How to go from Y2K to Goth Girl this Fall
As we slowly say goodbye to the Y2K nostalgic trend we welcome a very exciting, dark and edgy Goth Girl aesthetic.
Courtesy of Vogue
Goth is not just a trendy aesthteic part of the cyclical fashion cycle, it is a subculture and a historical period that is traced back to the 400s A.D. with the Germanic nomads that helped bring down the Roman Empire. Giving way to new art styles and movements, aka Gothic architecture. A style that dominated the 12th century well into the 1500s, easily recognized by its arches and stained glass windows.
A few centuries later during the 1900s Gothic literature became popular, a genre that referenced all medieval ways as it was barbaric and not a response to reason. Rooting for all things gruesome, dark, macabre and terror as it focused on the irrational conduct surrounding passion.
So we have the arts, the architecture and the literature but where did fashion fit into?
Queen Victoria’s dress courtesy of The Met
Gothic style is one that orbits towards darkness, so when it comes to clothing black, purple and deep greens are the hue of choice. A color that defined the Victorian fashion as black was the color used to represent mourning, which they used for years at a time. Completely embracing death as a part of their social interactions.
Flash forward to the 20th century and Gothic fashion really took off. The early pioneers of the style include film stars like Theda Bara who in the 1920s would wear dark eye makeup, revealing clothes that originated the term vamp look. Then the most famous gothic family of all times was created; the Adams Family! With Morticia as the poster child for goth style, inspiring generations with her black dress, dark hair and dark lipstick.
Courtesy of Vogue
Gothic style not only influenced fashion but also music, with artists like Bauhaus who pioneered with gothic punk sounds immortalizing and introducing the world to the angsty, vampiresque and unsettling movement. Leading the way for the next generation of goth punk bands like The Cure or The Sisters of Mercy and consequently a new fashion aesthetic.
Dark makeup, black clothing and a hint of vampirism gave birth to the Romantics and to a post-punk aesthetic that was all about flown sleeves, long skirts, corsets. Sort of like a modern take on Victorian mourning attires. Gothic fashion is rooted in death, so the use of crosses is essential. A current trend popularized by Kim Kardashian.
Courtesy of Vanity Fair
This last Fashion Week we saw how designers transitioned form Y2K into Goth, which was a repeated trend amongst Versace, Prada, Burberry and more. Not a surprising transition as it was anticipating itself since the Gilged Glamour Met Gala with many guests dipping into the dark gothic vibes. Especially Bella Hadid who wore a Burberry black latex corset with lace gloves and tights reminiscing of sex workers of the time.
Lately fashion trends have dived full face into the nostalgic of past eras. I am sure you’ve seen the teenage dirtbag trend on Tik Tok, the resurface of 90s makeup and the return of emo music. Leading the way to the only obvious choice; Goth.
A trend that will dominate 2023 and this fall as well, so get your black lipstick out and ditch your glittery butterfly shaped top.
Bulmarine, who was the Y2K brand of excellence even made the transition showing a darker side along Versace that undoubtfully set the tone for all mayor trends coming next year. With their excessive use of lace, monotone textured fabrics and heavy use of corsetry.
Fall is the perfect season to try out this new style, all you need is lace and dark colored garments. Remember black is a powerful color that can be layered with fun accessories making it versatile, youthful or sophisticated. The key is to play up cut-outs, layering, textures, embellishments and shades. For lace inspiration look at Burberry, Versace or Dior ss23 all whom incorporated the textile into their designs balancing skimpy and conservative by using softer colors or different layers of clothing.
Now you might know a little bit more about the origins of one of fashions most prominent subcultures, so next time someone asks what’s new in the fashion world you’ll be well prepared.