what is goth | what is goth, an artistic movement and lifestyle

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What is Goth?

What is Goth, an artistic movement and lifestyle

Goth is an artistic movement and lifestyle. A goth is somebody who listens to gothic music, looks gothic and have a gothic outlook. Gothic music includes old stuff like Alien Sex Fiend, Specimen, Bauhaus, Joy Division, Sisters of Mercy and new material like London After Midnight and The Horatii. To answer what is Goth, is to explore the inner workings. People with a gothic personality may possess most of the following characteristics and traits: individualistic, reflective, introspective, artistic, creative, emotionally-focused, sensitive, moody and non-violent. They are likely to have a distaste for authority, possess above average intelligence and be social misfits. Most are interested in the beautiful, the mysterious and the supernatural. And finally, Goths love to create art, music and other forms of creative expression. To find out what is Goth, here's a bit of history of its clothing styles.

romantigoth

The black-clad and somber themes continued throughout the 90s with a continued emphasis on feminine aesthetics. Both men and women wore elaborate makeup, hair and clothing reminiscent of Victorian, Elizabethan and other vintage periods, known as classic Goth. Traditional Goth style usually consists of mostly black clothing along with some white and accessorized with silver or pewter. The stereotypical gothic outfit, sometimes referred to as the romantic look may include elaborate gowns and corsets, veils, hobble skirts, neck corsets, fishnets, lace and velvets. The simplicity of classic Goth style lends itself to variation, and is often combined with fetish fashion elements.

In the new millennium, what is Gothic now includes the influences of club culture of electronic music and is called Cybergoth. It has been infiltrated by forward-thinking styles that are more futuristic, science fiction and youthful. UV-reactive colors and materials, progressive fashions, huge shoes and boots, wild hair extensions using artificial materials, often with an undercut shave, goggles, cybernetics, androgyny, the influence of cyberpunk or anime themes and body modification are some of the elements of Cyber Goth. A full-spectrum of bright or neon colors are an exciting addition to black. For example, black with hot pink is a flattering color for most skin tones.

For more information on what is goth, read “Step-by-Step Essential Guide to that Elusive Gothic Look & Style”.