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Monday, October 19, 2009

THE GOTHIC BRIDE

While we're kicking in the mid-weeks of October here, let's take a look at a few Goth gowns. More brides are going over to the dark side lately, some even booking the 31st as their wedding day. If you're going Goth, you don't need me to tell you you're probably not going to find your gown in the typical bridal salon. That's right, if you dress Gothic in your day to day life why would you all of a sudden become Grace Kelly on your wedding day? The good news is, we live in a world where self-expression is finally respected; you're free to go as dark and diverse as you want ranging anywhere from Lolita to SteamPunk. Researching Gothic fashion sites, I found tons so narrowing down your shopping will mean finding what direction you want to go in the Goth world.
First off, for any of you unfamiliar, you might be asking, what is Goth exactly? Gothic is alternative and for the non-conformist. Styles of dress include punk, Medieval, Renaissance, Victorian, Lolita or combos of these styles with accents of black or white makeup and hair. The colors of traditional Goth are black, deep muted red, purple and blues. Fabrics tend to be rich and heavy: velvet and satin brocades combined with black and dark laces and even leather. Corsetry is popular and unapologetic in Goth dressing, usually paired up with voluminous skirts with heavy understructure. And speaking of understructure,the silhouette will probably be the same as a traditional bride--big gown with tons of petticoats--but the message conveyed is something different all together

Henley Photography
Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture

Alternative styles of Goth like the photos above combine a kind of circus chic with Marie Antoinette and Hollywood. Though there's only a hint here of the dark and diverse; just the thought of Marie A for me is pretty grim . . .

Romantic Threads
Romantic Threads

Above are two versions of classic Goth Victoriana.

source


Designs by Irish designer Bonzi are a cross between Steampunk and Victoriana, The photo above celebrates a Goth element
that could fit well into mainstream bridal while still making the non-conventional statement.
The below corset by the same designer is a definite alternative of bridal dress.

Above: One version of Lolita-Nothing to do with Vladmir Nabokov's prenubile step-daughter instead mimicking a style of Victoriana. The Gothic Lolita fashion movement originated in the Harajuko district in Japan and is growing in popularity in the West. Gothic Lolita girls collect elaborate wardrobes of what looks like 19th century inspired doll clothing. On top of that activities for serious Lolita followers might include the romanticized ideas of yesteryear such as tea parties and croquet matches.

Morph Asylum

Goth Fashion and Shopping Sites

Red Hot Brides





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