I keep a roving eye out for new Gothic and Lolita designers, especially those who offer men’s styles and plus sizes. Recently, I became enthralled with Gloomth, a Canadian “cult of melancholy” that offers both. Above, you can see why the hand-made Goth / Lolita apparel and accessories have been on my radar.

I exchanged a few emails with designer Taeden Hall, who happens to read this blog! She kindly answered questions about her design work and inspiration. Next week, Gloomth and La Carmina will be offering a grand giveway… so don’t forget to add this site to your RSS reader!

† How did you start Gloomth?
I relocated to live with my husband before we were married and had to leave my cushy office gig and find a new job. I had reached a point in my life where I just couldn’t handle any more jobs where I’d have no creative outlet, since I’d graduated from the Ontario College of Art & Design about 2 years prior I was just aching to do something of my own. I’ve been sewing since early high school and I started making single items of clothing and selling them on Ebay while applying for jobs here and there. Suddenly I couldn’t keep up with the Ebay requests and sales and soon had a .com. Gloomth is my 100% fulltime job and has been since it opened. It’s very fulfilling creatively and there are always new challenges and amazing people to meet.

† What inspires your design?
My inspiration comes from everything I encounter, everything from particular fashion eras to textures. A lot of the Gothic Lolita clothing we produce has recently been inspired by flowers, of all things. For example our “Spring Garden” skirt was loosely based on the pale tulips that come in early May- with their rounded fat petals, and it’s dark counterpart on the fringed black tulips. There is something truly remarkable about blossoms, that a little plant can create something so unbelievably intricate and perfectly artful. I think the delicate nature of flowers really suits the sweet shapes of Gothic and Lolita apparel.

† How were you introduced to Gothic Lolita fashion? Have you been to Japan?
I first ran into the style several years ago when I bought a copy of Kera magazine in a little Japanese import store in Toronto, I was absolutely thrilled by the clothing and shots of people on the streets wearing these intricate amazing outfits! There just wasn’t anything like that in the city at the time, those styles are growing in North America now and it’s wonderful to see people expressing themselves in such unique and beautiful ways. I have not been to Japan- yet! We’re hoping to go in 2010 actually.

† Do you have any favorite Gothic Lolita Punk brands?
I think my ultimate favorite is probably H.Naoto- such amazing tattered pieces and incredible details- their advertising photography is really fantastic as well. I also like Alice & the Pirates, Sex Pot Revenge, and Algonquins Addiction. Bands- I’m a huge Malicu Mizeru fan, I think I’m a sucker for any band with a harpsichord. I’ve been listening to a lot of Versailles lately also. As for designers- well she isn’t Japanese but she is very popular there, Vivienne Westwood- she has always had such a great punk and fetish influence, her work is very dramatic and elegant.

Visit the Gloomth website to purchase high-quality, one-of-a-kind Goth and Lolita jackets, tops, skirts, dresses, crowns and more. And check back soon for the official giveaway announcement!