I love the shopping site Matches. Whether I can afford half of what’s sold on there is beside the point. Matches carries so many up-and-coming designers, usually from Europe, that haven’t hit it big yet in the U.S. One line they carry that I haven’t seen elsewhere is HORROR VACUI. To tell you that I am in love with this brand doesn’t even begin to cover it. HORROR VACUI’s tops and dresses, created by German designer Anna Henrichs, check every box for me. Floral? Check. Feminine? Oh yeah. Unusual? Very. Versatile? Absolutely.
HORROR VACUI is a Latin phrase meaning the fear of emptiness. In psychology and art it relates to the human urge to decorate and fill empty spaces with detail. [Note: So me.] HORROR VACUI’s maximalist aesthetic is a sight for sore eyes: exciting colors, floral patterns, and elaborate sewing techniques abound. Henrichs is inspired by historical nightgowns and costume details found in old portrait paintings. A mix of old and new? That’s what Bloomsbury & Battle is all about. I hereby nominate HORROR VACUI for official blog uniform!
My favorite HORROR VACUI pieces are below (some on sale!) along with a pic of the top I snagged for myself.



