A Threatening and Mysterious Beauty ✞ Types Of Goth: Culture, Fashion, Lifestyle, Music ✞ (Part Two)

The text below will give you some information about each dark style, which is included in the Gothic Culture. The differences between these peculiar styles are determined and depicted in some pictures, in order to make you able to understand the purpose of their existence. Enjoy!

Traditional Goth

It was the first Type of Goth which was created when the gothic music scene was born. This terminology is also known as Trad Goth, which is a abbreviation of the phrase Traditional Goth. The punk influences from the previous years were absolutely visible. The first gothic bands were those who determined and inspired the Traditional Goths' external appearance (clothing, make-up, hair styling). During this time period fashion involved informal kinds of dress like black T-shirts with band logos, leather jackets, pointy boots and high heels, chains and of course many many colours. Black was not the only one, as it seems to be today. Because of the punk influence, colourful clothes- which in our days they remind us of the 80s retro style- were this kind of clothing that dominated the Traditional Gothic look. Regarding to the make-up we have to say that black and white colours were goths' really favourite ones. Siouxsie inspired the majority of women with her nice, straight, black, drawn eyebrows and with her eyes that were always covered with black shadows. She still gives the impression of being an Egyptian goddess! Meanwhile, some original goth artists such as Robert Smith, Patricia Morrison and also David Bowie affected a lot of people with their backcombed hair, too. Goths used to bleach or dye their hair black. Mohawks, especially the fluffy ones, were the main hairstyle of the 80s. Furthermore, one well known characteristic about Trad Goths is that they believe that the original gothic sounds, as much as the gothic ideology in total, is dead. This element exists because Goth gave birth to some contemporary electronic sounds like EBM, Industrial etc and therefore it now includes various goth subcultures, which are not beloved by the oldschool Goths.

Victorian Goth

Victorian Goths could be the aristocrats who have came from some tales of the past centuries. Elegance and romantism are the words which best describe this kind of Goth. Their influences originate from the literature and especially from some poets and novelists, like Edgar Allan Poe and Bram Stoker. The subjects in literature and poetry that intrigue them is romance and dark aesthetics in general. As for music, opera and classical bands, as was in the Victorian Era, are the main Victorians' pleasure. The band Rasputine is a very good example if you want to understand the Victorians' music taste. The make-up includes bright, pale skin and long, flowing hair, just like the Romantic Goths. Concerning to clothing, this type of goth prefers whatever could be related to the Victorian Era. Big and elegant dresses, corsets, long gloves, hats, cravats, jewellery with large stones, fans made from lace or feathers and specifically velvet and lace fabrics are enough to be an elegant and delicate Victorian Goth. Also, we should mention some of their favourite activities, such as tea parties, reading and writing poetry, theatre, masquerades and festivals where Victorians could feel comfortable to enjoy their favourite costumes.

Corsets are the beloved Victorian Goths' clothing.

Vampire Goth

Is there any case not to correlate this type of Goth with the history of vampires that the most of us probably know already? You are right, absolutely not! But if you imagine some bloodsucking guys who walk during the night, aiming to drink blood from other people's necks, or creepy ones who are afraid to get sunburnt and even during the night they always wear sunglasses, then you should read this text to make things clear. Vampire Goths are so much influenced by the horror literature and films, as we could suppose from the meaning of their name. In fact, authors like Anne Rice and so many more, have became the source of inspiration for the Vampire Goth community. Many other types of goth do believe that this kind has nothing to do with the gothic culture in general, but only with individual parts of it, such as literature and clothing. Nevertheless, we should focus on Vampires' appearance which is -whatever people say- outstanding and attractive as hell. Elegant and luxurious clothes especially from velvet, mainly in black and dark red shades, daintily jewellery and flowy dresses are some clothes and accessories of their magnetic look. They also do wear fake fangs, in order to make their appearance more realistic. As for the make-up, the too bright skin -white as death- is certainly prefered. Both gendres like to dye their eyes black and the women usually wear deep red lipstick, like they have just bitten someone. In conclusion, the Vampire Goths are just some people who adore the suspense of vampire romances and the mythical creatures and they trying to express their thoughts via their engaging appearance. Not bad, isn't it?

