Renee, known as Queen Nay Nay, is a true embodiment of the whimsical and spooky lifestyle. With her trademark pink hair and cat-eye glasses, she spends her days designing spooky yet adorable gothic fashion and her nights guiding ghost tours in Bisbee, Arizona. Her life is a perfect blend of creativity, with a passion for all things dark and cute, from vintage circus memorabilia to her “Mini Museum of the Bizarre” housed in her gypsy caravan. But it’s her gothic fashion brand, Sweet Midnight, that has captured the hearts of those who believe Halloween should be a lifestyle, not just a holiday.
The Birth of Sweet Midnight
In 2011, Queen Nay noticed a gap in the gothic fashion market—there was a lack of designs that combined the sweet and the spooky. Inspired by the Kawaii and Lolita styles, she set out to create a unique line that was both dark and cute, and thus, Sweet Midnight was born. “I wanted to merge the cute factor with goth,” she explains. “We are all about ‘the dark side of cute.’”
Her designs are heavily influenced by her love for old horror movies and Halloween, but her fascination with carnivals and traveling shows also plays a huge role. Renee has always felt a strong connection to the circus and sideshow acts, even joking that she may have been a circus performer or bearded lady in a past life. She’s surrounded by friends who are sword swallowers, clowns, trapeze artists, and lion tamers, and she’s determined to help revive this dying art form. One of her most ambitious projects is the creation of a gypsy wagon, which she hopes to travel with one day, showcasing her own personal collection of bizarre artifacts.
Unique Designs and Personal Touches
Queen Nay’s background in art and design shines through in every piece she creates. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Toy Design from OTIS College of Art and Design, she was once a professional graphic designer before taking the plunge to launch Sweet Midnight. Each fabric design, from the ‘Bat Filigree’ to ‘Monster Mask’ prints, is hand-drawn by Renee herself. “I designed every image you see on our skirts, shoes, and bags,” she says proudly.
The designs range from simple yet striking graphics, such as gravestones or pumpkins against purple and green backgrounds, to darker images like cobwebs and roses. One of her skirts even features the eerie script of Edgar Allan Poe, while another showcases a fortune teller illustration. The attention to detail is evident, and it’s this personal touch that makes Sweet Midnight’s clothing and accessories so special.
The Coffin Bag: A Sweet Midnight Icon
Among Sweet Midnight’s most iconic items are their coffin bags. These bags are not just stylish but practical too. Made from high-quality canvas instead of the usual flimsy vinyl, these bags are designed to withstand everyday wear and tear. Each coffin bag comes with two removable straps, allowing it to be worn as a backpack or shoulder bag. The new Mini Coffin Bag even features belt loops, so it can be worn on your belt.
But what truly sets these bags apart is their customizable bat wings. The coffin bags feature detachable bat wings that can be snapped on or off, allowing the wearer to change up their look depending on their outfit. The wings fit perfectly inside the bag when not in use, so you’ll never lose them. Additionally, the newer versions of the Original Coffin Bag come with interchangeable bat colors, letting you match your bag to your outfit. It’s a practical yet fun twist on a classic goth accessory.
Black Cats and Other Spooky Designs
Renee’s love for Halloween extends to one of its most beloved symbols—the black cat. After attending several Halloween conventions, Renee received numerous requests for black cat-themed products. She started by designing a Black Cat Skirt, and soon after, she created an entire line of accessories, including bracelets, necklaces, and brooches. But her customers wanted more, and so, the Black Cat Bag was born. The bag features a cute black cat design and is available in a variety of colors, including silver, red, green, and purple. Each bag is equipped with an interior pocket and removable straps, making it versatile and functional.
A Halloween Lifestyle, Not Just a Holiday
For Queen Nay, Halloween isn’t just a once-a-year event—it’s a lifestyle. She owns and operates the Old Bisbee Ghost Tour, where she takes tourists on spooky adventures through the haunted city. “Halloween is the busiest time of the year for us, so I’ll be celebrating by giving a spooktacular tour,” she says.
But her love for the eerie doesn’t stop there. Renee has a few pets that reflect her quirky, spooky lifestyle. Her albino hedgehog, Midnight, is affectionately known as her mascot. “I named her Midnight because it was ironic since she’s albino,” she says with a laugh. Renee also has a rescue Shih Tzu named HoBo Murder House, a name that’s as unique as their spooky household. When Renee had a physical store, HoBo would greet customers, sitting on the porch, and now he helps keep her stress levels low behind the scenes.
Looking to the Future
Queen Nay’s dream is to create a Sweet Midnight Ark, a place where she can rescue animals—especially sloths and bats. “I want to open my own bat rescue,” she says, just when we think her life couldn’t get any spookier.
With Sweet Midnight, Queen Nay has created a world where dark and cute coexist, and where every day feels like Halloween. Her designs, her love for the eerie, and her unique vision have made Sweet Midnight a go-to brand for anyone who wants to add a little spooky charm to their wardrobe. Whether it’s the coffin bags, black cat accessories, or her whimsical approach to goth fashion, Queen Nay is proving that Halloween is more than just a holiday—it’s a lifestyle that anyone can embrace, no matter the season.
