Gothic fashion

Gothic couple

‘The term Goth was used in the early 1980’s to describe certain rebellious youths who had a very distinctive way of viewing the world, and an equally distinctive style of dress. The term Gothic had been used since the 16th century to describe medieval northern European architecture and novels that had a shadowy, mysterious atmosphere. That dark atmosphere, as well as the fashions worn by the characters in Gothic novels, became attractive to many young people who did not feel connected to the modern society in which they lived. These young people adopted the pale skin, dark hair, and dark clothes associated with Gothic novels, as well as a gloomy, mystical outlook on life.

Goths borrowed some of the fashion styles from the punk rock subculture of the 1970’s, including the big black Doc Martens boots and shredded clothing. However, while the punks seemed ultramodern, the goths were drawn to a gentler, old-fashioned style. Along with ripped black stockings or T-shirts, a Goth might wear a crushed purple velvet skirt or vest, old-style high button shoes, or black work boots worn with fishnet stockings. Most goths wore only black or very dark clothes, and many dyed their hair black as well. Goths of both sexes often wore dark eye makeup, black lipstick, and black nail polish. Piercings and tattoos were also common among goths, and many chose ancient Celtic designs, all in black.
Most goths thought of themselves as rebels, misfits, and outcasts and were proud that their style of dress was viewed as very strange by mainstream society. In the early 21st century, however, Goth style began to make its appearance on fashion run-ways, at Hollywood parties, and at the mall. Designers like Marc Jacobs (1964–) included elements of Goth style in his 2001 show, and actress Gwyneth Paltrow (c. 1973–) wore a black goth-style gown to the 2002 Academy Awards.’

RESEARCH CATEGORIES (2004) Available at: 

http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-3425500642.html (Accessed: 9 February 2016).

Image reference - Wumbo_Corp (no date) Sanjispride • /r/Sanjispride. Available at: https://www.reddit.com/r/Sanjispride/ (Accessed: 9 February 2016).

Neo-Victorian:

‘Neo-Victorian is an aesthetic movement which combines Victorian and Edwardian aesthetic sensibilities with modern principles and technologies. This fashion consists of gowns, corsets, petticoats and bustles; suits with vests, coats and spats; or military-inspired garments. Steampunk-influenced outfits will often be accented with a mixture of technological and period accessories: timepieces, parasols, goggles and ray guns. Modern accessories like cell phones or music players can be found in steampunk outfits, after being modified to give them the appearance of Victorian-made objects. Aspects of steampunk fashion have been anticipated by mainstream high fashion, the Lolita fashion and aristocrat styles, neo-Victorianism, and the romantic Goth subculture.’

Goth fashion (no date) Available at:
http://www.whatisgoth.com/pages/Goth-Fashion.html (Accessed: 9 February 2016).

‘Many who have adopted Neo-Victorian style have also adopted Victorian behavioural affectations, seeking to imitate standards of Victorian conduct, pronunciation, interpersonal interaction. Some even go so far as to embrace certain Victorian habits such as shaving with straight razors, riding penny farthings, exchanging calling cards, and using fountain pens to write letters in florid prose sealed by wax. Gothic fashion sometimes incorporates Neo-Victorian style.

Neo-Victorianism is embraced in, but also quite distinguished from the Lolita and Madam fashions popular in Japan, and which are becoming more noticeable in Europe.’

Neo-Victorian (2015) in Wikipedia. Available at:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neo-Victorian#In_dress_and_behaviour (Accessed: 9 February 2016).

Girl dressed in a Victorian costume during the 'Whitby Gothic weekend festival in 2013

Gothic fashion (2016) in Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gothic_fashion#/media/File:Portrait,_Whitby_Gothic_Weekend,_2013.jpg (Accessed: 9 February 2016).