Goth Girl of the Year 2019

I am pleased to announce that the model chosen as Goth Girl of the Year 2019 is

Ellone Andreea

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Year in Review 2019

Goth Girl of the Week 2019 was surprisingly good. We had 7 interviews and one Profile of the St.Louis Zoo event: Goths at the Zoo. We interviewed one Canadian, two Americans (both from the east coast) and four Europeans. Not a bad year.

As for the visitors to the site, it's nothing like it was ten years ago. We saw 6,700 page views from 4,725 visitors. Creating 13 unique visits per day.

I have a few interviews started for 2020, and while I didn't get the ten interviews that I was hoping for for 2019, I saw enough interest in the site to make it worth keeping it going.

If you want to have a chance at being Goth Girl of the Year 2020, send me your submission. I'll conduct an interview with you by e-mail and you too could be a Goth Girl of the Week.

Goth Girls of the Week 2019

Ellone Andreea Romania	Lilith the Vampire UK	Vampiria33 USA East
Pix Canada East	Contesa Cneajna Poland	Sindy Pierce USA East
Kuro Hana France	!	Goths at the Zoo

Feature: Kuro Hana

Conrty	France
Area	Amiens
Personal Site	Kuro Hana
Facebook	Kuro Hana Model
Instagram	Kuro Hana Doll
YouTube	Kuro Hana Model

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GGotW: Is there a meaning behind the name Kuro Hana?
KH: Kuro Hana translates to Black Flower in Japanese. I think this pseudonym fits me well because I like Japanese culture and things that are dark.

GGotW: Do you ever incorporate your love of Japan in your modeling?
KH: Yes through some shoots and cosplays. that's one of the things that inspires me.

GGotW: Does your cosplay inspire your modeling or does your modeling inspire you cosplay?
KH: I do not like the term "cosplay" because my look is not cosplay, it's just my personality, my creativity and a mix of lots of things I like. Cosplay for me is to embody one of our favorite manga characters.

GGotW: What got you started with Alternative Modeling?
KH: I started a little by chance, I needed to affirm myself more, I wanted to show my style and my universe. I started as a model because I wanted to regain my self-confidence after having a difficult adolescence. I wanted to turn the page.

GGotW: Did you find modeling a good way to turn the page from adolescence?
KH: Yes, it helped me and allowed me to move forward

GGotW: Is there anyone that you work with on a regular basis?
KH: I work regularly with my boyfriend who is an amateur photographer to carry out most of my projects.

GGotW: How would you say you've changed since you started in 2012?
KH: I would say that I have evolved at my own pace. Thanks to photography, I was able to meet a lot of people. I have had both good and bad experiences. I had disappointments but I never gave up, I always persevered despite the difficulties. I learned not to fear the eyes of others. I took more insurance.


GGotW: What brands are you currently working with?
KH: I have worked with a few brands. Recently, I collaborated for Crazyinlove

GGotW: What other things do you enjoy?
KH: I like animals especially cats for whom I have a lot of affection. I am a music addict, I love goth music and metal. I like everything about art like drawing, photography, writing ... I like fashion and makeup. I like nature and archeology. Manga and Japanese culture. Science fiction and fantasy ...

GGotW: Looking through your images you seem to have a lot of different hair styles and colours, do you have a favorite or is it dependant on the outfit?
KH: It's true that it depends on the outfit, so that everything is harmonious. Otherwise, I like to mix styles and stand out. I always like wearing dresses and skirts and having a very feminine look. I'm also a fan of lace, I appreciate dark hues. For hair, I like to change color, I have a slight preference for red hair, purple and blue.

Feature: Sindy Pierce

Country	USA
Area	Florida
ModelMayhem	MM=4433831
Twitter	@Sindy_Pierce_
Instagram	@sindy_pierce

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GGotW: When did you start modeling?
SP: I started modeling around the start of 2019 but I didn't transition into alt modeling until April 2019. I'm still pretty new!

