Gothic style

Trends & styles - chapter 7

What is a goth?
What is goth(ic) subculture?

Source: British Vogue

TV series, 2009-2017

Twilight Saga films, 2008-2012

Bram Stoker, 'Dracula' (first edition: 1897)

Movie poster,
1931

Movie poster,
1992

Graspop Metal Meeting (Dessel, Belgium)

Punkers at Trafalgar Square, London, 1986

...and new wave...

The Cure, 1989

Siouxsie and the Banshees

Goth/Gothic

• Referring to the Gothic tribes ('Germanic' origin) in the Middle Ages who put and end to the Roman Empire.
  > Goths = 'barbarians'
  > gothic = barbaric, linked to 'dark', medieval times. 
  
  

• Characterized by horror and mystery.
  > gothic literature: stories written in 19th century, set in Middle Ages.
  
  

• Wearing 'gloomy' pale and heavy black eye make-up & fingernail polish, Victorian/dark fashion (19th century) and a distinctive hairstyle.
  > goth(ic) subculture.

Another example of 'gothic':

Gothic (=medieval) architecture 

St. Rumbold's Cathedral, Mechelen, 13th century (start building) 

• WHAT
  Building that looks like Gothic cathedral

• HOW
  Towers or 'spires', pillars, triangular entrances, ornaments, stained glass.

• WHY
  Start: 1882; still under construction,  Barcelona.
  > Concept: religion + nature.
  > Inspiration: Gothic & Art Nouveau (nature!)
  

Analysis Sagrada Familia

Hungarian architect Imre Makovecz (1935-2011)

Gothic elements

in graphic design

• WHAT
  Two women advertising underwear.

• HOW
  Figurative illustration; awkward pose; elaborate typography with large initial and ornaments.
  

• WHY
  

  > 19th century - mass production: need for advertising (I.R.).
  > Concept: product shown awkwardly; standardised catalogue page.
  > Inspiration:
  gothic (=medieval) style;
  Victorian style.

Analysis 'Boltonian Under-Vest'

• WHAT
  'Germany lives!' A man with a swastika flag; rows of uniformed men; bird;sun shining through grey clouds; frame.
  

• HOW
  Figurative; colour (red-black-white); fearless + clenched fist; contrast.
  

• WHY
  1933-35, propaganda poster, Germany.
  > Concept: Hitler as a hero (political & religious).
  > Inspiration:
  Middle Ages (frame, typo); 
  Heroic Realism.

Analysis
'Es lebe Deutschland!'

Source: Wikimedia

Gothic(medieval)typeface, 12th century

Neo-Nazi,2018 

The New York Times, 1851 and today

Victorian style,
19th century

Typographical design,
2022

• WHAT
  Tour poster with typography design.

• HOW
  Contrast black-orange; elaborate typography 
  

• WHY
  2022, 'The Big Steppers Tour', by Chris Burnett.
  > Concept:
  bold, chaotic and 'loud', 'get out of the box'.
  > Inspiration:
  Gothic (old) + contemporary fonts

Analysis 'The Big Steppers Tour'

Source: The New York Times