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Gloomth Gothic Lolita modeling at One King West Hotel & Residence, downtown Toronto! Victorian doll fashion.

blue hair girls, gothic lolita hairstyle

As you can see from these photos… I had a ton of happy times in Toronto!

I flew to Canada’s largest city for a mix of business and pleasure, which included a Gothic Lolita shoot at my hotel, One King West Hotel & Residence. Keep reading for a peek inside this ritzy residence, and the latest dresses from Gloomth.

gloomth gothic dresses, blue hair color

It’s funny that designer Taeden Hall and I have corresponded for years — I’ve featured her brand many times — but never met until now. (Vancouver and Toronto are still a five hour flight apart, much like LA and NYC.)

Since I was staying in a luxury hotel, we gathered some friends and posed in dark designs from her indie label, Gloomth & the Cult of Melancholy.

blue dyed hair style

We had a bit too much fun playing with the mirrors… Blue-haired Linda Tea wore the Carmilla velvet dress with a high collar and cute ruffled sleeves. Wonderful, the bodice detailing and bow in the back.

gloomth goth lolita designer taeden hall

Taeden wears her Valance cotton dress with corset details. It has a wide bell skirt, scalloped rows of ruffles and pretty sash. All of Gloomth’s designs are handmade locally — support your friendly Canadians!

victorian morning dress

I got spooky in the Lyre babydoll dress, part of Gloomth’s “Memento Mori” collection. The long skirt with bows and ruffles, and black sheer sleeves give it a Victorian Gothic vibe.

corset lacing lolita dress, gloomth

Everyone gushed over my suite at One King West. I had a “Mary Poppins” view of the Toronto rooftops, and the spacious room included plush chairs and a little kitchen (since they’re designed for long-term residencies).

red plaid ruffle gothic lolita jsk

I’ve stayed in many hotels around the world, and One King West has a “pulse” — most likely because of its long and fascinating history. The address was first inhabited in the 1800s, and later became the Dominion Bank’s head office.

In 2006, it metamorphosed into the current 51-storey condo hotel: a modern living space within a Beaux-Arts (Neo-Classical) heritage building.

one king west hotel room view

The downtown location — Yonge and King — is impossible to beat. My friends and I walked to Queen Street West and Kensington Market (I’ll later show you where we shopped). I also explored St Lawrence Market, the entertainment district and other major areas by foot.

green blue hair ombre, goth model

Like the clothing I’m wearing, One King West is a mix of modern and historical. My room had the tech essentials like fast Internet…

gothic lolita models, rococo mirror

… but preserved the rich architecture of the past. Such as this carved fireplace and gold mirror near the ground floor elevators.

young goth girls, toronto gothic

We met up with Mao and Ashavari, and continued the photoshoot. Their Gothic style shines against the hotel’s crystal chandeliers and gold staircase rails.

indian gothic, coffin purse with cross

Toronto has a friendly and fluid alternative community. You might see the same faces at a Renaissance faire, steampunk meetup, anime convention and heavy metal concert.

Many are passionate about their their own creative projects, such as Ashavari, who sings vocals for progressive melodic metal band, At Dawn’s Edge.

spiky goth backpack, goth outfits

Would you rather wear the spiky backpack, or coffin purse with chain? I can’t decide.

one king west Hotel & Residence, bank chandeliers

We’d all feel at home in the hotel’s 40-ton round steel vault, built in 1913. You can even rent the space to throw your own “bank robbery” theme party. (We weren’t able to take photos since an event was going on at the time, but here are photos of the One King West vault.)

goth fashion outfit post, boots

The “Grand Banking Hall” was also a step back in time: high arches, Corinthian columns and massive cathedral windows. The girls perched on the 100 foot long bar (the longest in all of Canada), which was originally a teller’s counter.

dineen coffee yonge street toronto

I found lots of delicious yet inexpensive food, minutes from the hotel. I made runs to Dineen Coffee Company on Yonge Street, for almond milk chai lattes.

Toronto seems to be fond of gourmet burgers, and there were two local favorites right across the street: Hero Burger and Big Smoke. They’re made with high quality beef, and also offer homemade veggie, wild salmon and turkey varieties, wrapped in lettuce or served in a gluten free bun.

toronto historic distillery district spider statue

One King West was within walking distance of all the major downtown sights, including the Distillery Historic District. This is a quaint, pedestrian-only area that holds designer boutiques, cafes, art galleries, and towering sculptures like this spider.

day of the dead mexican skull statues, figurines

I was also blocks away from the best alternative and vintage stores. I’ll take you on a tour in my next post!

one king west hotel condo, toronto ontario

I hope you enjoyed this first taste of Toronto. I couldn’t have asked for a better stay at One King West Hotel & Residence, a hotel that mixes history with modern trimmings and a friendly staff.

one king west toronto hotel

Thanks to everyone for making the shoot so much fun!

toronto downtown hotel suites

Have you been to Toronto, Ontario? What do you think of the city? For a dress like this (which can be customized for all sizes), I invite you to browse Gloomth’s Gothloli catalogue.

tripwolf travel blogger of the month

PS: Thank you to Tripwolf for naming me Travel Blogger of the Month. I talk about cultural misunderstandings and mishaps in this interview.

