kitsch Archives - Desperate Living

Be Careful How You Use It: The Story Of Hai Karate

The ad campaigns for cologne Hai Karate promised that it would drive women mad with desire, forcing users to become experts in self-defence.

The Eccentric And Offensive World Of Vintage Valentine Cards

The cute, suggestive, outrageous and morally unacceptable world of yesteryear’s romantic gestures.

Britain’s New Found And Hypocritical Love For Eurovision

Britain has finally fallen in love with Eurovision – but for how long?

The Lost History Of The Cycle Sluts: A Gender-Bending Cabaret Show

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The story behind a now-forgotten pioneering queer-culture drag show from the 1970s.

Calling Occupants – The Carpenters Space Encounters

A 1978 sci-fi variety show even more unlikely than the Star Wars Holiday Special.

Halloween Hammer: Twins Of Evil

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Our month of Hammer Horror continues with a long look at the hysterical and lurid final chapter of the Karnstein trilogy.

Classic Albums Revisited: Ghost’s Infestissumam

The Swedish band’s irresistible collision of Satanic Metal and kitsch pop reaches the peak of perfection.

The Other Justine – A High Camp Cinematic Car Crash

The George Cukor and Joseph Strick directed all-star melodrama is a kitsch disaster that fans of the accidentally ludicrous may find very much to their taste.

Julie’s Sixteenth Birthday – The Story Behind A Notorious Album Cover

Behind every Bad Album Cover is a record, often made with sincerity and naivety. Here is the tale behind one of the more infamous.

All About Alice And Baby Jane: The Bette Davis Movie Remakes Of The Gay Girls Riding Club

Two ultra-kitsch drag queen classics from the golden age of underground cinema.

The Babycham Years

Remembering the glory days of Britain’s iconic drink that screams both kitsch and sophistication.

Raindance 2020: The Mystery Of The Pink Flamingo

A joyous celebration of avoiding conventionality and embracing your inner kitsch.