The Birth of Goth

The real birth of the Gothic subculture is much debated, but many assign it to 1979 and the release of the song “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” from Bauhaus, one of the first gothic rock bands. The first generation gothic rock scene was a splinter of the post-punk music genre, and the subsequent subculture that it spawned continues to be very popular today.

History

Starting in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Goth movement was defined by the music of groups such as Bauhaus, Siouxie and the Banshees and The Damned who were all defined by their black clothing. The Gothic rock music scene had declined by the mid-1980s but was revived in the late-1980s and very early 1990s when bands like the Shroud and London After Midnight began to refer to themselves as ‘gothic’ once more.

Gothic rock and the Goth scene made a big resurgence during the late 1990s and early 2000s when American bands Marilyn Manson and H.I.M. gained significant popularity amongst teens and young adults. Although these modern acts had a shock theatrical element, their music all shared the same eerie and mysterious themes that characterised the introspective music of the first and second generations of Goth.

Fashion

The gothic fashion style is just as well recognised as the music scene. Characterised by black clothing and an abundance of silver jewellery, usually incorporating religious or pagan symbolism, Goth clothing styles are usually modelled on fashion from the Victorian and Elizabethan era.

To complement the Gothic clothing style many choose to have jet black hair and favour an extremely pale complexion to increase the dark and mysterious image. Black nails, lipstick and dark eyeliner define the makeup look.

Women’s gothic style clothing incorporates a mixture of textures. Heavy velvet, black fishnet tights, netting and lace, black leather, corset-style details and hook and eye fastenings all make up the gothic wardrobe. Despite a preference for black clothing, outfits will often be complemented by flashes of deep crimson and dark purple. Iconic gothic females include Morticia Adams and Siouxsie Sioux.

Gothic clothing for men also relies on black clothing and usually features rips and tears. Combat boots and Doc Martens, bondage trousers with plenty of buckles and black overcoats are also worn. Iconic gothic men include Robert Smith from The Cure and Marilyn Mason.

Goth in Mainstream

Gothic influence has since down filtered into many areas of mainstream society. In popular culture the films of Tim Burton are characterised by their gothic undertones, and his film Edward Scissor Hands heavily utilises the gothic culture and fashion.

For a great range of Goth style clothing for men and women visit alternative clothing store Soho’s. We stock a wide range of Goth style clothing and accessories from popular Goth brands including Dead Threads and Spin Doctor