Romantic Goth

Romantic Goths is a subculture that has to do more with philosophical issues than with the external appearance or anything that is related with a material. These Goths are deep thinkers who like to be isolated and have time for themselves in order to read books, consider what they have recently learn, make researches about romantic-gothic issues etc. They are not very social or extrovert either. They find their delight via the poetry, the literature and the songs' lyrics. They also enjoy the night time, the moonlight, forests and places which are extremely peacefully. Graveyards are some typical places that are known because of the Goths' love about them. This happens due to the silence that dominates in those places, the gothic architecture that graves have and usually make goths feel more creative, the nature which is dark and harmonized with the depressive atmospere and of course the feeling that many doomed souls are there, seeing you and listening to you. This enviroment which is full of dreadful elements and spirits usually enchants the Romantic Goths. As about the clothing, these Goths are influenced by the Victorian Era. Consequently, they love to dress similar enough to the Victorian Goths, but not so luxurious. The music part is softer than other Types of Goths might like. The make-up is a little bit lighter and the hair is typically long, either straight or curly. Last but not least, we should understand that this Type of Goth is connected with some passionate people, who are interested in dark aesthetics, mystery and the drama of romance.

Medieval Goth

Just like the Victorian Goths, who have been inspired from the Victorian Era, Madieval Goths have been inspired from the Medieval time period, as well. This Type of Goth seems to relive into this era and be a part of this. Ancient masonry such as cathedrals, medieval buildings, castles, renaissance fairs etc, are the influences that made these Goths what they truly are. Many of them have an affinity for witches, too, and they try to investigate witchcraft's origin and past. Generally, the Medieval Goths love to collect knowledge about other civilizations, cultures, mythology, witchcraft, architecture and elements of celtic origin. The clothing includes long dresses with long sleeves, corsets and many many more, but in a more casual way than the victorian clothing. Lots of these Goths like to have as an accessorise a sword or a wand. They also love mythical creatures, like dragons and they have made their own fairytale to live in. As for music, folk, ethereal and a little bit of ambient are some kinds that determine this Goth Type. The famous singer Loreena McKennitt is one of the typical Medieval Goths who expresses her preferences as much in her appearance as in her own songs.

Deathrocker

This is the marriage of punk and goth, and it's called deathrock! With influences from goth and punk music to oldschool horror movies, deathrockers really know how to shake their bones. The typical expression that describes them best is: “Too punk for goths, too goth for punks”. And it's correct! They love 80s goth music, just like Traditional Goths do. Some notable examples of their music taste are: Alien Sex Fiend, Specimen, Virgin Prunes, Christian Death. Moreover, they include to their music catalogs the homonym kind of music, which is called Deathrock. Bands like Cinema Strange, 13th Moon, Kitchen and The Plastic Spoons, Eat Your Make-up and Bloody Dead & Sexy are certainly some of their favourite ones. Horror Punk bands, like All Gone Dead, are included, too. Deathrockers' style has a punk, but also a gothic attitude. The punk mohawks have now replaced with the “Deathhawks” which are almost the same hairstyle with the punkhawks, but the little difference is located in the semi-shaved area of the head. The semi-shaved part is usually dyed with an alternative hair colour and also is designed with a cool drawing, like the animal print. The make-up is similar to the Traditional Goths'. Furthermore, Deathrockers usually draw their eyes or parts of their face with an animal print design. Their fashion reminds us of the punk fashion, but with many many many and colourful torn tights that could be wore as leggings or as gloves (some Deathrockers wear torn tights on their mohawk, too, in order to make their hair look like a spiderweb). T-shirts with bands logos, usually diy, and fabrics that have patterns like bats, spiders, bones, skeletons, coffins etc are accetable, too. As a conclusion, we could describe this group as the missing link between the punk and the gothic culture.

Cabaret Goth

What is your first thought when you come through the word “cabaret”? Yes, you're right..Striptease!

