Rose Mortem

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Rose Mortem is a American fashion designer most widely known for her "dark romantic" goth and new wave fashion stylings, and her involvement with underground music as a promoter and DJ.

Launching in 1998, the Rose Mortem fashion label has been featured in countless publications including Mick Mercer's cult classic, 21st Century Goth. Rose Mortem has also designed fashions for independent films and theatre productions, and coordinates fashion and art shows featuring other subculture favourites. Her use of classic velvets, chiffons, satins, tulles and lace have won her a loyal following of goth fashion enthusiasts; her classic ballerina-style designs coupled with ripped netting, sharply angled hemlines and layered skirting have become her trademark. As a music promoter she is linked most notably with legendary gothic rock band The Awakening of South Africa, and has worked on US tours and events for many iconic musicians, including Wolfsheim, The Mission and John Koviak. She has managed, promoted and DJ'd nightclub events throughout the USA, and regularly DJs under the name Mary Chain as a loving tribute to post-punk rockers Jim and William Reid of The Jesus and Mary Chain.

Rose's designs are inspired greatly by Bohemianism, Dark Romanticism, and by the literature, art and music of the Decadent Movement. Holding a degree in Business with a minor in Literature, she credits her knowledge of fashion design entirely to her mother and grandmother's instruction, and to her "youthful passion for dissecting thrift store wedding gowns." Rose attributes her creativity to her eccentric upbringing by a non-nuclear family of various artists, and her long-time obsession with Gothic Rock and Post Punk bands.

The most recent fashion line released in March of 2008 features a new coats collection which includes an appearance from musician and performance artist Ashton Nyte. Rose's next fashion event is scheduled for June of 2008 where she will release a new burlesque-inspired fashion selection, modeled live by award-winning burlesque performance artists, The Alley Cat Revue.