Trends 2012: Gothic style

Imagine a dark night, a mist that covers everuthing surrounds you and, in the distance, the verses of crwos and owls approaching... Are you afraid? Don't worry, I don't want to talk about horror movies or novels, but this image seemed perfect to me to describe you  one of trends for the next f/w season 2012-13. I'm talking about Gothic style (or Goth) that is so suggestive, mysterious and, why not, chic!

"The evolution of the species" by Ruven Afandador - Elle Italy (November 2008)

Gothic style, for some time, is a recurring trend of the winter season (you might think to the collections of Angelo Marani f/w 2009-10 or Lanvin f/w 2011-12), with its dark colors, first of all black, accompained by dark blue, violet, red and dark red. Go with lace, embroidery, damask fabrics, velvet, pale skin, emaciated lips, crosses and studds. This year, the trend has been proposed by several brands like Alexander McQueen, Gareth Pugh, Givenchy, Gucci and Roberto Cavalli, that brought on catwalk mysterious and seductive dark ladies.

Albino, Alessandro Dell'acqua, Angelo Marani f/w 2009-10

Alice Auaa, Atsushi Nakashima, Versace f/w 2012-13

Krizia, Gucci, Ann Demeulemeester f/w 2012-13

Gareth Pugh, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy f/w 2012-13

Viktor and Rolf, Roberto Cavalli, Rick Owens f/w 2012-13

We can't deny that there's something bewitching in goth style, perhaps thanks to the vampire figure, brought in vogue in last years by movies and novels (just think to the Twilight Saga), that, in some ways, gave it new life. And, even if I'm not a huge fan of total goth style, I have to admit that, if it's mixed well, it can be very sexy and elegant. I love lace garments and damask fabrics, they're so feminine and retrò. But just a dark garment or eccessory, like a cross charm or a baroque style ring (so close to goth style) to totally turn them! That's an example about I'd wear gothic style:

My fashion tip? Although attractive, goth style is not, alas, suitable to everyone. It's more a category of spirit then a true fashion trend: you have to have a dark soul to wear it as best as possible. But if you want to wear it anyway, you have to pay attention to not over do: the risk of carnival effect is always around the corner!

Anne Hathaway for Interview Magazine (septmber 2011)

To recreate this look, you can take inspiration by pieces like these dresses by Chanel and Nina Ricci or the collection f/w 2011-12 by Armani, Lanvin, Giambattista Valli, DSquared2, Alexander McQueen and Roccobarocco.

"Chic Gothic Glam" Vogue Italy (september 2011)

"Chic Gothic Glam" Vogue Italy (september 2011)

If you like Gothic style, that's my personal selection of goth style garments, low cost version, proposed by brands like Zara, Topshop and Promod.

What do you think about?