We are not talking about extreme nudity. We make a reference to the essensial exposure of some body parts, instead. Burlesque shows were very lovable in the old times. There you could find ladies who were dressed with an extremely sexy way. Corsets, accessories with feathers, garters and high heels used to create an erotic atmosphere and a dreamy fantasy for a lot of people. The make-up was also attractive -the white skin was always decorated with a dark red lipstick and a cat's eye eyeliner. The hairstyle was similar to the 50s retro ones: long wavy hair, usually in black colour. As about the men, they were equally charming. Suits, bowties and bowl hats were very important for their appearance. Influences: Charlie Chaplin and Dracula for men, the showoman Dita Von Teese for ladies. According to wikipedia: “ Cabaret has recently come to define a particular musical genre which draws on the aesthetics of the decadent, risqué German Weimar-era cabarets, burlesque and vaudeville shows with the stylings of post-1970s goth and punk music." Bands that have been determined as cabaret (or dark cabaret) are: The Dresden Dolls, Amanda Palmer as a solo performer, Tiger Lillies, Vermillion Lies, Sex Gang Children and Katzenjammer Kabarett. Additionally, wikipedia inform us that: “A collaboration between Rozz Williams and Gitane Demone - both former members of Christian Death – entitled Dream Home Heartache after a song by Roxy Music, was recorded in the Netherlands and released in the United States in 1995 and was described by reviewers as "Cabaret Noir”. Also we learnt about the Punk Cabaret that: “The Dresden Dolls described their music as "Brechtian Punk Cabaret", a term coined by Amanda Palmer in early 2003 in part to preclude being labelled by the media as goths. Nevertheless, with their musical style and appearance in white face makeup and reduced period clothing, The Dresden Dolls and their fans quickly became the most readily identified with the newly evident dark cabaret genre”.

Gothabilly

The 50s American Rock n' Roll music type, known as Rockabilly, and the 80s Punk influenced music type, which is called Psychobilly, created a more dark and gothic movement, named Gothabilly. Gothabilly lovers have many things in common with the Deathrockers, mainly some dark aesthetics. They both like horror movies, horror literature and whatever the word “horror” could be fit in. The dressing involves dresses in many different colours or prints, high heels and garters. The white face with the red lips and the smoky black eyes is also important. Fringe bangs and tresses with victory curls usually make the Gothabilly ladies look more attractive. Tattoo art is also included. Chest pieces, sleeves and various tattoos in various body parts constitute the Gothabilly style. Also, this Goth Type is mad for accessories or fabriks with cherries, flames, polka dots, zombies and animal print themes.

J-Goth (also known as Gothic Lolita)

When Japanese people got inspired by the western gothic culture they created another movement, which is more about fashion than about music. It is called Gothic Lolita or J-Goth and it is a similar clothing to the Victorian/Romantic one. The dressing became more elaborate, girly and childish and not so adult and strict. Dresses with ruffles and lace, also combined with stockins and buckled mary-jane shoes. Moreover, the length of the dresses can only be either 1 inch above the knee, knee length, or lower. No higher. The entire look remind us of some creepy porcelain dolls of a past century. The J-Goth movement, mainly its style, has been adapted from the western Goths. Concerning to the music, this movement took its influences from Japanese bands such as Malice Mizer, Moi Dix Mois, Versailles ect. The males who follow this movement are used to appear more feminine than they really are. The Japanese anime have also made an affection to other people's style. Drawings that show girls and guys with the unique Lolita's attitude constitude source of inspiration for many people around the world.

Corp Goth

Here we have a gothic style which is not extreme, but dark enough to be alternative and it intimate the gothic roots of its owner. The majority of Goths ( whatever type of goth they are) believe that Gothic is a lifystyle, not just an attractive appearance when they want to hang out with friends or the music that they listen to when they are alone in their private place. So, what happens when Goths grow up and have to find a job? Because gothic aesthetics are usually not acceptable in a lot of working places, Goths very often have to restrict their bizarre looks and adopt a more adult and professional style. Due to this case there is the Corp Goth style that was created in order to satisfy every Goth who want to to be himself, but in a more appropiate way. Black colour dominates again in this type. Corsets, suits, shirts, pensil skirts, trousers, tailcoats and ties which are always minimal and elegant and could be combined with a lot of accessories and jewellery. The make-up is minimal, too. Maybe a single line of black eyeliner is enough to make a Goth feel elegant and dark from the depth of his soul. As you can see, this is an alternative way to help Goths maintain their taste and not to abandon it because of the everyday life.

