Suiting Up the Street Goth

I had been struggling for inspiration on my post for DapperQueer over the past few months. I felt like, although it was interesting, I was tired of interviewing people about their style. They were all saying the same thing at a point – dress how you want and make sure it shows the best in you. I wanted something that discussed race, gender, consumerism, and style—and then this happened:

THE STREET GOTH

Street Goth 1via http://www.kanyetothe.com/

Hello queers, that’s Pyrex: one of the clothing brands associated with the new Street Goth trend. I discovered this brand from an argument I had with my younger brother about the pants the model I wearing. My brother had a friend who attempted to “go for the look” for a photoshoot and I – like the academic I am – described that his friend was a follower of the “Street Goth” trend. We argued about the origins and legitimacy of the trend until I showed him several pictures of Rick Owens and an article that defined the trend. One thing the article misses is why the word “Goth” is used. I am speculating that it is due to the reliance on Gothic and Renaissance art. For instance, take Givenchy’s “Madonna Print” and “The Entombment of Christ” by Renaissance painter Caravaggio on Pyrex’s hoodie in the first image.

Street Goth 2via http://rebel-8-youth.tumblr.com/

In the midst of the argument, I just had to ask my brother why – why the current trend of religious (mostly Christian) symbols. How did we move from colorful Native American and “ethnic” prints to dark Christian symbolism?

Street Goth 3via http://www.etsy.com

 Street Goth 4via http://www.highsnobiety.com

In bell hooks’ article, Eating the Other: Desire and Resistance, she discusses a term coined by Sam Keen, “cultural anhedonia” (the incapacity to feel happiness). She explains that the “other” is linked to a sense of renewal and rejuvenation of emotions when cultural anhedonia sets in on a given subculture. Therefore, a new and significantly different trend creates new forms of identity for the followers. This should explain the sudden shift from “ethnic” and “tribal” to dark Christian symbolism. But as we all know, to redefine yourself in a capitalist/consumerist society you have to BUY BUY BUY (and sell a little of yourself). Kanye’s new song could not have said it any better.

Although the most stylish people would tell you that they do not let trends define their clothing options, the availability of other clothing styles diminish as curators in thrift stores and huge fashion lines catch on. This is possibly why you can notice the increase in the supply for leather and all things black in most stores.

Enough with the academic lingo. The point is, there is a new trend and corporations (and indie-stores) are going to force it down you throat. Here is how you stay empowered:

THE SUIT UP
The street goth trend should be loved for its edginess, use of jewelry and contrast to brighten a dreadfully dark palette, and gratuitous use of leather—I mean so much leather.

Street Goth 5Ayishat Akanbi http://blackfashion.co

On the other hand, jumping on to the trend hints a slight Tumblr addiction, which may be discomforting and give a blow to your sense of self. This is where you bring in your own interpretation of what a street Goth should look like.

Here are a few ideas on pruning or suiting up the street Goth style.

Micah Gianneli_Raww blog_Jesse Maricic Melbourne photographer_Bevia www.rawblog.com

Street Goth 8via www.menstyle1.com

Street Goth 9via www.menstyle1.com

Sir NY Street GothThis Sir New York pullover was designed by one of our favorite dapperQs, transmasculine designer Auston Bjorkman

Street Goth 10Tyson Chandler www.dujour.com

Street Goth 11via www.Oystermag.com

One notable thing about street goth trend is the androgyny of the style as seen in the “meggings” (leggings for men) and skirt or short pairings. This leads me to say, Queers, you got this. But don’t go crazy or you may look like a flashy dominatrix mortician who’s a waiting tables on the side.

Street Goth 12via www.the-overpriviledged.com

 

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1 Comment

  • We moved this direction after River Island & TopShop bled every trend dry. Their concepts, applications and fabrics were so WEAK that the majority of design savy customers moved as far away from anything remotely related to the retail mainstream. Do you blame them?

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