INSPIRATION: Beyond all-black ensembles and “Bela Lugosi’s
Dead,” goth’s death grip on the popular imagination may be explained by
the Latin proverb “memento mori” — remember that you will die. Fashion
historian Valerie Steele’s Gothic: Dark Glamour (Yale University Press,
$47.95) details goth’s macabre influence on the sartorial, from
Victorian mourning dress to Rick Owens’ dark rocker chic. Goth is high
fashion — Alexander McQueen’s darkly romantic haute couture, Yohji
Yamamoto’s Noir line — but also endures within subculture sects such as
cyber goth, steam punk and Japan’s “Gothic Lolita.” Black may be the
epitome of elegance, yet it’s also the uniform of rebellion.
Goth’s fin de siècle decadence — witchcraft, Satanism, S/M black leather — offers “a theatrical, highly artificial version of the past that contrasts dramatically with the perceived banality of contemporary life,” says Steele. Erota Leather (www.erotaleather.com) “Firestar” Mask, $80. Trap Door Boutique (2993 Dundas W., 647-827-6994, www.shoptrapdoor.com).
“I could feel the soft shivering touch of the lips on the super sensitive skin of my throat and the hard dents of two sharp teeth, just touching and pausing there.” Bram Stoker’s Dracula made a Transylvanian aristo-vamp the perfect bloodthirsty gothic villain. Chanel “Vamp” lipstick, $31. Sears (Eaton Centre, 290 Yonge, 416-349-7111, www.torontoeatoncentre.com).
The Victorian tight-lacer is a gothic garment staple. The 19th-century reform text Madre Natura Versus the Moloch of Fashion even warned of its à la mode à la mort (fashionable to the death) appeal. “My Sweetheart Neckline” corset, $189.95. My Lords and Ladies (519-432-6207, www.mylordsandladies.com).