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Gothic, Another Kind of Charm

Gothic can be used to describe a specific style. In today's modern times, many people have common misconceptions about what it is. The impression of gothic being alternative and associated with terror can be hard to appreciate for most people, but knowing about its origins and how it has become what it is today can provide people with a better understanding and appreciation for its true essence

Today, we will uncover the dark veil of Goth and use it to interpret from the perspective of beauty.

But first, let's begin with how it started.

Origins of Goth

Goth can be used to describe a subculture that emerged in the UK in the '80s, while it can also be used to describe a genre of music or a style of architecture. But where does the word come from and has it always been about darkness, mystery, and the love for all things black? Well, the origins of the term "Goth," is actually a far cry from what it is today.

The term actually comes from a group of Germanic people who were instrumental in toppling down ancient Rome in AD 410. There were two groups of these Germanic people, which were the Ostrogoths and the Visigoths. Because they had been harassing Rome and were largely responsible for the fall of the Western Roman Empire, they were perceived as being barbaric by many scholars of history.

By the Middle Ages, a new type of architectural style emerged in France, which was completely different from the style of the classic Roman era. This new architectural style became popular and spread throughout Europe, and by the 16th century, was called "Gothic," due to the sense of awe and dread one would feel upon the sight of the tall, pointed arches, as well as the vast and expansive spaces inside the buildings that seemed to evoke a sense of mystery and gloom.

Eventually, novelists in the 17th century began to write novels using Gothic cathedrals and buildings as settings to their dark and romantic stories. A new genre of literature was born, which was called Gothic literature, incorporating the very essence of Goth: dark, mysterious, tragic, and having a sense of doom.

Gothic style continued to flourish until it became a famous subculture in the 80s, and have survived until today.

Gothic Architecture

One of the most popular fields of Gothic style is in the field of architecture. The architectural style began in the mid 12th century and lasted throughout the latter part of the 16th century. It is a style that values height and features an intricate and detailed aesthetic. Eliminating the thick wall as prominent in Roman architecture, Gothic style inspired thin walls that allowed buildings to become taller, symbolizing its reach to the heavens. Other features include enlarged windows, exaggerated arches, high vaulting, and the use of stained glass windows.

Some of the most famous Gothic buildings are found in Europe. These are the Notre-Dame de Paris in France, the Westminster Abbey in England, and the Barcelona Cathedral in Spain.

Notre Dame de Paris

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Westminster Abbey

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Barcelona Cathedral

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Gothic Literature and Films

The first author to use the term "Gothic" in a novel was Horace Walpole, in the subtitle "A Gothic Story," for the book, "The Castle of Otranto", published in 1764. The book was a dark horror novel set in a Gothic church, and he used the term to connote something "barbarous" as well as denoting something from the Middle Ages.

This was followed suit by many authors, with the genre becoming popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. Some of the most famous Gothic novels during the time were Bram Stoker's "Dracula," Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," and Edgar Allan Poe's books, which were defined as Gothic literature.

In films, the most famous Gothic filmmaker of all time is hands down, Tim Burton, whose distinct visual aesthetics are obviously denoting the sensibilities of Goth. From the costumes to the settings, to the characters, Burton's films have always been unsettling, filled with dread, as well as having grotesque characters with sinister motives and plot lines.

Some of his famous Gothic films include Beetlejuice, Nightmare Before Christmas, Edward Scissorhands, Sweeney Todd, and Dark Shadows, among many others.

Nightmare Before Christmas

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Dark Shadows

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Gothic Music

From Gothic architecture to Gothic literature and films, Gothic music as a genre has also been quite popular. This genre of music is characterized by melancholic lyrics, denoting feelings of sadness and gloom, as well as of erotic sensibilities.

The poster child of Gothic music was Siouxsie Sioux of the band The Banshees in the 80s, who dyed her hair black and donned extreme dark makeup. For men, it was Robert Smith of the band The Cure, who also donned makeup onstage and in their music videos, as well as wearing black clothing.

Gothic music is something that influences the Gothic subculture. From sentiments to fashion to lifestyle, Gothic music has truly defined how the Goths of today are perceived.

Siouxsie Sioux

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Robert Smith

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Gothic Fashion

And of course last, but not the least, Gothic fashion. When people hear the word Goth, they would automatically think about black clothes, black eyeliner, black lipstick, metal studs, black leather, and a sad and brooding expression on the wearer's faces. While these may be true, Gothic fashion is more than what meets the eye.

Wearing black has been associated with people who are naturally melancholic and there's a sense about wearing black that a lot of "outsiders" relate to. As the famous quote by Japanese fashion designer, Yohji Yamamoto, goes, "Black is lazy and mysterious. But above all, black says - I don't bother you- don't bother me."

Goth as a subculture is made up of people who have a lifestyle that is outside the norm. They live lives that are not defined by society's standards and they are happy to enjoy the mysterious, the dark. and the edgier things in life. While yes, some Goths may be wearing Gothic fashion to express what they feel on the inside, most people who don Gothic fashion are actually happy. They're happy when they wear black, they're happy when they wear bondage and erotic fashion, and they simply enjoy wearing dark clothes.

Gothic fashion today is referenced to Gothic music, punk rock, and even Victorian and Elizabethan fashions. From chokers to lace, to corsets, boots, and coats, Gothic fashion is defiantly one of the most recognizable styles.

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Some of the most famous fashion designers all over the world are known for their Gothic genre, which include the aforementioned Johji Yamamoto, Rick Ownes, and the late Alexander McQueen.

Conclusion

Gothic styles, fashions, architecture, and literature have been around for many centuries. In fact, it is one of the oldest subcultures and styles that have survived the times. Whether you like it or jot. one thing's for sure, it is here to stay and meant to stay for a very, very long time.