Ophelia Unbound

Ophelia Unbound is the creation of native Manhattanite and F.I.T. graduate, Michelle Korn. She creates women's fashions inspired by goth, baroque, medieval, fetish and vampire styles in a variety of fabrics, sizes and colors. Very refreshing to see a designer in the goth scene who is unafraid of using some purples, reds, whites, greys and greens as well as the ubiquitous and obvious black.

She designs for the "strong female" and yet her clothing has an otherworldly, ethereal and feminine quality to them. She has said of her creations, "I'm interested in clothing that allows you to become a character." Each piece in the catalog is named for a woman of history, a goddess or female character. Her best selling dress is called Aurora, in black velvet, named for the princess in Sleeping Beauty.

Her online catalog at http://www.opheliaunbound.com offers a sample of her made-to-order dresses, hats and accessories. Michelle's line can also be found at London Fetish and Religious Sex here in New York City.

Average prices are in the $200 range, which is quite a good price for the quality you get. Orders generally take 5 to 6 weeks.

Michelle also offers to design custom outfits via appointment in her East Village Showroom on Lafayette St. She has outfitted the infamous Chi Chi Valenti of Mother and DJ Mistress McCutchan (to name names) in the past. You can call and leave a message on her voice mail for appointments at 212-633-6940.

Commentary by Desiree Krauss, Tuesday, November 17, 1998.