Okay, so I’ve been diving deep into the world of Gothic era fashion lately. It’s seriously fascinating! I wanted to try and recreate a look inspired by that period, so here’s how it all went down.
Getting Started – Research and Inspiration
First, I spent a good chunk of time just looking at pictures. I mean, lots of pictures. Paintings, mostly, since photography wasn’t exactly a thing back then. I also checked out some museum exhibits online, focusing on surviving garments and accessories. I really wanted to get a feel for the shapes, the fabrics, the colors… everything!
The Core Elements – What Makes it “Gothic”?
From what I gathered, a few key things really stood out:
- Long, flowing lines: Think long dresses, pointed sleeves, and dramatic trains.
- Rich colors: Deep reds, blues, greens, and of course, black, were super popular.
- Luxurious fabrics: Velvet, brocade, and heavy silks were all the rage.
- Pointed details: Shoes, sleeves, and even headdresses often had exaggerated points.
- Layers: There was a lot of layering going on, with underdresses, overdresses, and various wraps and cloaks.
My DIY Attempt – Putting it Together
Now, I’m no seamstress, so I had to get creative. I started with a long black velvet dress I already owned. It wasn’t perfectly Gothic, but it had the right vibe and a good basic shape.
Next, I focused on the accessories. I found a long, dark red scarf that I draped over my shoulders and arms to mimic the look of long, flowing sleeves. I also had a wide, black belt that I cinched around my waist to create a more defined silhouette.
The Headwear Hustle
This was the trickiest part! Those elaborate Gothic headdresses are no joke. I ended up using a piece of black lace fabric, draping it over my head and securing it with bobby pins. I tried to give it a slightly pointed shape at the top, to kind of hint at the hennin style.
The Final Touches
I added my dark lipstick, and that is it. The darker lipstick, the better.
The Result!
Okay, so it wasn’t a perfect historical replica, obviously. But I felt like I captured the essence of the Gothic aesthetic. It was definitely a fun experiment, and it gave me a whole new appreciation for the craftsmanship and artistry of that era. I am going to keep on it!
