In my universe, Halloween is the most inspirational time of the year. Pumpkin food and spooky decor trickle into stores. And there’s the all-important question: what costumes will you wear? Who will you dress up as?

My pick of the season is the new Alice in Wonderland Costume — a twisted, elegant interpretation by Heavy Red.

The inspiration is “Alice en Splendeur Dément” (French of “state of demented splendor”). Our Gothic heroine stumbles upon a tea party with the Mad Hatter. Through her adventures, she starts to question her state of mind — what is real and what is possible?

In this delirious shoot, Alice wanders through a haunted hospital, with blood on the walls and high tea on a gurney. All the photos are on Heavy Red’s site.

I’ve worn several of their garments, including a Goth Alice costume, and they’ve never let me down for quality, fit and detailing.

My favorite part: you can add arm straps to the elegant cream shrug, transforming it into a straight-jacket!

The corset is a Baroque dream, with gold and black brocade, and bloody heart in two pieces. The dress is deep blue with trimmings of eras past, like a ruffled bodice and corset-laced back.

The extra accessories – harlequin tights, lace gloves, teacup hat, pocket watches – are the finishing touch. If you’re loving this Alice costume (or more accurately, special edition designer outfit), you can find it at Heavy Red. Sizes run from S to 3XL.

What are your plans for Halloween? Have you ever dressed as Alice in Wonderland, or the Mad Hatter? (My Scottish Fold cat has quite the selection of mad hats!)