"I opened this shop in 1984, but I have been designing gothic clothing long before that. With the decline of the psychedelic style, I decided to try an alternative. I was one of the first, if not the first to create this fashion," he claimed.

"I design most of the merchandise we sell," explained Donny Moda. "Gothic is not just a certain style. It is a feeling, and a certain outlook in life."

"Why would someone decide to dress in gothic?" I asked.

"Just to be different," answered Donny Moda. "But just dressing up does not make you part of the crowd," he said. "You could probably pass for 10 minutes. Then, the others will know that you are faking it. You have to embrace gothic and undertand what it is all about for you to have the aura."

"So, does it mean one has to dress gothic everyday to be part of the group?" I probed more.

"No," Donny Moda said with a laugh. A lot of my customers have 'day jobs' and they have to look like regular people. Gothic is an idea. I don't want to call it a philosophy, because it is not."

I continued looking around and realized that gothic could be put into the category of "cult" status, the same way there is the "club culture" and hip hop. Then, there is gothic.

Donny Moda definitely practices what he preached. The store decor screamed gothic the moment you come in.

Gothic Fashion

Gothic Fashion

A very memorable artwork, that was just called "Untitled" establishes the mood of the store. Located near the entrance, and could be seen from outside, it is the "epitome" of Gothic style. Shaped like a pyramid, the sides were decorated with Gothic symbols and designs.

At the center of the pyramid is wormlike body with the head of a cherubin positioned to look like it was coming out of the pyramid.

Near the rear of the store, is the "Angel of the Cave," a mannequin dressed in gothic, with a twist - it sports a pair of wings. Interesting take artwork, to say the least.