Goth is state of mind more so than a fashion statement. I fell in love with the Goth since as soon as I first discovered it back in 1979. I would like to add that the Goth scene has evolved tremendously since then. Now there are many subcultures within the Gothic lifestyle and also a part of the Gothic lifestyle but many outsiders like lump all into the "oh, look a Goth" category. I know some individuals who dress in black, have piercings and tattoos but they are not and they do not consider themselves to be Goth. One of them listens to country music and hates any form of metal! As a child, I remember watching The Munsters and The Addams Family on television and falling in love with the beautiful and dark look of "Lilly", Yvonne De Carlo and "Morticia", Carolyn Jones. By today's standards those two actresses would be considered Goth because they were dressed in stripped down Victorian quasi style.
I have a very strong attraction to pale skin women and love to see them dressed in very elegant Victorian, Elizabethan and Gothic clothing. I am referring to gowns and elegant corseted dresses with long gloves. I have hosted dinner parties at my house with a formal dress up theme. It creates a wonderful atmosphere. I actually own a Gothic/Victorian style tuxedo and a cloak! Most people who meet me are shocked because they have a preconceived notion of what a Goth is and many are shocked that I am a Goth because I have no tattoos or piercings. In some people's eyes that is a necessity for Goths but in reality there are not only different Goth styles there are varying degrees of Gothness.
Black seems to be the color of choice for, Emos, Goths, Metalheads ect. But that in itself does not make one Goth. In ladies apparel, Gothic clothing can be very colorful and range from simple and plain to very elegant and ornate especially the gowns and dresses of Victorian origin. The fusion of Gothic and Victorian style is incredibly beautiful in my eyes.
In Tampa we have a night club named, "The Castle". Incredible place, you walk in there and you will see it all! Steampunk, punk, metalheads, Lolita, vampy, neogoth, retrogoth, Goth, and who knows you might even see a cowboy/girl as well! Who would ever guess that in Tampa, Florida we would have such a place?
Again, Goth is a state of mind and a way of being.
10 years