An excellent article detailing the designers showcased at the Gothic: Dark Glamour exhibit

Fashion plays such an important part in society. Whether a person is the macabe specter sliding down the wall attempting to look maudlin or the college co-ed flashing their favorite sports team everyone is selling something. When we go out into the world our appearances are judged. Try as we might to ignore this simple fact automatically our perceptions categorize people based on sight.

As we age this becomes less of an issue. Gone for many people are the wings, the dentures made to look like fangs and excessive time spent in the mirror. After awhile we settle down into complacency. It is easier to blend in then to be constistently derided by a society so driven by a benchmarks of conformity.

Why blend? For many it becomes a social solution to a brainwashed entity. Careers take over where before only jobs reigned. I think this is why the club scene appeals to me so much. Even though I am almost certainly judged for my appearance I don’t feel threatened. Then again as I age there is less to prove.

Part and parcel to the Industrial, Gothic and Electronic movements is fashion. Each music genre has something to say with their elemental infusions and intrepretations of the music. There is a perceived notion that belongs to this music which enables us to be free. Even if that is just an illusion. Most days a break to recharge is exactly what we hope to achieve.

Fashion, dancing and music all tap into the primal unfettered side of the soul. While I believe some of these designers go too deeply into the abyss they do attempt to capture an intensity with their clothing that frequently is expressed only through emotions.

Good for them.