Subcultures - Gothic Fashion; The Beautiful People (From Worcester News)

Subcultures - Gothic Fashion; The Beautiful People

12:37pm Tuesday 28th September 2010 in Retail Therapy By Lydia Johnson, Fashion and beauty writer

THE main thing to know about gothic fashion is that there are so many different aspects and styles within the one subculture that even those who consider themselves to be goth do not know exactly how to define it. But essentially, goth is dark, daring, and down right divine.

Gothic fashion really kicked off in the early 1980s, being originally an offspring of punk, although many of its influences stretch much farther back than the '80s. Some say that the term 'gothic' came about when it was mentioned in an article in UK rock music paper 'Sounds', the headline to the article being 'The Face of Punk Gothique'. This was written in 1981 by Steve Keaton, and many attribute the term to him. Like punk, goth carries with it a rebellious attitude, ranging from musical tastes to dress sense, always rejecting the mainstream and the 'norm'. The gothic fashion of the 1980s usually entailed long, black back-combed hair, tons of white face powder, extravagant black eye make up and lipstick, and, guess what-more black. Whether it was sweeping velvet skirts, bell-sleeved blouses, corset vests, or delectable leathers, if it was black it was worn. Siouxsie Sioux, front woman of Siouxsie and the Banshees, was a massive goth icon of the '80s. One look at her, and you knew what goth was. As well as The Cure, and The Sisters of Mercy, these bands led the way for what is known as 'goth' fashion and music, influencing much of that which we know and love today.

However, like I said, influences stretch much further back in history than the 1980s. So much of gothic fashion takes its influence from Victorian mourning style clothing. This consisted entirely of black to represent the first stage of mourning, and long, ruffled dresses and tightly laced corsets. Many of the people who adopt this gothic style often complete the outfit with a black parasol and fingerless laced gloves, as well as black pointed 'witch boots'. Velvet is often the chosen material when making these flowing dresses or skirts, as it gives the outfit a soft, silky shimmer.

Goth has survived and evolved over the years; the look has changed so much for some, yet stays the same for others. That is the beauty of goth. One can dress how they like, and within the community won't be judged, whether they want to stay in the '80s, or burst forwards into the '90s and noughties, where goth started to become much more androgynous, outrageous and brave. Much like a lot of the punk fashion, it is not restricted to a gender. Men wear long PVC bondage skirts, whilst women shave their hair off, dying a thin strip pink and piercing their face in more unusual ways. Gothic icons and influences change all the time, from Brandon Lee's portrayal of The Crow, to outrageously controversial singer Marilyn Manson. Gothic artists such as Victoria Frances or Luis Royo, and the classic literature of Bram Stoker, Mary Shelley and Edgar Allan Poe all play their role too. That which is considered to be 'beautiful' is taken to a whole new level. The elegance, eroticism and pure excitement that gothic attire exudes is just part of its appeal. And though many people judge and react harshly to the followers of the fashion and lifestyle, you have to admit, life would be a lot less exciting without them. Whether cybergoth, or gothic lolita, Victorian goth or fetish fashionista, all are beautiful in their many different ways. So take a trip to the darkside...you might even like it.