Dear readers,
while walking on the path of darkness and light it happens sometimes to meet other humans which have something in common with us, Goethe would call it an “elective affinity”… An affinity which goes far beyond “sharing a similar fashion taste” and goes more in the direction “we share a similar perspective on life and this World”, a lifestyle in a way, but more than that. Wearing black is often something more fondamental than a mere taste and becomes, for many black addicted, a very own (and strict) way to shout out their personalities, individualism and toughts.
I have the tendency to find out my similars, “dark” humans like me, and to share with them toughts and answers.
Why I always end up wearing black? Why Why Why.. A very simple yet very complex question…
While seeking for the final answer, today I introduce to you a russian friend and perfect dark lady: Augustine… Augustine lives in Moscow, she is project manager for a translation agency, loves to wear black and counts a big deal of experience in the Gothic scene…
Today Augustine will tell us why she loves black…
…So, let´s see what happens when Dark Lady meets another Dark Lady…

You dress almost always black, why?

As long as I remember myself, it was always my way to show that I was different… As I used to say: “I am the only animal of my kind.” I am a queen of my own kingdom and my kngdom is me. There is nothing else I have. There is nothing I have to prove.
As a teenager I was fascinated by the style of such gothic divas as Barbara Steele, Siouxsie Sioux and Diamanda Galas.
The women who always had their own way, their own point of view on everything and the strength to do whatever they found right.
Black is a colour of revolt. The colour of calm strength and protest.
We wear black. We do not agree with the way this world lives. We do not approve it. We do not find it either aesthetically or ethically appropriate. We will never be a part of it.

Do you wear black as work as well?

Yes. I do wear black at work all my life. My former Boss was an eccentric Asian billionaire. He was gay. And he just admired all that was non-ordinary. So he was quite happy with the fact that I was goth.
Though I’d say usually I mix/mixed retro beatnik style with military and Victorian gothic; and all that is sharp, edgy and eccentric.
Now, my colleagues just got used to the way I look.

Any other colors you indulge with from time to time?

I can put on all-red or totally multicolored, inspired by Frida Kahlo outfit sometimes, because is also looks rather aggressive and individual.

What does black represents to you? Power? Sorrow? Ambivalence? or what else?

Black is power for no doubt. But it is strictness as well. It stresses individualism. To wear black is always a challenge. It’s a color of black magic and loneliness. The color of anger and passion. Good color for those who dare to be themselves.

When did you start wearing black? Was this taste always in you or you built it up with the time?

I remember as a child I admired the stories about ghosts and all that was mysterious and scary. I think I was 3 or 4… Despite I had a lot of normal dolls, I took a piece of plastic and a couple of rags and made myself a doll. The one that I loved the most. She had navy blue hair, greyish-white pale face and her dress was a piece of black velvet. I thought she was perfect. Seriously.
So guess there was always something in my blood.
I started wearing black with rather heavy make-up when I was a teenager. Nina Hagen and Honey West were my make-up teachers. And beautiful “horror queen” Barbara Steele of course. I still think her image in Fellini’s 8 1/2 is an absolute dark perfection.

Could you tell us a bit about the dark scene in Moscow?

It was rather interesting in the late 90s… I think there were only about 60-70 goths in Moscow. And of course we all knew each other more or less. And honestly it was like a wonderful brotherhood, a family. The most interesting, special, talanted and crazy people I have ever met. And guess I will love and remember them all my life. The Old Ones.
As one of my younger friends said: “We are the aristocracy of underground”. This statement made all of us laugh. But you know, maybe we really were exactly what he said.
Nowadays, there is really nothing interesting. Just like everywhere. Parties, concerts. Too many people.

Would you consider your lifestyle “black” as well as your clothing?

It was once… There were really dark years in my life, the years I don’t like to recall.
Now, when I’m older, I am in a constant search for the truth and my real self. I’d call my life spiritual and esoteric.

If you are going out for dinner with a gentleman do you wish him to be dressed all in black like you?

He just has to be himself. The man I could find attractive should look like a king whatever he wears. He has to be a king. And one of a kind. *laughs* But of course that would be nice of he looked good in black. And he would definitely look stunning. Be sure.

You seem to have a passion for make up as well, what are your favourite colors?

Yes. It’s Art and magic and the way to create the world anew every day.
Sometimes it takes me back to the 50s or 60s. Sometimes we take a trip to the “new romantic” 80s with bright red eye-shadows and dark blue or red lips.
Sometimes my love for Recoil and the night inspires me to mix deep violet eye-shadows and lipstick with golden glitter. Sometimes it just looks like a normal usual gothic witch.
Anyways it’s always nothing but me.