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Paint the town black & red in fall’s fang-tastic fashions

By Dahlia Jean Weinstein

Something eerie and edgy has crept its way into the fall collections, and, unless you’ve been sleeping in a crypt, you know the vampire subculture has sunk its teeth into every aspect of fashion and style for the new season.

Our vampire desires arose from the hit HBO series True Blood, which will lay its second season to rest during the big finale Sept. 13. But no need to fret, fellow fangbangers: The Vampire Diaries, a new TV series on The CW, premieres Sept. 10, and the new film in the Twilight saga, New Moon, hits theaters in November. In the meantime, as you wait for the vamps to hit the small and big screens, make sure their provocative looks hit your closets.

It was love at first bite as we sucked up lots of garb in blood red tones and shades of purple and plum. Black is an obvious choice, but velvet, corduroy and leather textures add a Gothic edge to the night shade. Another Gothic trend is layers of ruffles and bold necklaces with lots of links and chains. (What a great way to cover-up any unwanted fang bites.)

If chains don’t offer enough of that metal edge, studded accessories are back with a vengeance on belts, gloves, shoes, handbags and costume jewels. And don’t get caught with your zippers down – or without zippers at all. More than just a way to keep your clothes on, they are a design element in many fall clothes and accessory collections, as well.

Now, take a look at three of our favorite members of the walking dead as they show off their vampire wares at Denver’s Fairmount Cemetery. We think they look fangtastic, don’t you?

LOVE AT FIRST BITE: Black leather would surely dominate any fashion-loving vamp's fall wardrobe.

GOTHIC GODDESS: Romantic purple ruffles give color to our vampire's otherwise black ensemble.

TRUE BLOOD: A long sexy red dress is the perfect style to sink your teeth into this fall.

PURPLE REIGN: Fang fashion is so sexy cool, it's scary.

DAWN OF THE RED: Love may bite, but these stylish red and black outfits are bloody brilliant.

SHOPPING DETAILS (from top):

Love at first bite:On Alena, left: BCBG Max Azria plum sleeveless ruffle top ($138), Joie caviar “Dagney” leather jacket with military button detail ($638) and BCBG Max Azria snake-print leggings ($78).

On Steve: Armani black wool, stand collar, asymmetrical zipper jacket ($575), Vince fingerless, striped gloves ($95) and Rock & Republic “Allegiance” black jeans with black rhinestones ($298).

On Lindi: Vince charcoal motocross leather jacket ($750), Vince black stretch leather and Ponte leggings ($895) and Exclusively at Saks, Kenneth Jay Lane gunmetal chunky chain bracelet (for price, contact Saks).

All clothes and accessories from Saks Fifth Avenue, Cherry Creek Shopping Center. All boots are the models’ own.

Gothic goddess:On Alena: Nanette Lepore “Heartbeat Onyx” asymmetrical, shadow-striped swing coat with button details, spread collar and hook-and-eye closures ($628); Kincaid plum, chiffon, ruffle, zip-front shell ($88); BGBG Max Azria black pencil skirt ($158). All at Saks Fifth Avenue, Cherry Creek Chopping Center.  The series of necklaces are from Morrison & Trattner Design and feature elements including silver chain-link and beading in silver, pearl and clear and purple crystals. Prices range from $295 to $450 each.

True Blood: On Alena: Donna Karan Mars-red floor-length, long-sleeve, asymmetrical gown with front slit ($2,595). At Saks Fifth Avenue, Cherry Creek Chopping Center. Morrison & Trattner Design gold chain-link necklace, with pink and red resin beads and large drop pendant ($1,050).

Purple Reign:On Steve: Hugo Boss black velvet sports coat ($695), Hugo Boss plum shirt ($135), Adriano Goldschmied black corduroy pants ($168) and Streets Ahead black leather belt with three rows of silver studs ($198).

On Lindi: Elie Tahari plum suede zipper jacket with ruffle details ($798), Theory black chiffon ruffle zip-front blouse ($245), BCBG Max Azria black textured band tube skirt ($138), Portolano black leather gloves with zipper detail ($175) and Michele plum and black handbag with zipper detail ($595). All at Saks Fifth Avenue, Cherry Creek Chopping Center. Shoes are models’ own.

Dawn of the Red:On Alena, left: Donna Karan “Modern Icon” collection Mars-red structured jersey one-button jacket ($2,150), Mars-red viscose body jersey sleeveless plunge-V bodysuit ($695) and Mars-red structured jersey flat draped skirt ($995). All at Saks Fifth Avenue, Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Necklace is a mix of pearl and gold chain elements with a vintage Miriam Haskell pendant ($2,800). At Morrison & Trattner Design.

On Steve: Hugo Boss “James Brown” black non-pleat pants ($175), Armani Collezioni gray fan shirt ($265), Hugo belted trench coat ($595) and Exclusively at Saks, Kenneth Jay Lane gunmetal chunky chain necklace ($340).

On Lindi: BCBG Max Azria”Runway” darted-sleeve red dress with embellished sleeves and dramatic draping ($248). All garments at Saks Fifth Avenue, Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Lindi’s necklace is a Morrison & Trattner Design gold chain-link necklace, with pink and red resin beads and large drop pendant ($1,050).

WHERE TO BUY:

Saks Fifth Avenue Cherry Creek Shopping Center, 2900 E.1st Ave, Denver. 303-393-6333; www.saksfifthavenue.com 

Morrison & Trattner Design: Denver designers Wendy Morrison and Judy Trattner offer one-of-a-kind statement pieces for jewelry lovers. By appointment only: call Wendy, 303-881-6340 or Judy, 303-931-5667.

CREDITS:

Photographer:Joe Mahoney

Producer & stylist:Dahlia Jean Weinstein

Production assistant:Gary Weinstein

Models:Lindi Upperman, Steve Holmka and Alena Amund; Donna Baldwin Talent www.donnabaldwin.com

Makeup & nails:Katelyn Simpkins www.katelynsimkins.com

Hair:Shareena Reardon for www.hairgirldenver.com

Special thanks:Fairmount Cemetery, 430 S. Quebec St.

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