollymop with an amazing array of talent---eager to please all of you, our gorgeous friends---at the The Edwardian World's Faire 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011, 8pm-2am
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=176462062373137&index=1
The Regency Ballroom, 1300 Van Ness, San Francisco, CA

We would also love to see you Saturday, January 22, 2011, 8pm-2am
The Eleventh Annual Edwardian Ball - San Francisco
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=170813582951087&index=1

Tickets start at $28 onsale at Dark Garden or online at http://edwardianfaire2011.eventbrite.com

And please join us visiting our SoCal friends by planning a road trip Saturday, March 5, 2011 for the Edwardian Ball Los Angeles.