A Brief History of Gothic Fashion

The origins of goth fashion date back to the early 1980s, when a young subculture emerged in the UK, inspired by post-punk music and goth rock. This subculture, known as goths, adopted a darker, more melancholy aesthetic, with many members sporting black clothing, pale skin, and heavy eyeliner.

The Gothic style is characterized by the use of dark, often black clothing and accessories . These include leather jackets , boots , fishnet stockings and black dresses. Goths also often wear heavy makeup: black lipstick, pale foundation, and dark eye makeup are popular choices. In addition to clothing and makeup, goths may also accessorize their outfit with jewelry and other items with a darker or more morbid aesthetic, such as skulls and crossbones.

1- PUNK FASHION AND MUSIC

Gothic style has its roots in the punk movement of the 1970s, which was characterized by its rebellious and countercultural attitude. Many elements of punk fashion, such as leather jackets and boots , were adopted by goths, who gave them a darker spin. The gothic subculture was also influenced by the gothic rock music of groups such as Bauhaus, Joy Division and The Cure, whose lyrics often evoke death, despair and the supernatural.

2- OCCULT LINKS

One of the main characteristics of gothic 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 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.

3- SUBGENRES

Goth fashion has evolved a lot since its beginnings in the 1980s. In the 1990s, the goth subculture saw a resurgence in popularity and goth fashion became more mainstream. This has led to the emergence of new subgenres within the goth scene, such as industrial goth, cybergoth, and victorian goth, which each have their own fashion style.

Industrial goth is a subgenre that emerged in the 1990s, which is characterized by the use of cybernetic and futuristic themes. Industrial goths often wear black leather and metal clothing and accessories, and may also incorporate elements of electronic music into their style. Cybergoth, on the other hand, is a subgenre that is characterized by the use of neon colors, PVC clothing and cybernetic themes.

Victorian goth, also known as "romantic goth," is a subgenre that draws inspiration from the Victorian era and is characterized by the use of lace, velvet, and other luxurious fabrics. Victorian goths often wear clothing reminiscent of the Victorian era, such as corsets , top hats, and brocade jackets.

4- GOTH TODAY

Today, gothic fashion is no longer the preserve of a small subculture. Many mainstream fashion designers have taken inspiration from the gothic aesthetic, incorporating elements such as dark colors, layers of clothing, and unconventional accessories into their collections. Gothic fashion has also been adopted by the fetish and BDSM communities, with leather and latex clothing being popular choices.

Despite its evolution over the years, gothic fashion remains a controversial and misunderstood style. Some view goths as dark and depressing, while others see them as artistic and expressive. Regardless of how it is perceived, gothic fashion has had a significant impact on the fashion industry and continues to influence the way people dress today.

Gothic fashion is not only about the clothes worn, but also the attitudes and values ​​of the people who adopt it.