Gothic PVC Clothing
Where did Gothic Fashion Originate?
The word “gothic” has been used in history and still today to descibe many things including architecture, art and literature as well as more recently, fashion. This can be related back in history to the original “goths” who were an Eastern Germanic tribe who played a part in the fall of the Roman Empire. During the Renaissance period, following the fall of Rome, medieval architecture was often referred to as “gothic” as it was not in keeping with the classical style of the time. In later years people became overcome with nostalgia for the gothic period and the fascination with gothic ruins turned into a shared fascination with the supernatural, Roman Catholic religion and everything dark and mysterious.
Literature and cinema over the years has developed the gothic sub culture, with books and films depicting scenes with graves, ghosts, vampires, curses, castles and ruins, with the main characters typically being femme fatales, vampires and beasts.
Gothic subculture is also linked with erotism and sexuality, which is represented in the style of gothic fashion.
Gothic fashion today
Gothic clothing is a popular style of fashion amongst people of all ages, but particularly young people.
The typical gothic “get-up” consists of mainly black clothes including items such as tight fitting trousers, long black coats or gowns, corsets and chokers as well as fetish clothing, often combining fabrics such as PVC, velvet, latex, fishnet and leather. This accompanied with black buckled shoes or boots as well as black dyed hair, black painted nails and / or heavy black eyeliner. Crucifixes and similar icons are also used in gothic fashion representing the connection to the Roman Catholic church. Piercings are often popular as is silver and pewter jewellery. This sterotypical gothic look is often referred to as the “romantic goth.
Similar to the romantic goth is a style referred to as “lolita goth”, which originated in Japan. Here black is often combined with white and many styles borrow ideas from Medieval, Victorian and Elizabethan period dress, for example ruffled shirts with high necks, items trimmed with lace or ribbons and outfits are often accessorised with parasols, lace headresses or top hats.
More recently, gothic fashion has added an array of bright colours as a contrast to the “just black” look so this new stream of so called “cyber-goths” are moving gothic fashion into a new era! Black items are now being combined with neon, wild colourful hair extensions, bright makeup and futuristic accessories such as googles.
Gothic culture and fashion is ultimately about being able to express yourself and be imaginative and unique in showing people the real you. Unlike mainstream fashion that depicts all women must be slim and all men muscular, gothic fashion aims to allow individuality to shine through and be accepted.
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