The Casa Grande Domes

The Casa Grande Domes

Sometimes the universe conspires in positive ways. Like when my parents decided to stop at a garage sale that just happened to have the most fabulous coat ever. A coat that is unfitting for the desert climate. But a tapestry coat that is just so perfect for a person like me: obsessed with the 60s, interested in cults, and a natural born peacock. Add this cult leader coat to the mystery that is the Casa Grande Domes. That’s what I like to call the ultimate Sandy Joe style editorial. My essence distilled to its most potent point. I liken it to the magic I felt when we shot Dressed in Black, another desert editorial I still love.

So Like, What Are The Casa Grande Domes?

The Casa Grande Domes have an interesting history. They were built in the early 80s as a computer manufacturing facility which never came to fruition. The acoustics within each cluster of domes sound so cacophonous it’s hard to imagine anyone manufacturing anything in there without going deaf. After that, it’s said that the next residents were local occult and witchcraft enthusiasts who used to the domes for satanic worship and rituals. From the many articles I have read about the Casa Grande Domes, there have been warnings about “the tunnels.” The majority have been filled in with the collapse of the eastern dome. Calling it a tunnel is a generous word. A more accurate word would be trough. The Domes are slated for demolition as per the order of city of Casa Grande. Find out more about them in my 5 Weird Places to Visit in Arizona.

A Coat Fit For A Cult Leader

“I will start a fashion cult” was my first thought when I saw this coat in a text message from my mom as I frantically texted her back. My text read: “akjsfbdfjgbdkfjg BUY ITTTTT!!!!” This is everything I want in a coat. It’s made of a carpet like material. A carpet coat for Sandy Karpetz. The universe wants it to be! It has a pattern that is reminiscent of a velvet black light poster. These are the things in common with all of my favourite pieces of clothing.

OUTFIT DETAILS

HAT – Bailey’s of Hollywood Renegade  – c/o
SUNGLASSES – Ray Ban aviators– c/o
EARRINGS – Wasted Effort copacabana earrings – c/o
COAT – Vintage carpet coat – c/o My Parents
DRESS – H&M t shirt dress – c/o
SHOES – ALDO western boots – c/o

The Casa Grande Domes

Despite the eeriness of the Casa Grande Domes, I will be sad to see them go. I wish someone would record an album in them. The acoustics are so strange and extra echoey. Calling all psych and chill wavey musicians: head to the desert fast! Would you ever go visit them? UPDATE: As of January 2023, they have recently been knocked down. What a bummer!