Nosferotica
A Vampire Inspired Jewelry and Accessory Collection
I have a love affair with all things slightly dangerous and darkly glamorous. In February on 2022, I was hired to work three days as a background costumer on the AMC series “Interview with the Vampire.” I arrived in the afternoon to a parking lot that had been converted into a film base camp; white tents, trucks, mobile dressing rooms, all encamped like a little village. There were about 100 extras, male and female actors, all converged under a big white tent. The costume department had rolled in racks upon racks of carefully fitted costumes, tagged and bagged, with each actor’s name on it.
I was amazed at the delicacy and quality of the antique linen and cotton chemises and bloomers I was handing to the background cast to put on. They were corseted, then dressed in incredibly intricate, historically accurate ballgowns, gloves, and evening capes. Once the hair and makeup department had everyone ready, the cast and crew were transported to that night’s location. They filmed take after take, cut after cut. Ten hours later, we wrapped for that day. It was about 4am.
That thirteen-hour day passed quickly for me, however, because of the visual feast all around me. The extras were resplendent in their polished period attire, and my mind was whirling with inspiration! And on that night, on location, across from the old Ursuline convent in New Orleans’ French Quarter (which also has its own vampire lore), Nosferotica was born.
I would create a collection that celebrated the Vampire: the refined veneer that masks deadly power, the overt, erotically charged appeal, the isolation, the blood, and the darkness. I wanted Nosferotica to be fashion, however—not costume. We’ve all seen the polyester satin ruffled shirts and top hats. This would be sleek. It would borrow from the opulence of the past, it would blend timelines and cultures and civilizations. It would be inspired by history and folklore and fiction, but very much part of the present.
Creating the Collection
Gold, black and red. Lots of it!
No other three colors encapsulate vampirism better. Teardrop shaped rubies, like blood drops, crystalized for eternity.
Jewelry made from stamped and filigreed metals because ancient beings would appreciate craftsmanship. Sensual body ornaments, like harnesses and body cages, because how delightful to revel in power and immortal beauty. Adornments can be many things; mementos of lost loves, ancient victories, current alliances….and a being that moves through the centuries would live in both the past and the present, keeping memories of former lives, while constantly reinventing and co-creating new incarnations of themselves.
Details
I wanted to feature matte red metal chain, black chain, and red metallic jump rings. I love mixing metal colors, and it’s become something of a signature for Weapon of Choice New Orleans. Speaking of signatures, I customarily finish the back of a necklace chain closure with a Fleur-di-Lys (the official symbol of New Orleans), but for Nosferotica, I acquired these adorable little enameled coffin charms. I liked them so much I ended up spreading them throughout the collection…a subtle touch, because they look like rectangular beads until you see them up-close.
I’m very interested in offering men more accessories, so the Elder Shoulder Holster and the Voivode necktie are new ways to incorporate a bit of dress-up glamour into their attire. I do my research and combine elements of men’s adornments from Byzantium to the Victorian-era Wild West. The best part is that these elements can be added to outfits you already own, to add some fresh….blood…to old favorites.
Lace and embroidery have been the signature mediums for Weapon of Choice New Orleans’ pieces, and Nosferotica is no exception. I found a maker on Etsy who creates portrait cabochons of Vlad Dracul, so I’ve incorporated his image into pendants and brooches that are added onto my embroidered Chestplates and bodices. I’ve created a sheer robe with a woodcut portrait of Dracula on the back, with the word IMPALE directly under it, like the Obama “Change” poster.
There’s always room for a bit of whimsey, and a little wink of dark humor! I hope you enjoy the collection.
Laura Michele Shrewsbury
Sept 8, 2022