It seems quite fitting to upload this blog post in the wake of the online controversy surrounding that magical, colour changing dress because that is exactly what Witchcraft Couture by Katarina West is about, magic clothing. This couldn’t have come at a better time as I have become obsessed with Harry Potter and was looking to inject a bit more magic into my life.
The story centres around Oscar Pellegrini, a talented fashion designer whose deep-rooted self-doubt ensures that he sabotages anything bit of success he encounters in his career. After yet another bout of writer’s block and a run in with an ex-girlfriend, he escapes to Russia where, long story short, he ends up with a magical machine, the Sampo, which turns ordinary outfits into simply irresistible pieces.
Witchcraft Couture was probably one of the most unique stories I have ever read. It has plenty of magic and mystery, and a hint of a dark undertone as the reader begins to unravel just how on edge and disturbed Oscar is. These aspects allowed me to enjoy Oscar as a main character as I do appreciate a multi-layered personality. I also enjoyed the characters of Oscar’s mother and his ex-girlfriend, Sarah, although I would liked to have learned more about them and their relationship with the protagonist. I feel that further exploration into Oscar’s past interactions with these women would have helped me to really understand why he is the way he is.
The story was well-written and I was impressed with the imagery used, especially in the case of colour description. However, I was not a fan of the diary entry form of writing. It seemed confusing to me as to why the author had chosen this particular style as I felt it didn’t fit well. However, by the time I reached the end of the book, I did understand the reasoning behind it as the last chapter pieces everything together and allows the reader to perceive the story in an entirely different light. I had the same feeling with the description of the Sampo as a fridge. I wondered why someone would cast something so magical as something so mundane as a fridge. Again, this all fits into place at the end of the story.
While Witchcraft Couture may not make it into my top ten list of books, overall, I was pleased with the story and found it an enjoyable read. Although I had some criticisms at the start, the story kept me intrigued from beginning to end. This, I think, can be credited to the author’s fantastic writing skills – I need to stress again just how beautiful the imagery is throughout the novel. If you are looking for a gripping read outside of your comfort zone, I would recommend giving Witchcraft Couture a chance.
I was sent a complimentary copy of Witchcraft Couture in exchange for a non-biased review of the book.
Joyful Antidotes 
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