GOTHIC REVIVAL: Sumie Tachibana Written by Janet Perisa Photographed by Evan Sung

The gothic subculture of the late ‘70s added a darker, more provocative twist to the emerging punk scene of that era, providing teens with a fiendish new outlet for pissing-off their folks. The term “goth” generally conjures images of occult-like night-crawlers parading through the Bowery in their signature Doc Martin boots. But there is also a very sensual and romantic side to this dark and rebellious sect, one that has been cleverly captured by independent clothing designer Sumie Tachibana.

Tachibana has achieved an admirable amount of success in the two years that she has been designing. She incorporates the dark passion of gothic culture into each of her ready-to-wear garments and minimizes the look by adding a hint of glamour to each one-of-a-kind piece. Sumie Tachibana’s Spring 2006 line for women is alluringly sexy; the designer uses plush materials along with smooth black leather to create garments that generate an air of poise and mystery that boldly commands attention. The line was recently displayed at Club Spirit in October 2005, where it received the praise and accolades of the city’s fashion elite. Tachibana is currently designing the stage costumes for the indie rock band, Hand Full of Dust, and is also working on her line for the next season.

Although the theme of her clothing may seem intimidating to some, the beautiful young designer has a modest and sweet disposition that’s as alluring as her line of clothing. Photographer, Evan Sung and I were delighted by Sumie’s friendliness as we browsed her Spring ’06 collection. Sumie Tachibana’s clothing is available at Warp Designs Showroom in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and can be viewed on her website at: www.sumietachibana.com.

Modeled by Adiamond Baker (Click Models) and Genevie Salazar
(Adiamond has the long brown hair and Genevie has the short dark hair)
Make up and Hair by My Tran