The Diversity Of Vintage & Goth Style

One of the many things I love about vintage clothing is it's versatility. It lends itself to so many styles.

For example I have always included an element of vintage clothing among my own wardrobe but the pieces I picked out when I was studying fashion design in the 80s were very different to my choices now.  Over the years vintage has helped me experiment with many looks, some of them rather unconventional, especially in my younger years.  It came as no surprise then to find that lovers of Gothic clothing often turn to vintage to give themselves an individual look aside from the usual style traits associated with the Goth image.

Most of us think of dark clothing, pale complexion, dramatic eye make up, black hair, lips & nails.  Like many subcultures it has evolved & splintered into mini subcultures etc and vintage clothing has of course had a part to play in that.

I was invited to write a BLOG for the Black Ravens a clothing store with incredible styles and products that range from the darker punk, emo and occult based looks.  

Origins Of Goth

The origins of contemporary Goth style are found in the Victorian cult of mourning,  Styles are often borrowed from the punk fashion, Victorians and Elizabethans.  The first generation of the gothic movement emerged in fact mostly in the UK in the late seventies and early eighties. It is characterised by bands like The Damned, Bauhaus and Siouxsie and the Banshees.   Sometimes called “positive punk”. It was a new breed of mysterious and theatrical artists, fascinated by romanticism,  morose and taboo things. 

In the late 80s and early 90’s for the first time gothic type bands actually called themselves gothic.
Rosetta Stone, London After Midnight and The Shroud are some examples of second generation gothic bands. 

Revival Vintage have always embraced alternative styles.  In our many years of trading you can imagine we have come across all types of customer with individual tastes and styles.  We enjoy the diversity our business brings.

Embracing Diversity

Some of the individuals who attend the 1940s weekends we trade at also enjoy wearing steam punk inspired clothing or dress up and attend events such as Cosplay or Whitby Goth Weekend.  Probably considered part timers by most of the other attendees but it shows how styles and interests collide and help keep these cultures alive.

Here at Revival we may not stock a lot of the obvious choices like Victorian style dresses, black velvet capes etc but I have taken a look through our current stock and was suprised just how many elements would diefinitely add interest to a Gothic style wardrobe.

These compilations are only a few ideas, time permitting I could add many more examples but part of the joy is discovering them for yourself.

With Halloween just around the corner what better time to experiment with some vintage pieces you wouldn't normally be drawn to.  If you are looking to celebrate Halloween this year a vintage gown or tailcoat is going to look far more authentic & impressive than an Amazon Chucky costume... just have fun with it... Iike I always have!