Angels Morts

Tag: fashion

  • Wings and Things – Why feathers are this season’s must-have accessory.

    Wings and Things – Why feathers are this season’s must-have accessory.

    Wings and Things – Why Feathers Are This Season’s Must-Have Accessory

    This fashion season, the most sought-after accessory is not a handbag or shoes, but something much more unique – feathers! Yes, you read that right; feathers are taking center stage as the hottest must-have item of the season. In this article, we’ll explore why feathers are so coveted and how they can be incorporated into your wardrobe.

    Why Feathers Are So Popular

    Feathers have been a symbol of beauty, power, and spirituality across cultures for centuries. From traditional headdresses to ceremonial attire, feathers have played an integral role in many societies’ cultural practices. Today, their allure lies not only in their natural beauty but also in the symbolism they carry.

    As fashion expert, Isabella Blow, once said: “Feathers are the most wonderful things because they’re so light and yet so strong.” And this season, it seems like designers have taken her words to heart. From statement pieces to accessories, feathers are everywhere!

    Incorporating Feathers into Your Wardrobe

    Whether you’re a fashionista or just looking to add some whimsy to your outfit, there are many ways to incorporate feathers into your wardrobe. Here are a few ideas:

    • Accessories: Start with simple accessories like feather hair clips, earrings, or brooches. These can add a touch of glamour to any outfit.
    • Jackets and Coats: Feather-trimmed jackets and coats are perfect for adding some drama to your look. Look for statement pieces or DIY projects that incorporate feathers.
    • Pieces: Add a touch of elegance with feather-adorned clutches, bags, or even shoes!

    Get Your Feathers On!

    Ready to join the feather frenzy? Here are some great resources to get you started:

    In Conclusion

    As we wrap up this article, it’s clear that feathers are not just a fleeting trend but a symbol of beauty, power, and creativity. Whether you’re looking to add some drama to your outfit or create something unique for your home, feathers offer endless possibilities.

    As Emile Zola, the renowned French author, once said: “Fashion is a way to make oneself visible, to show that one exists.” And this season, it’s hard not to exist when you’re wearing feathers!

    Remember, fashion is all about taking risks and having fun! So go ahead, get your feathers on, and spread your wings!

  • The Color Black – Pigment of Death and Infinity

    The Color Black – Pigment of Death and Infinity

    The color black, more than any other, is steeped in dense symbolism and meaning. It is the color of mystery, mourning, and elegance, simultaneously embodying the concepts of death and infinity. In cultures worldwide, black conjures contrasting imagery, from the void of the universe to the cacophony of negative emotions. This article delves into the multifaceted significance of black, exploring its rich history and enduring impact on art, fashion, and cultural rituals.

    Historical Symbolism of Black

    Black holds an intriguing place in the annals of history, deeply associated with power and authority. According to historian John Harvey, the color black “has a history that traces back to the use of charcoal as makeup in ancient societies and as a fundamental color in religious and spiritual symbolism.” (Encyclopedia Britannica)

    • Ancient Egypt: Black was revered in ancient Egyptian culture as symbolic of fertility and rebirth, essential traits in an agrarian society dependent on the Nile River’s annual inundation.
    • Middle Ages: During this era in Europe, black gained association with authority and social hierarchy, used notably by the clergy and judiciary as a symbol of anonymity and impartiality.
    • Renaissance: Black took on a new sophistication during the Renaissance, becoming the color of choice for royalty and the wealthy, as evidenced by the black velvet fabrics frequently used in European courts.

    Black in Art and Fashion

    Art and fashion have continually played with the boundaries and perceptions of black, finding inventive expressions for its starkness.

    • Art: The use of black in art demands an acute attention to detail and surface texture, as it cannot rely on color contrasts to convey depth or emotion. Artists like Kazimir Malevich, with his work Black Square, challenged perceptions, asserting that “It is from zero, in zero, that the true movement of being begins.” (Tate)
    • Fashion: Black is synonymous with timeless elegance, eternally chic and adaptable. According to Coco Chanel, “Women think of all colors except the absence of color. I have said that black has it all. White too. Their beauty is absolute. It is the perfect harmony.” The iconic little black dress cemented its status as a fashion staple.

