DRESS YOURSELF   |  FASHION IN THE WORLD OF GOTH - ISM

If one observes a gaggle of goths for long enough, one will notice a subset of common, archetypal clothing items which are mandatory, or close enough. (The jury is still out on whether a group of goths is properly referred to as a "gaggle," as in "gaggle of geese," or the more poetic but harder to remember "murder," as in "murder of crows.")    Despite an almost Catholic insistence that dressing "Gothic," by definition, requires a measure of originality not found in other subcultures, these particular items resurface often and across great distances. So, although these items might seem like arbitrary choices, common sense tells us they would not recur without reason. The following is an attempt to deconstruct these items, in a wholly unhealthy and postmodern way, leaving the gothic essence exposed -- if not completely naked. ••• For guys, some common Goth looks are: • A fishnet shirt and vinyl or leather pants with some sort of boots and other accessories. • A poet's shirt, black pants, boots or dress shoes. • Some of the guys will wear makeup, skirts, corsets or heels. It's not really meant to be cross-dressing because they are not actually trying to look like a woman. Gothic tends to be a very androgynous thing, where some of the straight guys like to dress feminine, either to challenge social gender barriers, to show that they have an open mind, or as just a fashion thing, or maybe they are cross-dressers out for a good time. For girls, some common Goth looks are: • A cleavage-enhancing corset top with a long, flowing or tutu-like skirt. • A crushed velvet dress with either boots or heels. • A fishnet shirt with a black bra underneath, a bondage belt (or some other type) and either 1) a short vinyl skirt 2) a long velvet skirt 3) tight leggings or stirrups pants usually made of  vinyl or crushed velvet. • Fishnet stockings with a vinyl dress, bondage gear, high heels or heel boots. ••• TEXTILES / MATERIALS Leather (black-jacket, boots, belts, pants, shirts, gloves, etc.) • You're Gothic Because:  Something died to make it. • Description: Uncomfortable, noisy, and smelly, no gothic or industrial entity will miss a chance to wear at least one item crafted from a dead cow. • Message: "not only do I not give a shit about the sacrifice of a peaceful animal, but I am also as dangerous as other stereotypical leather wearers such as Hell's Angels, dominatrixes, and criminals. I can kick your ass  without even smudging my makeup." Velvet (black/dark colors-dress, skirt, pants, vest, shirt, gloves, etc.) • You're Gothic Because: It's high-maintenance, much like make-up and relationships. • Description: Expensive, easy to destroy, and suggestive of aristocracy, despite usually being synthetic. • Message: "I may not be able to afford cover charge, but I look soooo regal standing in front of the Club." Vinyl (black. Maybe red.) • You're Gothic Because: Wearing it long enough can kill you. • Description: Much like leather, but more so. No pain, no fame, baby. • Message: "Dying of heat prostration by wearing vinyl in July is the height of suffering for beauty." CLOTHING Corset (Black, or maybe brocade.) • You're Gothic Because: Really dahling, breathing is for the leaving! • Description: More than merely painful, corsets promote that oh-so-historical look, despite turning women into walking pinups. No one knows why men wear them either. • Message: "Please oppress me." Ruffled/Poet Shirt • You're Gothic Because: Lord Byron is usually pictured wearing one. • Description: Rakish, poetic, and easy to find. • Message: "I can't decide if my look is vampire or pirate. Or maybe it's vampire-pirate?" Leggings (black) • You're Gothic Because: They look best on emaciated people. • Description: Nice for showing off your legs/butt/codpiece. Surprisingly comfortable, easy to find, and good for dancing. • Message: "I haven't eaten in a week." Morticia Addams' skirt (any color as long as it's black) • You're Gothic Because: Do I need to explain this? • Description: Impossible to walk in. Recalls classic spooky TV icon, and looks best on stick-thin girls. • Message: "I'm so evil, I even oppress myself." Boots • You're Gothic Because: Cruel, painful, and scary. • Description: Historically considered 'masculine' and meant for walking, riding, and damaging other people. Until you add extremely pointed toes and other items (buckles, heels) that make them as painful to the wearer as they can be to others. • Message: "See these points? They make me ornery. Wanna know where I can stick them?" OTHER Bondage Gear (Belts, collars, etc.) • You're Gothic Because:  Suggests kinky sex, which scares casuals and small dogs. • Description: Spikes, chains and rings cause pain to all involved. Useful for keeping track of your slaves, because the rings make a jingly noise you can hear anywhere. • Message: "Tie me up!" ••• As you can see, each of these items sends a serious message to the observer. Mix and match for more complex messages, and always remember: If it looks mean, wear it! Different cities tend to have their own slight differences in their common Goth fashions. These are just things that generally tend to be popular with Goths. It is not a complete list of the common cultural quirks; if anyone would like to send me more observations on fashion, etc., e-mail me at Movementis@aol.com with “Dr. Burn” in the subject line. * I would like to thank the Goth girls at the FACTORY for looking so good, and thanks to Maryln and Alicia for letting me pick their brains and rummage through their closets. Though Jacksonville supports a very small Goth scene there are a number of things that offer the patrons a decent variety. • Every weekend FACTORY at INFINITY provides the best dance floor for the industrial/goth scene. • This February the creators of SATURDAY NIGHT SEDUCTION bring it home to Club 5 for their annual Valentine event. • Break out your fishnets and corsets for the Rocky Horror Picture Show the last Saturday of ever month at FUEL (soon to be Thee Imperial) in 5 Points. • Opening Soon in St. Marys, GA is “Castle Bordello's Underground Wears” Located inside Wolfcreek Emporium Featuring Gothic, Industrial, & Punk Clothing Music & More. Call 912.510.0523 for more info. • There is the also the corporate option of Hot Topic. Best bet is the clearance rack. Models: the cast of Mistress Kitten’s DEBAUCHERY as seen at FACTORY Fridays at INFINITY Styling by BRITTANY MOLINA for BRITTANY’S HAIR SEPCIALISTS Photos by Max Michaels