GGotW: What kind of modeling did you do at first?
SP: I did mostly classic Florida modeling - bikini and fitness type shoots.

GGotW: What caused you to transition from bikini modeling to ALT modeling?
SP: I didn't transition out of bikini modeling entirely. As you can see from my Instagram feed, I definitely still do bikini shoots. Before I started alt modeling, I was trying to maintain the "girl next door" look that's classic for Florida models. But, that didn't match my personal style at all - it wasn't very authentic. Now, I'm modeling suits that are more alternative (like my buckle suit or my leather bikini) and the makeup has my gothier vibe that's much more "me" and I think people pick up on that.

GGotW: How have you been able to push for ALT modeling in more mainstream adverts?
SP: Leather is super in right now so that's an easy stepping stone. I was able to do a more alt look for a car advertisement which you don't see a lot. The company that hired me was into my leather skirt/jacket/booties look so I paired it with darker make up for an alt style.

I've started to blend my bikini experience with alt makeup - it's being received well! I'd like to do more of that in the future.

GGotW: Leather or lace, what is your preference?
SP: Leather, definitely. I have like leather everything - jackets, shorts, pants, skirts, corsets, chokers, booties, a hat, bags, and even a leather bikini. I love the look and feel of the material.

What have you found to be the hardest thing about modeling?
SP: Figuring out who is genuine and who is trying to take advantage of you. I've met some really great people in the industry, but I've also come across a lot of people who just try to use you for their own benefit.

GGotW: How do you stay pale in Florida?
SP: Sunscreen is a must (try to pick brands that are safe for coral)! My daily moisturizer has SPF so that helps day-to-day. If I know I'm going to be outside for more than 30 minutes, I'm religious about applying SPF 50+ to any part of my body that will be exposed to the sun. Also, if I'm going to be outside for extended periods of time I wear an oversized hat to protect my face and neck. Overall, I do my best to be prepared, but I still get burned from time to time - such is life!

GGotW: What advice can you give to other ALT models looking to start?
SP: Advice I have for any model looking to start is to prioritize your safety over anything else. Do your research and trust your instincts! And, pardon my cliche, if something seems to good to be true - it probably is.

Advice I have specifically for alt models is that the alt community is super supportive - use them as a resource! Don't be afraid to reach out to other alt models/artists for tips and tricks because, in my experience, the community has been super willing to help each other out.

Feature: Contesa Cneajna

Country	Poland
Area	Warsaw
Instagram	@contesacneajna
Height	5' 1" (155cm)

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GGotW: When did you start modeling?
CC: In February, 2018, right after I created my Instagram account.

GGotW: Why did you start?
CC: I have always loved gothic fashion and enjoyed creating different looks and outfits. I also wanted to have a small place in the web where I could vent my creativity. I love modelling because I can transform myself into virtually anything: I can become a vampire, a horned succubus, a witch, etc. and I love putting some fantasy into mundane everyday life.


GGotW: Who does your pictures?
CC: Most of them are taken by myself, using a tripod and a self-timer. My outdoor photos are taken by my boyfriend. I enjoy taking photos by myself because I can be in charge of everything; usually I have a precise vision in my mind of what result I want to achieve.

GGotW: Do you work with any brands?
CC: Yes, I worked with some amazing brands in the past, however, I do not have any long-term collaborations. I am very thankful for the brands that reach out to me and they want me to promote their items and I really appreciate that I have the opportunity to model for companies I have always looked up to.

GGotW: What are a few of the brands that you have worked with?
CC: The first brand that I've collaborated with was Killstar. I was so honoured when I got contacted by them, since I've always looked up to them and they are my favourite brand by far. So far I have also collaborated with brands like Devil Night UK, Rock n' Doll Store, Grave Reflections, Fuck It Cloth, and some more.

