Vampire Goth

Since Vampires have been bought into the mainstream, there have been people eager to apply the dark, Victorian aesthetics to their own outfits. Dracula, a novel by Bram Stoker (1897), is one of the most famous cult classics of all time (not the Edward Cullen one), fusing romance with horror. Vampires have since gripped the world and been infused into subcultures, most recognisably, Goth.

Vampire Goth is a subculture of Goth and most similar to Romantic Goth in looks, focussing on dark, elegant clothing incorporating lace, velvet and corsets. They often wear luxurious fabrics such as crushed velvet or satin in long, aristocratic dresses giving them an eerily traditional but also a romantic feel. To distinguish Vampire Goth from Romantic Goth, the addition of traditional "vampiristic" memorabilia such as coffins, crucifixes, blood and sometimes fangs. Jewellery is an iconic aspect, often large with delicate accents while drawing attention to gems or symbols worn around the neck, wrists or fingers, usually paired with creepy, claw-like nails.

Often, Vampire Goths will have long, straight hair or long flowing waves to frame their faces. It will sometimes be dyed dark colours such as crimson, black or deep purple, however, some opt for a lighter tone such as white or pail blonde. Make-up is a very important part of the attire, as it is with all Goth subcultures. Opposing to traditional Goth looks, Vampire Goth uses simplistic make-up, usually only focussing on the eyes and lips and employing smoky eyeshadow and blood red lips, both of which contrast greatly with the sickly, pail faces used as a foundation layer, which of course is a nod to Stoker's Dracula, famed for his pasty skin and dark hollow eyes.

Documented have been some Vampire Goths that take the noun "Vampire" a little too seriously; drinking blood (sometimes animal, sometimes human) which is not safe. Most members of this subculture try to distance themselves from those who take things a bit far as it is often associated with kink and the BDSM community, something that the majority of Goths do not want to be defined in this way.

I think the Vampire Goth aesthetic is one of the most elegant and beautiful subcultures and I hope it will not be lost. It is stylish and timeless, combining expensive, quality fabrics with a creepy but stunning twist unlike anything else. Historical and contemporary, traditional and exciting, Vampire Goth is tasteful and graceful in my eyes.