Walk down Siam Square during a cosplay festival and it’s like entering the nocturnal realm. The only difference is, in this modern world definition, the realm is under attack from ab-baew baby dolls and wannabe emos (See Goth Fashion 101). We’re here to shed some light on how to pull of the authentic Goth look this Halloween.
Feel like part of Marie Antoinette’s court? This frilly corset-like top is the uniform for you (B2,090 at Vivi).
Here’s a purple burlesque tube dress (B3,000 at Hellven) perfect for both Marilyn Manson and Pussycat Dolls concerts.
Bedroom fun or a killer party costume? Who cares, this Black Widow dress can work both ways (B3,990 at Vivi).
This unisex shirt comes trimmed with black ruffles and see-through sleeves (B2,890 from Pardoza) can give you boys a J-Rock look or you girls some Medusa chic.
Take a walk on the dark side with these chunky leather platform shoes (B3,900 at Padoza).
Feel unbalanced and incomplete? Wear this skirt to reflect your inner sentiment (B2,190 from Pardoza).
Recreate Dita von Tease’s waist in this leather corset (B890 at Padoza). Feel out of breath? Then you’re on the right track.
Essentials
Vivi. Room C9, under Siam Theater, Siam Square, Rama 1 Rd., 081-855-0630.
Hellven. Under Siam Theater, Siam Square, Rama 1 Rd., 081-382-6530.
Pardoza. Room A45, under Lido Theater, Siam Square, Rama 1 Rd., 089-223-9307. www.pardoza.com.
Goth Fashion 101
Punk, emo, Frenchmaid Lolitas and death metal—if you thought these were Goth then you’ve committed a serious crime against the Goth community. Before you go running to a priest, Goths are not as scary or as creepy as you think. According to Rawnnie from DarkAsia (an online Goth community in Bangkok, www.darkasia.com), they’re soft-spoken people who simply like to dress a little differently.
So, what really is Goth fashion?
Well, if we don’t want to get into the philosophies, it basically about being dressed in dark colors and extreme makeup. There are many different types of Goth fashion, really, from Victorian black velvets to Cybergoth glow-in-the-dark colors and PVC.
What are some of the misconceptions?
Death metal is far from Goth, but Marilyn Manson is sort of a gray area. You won’t get much in the way of authentic Goth here in Bangkok. It’s mostly variations like the Japanese Lolita trend.
So there’s emo, punk, Lolita and then there’s Goth?
I have to admit there is a gray line between these styles. There are a few ways to describe each subculture. For example, clothing with a lot of horizontal stripes are quite popular among emo followers. There’s also this subcategory of Goths called Romantigoths who like to dress a lot like the Victorian era.
What does the Goth fashion symbolize?
Challenging the conventional ideas of society. Goths are quite soft spoken but still have an element of rebellion within them. Some also believe that the way you dress emanates a certain energy and represents what you believe.
