The air is thick with a new vibe, a dark whisper that’s permeating every corner of pop culture. It’s not just a fleeting trend; it’s a full-blown gothic resurgence. This isn’t the whimsical, fleeting Goth Girl Summer of 2022; this is a timeless, deeply rooted return to the embrace of darkness.
From the eerie, sultry music video for Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Taste’ to the spooky-chic designs of Dilara Findikoglu, the dark undercurrent is unmistakable. Even the recent reboot of ‘The Crow’ starring FKA twigs, and the dark aesthetic of Amelia Gray and Gabriette, contribute to this growing trend. But nowhere is the resurgence more palpable than the ‘Beetlejuice’ press tour, a love letter to the macabre. Monica Bellucci, a vision in Westwood, and Catherine O’Hara, embracing a sultry look in Simone Rocha, embody the essence of this revival.
It’s no coincidence that the very concept of a Tim Burton sequel speaks volumes about this cultural shift. We’re witnessing a full-blown Gothic resurrection.
The original ‘Beetlejuice’ film, with its deliciously droll characters, captured the essence of goth perfectly. Lydia Deetz, Winona Ryder’s iconic portrayal of a morbid, socially-unaligned teenager, resonates with those who embrace the strange and unusual. She wasn’t afraid of ghosts; she was fascinated by them, seeing death as an escape from the misery of life. And her wardrobe, as dark as her undereye bags, became a symbol of style for a generation.
Now, thirty years later, Lydia Deetz is back, and with her comes Jenna Ortega, the reigning scream queen known for her role as Wednesday Addams. This revival isn’t just for nostalgia; it’s a testament to the enduring power of goth, a subculture that resonates deeply with Gen Z, who are facing their own set of dark times.
From the looming threat of World War III to the urgent warnings of climate change, we’re living in an era of profound unease. It’s no wonder that the world is embracing goth, a subculture born out of a need to rage against the machine.
Goth emerged in the late 1970s, amidst political turmoil and societal anxieties. It was a rebellion against the status quo, a rejection of the conventional, and an embrace of the macabre. Drawing inspiration from punk, glam rock, Victorian aesthetics, and Hollywood’s early screen sirens, goth blended elements of rebellion, romanticism, and horror.
In the 1980s, goth reached its peak, with distinct subgenres like cybergoth and gothabilly, each offering its unique interpretation of the dark aesthetic. However, by the mid-2000s, the subculture seemed to recede into the shadows.
But today, goth is back, and it’s not just a fashion trend; it’s a cultural phenomenon. It’s a testament to the enduring power of darkness, a reflection of the times we live in, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is beauty to be found in the shadows.
This time around, the definition of goth is more fluid and inclusive. It’s not about adhering to a strict sartorial code; it’s about embracing an attitude, a spirit of individuality, a celebration of the darker aspects of life. It’s Mariacarla Boscono in a feathered Ann Demeulemeester gown, it’s Michele Lamy in avant-garde Comme des Garçons, it’s Doja Cat with her Mephistophelian prosthetics, it’s Billie Eilish with her vampire fangs.
Goth is a testament to the outsider, the disruptor, the rebel. It’s not a fleeting trend, it’s a way of life. Like Winona Ryder’s enduring presence, goth is forever.
