Inside Siddhartha Tytler's vampire-inspired, gothic romance showcase

Known for his rebellious flair and unapologetically out-there aesthetic, Siddartha Tytler’s collections can often be traced back to a Gothic mood board—sensual, dark, and dramatic. After channeling the decadent excess of the Roman Emperor Caligula and crafting an homage to the mystique of Mughal courtesans, Tytler now turns to the haunting legend of Vlad Tepes for his latest showcase—a love story steeped in tragedy and desire.

Now, anyone familiar with Tytler's work knows his runway isn't just about the clothes—it's a spectacle and a statement. And his latest collection was no exception. The memo for Night Stalker? The allure of vampires. The man himself tells us, “The collection was based on Bram Stoker's Dracula—one of the greatest love stories, according to me. I saw the movie when I was about 14. The inspiration for the collection is the passion and romance of vampires, and how evolved they are compared to humans. The dark romanticism theme runs throughout the pieces, which are wearable but heightened through styling.” 

The dimly lit set spelt out couture in a dense and dingy ethos, or as Tytler puts it, "gothic romance." Elaborate ruffles, sweeping trains, and theatrical hems met sharp, gender-fluid power suits in a palette laced with gunmetal, gold, and intricate three-dimensional mandala appliqués—hallmarks of Tytler’s unmistakable aesthetic. The black-on-black garments, with glimmers of embellishment catching the light, demanded attention.

The collection was a bold extension of Tytler’s irreverent take on couture—equal parts edge, elegance, and audacity. “For me, couture is not bridal. Couture is about experimenting and playing with new silhouettes, techniques, and embroidery. It is about bringing something new to the market, and the Night Stalker does exactly that. It blends the dark and macabre into a romantic collection. It was a challenge, but the end product is undeniably beautiful,” explains Tytler. 

The underlying thread running through Tytler's collections—from Caligula’s Feast to Night Stalker—is his take on beauty. After all, it takes an innate desire to embrace the magic of the dark and make it couture. “During my years at FIT in New York, the Goth movement was very prevalent. I was always intrigued by the dark and macabre and found beauty in it. It is something I never steer away from and is what defines my brand,” Tytler explains.

In a world where fashion often chases light, Tytler leans unapologetically into shadow—finding poetry in the ominous, allure in the unconventional. His work isn’t merely stitched fabric; it’s a mood brought to life on the runway. With this collection, he reminds us that beauty doesn’t always shimmer in gold—it sometimes glows in the dark.

All images: Siddhartha Tytler

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