Gothic chic has risen from the grave. This is a unisex and multi-generational trend. From this summer into fall 2006, gothic influences (predominantly the skull) dominated the fashion industry all over the world. Ranging from a prêt-a-porter and haute-couture collection to the Wal-Mart chain, gothic symbols have become the zeitgeist.

Designers such as John Galliano, Versace, Alexander McQueen and Viktor and Rolf had models stomping down the runways in black leather coats and pants, black lipstick, black boots, leggings and drainpipes, skull and cross bone prints, black bandanas, oversized silver crosses, smoky eye make-up and black fingernails. These were no ladies, they were tough-girls!

John Galliano created a $19,385 diamond-encrusted skull for Dior fine jewelry. Deakin & Francis director Henry Deakin reported to USA Today that he sold his gold and diamond skull cufflinks for $3,900 at Bergdorf Goodman at “close to thousand in 18 karats” and says that he can’t make them fast enough. Barney’s spokesman Timothy Elliot tells the New York Times that his hottest selling item is Alexander McQueen’s $210 skull print silk scarf. “We have sold 400 since May… we sell them as fast as they come in.”

This trend is not only seen in prêt-a-porter, but also all over the mass market. Urban Oufitters offers over a dozen of skull-stamped products with prices ranging from a $20 dopp kit to an $88 piece of luggage. Because of the overwhelming press and success from Pirates of the Caribbean, Disney has been a leading force behind the gothic chic trend. They currently sell skull t-shirts, necklaces, rings and belt buckles at Wal-Mart, K-Mart, and Target for $12.99. Disney even created a “couture” line of Pirates of the Caribbean jewelry with prices ranging from $150 to $4,000. At Bloomingdales, you can buy a Grail t-shirt with either an old rock band logo or one with a skull and cross bones for $75.

This is not a new trend. Gothic subculture has its roots in the 1970’s and 80’s. In the summer of 1975 in London, the designer Vivienne Westwood co-owned a store with Malcolm McLaren called Sedionaries, which displayed all punk- and goth- inspired clothing and accessories. She even created the infamous “Bondage Suit,” made up of the following:

• Bondage pants, which hobbled the legs together with a knee-strap and covered the bottom with a flap
• Parachute shirt, hung with four straps attached with D-rings and an oversized plastic ring
• Obscenity-stamped t-shirt, and finally
• Multi-buckled bondage boots.

Gothic fashion cannot be apprecaited without its partnet and life-line, the music industry. Several British artists in the 70’s like David Bowie helped set a mood sufficiently dark for gothic culture to develop. The founders of Goth were former punks known as the Siouxsie and the Banshees. The mid 80’s saw the coming of the epitome “goth-rock” band, Sisters of Mercy. They wore all black clothing, long coats and oversize dark sunglasses. They were followed by the Mission, the Cure, and many more punk bands and created a well-publicized Goth subculture.

However, this new Gothic chic is infiltrating global culture with a new attitude. It stands not only for youth culture and rebellion but also for romance, which communicates a strong and powerful message. Gothic chic is no longer threatening; it demonstrates a new woman in control. This tough, new woman, loaded with confidence and attitude, stands loud and proud. Goth now stands for glamour. Who would have thought?
- Sarah Perpich