inVogue

I wrote this article a while back for English Coursework and I thought it would be interesting to share. Whilst not being necessarily truthful in terms of today's fashion, I think it makes a good read and a gives a few ideas as to recreating the style that I tend to have.

inVogue A gothic SENSATION

An age old trend is sweeping over the nation once more, bringing drab and dreary monochromatic colours into a sophisticated and formal style, and thoroughly reinforcing the age-old saying ‘black is the new black’. Oliver Jerram gets stuck in fashion’s revisited and embellished cobweb.

I

magine reading the last few lines of Sylvia Plath’s Bell Jar and looking up to find yourself in Miss Havisham’s abandoned mansion with a catwalk suddenly appearing in the green room with waif-like models spinning down the runway dressed in obscure garments and sheer shirts shimmering in the light that trickles down from the stained glass windows that line the dusty stone walls. Think you’ve got it? Try draping yourself in black lace and silver bejewelled skulls, plus the rhythm of a funeral drum tainted with the sounds of a nightclub in Halloween Town, and you will essentially capture the essence of this reworked and seemingly glamorous new trend.

The designers that seem to be parading this trend into our wardrobes are that of Alexander McQueen (pre-Sarah Burton), Ann Demeulemeester and Gareth Pugh.  Pictured left is Gareth Pugh’s Ready to Wear Fall 2011, where he has demonstrated beautifully his understanding of ‘gothic inspired fashion’ as he has done time and time again. His collection consisted of leather, fur, and sheer material; the ultimate must haves for any wardrobe desiring to imitate this trend. The designs of all of these collections have shown that it is possible to present this style in an understated way with simply two colours (black and white, naturally) while also dressing up to the point where it is considered borderline garish but still seeming elegant and refined. More and more people are becoming tangled in the fascination of this opulent trend, which seems to be reflected in the music scene with a huge ‘cult’ of internet based bands cropping up in the darkness of cyberspace from nowhere. The largest gothic inspired genre is called Witch House, which can sound like a Furby singing as the battery slowly dies or a drugged up techno rave with the singer often screeching or speaking in an altered pitch. However strange it sounds, it is incredibly infectious with bands like Salem and Gvcci Hvcci’s records somehow flying out of digital download centres in the speed of light. There is the continuing revival of eighties Goth and post-punk, with sales in bands like The Cure and Siouxsie and the Banshees rising up from the dead and arty teenagers donning distressed t-shirts such as the classic Joy Division.  This seems to be mainly internet fuelled through sites such as Tumblr and Blogspot. 

Readers may find it difficult to replicate the Goth wardrobe; however there are a few key points to consider when shopping to recreate this look. Crosses are seen throughout Gothic inspired collections, whether on a ring, dress or shirt, however, never, ever, wear an upside down cross. Not only may you be mistaken for a Satanist, but the overall appearance may reduce your look and give off a ‘tacky’ vibe. Skeletons and skulls have always been coveted by the likes of Alexander McQueen with his infamous silk scarves and when done tastefully can give an added bite. You can purchase a stunning skeleton necklace (pictured left) from Vivienne Westwood, £90. Chiffon shirts are always acceptable, donned by various celebrities and always seen on the runway. A very classy number can be found (pictured below) at Harrods, £255. This on-trend pleat shirt will immediately elevate your style to the stars. Figure-fitting and very versatile, this can be worn with luxe leather or a long skirt for the perfect mix of elegance and spotlight-stealing attitude. Bat wing dresses are a real need for a hidden gem in your wardrobe that can always be a conversation starter at parties.

Here at Vogue we like to promote new and upcoming designers, and for this article we have searched the depths of cyber space for internet fashion sites, only bringing to you la crème de la crème. First of all we have Actualpain.org, although their designs are heavy on occult symbolism they provide cutting-edge style and will definitely turn heads. They have also worked with popular underground bands to produce some of the finest, obscure mixtapes which can also be found on their website.  Another fantastic site is unifclothing.com, while not strictly gothic inspired fashion, this range certainly provides brilliant yet humorous finds with shock value. Our favourites are these Louboutin inspired loafers, with beautiful golden spikes, slicing in at £107. A lot of the products available are borderline offensive, however when matched with a plain black outfit and good humour, can be pulled off. Finally, pandaeyes.bigcartel.com has a superb range of sheer materials and jewellery. Most of the sheer materials are an absolute steal for £15 to £25. The necklaces and earrings are occult symbols such as pentagrams and the very intriguing hexagram.