Gothic Horror in Contemporary Fashion

Alexander McQueen Fall 2015
The trend for horror was reflected in this collection of 2015 when English fashion designer (and creative director of Alexander McQueen) curated a show that transgressed the boundaries of 'normality'. The collection shows a strange and varied array of materials matched together: paper-thin leather bonded to floral jacquard to make a trouser suit and a pink coat; leather, crystal-pleated bustier dresses; distressed lace gowns and shredded, glossy patent on top of silk coats. Pat McGrath was the makeup artist who teamed up with hair stylist Guido Palau to create a stylised look alongside the clothes resembling an Egon Schiele painting. (Vogue, 2015)

Vivienne Westwood Red Label SS14
Another collection that is heavily influenced by the atmosphere and aesthetic of the Gothic Horror era was Vivienne Westwood's SS14 line. Dazed Digital was in the front row:

Initial Reaction:

The dance of death resurrected.

Viral moment:

Lily Cole opening the show with a strange ritualistic performance piece, witnessed by Vivienne Westwood herself who was rather unexpectedly sat in the front row and not backstage.

Overheard:

“Is this a scene from Excalibur?”

Stand out looks:

CLIMATE print t-shirts, floral sequined dresses and large silk appliqué reminiscent of a Georgia O’Keefe painting.

Unexpected details:

Scarves knotted at the knees of ornately patterned jumpsuits and the narrow straps of gladiator wedges left long to whip back and forth as the model walked.

Accessories:

Climate Revolution trucker hats, a tangle of pendants, and classic, chain-strapped handbags.

Unconventional make up:

Val garland transformed the girls into walking art works: using a feather she covered some with intricate black ink illustrations, whilst others were smeared in black, blue and red paint.

Double take:

A triptych of black in the form of jacket and shirt, jumpsuit and satin pyjamas were a sombre note amongst the expected gregariousness.

Left on our seats:

Empty ‘THIS IS MY VOICE’ postcards to fill out and send to the Secretary-General in aid of supporting climate refugees.

Political Message:

“I believe it’s essential we bring economic and ecological intentions into alignment and establish more cooperative systems to protect our planet and its people. I do believe this is possible.” – Lily Cole.

References

• Vogue. (2015). Fall 2015 Ready-To-Wear Alexander McQueen.Available: http://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2015-ready-to-wear/alexander-mcqueen.
• Dazed. (2014). Vivienne Westwood Red Label SS14. Available: http://www.dazeddigital.com/fashion/article/17176/1/vivienne-westwood-red-label-ss14.