GGotW: What is your main influencer?
CC: My main influence is music. I am absolutely addicted to music, I can't live without it, my musical taste is very broad and varied. The bands that inspire me the most are Cradle of Filth (their lyrics are a masterpiece, when I listen to them I always think of gothic castles and powerful female vampires) and Type O Negative (when I listen to them I picture a misty graveyard covered in autumn leaves). As far as people are concerned, my main inspiration is British model Dani Divine. I followed her for a few years before I created my own account, I have always admired her confidence and stunning fetish style. The other one is Mahafsoun, I absolutely admire her vampiric vibe and the way she combines bellydance with metal and gothic style is truly impressive.

GGotW: What is your favorite film?
CC: I absolutely adore movies that could be described as a "Gothic fairy tale". These include masterpieces like "Bram Stoker's Dracula" and "The Company of Wolves". I love these titles since they are so appealing visually, they are like beautiful pictures, every little detail is well-thought out, and fits to the whole. Another favourite is "The Love Witch" from 2015. This film tackles the topic of wicca, which is among my interests. Again, the visual part is just stunning: the outfits are splendid, so is the interior design, filled with beautiful objects. I also love the message of this film: it tells women that they should not be afraid of their sexuality and femininity and embrace it and flaunt it, as it is one of their main powers.



GGotW: What is your most favored fantasy element?
CC: My most favoured fantasy element are all supernatural, half-human creatures like vampires, werewolves, witches, demons, etc., because they portray both the darkest fears and desires of the human race, for example the desire to live forever, possess immense strength, control the elements, and so on.

Feature: Pix

Country	Canada
Area	Toronto
Personal Site	pixley.design
Instagram	@pix.ley
Identifies	Non-Binary (They/Them)
Height	5' 8" (173cm)

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GGotW: Everyone today is multifaceted, how do you describe yourself? 

Pix: I feel like a bunch of random parts put together. Like a random roulette of skills (sewing and cooking and roller derby and tinkering with machines, etc.) put into a package that’s perceived as this one object. People tend to be surprised that I’m not a total ditz; in the world, people seem to assume there’s not a lot going on here, whether due to the tattoos or my age I don’t know.

GGotW: What forms of art do you enjoy pursuing?
Pix: I play ukulele and sing, I paint and sculpt, I sew, I write, I bake; honestly anything artistic I will try. The artsy-er the better. A lot of pages around here are covered in doodles.

GGotW: What are your struggles?
Pix: I have chronic pain and severe anxiety disorders. I have fibromyalgia and a connective tissue disorder (EDS) that means my joints and cells are super stretchy. Works really well in my job as a life model! I can find some really neat positions. It also means I’m more prone to injury and, having only had this diagnosed at adulthood, that meant a lot of my youth was spent not understanding why I hurt all the time or why life was harder than it should be.

GGotW: What gets you through the day?
Pix: I have 2 cats I love, I drink a lot of tea and smoke a lot of weed. I love art and exploring what’s out there to enjoy. Knowing that I can’t control the situation always but I can control my reaction to it drives me to live Life™️ and look for what’s out there. GGotW: How have Canada's new marijuana laws affected you?
Pix: Laws: it’s interesting; they have made me feel more secure medicating out in the world, but it’s made my medication a lot more expensive. I’ve had a prescription for years now so it’s been a thing before it was legal. With recreational use being legal now, there are extra taxes on my medicine though. Less selection available for medicinal patients because it’s mainly going to recreational. So I’m conflicted. I’m glad it’s becoming more accepted because the alternative for pain relief is narcotics, and I’d rather avoid those side effects. Marijuana has a lot of medicinal benefits with dementia, cancer, epilepsy, etc; can you say that about tobacco or cigarettes, other similarly regulated products? 
GGotW: I see you use Alien in your self-description, how do you mean that?
Pix: I don’t understand people very much. It feels like everyone resonates on a frequency, and it’s hard to find complementary people. I feel like I am truly a default “human” body (not feminine not masculine but an equal mix of both) but I haven’t been able to shake the feeling that I don’t fit in. The stars have a massive draw, too.