Fetish Goth

The acronym “BDSM” is the best expression to describe what Fetish Goth has to do with the appearance and the lifestyle in general. Sexuality is absolutely connected with the gothic culture. During the 80s time period we noticed that a lot of bands externalized their sexual behaviour via their extreme clothing or their eccentric performing shows. The band Bauhaus is a good example of this case. Peter Murphy used to appear on stage in bondage clothing. Leather clothes, boots, chokers or even kinky underwear were included to the style that the famous singer/performan had adopted. Moreover, plenty of music artists have launched at least one song which is about sexuality and BDSM issues. Music genders such as Industrial, Electrogoth, EBM and Neofolk have been developed in the goths' electronic world and often reffer to the sexual delight. Another characteristic band is the Ordo Rosarius Equilibrio who have agitate (with a good way) their listeners with their lyrics and their BDSM appearance. Fetish Goths love to wear leather and PVC fabrics. Latex corsets, leggins and dresses are combined with high heels (often knee-high boots) and bondage accessories like collars with bells or spikes, sleeves, fishnet ect. Furthermore, body modification is desirable and also an integral part of Fetish Goths' appearance. Especially piercings bring out the impression of a painful enjoyment of the person who has modified parts of his body. Last but not least, we sould mention that these Goths do not wear this kind of clothing in order to make other people believe that they are willing to satisfy others' sexual needs. Sometimes they do that, but it is more a lifestyle than an erotic message that they want to trasfer to others. They are hot enough, huh?

Cyber Goth

What is a Cyber Goth? Everything opposite to a Traditional Goth. Cyber Goths love to wear -except from black- many bright colours and neon dreads. They have a very extraordinary appearance and they do have different music taste and aesthetics. They choose their music between genres like Industrial and Techno. Other Goths' understandable question is why this peculiar team belongs to the goth culture and what does it have in common with this culture. Maybe the answer hides between the lifestyle and the lyrics that express Cybers' feelings. Cyber Goths usually live like every other Goth. The differences are indentified in music and dressing, not in the lifestyle. While the musicians, that this kind of Goths turn to love, are more electronic and include hardcore dancing, however the lyrics are usually depressing and more philosophical compared to other electronic music genres. Also, the vocals are dark and deep enough to remind us of some singers who belong to the Gothic music scene. Maybe the lost link between Goth and Cyber is this. Nevertheless, we couldn't deny the fact that this subculture has truly inspired by the oldschool Gothic Culture.

Steampunk Goth

There we have another marriage -the combination of the Victorian Era with the Cyber Goth culture. This Goth Type took some elements from the Victorian Literature (especially from authors like Edgar Allan Poe and Mary Shelley) and the Victorian technology ( for example: clocks, keys, cogs). Steampunk is more about the appearance, rather than the music (however artists like Emily Autumn are also dominated in this Goth Type). Fashion comprehends costumes, mainly in bronze and gold colours, that look like the vintage mechanisms of the Victorian Era. Also, futuristic issues are lovable. In our days, we notice that the Steampunk's effect has become more popular. Various items with Steampunk elements are widely beloved.

Pastel Goth

Pastel Goth is a Type of Goth that has been created in the recent years. It could be described as a mixture between the types Gothic Lolita and Deathrock. People who belong to this category are Goths, lovers of the 80s gothic rock music and ideology. The difference is located in the appearance, as happens in the most of the Goth Types. This time, the styling is more cute and more girly. The black dominates again, but in a combination with pastel colours like lavendar, light pink, light blue, silver and whatever weird (for Goths) pastel colour gou can imagine. Fabrics are usually designed with crosses, geometrical designs, roses, pentacles, spikes and studs. Those who love the Pastel Goth movement often dye their hair similar pastel colours and decorate their head with chaplets full of roses or spikes. Make-up is on pastel shades, too. Some bands with elements from this recent movement are The Switchblade Symphony and Emily Autumn. However, as we said before these Goths do not restrict in listening to artists with specific characteristics in their external looks, but they do love the oldschool gothic scene. The point is in the appearance.

