Social media platforms such as TikTok have recently become spaces of fashion resurgences and revivals, a space in which it not only is revived but evolved and adapted into the contemporary space. Much can be said for that of the Whimsigoth aesthetic which has in recent years become a new aestheticised ‘trend’ of fashion on people's For You Pages. But the question we’ll be looking at today is how did this aesthetic originate? And why are we seeing it now?
The term Whimsigoth, or known more formally as Whimsigothic was coined in 2020 by the Consumer Aesthetics Research Institute, who initially described the aesthetical name as ‘Whimsical Mystical Gothic Celestial’ (Evan Collins of CARI). Indeed, mixing elements of the whimsical elements of witchcraft (though not an essential practice to the aesthetic) with the more esoteric and mystical influences of Gothic culture, the Whimsigoth aesthetic can be categorically recognised by a layering of different materials such as velvet, lace and leather with a hint of rich and emboldened colours of red, purple and blue, with hints of gold and silver. This truly feminine aesthetic of mystique and velour takes luxuries in its ability to be both unique and timeless, with a versatile play to your every day wardrobe.
The trend encourages empowerment, autonomy and above all sustainability.
Gaining peak traction in the cultural scene of the late 1980s to the early 90s with figures such as Stevie Nicks, Kate Bush, Lisa Bonet, and Helena Bonham Carter, the Whimsigoth aesthetic, like many sub-cultures, has always been about subverting the cultural and political norm, a sentiment true to today’s resurgence. The trend encourages empowerment, autonomy and above all sustainability. Thanks to these empowered figures of the 90s who showcased the Whimsigoth aesthetic in the limelight, many women began to reclaim the style, often sourced second hand, as a form of empowerment against the system making this a rocker aesthetic, available to all.
It is clear that the resurging appeal for this creatively empowering style of fashion lies in its ability to be timelessly evolving with itself, adapting to contemporary creativity and expressions of empowering femininity in a time of conservationist minimalism and overconsumerism that becomes, in itself, exclusionary. Whimsigothicism, in its freeform framework, brings an enrichened feeling to life that is bound to spellbind your hearts.