GGotW: Where do you see yourself in a few years?
Pix: 
1: I hope to be found by a company that has the same ideals as I do and be their brand model.
2: I want to run a roller rink/bnb with every fibre of my being. I have all the details figured out, now it’s just finding an investor.
3: Just happy. I hope to be happy by then.



*Note: Due to Google flagging images on this post constantly, they have been removed. Check Pix's social media links to see images*

Feature: Vampiria33

Country	United States
Area	New York
Instagram	vampiria33
Height	5'5" (165cm)

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GGotW: When did you first realize you were Goth?
V33: I was first introduced to gothic music by a friend when I was 16/17, so this was when I first learned about the subculture. A couple years later I started attending goth events and parties in my city and met people whose entire lifestyles were goth - from the music to the fashion to their interests. I realized that for the first time I found something that felt like me, and I’ve been a part of the subculture ever since.

GGotW: What is it that attracts you to the subculture?
V33: I love everything dark — the subculture allows me to express this through music, literature, fashion, and lifestyle. I’m also attracted to the creativity and originality of the people in the subculture.

GGotW: What started you modeling?
V33: When I was younger I was interested in fashion, but I never really thought about photographing myself or modeling. About 4 years ago I was going through a very tough time in my life- I’d just been diagnosed with a chronic illness and was having a lot of health issues, and I was also dealing with a bad breakup. To distract myself, I started dressing up and taking photos of my daily outfits and posting them online. I kept doing this for a little while before I realized that I was very passionate about modeling and photography. Although my first photos honestly weren’t that good, creating these images gave me confidence and I really started to see myself as beautiful. It was also at this time that I was contacted by New Rock to model for them - I remember being so excited haha. As time progressed, I started working with more brands and learning more about the actual photographic process itself - I purchased a DSLR, started learning about lighting and composition of photos, and taught myself photoshop.

GGotW: Who or what inspires you?
V33: So many things! While I try to remain inspired by ideas in my own head a lot of the time to try to be original, there are definitely a few artists and models that I’d love to mention. The first artist that comes to mind when people ask about my inspirations is a Polish painter named Zdzisław Beksiński. I used to study painting and drawing, and he was always my biggest inspiration then and now. I actually have a plan to get a few of his pieces tattooed :) Beksiński is known for creating creepy, dystopian surrealistic works. While a lot of Beksiński’s themes aren’t immediately present in my photography, his work is incredibly meaningful to me and has been my biggest inspiration for years. I’m also inspired by a lot of the models and artists I follow, including Mahafsoun, Threnody In Velvet, The Black Metal Barbie, Obsidian Kerttu, and many others.

GGotW: What photographers do you tend to work with?
V33: I don’t usually work with photographers - I take all my own photos! While I have shot with a few photographers in the past, modeling and photography is a creative outlet for me so I prefer to do all aspects of the shoot myself, from photography and editing to makeup and styling.

GGotW: Do you ever model outside the Goth aesthetic?
V33: Not usually. Alternative and gothic modeling is who I am, so I tend to stick to what feels like me. Even if I do a shoot that isn’t completely gothic, I still have black hair and tattoos, so the photos still look pretty alternative anyway.

GGotW: Do you work with any particular brands?
V33: I do! As I mentioned earlier, the first brand I ever worked with was New Rock. Since then I’ve expanded over the years, collaborating with brands and companies such as Killstar, Punk Design Shop, Malefic Apparel, Dirtymind Cosmetics, and EvaHair.

Event: Goths at the Zoo

Country	USA
Area	St. Louis, MO
Facebook	Goths at the Zoo
When	Sunday Sept. 29
Time	9am - 5pm
Price	Free

GGotW: What started the event Goths at the Zoo?
Megan: A combination of boredom and discussing Bats Day at Disneyland with other fellow goths online. While Disneyland is great it’s not really wallet friendly so I sat at work and thought “You know, we got a free zoo and meetup there would be great idea” and made the event. I figured only 10 people would show up at best, by the end of the day there were 72 people who hit the “going” part of the facebook event. At that point I knew it would officially be a thing.