    Black as a Cultural Marker

    The cultural implications of black are both profound and varied, often rooted in traditional practices and beliefs. While black represents mourning and loss in Western cultures, it symbolizes vitality and growth in others.

    • Western Traditions: In Western society, black is synonymous with grief and funerals. It became tradition in the Victorian era to wear black as a public display of mourning. The somber hue carries these associations into contemporary customs, signaling respect and sorrow.
    • Eastern Perspectives: In many Eastern cultures, white is the color of mourning, while black represents different aspects. For instance, in Chinese culture, black denotes water and the north, symbolizing dignity and honor.
    • African Cultures: Among some African cultures, black is connected with maturity and masculinity. The color is often used for ceremonial clothing, adornments, and in rituals that signify transition and transformation.

    The Psychological Impact of Black

    The psychology of colors exposes the powerful influence that black holds over human perceptions and emotions. As Psychology Today suggests, black is often associated with deep, complex emotions.

    • Death and Mourning: Universally linked with death, black evokes a range of emotional responses—from fear to awe. Its association with the unknown and unexplainable lends it a powerful narrative in discussions of mortality.
    • Power and Authority: Black is perceived as authoritative and commanding. Its dominance is often leveraged in professional settings, where it is used to convey strength and sophistication.
    • Seclusion and Depression: The color can also evoke feelings of seclusion or isolation. It is not merely passive; it absorbs energy, sometimes amplifying feelings of heaviness or sadness.

    “In black you can reach the deepest depths of folk music, or you can go to the most elevated conversation. Black is like the silence of the body after death, the close of life.” — Sadie Plant in her exploration of how black expresses in varying spectra of music and literature.

    Conclusion: The Infinite Allure of Black

    Black is more than a color; it is a statement, a way of life, a reflection of the most fundamental aspects of human experience. Its duality, offering both the end and the beginning of understanding, pushes us to consider our own beliefs and cultural paradigms. Black continues to inspire artists, fashion designers, and cultural theorists, leaving an indelible mark on our collective consciousness.

    Whether we perceive it through the lens of death or infinity, power or elegance, the color black remains an enigma—layered in meaning, rich in legacy, and timeless in its presence.

  • Twilight Aesthetics – Beauty in the Ephemeral and Dark

    Twilight Aesthetics – Beauty in the Ephemeral and Dark

    The allure of twilight aesthetics lies in its ability to capture the fleeting beauty of dusk and the enchantment found in darkness. Dominated by shadowy blues, soft purples, and muted grays, the twilight aesthetic creates a world that is both inviting and mysterious.

    At the heart of this aesthetic is its transient nature. Twilight signifies a time when day shifts into night, a metaphor for transformation and reflection. As Virginia Woolf beautifully articulated, “The dusk runs swiftly in the vale… like the other moment, returns again no more.” This captures the essence of twilight as a time that is as elusive as it is profound.

    Elements of Twilight Aesthetics

    • Color Palette: The color palette of twilight aesthetics includes indigo, violet, deep blues, and soft pinks. These colors evoke feelings of calm and introspection.
    • Natural Elements: Images of the sky during the golden hour, silhouetted trees, and shimmering water surfaces are a staple in twilight visuals.
    • Lighting: Dim lighting that mimics the gentle illumination of dusk adds a mysterious charm. Candlelight and fairy lights can recreate the look and feel of twilight indoors.

    Impact on Popular Culture

    This aesthetic has seeped into various facets of popular culture. It can be seen in everything from fashion and photography to home decor and film.

    “Twilight is a time of pause when nature changes her guard. The sun’s angle softens the edges of the earth; the atmospheric dusts that obscure the paths of the upper air become visible. Twilight brings the first stars into view.” – The New York Times

    The twilight aesthetic often finds its way into the world of fashion. Flowy fabrics, moody florals, and starry embellishments epitomize the ethereal essence of this style. Designers frequently draw inspiration from the delicate interplay of light and shadow, crafting pieces that evoke the serenity of dusk.

    Twilight inspired fashion runway
    Twilight inspired fashion on the runway showcases an interplay of light and shadow.

    Symbolism and Emotional Resonance

    Symbolically, twilight is associated with mystery, endings, and new beginnings. It’s a visual representation of transition, much like an emotional bridge between wakefulness and sleep, rationality and dreams. As The Guardian suggests, “twilight offers a space to escape into the beauty of the unknown” (source available here).

