Modern Gothic
Image Credit: style.com
No one’s exactly channelling Richard Smith or Siouxie Sioux here, but the gothic overtones of A/W ’08 are unmistakable and unavoidable, and to keep you in the dark about this trend would make for an irresponsible style critic. So err on the side of darkness and explore the look for what it is: part-romantic, punk inspired, rock inspired, yes – goth is a veritable cauldron of inspiration this season, with the fashion magazines even breaking it down into sub-trends.
They say you can’t go wrong with black, and this time they’re right. Treat it as you would your foundation and layer on the extras according to mood. Riccardo Tisci at Givenchy weighed his opening outfit with crucifix-laden chains, while Luella’s pagan minxes were as delicate as dolls. And speaking of foundation, models’ faces were kept winter pale for Luella and Alexander McQueen, with darkest matt lips (Luella) and backcombed hair like a broom (McQueen), so unless you’re going for the goth-in-Barbados look stay off the bronzer. The perfect goth mini-dress has volume so bulk out with crinoline and bring in the waist. Gauzy fabrics make for good layering, but be strict with yourself and keep it quite prim. The modern goth doesn’t give it away, you know, or in Luella’s own words “cute but always a little sick – that’s my girl.”
Image Credit: style.com
Interpret Luella on the cheap with this Vintage 80s bitter chocolate & and black lace dress. A wickedly tempting £80 from rokit.co.uk
Image Credit: rokit.co.uk
