Novel Fashion >> Get the "Araby Worth" Look

"I catch a glimpse of myself in a mirror and smile. I am not the person I was this morning. I am beautiful, fake, shallow, incognito." Masque of the Red Death (Masque of the Red Death #1)

The Araby Worth Look

The backdrop for Masque of the Red Death is that of a decrepit, plague infested nameless city existing somewhere within the Victorian time period. Although not specifically labeled as Steampunk, there are clues within the novel that hint at this being the ideal look and feel for the style worn by the characters. Steam powers most technology, and the fashion is highly stylized and modified versions of clothing seen from the Victorian era, including corsets and full skirts. Araby Worth is a depressed, brooding teen who is wracked with guilt after the death of her twin brother, and who opts to follow her friend around and act as her doll to be made up and dressed to head to the streets for evenings of impropriety.

Novel Fashion >> Masque of the Red Death

Masque of the Red Death (Masque of the Red Death #1) by Bethany Griffin

This week I scheduled a photo shoot with local photographer Diana and a few members from the fashion community, including the always stylish Christine de la Creme to help create some imagery inspired by Bethany Griffin's Mask of the Red Death. The decrepit city in which the story takes place, which has become infested with the Weeping Sickness, is described so vividly and truly conjures up images of a society on the verge of extinction. The aristocracy use their wealth and status to purchase masks to prevent contact with the contagion, and spend their evenings disconnecting themselves from the horrible realities of the world by partaking in all manner of worldly pleasures at the Debauchery Club.

Review >> Masque of the Red Death (Masque of the Red Death #1)

Masque of the Red Death (Masque of the Red Death #1) by Bethany Griffin
Read the chapter excerpt!

Masque of the Red Death (Masque of the Red Death #1) by Bethany Griffin -- April 24, 2012 -- Hardcover, 319 pages, Harper Teen (Greenwillow Books) (9780062107794)

"The charcoal sky spits cold rain as we rumble to a stop at a crossroad. A black cart blocks the road, and even in an armored carriage we know better than to force our way past."

Araby Worth is not just watching her own life crumble around her after the death of her twin brother, she is also living in a city infested with plague and falling into despair. She opts to forget her troubles by spending her nights in the Debauchery Club, an aristocratic hangout where anything and everything is available for your pleasure. She unknowingly stumbles upon a rebellious plot brewing in the halls of the club, and everyone seems to be holding secrets, including the handsome club worker, Will, and the devilishly sneaky aristocrat Elliott. Araby finds herself thrust into a life of rebellion, giving her hope in a seemingly hopeless world.

Tom Banwell Designs