Vogue’s September issue takes a dramatic turn, embracing the alluring darkness of gothic beauty, inspired by iconic characters like Lydia Deetz from *Beetlejuice* and Wednesday Addams from *The Addams Family*. Titled “Goth Chic,” the beauty editorial, curated by renowned beauty artist Jake Falchi, presents seven stunning looks that seamlessly blend references from gothic architecture and classic horror cinema with contemporary aesthetics dominating social media.
In one image, Jake Falchi meticulously crafted a hairstyle featuring a captivating tangle of braids and intentional frizz. “I ‘sewed’ various objects into the strands to create a hazy, imperfect feel that aligns with this universe. This is the time to utilize those forgotten trinkets that often gather dust around the house, or even jewelry and accessories from your wardrobe,” he explains.
The intricate entanglement of hair is mirrored in the eyelashes, which gain a dramatic dimension with the addition of artificial feathers. The iconic architecture of gothic buildings serves as the foundation for the eyeliner design showcased in the next image. “I incorporated the sharp, pointed shapes so prevalent in gothic structures to create a sort of tribal design at the center of the face. In this case, makeup transforms into an accessory that elevates the entire look,” says Jake, detailing the process of outlining the design with a black pencil and finishing with a liquid eyeliner.
The classic black lipstick, a staple of gothic beauty, receives a unique twist in the following image. “I’m not the biggest fan of pure black on lips, so I always blend a few shades to achieve a darker hue that’s less flat and less obvious,” explains the beauty artist. “The idea behind this particular creation was to introduce a tropical aspect to the gothic aesthetic, adding a splash of color with a blood-red blush and achieving a dewy, bronzed complexion using a mixture of glycerin and coffee. I wanted all the colors to blend and smudge together for a captivating effect.”
In another look, fine, precise lines combined on the lip contour and eyebrows harmonize the overall aesthetic. This page features a captivating hat from OFE GALLERY and a striking Icona necklace.
According to influential figures and style icons who embrace the avant-garde gothic style, three key elements are non-negotiable: thin or faded eyebrows, accentuated dark circles with a black shadow or pencil, and matte skin—all of which are beautifully showcased in the following image. “To complete this beauty formula, which was catapulted to fame by model and singer Gabbriette, I added a purple lipstick to counterbalance the serious edge of the look,” recalls Jake. “Below, lace, a powerful element in gothic design, takes center stage, venturing from styling and intertwining with the hairstyle.”
The editorial’s success rests on a talented team: BELEZA: Jake Falchi, STYLING: Zazá Pecego, ASSISTENTES DE FOTO: Renan Silvério, Pedro Bodick, and Vitor Cohen, PRODUÇÃO EXECUTIVA: Déia Lansky, PRODUÇÃO DE MODA: Vic Moulin, CAMAREIRA: Dulce Barbosa, ASSISTENTES DE BELEZA: Jonas Pádua, Juliana Coelho, and Pamela Hubner, SET DESIGN: João Arpi, ASSISTENTES DE SET DESIGN: Carlos Eduardo, Matheus Vieira, and Rafael Nascimento, MODELOS: Amanda Batagini, Carol Shiguematsu, Natasha Soares, Yasmine, TRATAMENTO DE IMAGEM: Studio Bruno Rezende.
Vogue’s “Goth Chic” editorial serves as a powerful reminder that beauty exists in a diverse range of forms, and gothic aesthetics, when explored with creativity and artistry, can be both captivating and incredibly stylish.