While reading the categories above, we ascertain that the Gothic Culture is constituted in its aggregate by variform categories. Each of them is special and unique, while having its own history and particular bewitchment.

Nevertheless, the “Goth Types” chapter does not end here. We should make a reference in some more subcategories that were coined during the latest years. The truth is that they do not enclose a deep and peculiar philosophy about the Gothic Culture, so that they could be considered official gothic culture's types. The majority of these subcategories obviously focus on the appearance, without being accompanied by a specific gothic subgenre. According to this fact, we could say that the terminology which is used for these types is more theoretical than practical and realistic. However, we are going to mention briefly these Gothic Types, for the reader's knowledge, and all of you are free to be captivated or to espouse any of these gothic styles.

First of all, there is a special category, known for its fashion and music taste. It is called Military Goth and as you can guess from its name, it includes military elements. These Goths love the clothing which is related with authoritative jobs, such as generals, office bearers, commanders, warlords and the list goes on. Uniforms with a lot of buttons, epaulettes and badges are truly beloved. One very good example of this Gothic Type is the cinematic figure of Dracula, the star of many horror films that were about vampyrism and its dark romance. Dracula was a warlord and his costumes were always strict and imposing. When it comes to music, Military Goths adore the Industrial music scene. Furthermore, a lot of Industrial artists have incorporated military elements in their music via adding martial industrial themes. Moreover, scenes from wars, usually showing despotic regime, are often found in their music videos. Music artists with military elements are Blood Axis, Feindflug, Nachtmahr etc. In conclusion, we could describe this Goth Type as the marriage of Industrial and Fetish style.

Except of Military Goth, which is a peculiar category, there are some other gothic styles that follow our list, but they are restricted in the appearance:

☨Babydoll Goth: It gives us the impression that we have to do with some creepy schoolguys, with a childish, but also gothic, look. It is related with the type of Gothic Lolita, but it is more associated with the goth music than the J-Goth.

☨Perky Goth: Their appearance, as much as their mood, is more chearful than the one that a usual Goth has. They use to wear brighter colours and more cute clothes, in general. Industrial and Electropop are probably the music closely related to this weird gothic world.

☨Carnival Goth: These people are in love with bizarre and theatrical issues, so they try to look like some circus freaks. They do wear costumes that are related to the circus and have some victorian elements.

☨Haute Goth: We don't think that this Goth Type does really exist, but since we found information about this we decided that we should share it with you. It is about wealthy people, whose style -but only their style and not their music taste- is influenced from the gothic culture. They use to wear luxurious brands and expensive accessories, which are usually black and designed with dark elements. They adore famous fashion designers, who create chic, dark and elegant alternative fashion.

☨Casual Goth: It is exactly what the name describes. They are casual, still Goths, but in a cooler way. They do not follow a specific gothic style concerning their appearance. They obviously love the black colour and dark aesthetics, in general. Casual Goths usually wear band t-shirts. They can possibly be recognized from their tattoos and piercings, but not so much from their clothing. This Goth Type is the one which remains Goth at heart, without showing off their looks.

☨Dark Mori: With influences of the Japanese fashion “Mori Kei” -which means woodland style”- these Goths express their ideolody via their clothing. They usually love to wear loose-fitting layered clothes in natural materials. They also adore everything that is related to fairytales, witches, haunted forests and generally paranormal activities and creatures.

☨Fairy Goth: Fairytales and folktales are two words enough to describe this Goth Type. These Goths have a more ethereal look, in which they often add wings, glitters and fairy costumes.

☨Tribal Goth (also known as Goth Bellydancers): In the past, the word “Tribal” refered to people who used to wear bone jewellery, dreadlocks, beads, braids and also they had extreme body modification (huge ear and septum stretch, body implants etc). In recent years, this terminology referts to Goths who are influenced from eastern civilizations and they usually add in their looks some ethnic elements. The basic characteristic is that most of them have become bellydancers. The Tribal style was developed when Turkish and Egyptian bellydance became popcular in the USA.

Source: Goth Types Wiki, All the Variations of Goth: http://gothtypes.wikia.com/wiki/Goth_Types_Wiki

Source: Black Waterfall: http://www.blackwaterfall.com/viewall.php

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