    Ultimately, twilight aesthetics invite us to pause, to breathe, and to find comfort in the ephemeral beauty of life’s transitions. As we witness the day bidding farewell, we are reminded of the serene beauty that temporality offers—a beauty that the twilight aesthetic masterfully encapsulates.

  • Gothic Horizons Revisited – Dark Culture in Modern Times

    Gothic Horizons Revisited – Dark Culture in Modern Times

    Gothic Horizons Revisited: Dark Culture in Modern Times

    The Gothic subculture has always been an enigmatic and perennial presence in the tapestry of modern culture. Emerging from the post-punk era of the late 1970s and early 1980s, Gothic culture has evolved from its shadowy roots into a multifaceted phenomenon. Today, as we revisit Gothic horizons, the allure of the dark mingles with modern sensibilities, creating a compelling dialogue between past and present.

    The Origins of Gothic Culture

    The Gothic subculture found its inception in the works of bands like Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and The Cure—each instrumental in crafting the soundscapes and aesthetics that fans would come to associate with the genre. The 1979 Bauhaus single “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” is often cited as a cornerstone in Gothic music history. Peter Murphy’s haunting baritone vocals set against stark, minimalist instrumentation paved the way for the architectural elegance of Gothic music and style.

    As the music scene burgeoned, so did the aesthetics. Venues like the Batcave in London served as hubs for Goths, presenting a blend of music, fashion, and art that thrived on a celebration of the macabre and the surreal.

    The Evolution of Gothic Fashion and Style

    Gothic fashion has always been characterized by a striking palette of blacks and velvety textures, adorned with lace, leather, and metal. In modern times, this fashion sense has evolved to include a wider spectrum of colors and influences—but the heart of it remains the same: a celebration of individuality and a rebellion against mainstream norms.

    • Haute Goth: High fashion has echoed Gothic vibes through designers like Alexander McQueen and Jean Paul Gaultier, who have integrated dark romanticism into their collections. The recent Met Gala themes, often embracing Gothic elements, have brought this style further into the limelight.
    • Cyber Goth: This modern twist fuses traditional Gothic style with elements of industrial and futuristic aesthetics. Bright neon colors, often paired with traditional black, create a striking contrast.

    Gothic Art and Literature Reinterpreted

    The influence of Gothic literature, with its roots in the dark romanticism of authors like Edgar Allan Poe and Mary Shelley, persists in contemporary storytelling. Modern Gothic literature—works like Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book or Sarah Perry’s The Essex Serpent—is characterized by a rich narrative that delves into human psyche through the lens of the eerie and the supernatural.

    “Gothic tales thrive because they grapple with contemporary anxieties, making them feel immediate and relevant—a dark mirror held up to our times.” – The Paris Review

    Gothic Influence in Today’s Media

    Contemporary media continues to explore and evolve the themes prevalent in Gothic subculture. Television shows like Penny Dreadful or The Haunting of Hill House, along with movies like Crimson Peak by Guillermo del Toro, showcase the expansive Gothic imagination, threading through narratives of horror, mysticism, and emotional depth.

    Moreover, music continues to play a vital role. Artists like Chelsea Wolfe and The Birthday Massacre blend Gothic elements with electronic music, creating soundscapes that evoke both nostalgia and novel interpretations.

    The Global Reception of Gothic Culture

    What was once seen as a niche subculture has opened its gates to a broader audience. The worldwide appeal of Gothic culture is reflected in events such as the Wave-Gotik-Treffen in Leipzig, Germany, one of the largest festivals celebrating Gothic music and arts. The international proliferation of Gothic culture can also be seen in countries like Japan, where the “Gothic Lolita” fashion trend reimagines Gothic style with a unique cultural twist.

    “Gothic culture has a unique ability to adapt and re-invent, ensuring its survival and relevance in an ever-changing world.” – The New Yorker

    Conclusion

    Revisiting Gothic horizons in modern times offers a glimpse into how this subculture has transitioned from the margins to a celebrated element of contemporary culture. With its origins steeped in darkness and rebellion, today’s Gothic culture captures the spectrum of human emotions and experiences, offering both solace and inspiration to outsiders and insiders alike. As it evolves, it beckons us to see beyond the shadows, embracing a paradoxical light within darkness—a sentiment that is as profound now as it ever was.