SHARE & COMMENT

49 Comments

  1. Cherry
    Posted May 6, 2014 at 9:01 pm | Permalink

    stunning designs!

  2. Greta
    Posted May 6, 2014 at 9:01 pm | Permalink

    They look too adorable on you

  3. ben
    Posted May 6, 2014 at 9:01 pm | Permalink

    it’s all so good

    beautiful hotel
    -b

  4. eki
    Posted May 6, 2014 at 9:01 pm | Permalink

    今日のMVPはLa Carminaだな!

  5. Shola
    Posted May 6, 2014 at 9:18 pm | Permalink

    are you going to be at this year’s anime north.

  6. MelissaR
    Posted May 6, 2014 at 10:09 pm | Permalink

    No matter how hectic life gets, your blog is always a highlight in my day! Love the hair and awesome photos!!

  7. CTC
    Posted May 6, 2014 at 10:58 pm | Permalink

    Modernity meets history

  8. Carrie
    Posted May 7, 2014 at 5:16 pm | Permalink

    I LOVE YOU

  9. Zen
    Posted May 7, 2014 at 5:17 pm | Permalink

    Go, go, goooo!

  10. Lisa
    Posted May 7, 2014 at 5:17 pm | Permalink

    :) xo

  11. Andy
    Posted May 8, 2014 at 1:41 am | Permalink

    That is fab!

  12. Jardinia
    Posted May 8, 2014 at 1:42 am | Permalink

    Let us know when you are back!

  13. Martin
    Posted May 8, 2014 at 5:01 am | Permalink

    What an absolutely beautiful coat!

  14. claus
    Posted May 8, 2014 at 5:03 am | Permalink

    wonderful

  15. Michael
    Posted May 8, 2014 at 7:09 pm | Permalink

    Hey!! How did you like TO?
    At least Foolish Fordie is out of town!

  16. Derrick
    Posted May 8, 2014 at 7:09 pm | Permalink

    Wow Carmina,you always look super nice but in this shoot you are off the chart gorgeous !

  17. Muhammad
    Posted May 8, 2014 at 7:09 pm | Permalink

    nice

  18. Niniel
    Posted May 8, 2014 at 9:42 pm | Permalink

    Hunnie, if you’ll ever visit #Pompeii please don’t forget to tell me, I live around there and still want to meet you so bad! <3

  19. Anie Inspired
    Posted May 9, 2014 at 2:24 am | Permalink

    Love that you were in my city, but I am so sad I was out of town when you were here!! Gahhh!! You look amazing tho! Love that dress!!

    • lacarmina
      Posted May 9, 2014 at 5:50 pm | Permalink

      Aww thank you! I’m sure I will be back in TO very soon, would be great!

  20. coven
    Posted May 9, 2014 at 3:39 am | Permalink

    Are you still in Toronto?

  21. karen
    Posted May 9, 2014 at 3:39 am | Permalink

    blue is my favourite colour ever!! haha

  22. uberRest
    Posted May 9, 2014 at 3:39 am | Permalink

    Omigosh super cute!

  23. Chadwick
    Posted May 9, 2014 at 5:45 pm | Permalink

    Great pic ^^

  24. Gloria
    Posted May 9, 2014 at 5:46 pm | Permalink

    I say sweet! Love the looks!! :))

  25. Tamashi
    Posted May 9, 2014 at 5:46 pm | Permalink

    <3

  26. Trip Tribe
    Posted May 9, 2014 at 8:48 pm | Permalink

    Thanks for talking with us @lacarmina!

  27. veronica
    Posted May 9, 2014 at 8:48 pm | Permalink

    inspiration! <3

  28. Virginia
    Posted May 10, 2014 at 9:23 pm | Permalink

    hiper hiper cuteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee you are cute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  29. Yosefa
    Posted May 10, 2014 at 9:23 pm | Permalink

    ahhhhh that bag!!

  30. Clio
    Posted May 10, 2014 at 9:23 pm | Permalink

    OMG that bag!! It<s amazing

  31. ashley
    Posted May 14, 2014 at 12:35 am | Permalink

    lovely dresses i am a fan of gloomth

  32. Pink Parfait
    Posted May 24, 2014 at 6:15 am | Permalink

    Love Gloomth! Nice to see pictures of Taeden! Your hair is lovely too!

  33. Sydney
    Posted July 1, 2014 at 5:27 am | Permalink

    Just found your blog! Wonderful! Very inspiring? I will be back!
    Syd
    http://www.etsy.com/shop/Sydneysvintage

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