The origins of goth fashion can be traced back to the early 1980s, when a subculture of young people emerged in the United Kingdom that was inspired by post-punk and gothic rock music. This subculture, known as the goths, embraced a darker and more melancholy aesthetic, with many members sporting black clothing, pale skin, and heavy eyeliner.
The goth fashion style is characterized by its use of dark, often black, clothing and accessories. This includes items such as leather jackets, boots, fishnet stockings, and black dresses. Goths also often wear heavy makeup, with black lipstick, pale foundation, and dark eye makeup being popular choices. In addition to clothing and makeup, goths may also accessorize with jewelry and other items that have a darker or more morbid aesthetic, such as skulls and crossbones.
Punk Fashion & Music
The goth fashion style has its roots in the punk movement of the 1970s, which was characterized by its rebellious and countercultural attitude. Many punk fashion staples, such as leather jackets and boots, were adopted by the goths and given a darker twist. The goth subculture was also influenced by the gothic rock music of bands like Bauhaus, Joy Division, and The Cure, which often featured lyrics about death, despair, and the supernatural.
Occult Ties
One of the key features of goth fashion is the use of black clothing, which is often associated with death, darkness, and the occult. Black has long been considered a mysterious and powerful color, and it has been associated with magic and the supernatural for centuries. In the goth subculture, black is often used to express a sense of rebellion against mainstream society and to embrace the unconventional.
Subgenres
Goth fashion has evolved significantly since its early days in the 1980s. In the 1990s, the goth subculture experienced a resurgence in popularity, and goth fashion became more mainstream. This led to the emergence of new subgenres within the goth scene, such as industrial goth, cybergoth, and Victorian goth, which each have their own unique fashion styles.
Industrial goth is a subgenre that emerged in the 1990s and is characterized by its use of cybernetic and futuristic themes. Industrial goths often wear black leather and metal clothing and accessories, and they may also incorporate elements of electronic music into their style. Cybergoth, on the other hand, is a subgenre that is characterized by its use of neon colors, PVC clothing, and cybernetic themes.
Victorian goth, also known as "romantic goth," is a subgenre that is inspired by the Victorian era and is characterized by its use of lace, velvet, and other luxurious fabrics. Victorian goths often wear clothing that is reminiscent of the Victorian era, such as corsets, top hats, and brocade jackets.
Goth today
Today, goth fashion is no longer just the domain of a small subculture. Many mainstream fashion designers have been inspired by the goth aesthetic, incorporating elements such as dark colors, layers, and unconventional accessories into their collections. Goth fashion has also been embraced by the fetish and BDSM communities, with leather and latex clothing being popular choices.
Despite its evolution over the years, goth fashion remains a controversial and misunderstood style. Some people view goths as being dark and depressing, while others see them as being artistic and expressive. Regardless of how it is perceived, goth fashion has had a significant impact on the fashion industry and continues to influence the way people dress today.
Goth fashion is not just about the clothes that are worn, but also about the attitudes and values of the people who embrace it.
