About

I’m Carmen, Laughing Queen artist and designer of fanciful, fairy tale inspired adornments and accessories for magical moments. I’m inspired by fanciful vintage, New Romantic, and mythical antiquity themes.  As a child, I’d watch my Mom sew costumes for majorettes, brides and beauty queens.  I’d grab some scrap fabric and try to fashion clothes for my Dawn and Barbie doll models.  I was in ballet briefly when I was five years old.  However, I was more interested in the glimmery sequined tulle tutus and vibrantly colored scarves.  I used to don a yellow sequined tutu and twirl around in the front yard like a fairy queen.  At thirteen, my Dad gifted me a Kenmore sewing machine after he noticed I’d sewn a blouse completely by hand with needle and thread.  “Laughing Queen” comes from the meaning of my name – Carmen Renee.

My influences began while staying up late on Saturday nights, watching Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert.  I was mesmerized by David Bowie, Gary Numan, Blondie, Roxy Music and Prince.  Along came MTV and a local music video dance TV show called MV3.  I’d rush home from school to catch the latest New Romantic, new wave bands, videos and fashions.  Headphones on all night, tuned into KROQ and Rock over London, my subconscious absorbed the Second British Invasion.  The Blitz Kids’ New Romantic fashion and music inspired me with endless ideas.  Smitten with the drama of fashion, I’d never miss an episode of Style with Elsa Klensch on CNN.  Wanting to be the next Vivienne Westwood, I studied creative fashion design and earned my degree at FIDM, Los Angeles.

I’m delighted to share my one-of-a-kind and limited edition adornments and accessories with you.  All are uniquely fashioned by me out of vintage, found, repurposed, eclectic, luxurious, unexpected and enchanted treasures.