Black magic

There's never been a better time to embrace your dark side than this Halloween. The Autumn catwalks were awash with vampish visions and gothic glamour with models swathed in decadent fabrics of velvet, silk, leather and lace. Lanvin (above left) drew inspiration from the Witches of Salem with billowing black capes, sultry shift dresses and wide-brimmed hats, creating a sombre – and somewhat sinister – ambience. Roberto Cavalli was also having dark thoughts, with billowing chiffon gowns, whilst Julien Macdonald's (above right) models were clad in swathes of romantic black lace. At Junya Watanabe, Winona Ryder in Tim Burton's Beetlejuice film provided the inspiration; leather biker jackets, pale skin and back-combed hair were the theme of the day. Team LBD loves these designer looks but for a more wearable, yet equally bewitching gothic glam ensemble, opt for a floor-skimming gown a la Mortica Addams, or luxuriate in indulgent textures such as velvet and silk. Accessorise with a faux-fur shrug and ruby red jewels for a vampishly romantic look with a hint of femme fatale. To create an air of elegant drama with a nod to old Hollywood glamour, look to black layered lace and luxe leather, paired with pearls and blood red lips and nails, for a look that is as deadly as it is decadent. Or for a frivolous yet frightening addition to your party frock, add some eerie accessories. From gold skull clutches to spider web earrings, there's a spine-tingling selection on Little Black Dress.