Before you start reading, we just need to specify that we do not really or assuredly call it under the umbrella of Goth fashion. This is an emerging field that is still sometimes confused to be under the Goth umbrella or in the area of Satanism. However, we would specify it more to be under the Goth fashion scene because of the fact that actual Satanists don’t really have to follow a fashion trend. However, this is not way cultural appropriation. We respect the Satanists (religion) and in no way mean to offend them.
Getting back to the fashion scene, the most recent display should be the London fashion week, 2017. The controversy was created because it was held in a church. The models were displayed in St. Andrew Holborn church in central London as a part of Spring/Summer 2018 London fashion week. The church claimed that it was tricked to do so and later issued an apology for the same. The designer of the show was the Turkish designer Dilara Findikoglu who is supposedly a rising star in Hollywood with celebrities like Rihanna opting for her designs.
She claims that the fashion does not correspond to Satanism, Illuminati or any cult. The main theme of the fashion is the rebellion from the conventional (very much matches the Goth theme, doesn’t it?). Findikoglu herself said regarding the fashion that it highlights the binary of what is constructed as ‘evil’ or ‘good’. People have to understand that these are just mere constructions and need to be embraced equally as parts of ourselves. Everything is not ‘love and light’ and shouldn’t be too. It also uses elements from other cultures too, such as Strega fashion, Bohemian fashion etc.
It mostly uses black and reds as its dominant color scheme. Of course, both the colors have their own denotations when it comes to cultural contexts. The way to exaggerate the fashion is to wear the Satanic pentacle (not to be confused with the Wiccan pentacle), inverted crosses and gender fluid clothing (because of course, Satan must be the person that burns all the gays in hell). Horns are extensively used.
If you want some real great inspiration, have a look at Kat Von D’s wedding where she actually followed the theme extensively with a red ball gown wedding dress and black horns. Tattoos are also big on the Satanic fashion scene. Goth tattooes, ancient gods/goddess tattoos and anything that screams spooky and mysterious go well with the theme. As we said, it is still an emergent field.
Another interpretation of the fashion that is prevalent is to sexualize the devil’s image. Hollywood started the trend (Bedazzled, duh!) and it progressed to adding sexy, lacey dresses and lingerie. This is in tune with the concept that the devil represents the carnal desire and its imagery of the seven sins. So you are free to pick your poison. As they say, the devil is in the details. What they don’t say that the devil is also slick and open to interpretation. We’re saying that so you can go ahead and make your own version of it.