  • Gothic Horizons – Dark Aesthetics in Contemporary Culture

    Gothic Horizons – Dark Aesthetics in Contemporary Culture

    Gothic Horizons: Dark Aesthetics in Contemporary Culture

    From the eerie allure of Edgar Allan Poe to the shadowy elegance of modern fashion runways, the Gothic aesthetic has permeated contemporary culture far beyond its literary origins. This darkly romantic and often morose style offers a unique perspective on the beauty found in the unconventional, providing a rich tapestry of creativity in art, fashion, music, and beyond.

    The Historical Roots of Gothic Aesthetics

    The Gothic aesthetic originally emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries. It was a reaction to the Enlightenment’s rationalism, an artistic movement that embraced the mysterious and the supernatural. Gothic literature, characterized by its dark settings and themes of decay and terror, served as a precursor to today’s dark aesthetics.

    “Female Gothic…is a fiction that reveals a woman’s collision with a male society, particularly one where women are looked upon as second-class citizens.” – Ellen Moers

    The Gothic has evolved over centuries, manifesting in various forms such as architecture, literature, fashion, and film. The architectural grandeur of pointed arches and vaulted ceilings is mirrored in the romantic yet macabre worlds imagined by authors and filmmakers, creating an enduring affection for the dark and mysterious.

    Gothic Influences in Modern Fashion

    In contemporary fashion, the Gothic aesthetic is characterized by a preference for dark colors, intricate patterns, and a blend of modern and historical styles. Designers such as Alexander McQueen and Rick Owens have popularized Gothic elements in their collections, combining ethereal beauty with a somber, often theatrical flair.

    • Alexander McQueen: Known for his hauntingly beautiful collections that often incorporate Victorian influences, McQueen uses Gothic motifs to challenge conventional beauty standards.
    • Rick Owens: Renowned for his minimalist Gothic approach, Owens mixes sleek lines with dark, muted tones to create a contemporary yet timeless appeal.

    These designers have helped cement Gothic fashion as a symbol of individuality and nonconformity, appealing to those who find beauty in darkness.

    Gothic Music and its Cultural Resonance

    Music has also played a crucial role in the evolution of the Gothic aesthetic. From the moody post-punk sounds of bands like The Cure to the ethereal gloom of Bauhaus and Siouxsie and the Banshees, the music encapsulates the introspective and often melancholic spirit of the Gothic sensibility.

    “Goth is an evocative, ever-evolving cultural movement that has kept a powerful allure for four decades.” – The Guardian

    This musical genre, often associated with themes of alienation and existential reflection, resonates with audiences seeking emotional depth and authenticity in a world that often seems superficial and disconnected.

    Gothic Cinema: Visual Storytelling in Shadow and Light

    The influence of the Gothic extends into cinema, where filmmakers have utilized its thematic richness and visual drama to craft haunting stories.

    • Tim Burton: Known for his unique visual style, Burton draws on Gothic elements to create whimsical yet somber narratives. Films like “Edward Scissorhands” and “Sleepy Hollow” illustrate his distinctive approach to Gothic storytelling.
    • Guillermo del Toro: With masterpieces like “Crimson Peak” and “Pan’s Labyrinth”, del Toro blends Gothic horror with fairy tale elements to explore themes of love, loss, and the supernatural.

    These directors showcase how Gothic cinema captivates audiences by weaving intricate stories that balance beauty, fear, and longing.

    The Enduring Power of Gothic Aesthetics

    The Gothic aesthetic continues to influence contemporary culture, inviting exploration and reinterpretation. Its appeal lies in its ability to offer a sense of comfort in the macabre and to evoke beauty in spaces where others might see only darkness.

    As society evolves, so too does the Gothic. Its presence in fashion, music, and film ensures that it remains a dynamic and meaningful element of artistic expression. Through its embrace of the shadows, the Gothic offers a unique lens through which to view the nuances of the human experience.

    The Gothic horizon is one of mystery, elegance, and endless possibility, continually transforming and shaping contemporary culture in its indelible, dark beauty.