GGotW: How many people showed up to the first one?
Megan: The first one was kind of unofficial and an experiment. Only less than 100 made it out to that one cause it was set in July so it was horribly hot out. We did the official first one in September which reached over 100 attendees.

GGotW: How did the Zoo feel about it, or did they know in advance that you were doing it?
Megan: I did inform them in advance and they were pretty excited about it. The zoo staff are mostly welcoming. Some of them we can tell tolerate us because they have to but most of them are really awesome! We’ve had staff drive by on carts saying hello, complementing our outfits and asking for pictures. I think deep down some of those keepers are goths.

GGotW: When is the event this year?
Megan: September 29th. All day event from the zoos opening to closing.

GGotW: Who can attend the event?
Megan: Everyone! Despite the name we want to be inclusive to all alternative subcultures and everyone in-between.

GGotW: What should people know if they are thinking of coming this year?
Megan: First of all, if you’ve never been, the St.Louis Zoo is honestly one of the best zoos in the U.S. It’s free, the animals are well taken care of and it’s a ton of fun! Even before this event I always tried to drag out new friends who have never been there to it because it’s always been one of my favorite places in the city. We’re also planning on having team meetups, scavenger hunts and trivia quizzes with prizes.

On a more serious note though I want people to know who are coming that this is NOT a costume or cosplay event. The zoo has strict rules against that but we’re also not big on it either. We highly encourage people just being their true authentic selves, that’s kind of the point behind the whole thing. If you don’t really want to wear black because it’s hot DO IT! We want you to be comfortable as well.

Most clothes and boots are fine. Just no shirts with curse words on them and nothing that’ll cover the face such as goggles. As far as makeup goes the zoo prefers makeup that doesn’t change skin tone, doesn’t go above eyebrows and doesn’t cover cheeks. Lips can be any color so long as they stay on the lips.

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For more information on the event, and find out about the meetups and scavenger hunts through the day, visit their Facebook Page.

Feature: Lilith the Vampyre

Country	UK
Facebook	Liliththevampyre
Instagram	Lilith_the_Vampyre
Height	5'3" (169cm)

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GGotW: How long have you modeled?
LtV:It's been about 4 years since I started, I love being in front of the camera and having a way to express myself creatively, I don't think I will be giving it up anytime soon.

GGotW: When you model, are you working for the photographer, yourself or a label?
LtV: It depends really, as each shoot is different, I try to stay true to my style and incorporate it into different projects. Most of the brands I shoot for like my style so it isn't really a problem. I think it's good to be versatile but keep in mind, not to shoot anything I know I won't be comfortable with.

GGotW: What is it about Goth that attracted you to the style?
LtV: I was fascinated by horror films and vampires as a child, growing up I discovered goth music and as much as I could express myself outwardly inspired by things I loved. Over time I developed a style that is distinctly 'me' incorporating gothic elements.

GGotW: Who influences you?
LtV: My influences vary, I would say music influences me a lot, also goth icons, like Vampira and Morticia Addams. I love vampires and the pale look.

GGotW: What is the scene like in the UK?
LtV:There is quite a large community of goths in the Uk especially London and bigger cities. There is great nightlife and many shows and events for those interested in the subculture.

GGotW: Where do you see yourself in the scene in the future?
LtV:I wish to become well established, meet lots of interesting people and further hone my craft! I don't think there is a 'right' or 'wrong' way to be goth though I've been through a lot of changes and one day I hope to be someone inspirational.

GGotW: Do you get to travel and see goth scenes in other areas?
LtV:I have lived in Ireland and know of the scene over there, though it's not quite as expansive it's still very much lively!


