How Gothic Clothing Influenced The Uk

At some stage in my life I was quite happy to admit to being a Goth-girl, wearing black clothing, painting my nails black or dark blue, strategically applying eyeliner around my eyes so they resembled cobwebs and then covering the rest of my face with various and daring colours. I wanted to stand out and really exaggerate my will to be individual - the trouble is the goth trend is now a common trait and no longer an unusual phase - hence this phase was short-lived.

Gothic clothing in the UK is still a thriving fashion trendsetter, selling an abundant supply of accessories from gloves to chokers, chains to waistcoats. Many young people and adults alike will be pleased to see that the trend is something that will not easily phase out. On the contrary the gothic is an old and celebrated trend, dating back from 19th century novels such as Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' and Bram Stokers 'Dracula'. Both novels rocked the audience and introduced them to a new phenomena - that being Gothic.

What does it really mean? Is it all about fashion or scary books? Gothic refers to that which is out of the ordinary, displaying complicated and non-uniform designs, and moving away from classical status. A prime example of the complexity of this trend can be seen in the Houses of Parliament, which was built with a Neo-Gothic style. Its design was such that it did not have a symmetrical look, the detailing was confusing and the layout was unconventional.

This is what most gothic clothing in the UK represent, individuality and breaking conventions. Most of the modern gothic subculture can be affiliated to the Rock music scene and romancing with death. Some have also classed the scene as an offshoot from the punk scene, which evidence will suggest there is a very strong correlation present. However, gothic clothing have seen changes and shifts that have kept the general design and style preserved for many years.

The fashion is unmistakably stereotyped as morbid and dark, due to the trend towards wearing dark colours, in particular blacks and browns. Most gothic followers would typically dye their hair black, wear dark makeup and jewellery. Some of the clothing styles are borrowed from the Elizabethan, Victorian and Medieval period with some reference to religious imagery. Most of the typical gothic clothing in the UK is similar in design; however different destinations may display a different style of gothic trend.

In terms of influencing younger generations, the ideologies of the Gothic culture is one that promotes recognition, identifying differences and a mourning over the evils portrayed in society that mainstream culture have chosen to forget or ignore. Clothing is a big influence and helps people to identify their choices and discover their true self.