(See what we did there? Like the love child of ‘Got milk’ and ‘You’ve been tangoed’)
Laura Reynolds looks at the hype surrounding the collaboration.
Just a week to go until the man in red arrives...
Gothic style is generally worn by members of the Gothic subculture which emerged in the UK in the 1980s. The style was associated with several bands of the gothic rock scene such as Kiss, who performed with outrageous black and white face paint, mental chains and leather. Apart from music, the subculture has also been influenced by gothic literature and horror films.
More recently, Tim Burton has used a gothic aesthetic within many of his films such as Edward Scissor hands and more obviously Sweeney Todd. Everything about Sweeney Todd from the lighting to the clothes to the makeup is dark, moody and morbid. Gothic clothing can also have a Medieval, Renaissance, Victorian, punk or a deathrock vibe. There is certainly more to it than simply black clothes and heavy makeup.
Haute couture designers such as Alexander McQueen, Jean Paul Gaultier and Karl Lagerfeld have all taken the typical gothic style and transformed it into runway attire. Take Alexander McQueen'sAutumn and Winter 2009 collection, which features a collection based on a black, white and red palate with pale faced models wtih blood red lips. I think the key to the catwalk gothic look is combining different textures such as leather, brocade, lace and velvet in dark and decadent colours. This creates a gothic look which is still dark and moody but doesn’t actually scare people. A sophisticated goth look if you will.
McQueen’s collections features femme fatal leather bags, chunky black earrings and ornate skull clutches all of which can be used to create a designer inspired gothic outfit. Concentrate on colours beyond the obvious black such as plum and scarlet (which is this seasons colour), and jewel tones like deep blue and emerald.
The rich and eccentric designs of Vivienne Westwood combined with Helen Bonham Carter inspired hair and makeup could also be a new take on gothic high fashion. Again, it’s all in the material. Westwood is fantastic for interesting heavy fabrics like tartan and brocade. These materials, combined with the right hair and makeup could make you look like a cool Tim Burton character in no time. This is far more interesting than the uninspiring devil outfit.
Gothic Hair & Make-up
There is more to do with make-up besides the classic black eye liner and jet black hair combination. In the world of fashion, make-up artists have recently experimented with heavy purple and plum lips. For an interesting Halloween look combine purple lips with a pale or blue tinted skin tone, and purple or black shadowing on the eyes. This avoids the conventional heavy back eyes and overuse on the eyeliner approach. As far as hair is concerned, I say for a catwalk inspired look, opt for sleek and tight curls which will make you look like a glamorous ghoul.
Alternatively, pin hair back and create a Rihanna style sleek quiff, which would add a hint of punk to the look. Or opt for a Bonham Carter inspired eccentric and messy bun with tendrils of hair left loose.
So be different and ever so chic this Halloween by venturing out as a mysterious gothic icon.
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