GGotW: What do you think is the biggest change since you started?
LtV: as far as modelling I think my self confidence has improved and I've become more aware of myself. As far as my involvement in the goth scene, I have noticed more and more young people getting interested , due to it's prevalence on the internet on various social platforms. As a teenager I was grouped together with all the other 'emo' or 'rockers' and I didn't have access to as much information as young people do nowadays.

GGotW: Do you think that Goth is growing or shrinking in The UK?
LtV:While it's not as active as in the beginning, there is still quite a lot of goths of various ages who are passionate about the subculture, who knows what the future will bring?
I feel in the UK we are more fortunate to have a variety of goth events and clubs, which has helped to keep it alive for so many years. I see a lot of younger people who are drawn to the style and music as well as the 'regulars' on the scene,so there's a good mix. I feel it's important to be open minded and accepting of others , as goth encompasses some diversity.

Feature: Ellone Andreea

Country	Romania
Area	Bucharest
Personal Site	Looktheotherway
Facebook	ellone.andreea.official
YouTube	Ellone
Instagram	ellone_andreea
Height	5'5" (166cm)

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GGotW: When did you start modeling?
EA: Not too long ago actually! I like to think that the starting point was somewhere in November of 2018, when I did my first proper photoshoot, with the help of my boyfriend, who was my photographer. Before that, I used to write a lot on my blog about style and not only.

GGotW: Did you always model in the Goth style or did you do other modeling before that?
EA: I started off by modeling gothic clothing, but now I am slowly tipping my toes into fantasy modeling too. I believe it's a smooth kind of evolution and I'd like to experiment more!

GGotW: What is it that attracted you to the Goth style?
EA: I was firstly introduced to it through Japanese Visual Kei, which is what I was listening to back in my teens. The first band I actually listened to was Diary of Dreams and I fell in love and started researching the music. I later discovered Skinny Puppy and was into industrial for a while, and somehow it evolved from music to adopting the fashion and meeting other goths. So, in short, it was the music and my lifelong obsession with vampires.

GGotW: What attracted you to your style?
EA: I believe it was something that developed over time. I take inspiration from fantasy costumes, but I am also a person that likes to feel comfortable, so all black, sleek looks are what I feel best in.


GGotW: What do you do when you're not modeling?
EA: Well, I work a full time job in a corporation, I craft a lot of the fantasy costumes that I wear, and of course, I retouch my pictures and film my YouTube videos. I'm a pretty busy girl!


GGotW: What do you do on your YouTube channel?
EA: A couple of different things. I create the usual YouTube specific videos, like reviews, makeup tutorials and vlogs, but my favorite type of videos to make are conceptual artistic videos and behind the scenes ones from my photoshootings. It's always nice to use videography to translate emotions that do not pierce through with pictures!


GGotW: Do you work with any brands?
EA: I do. I was blessed with the confidence of many brands such as Punk Rave Australia, Vampfangs and E&L by Lundqvist and many more, big and small. I would mention them all if I could, because apart from the wonderful people that follow me, brands being willing to work with me, is what keeps me going and lets me know I'm on the right path. They provide the tools I need in order to create, and that's wonderful!

GGotW: What photographers do you work with?
EA: Since I have not been modeling for a long time, the only photographer I ever worked with is my boyfriend, Andrei. It's a wonderful collaboration! I'd love to work with other photographers too, but there are not many who specialize in "alternative" photography here in Romania. Who knows, maybe I've not met them yet.

GGotW: I understand you edit your pictures. How did that come about?
EA: It's a long story, as most of them are. I firstly dabbled into photo editing when I was a teenager and would post my pictures on MySpace. Looking back, the results were quite frightening to behold, but it laid the foundation for what I can do today. In later years I started learning more about photo editing through online tutorials and experimenting. Now, I can say I have developed my own personal style of retouching and I love working on my pictures, trying to bring to life the vision I had inside my head. I am curious though to know how others would edit my pictures, because that has never happened yet.