Tag: goth subculture

Fashion, Lifestyle

Spotlight on Eclipsed Emporium: A New Goth Fashion Boutique in Long Beach

by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments on Spotlight on Eclipsed Emporium: A New Goth Fashion Boutique in Long Beach
Inside Eclipsed Emporium (Model: Angelina Sambrotto/ Photo credit: Anabel D'Flux)
Inside Eclipsed Emporium (Model: Angelina Sambrotto/ Photo credit: Anabel D’Flux)

As a goth resident of Long Beach, California, I was thrilled when I heard about the new boutique that opened up for the darkly inclined fashionista, Eclipsed Emporium. It’s nestled in the borough of Bixby Knolls and, when it comes to this part of town, is the only one of its kind and a veritable jewel. Outside of Los Angeles, the only other goth apparel and accessory shop I knew of was Ipso Facto in Orange County. Now there’s a spot in my neck of the woods, and I’m here to share it with you.

Continue reading “Spotlight on Eclipsed Emporium: A New Goth Fashion Boutique in Long Beach” →
Art, Events, Nightlife

Goth Night at Mirus Gallery

by Jennifer Vasquez8 Comments on Goth Night at Mirus Gallery
Vamp Jenn at Goth Night
Vamp Jenn at Goth Night

Mirus Gallery in Los Angeles, in collaboration with dark artist Shane Izykowski, has a new recurring event they’ll be hosting for the darkly inclined—Goth Night. It debuted in May, and I had the opportunity to experience the July edition, which included macabre art, live entertainment, spooky vendors and, of course, DJs spinning goth music. Here’s your look inside the festivities.

Continue reading “Goth Night at Mirus Gallery” →
music

Spotlight on Edward Transylvania: Dark Singer, Songwriter & Poet

by Jennifer Vasquez5 Comments on Spotlight on Edward Transylvania: Dark Singer, Songwriter & Poet
Singer, songwriter and poet Edward Transylvania
Photo courtesy of Edward Transylvania

Into the depths of the psyche we go, with artist Edward Transylvania as our guide. The Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter and poet has been crafting macabre magic through his lyrics for more than a decade and is continuing to carve out his own place within, not only the goth genre, but also the world of dark music. Listeners can expect passionate vocals and sinister beats.

Continue reading “Spotlight on Edward Transylvania: Dark Singer, Songwriter & Poet” →
Lifestyle, music

Experiencing the Goth Subculture Through the Music

by Jennifer Vasquez23 Comments on Experiencing the Goth Subculture Through the Music
Gothik: Special Anniversary Edition CD compilation
Gothik: Special Anniversary Edition CD compilation

When I started getting into the goth scene, I went on a mission to navigate my way through the numerous bands that existed. Since it is a music-based subculture, I wanted to have at least a general knowledge of what had been and was continuing to be produced. One of the beautiful facets of goth is its rich musical heritage. There’s an abundance of beats and sounds that have been created within the genre, and others that have sprouted from it, such as darkwave, ethereal, deathrock and coldwave. For World Goth Day, I’m going to share what I listened to and some of the core groups that were my gateway to the music.

Continue reading “Experiencing the Goth Subculture Through the Music” →
Dining & Drink, Lifestyle

Spotlight on Adrienne LaVey: Absinthe & Gothic Arts Connoisseur

by Jennifer Vasquez15 Comments on Spotlight on Adrienne LaVey: Absinthe & Gothic Arts Connoisseur
Adrienne LaVey of Ligeia Resurrected

Bridging the realms of goth subculture and the gothic aesthetic, Adrienne LaVey is an individual who revels in the beauty of darkness. Her YouTube channel, Ligeia Resurrected, features insightful reviews on topics that run the gamut from 19th-century macabre literature to the latest goth music releases. Of the content she produces, her absinthe videos truly set her apart and are a unique offering. Since March 5th is National Absinthe Day, I felt it fitting to interview someone who seeks to unravel the mysteries that surround this widely misunderstood spirit.

Continue reading “Spotlight on Adrienne LaVey: Absinthe & Gothic Arts Connoisseur” →
Lifestyle

The Dark Pariahs of Society: A Baby Bat’s Ruminations on Goth

by Jennifer Vasquez7 Comments on The Dark Pariahs of Society: A Baby Bat’s Ruminations on Goth
Left image: me at the age of 16 circa 2002; Right image: me at Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor Halloween 2019 event

To commemorate World Goth Day this year on May 22nd, I’ve decided to take a nostalgic look back at a high school paper I wrote on the subculture in 2002. I was 16 years old and in 11th grade. The assignment was for an English class and I was to write an expository essay. I was a young goth who was still learning about the scene and eager to share the knowledge I had gained. This project was my opportunity to not only reveal to readers the dark beauty of this alternative community, but also proudly proclaim my connection with it.

Continue reading “The Dark Pariahs of Society: A Baby Bat’s Ruminations on Goth” →
Fashion, Lifestyle

Spotlight On Goth Fashion Blogger Stygian Siryn

by Jennifer Vasquez9 Comments on Spotlight On Goth Fashion Blogger Stygian Siryn

Photo credit: Stygian Siryn
Photo credit: Stygian Siryn

Goth fashion blogger and model Stygian Siryn, aka Dawn, is setting the alternative scene ablaze with her chic and edgy style. Her blog site covers the latest trends available from lauded alternative apparel brands, such as Foxblood, Killstar and Regal Rose, to name a few, highlighting plus-size options. Her reviews are honest, informative and include fantastic detailed images of the fashion pieces.

I was fortunate to come across her page on Instagram months ago and was immediately taken in by the looks she creates. In this spotlight feature, Dawn opens up about what inspires her, her love of the macabre, her hopes for the future of alternative fashion and more! With impeccable taste in the world of dark lifestyle and a magical aesthetic, Stygian Siryn is an enchanting figure the goth scene needs. Continue reading “Spotlight On Goth Fashion Blogger Stygian Siryn” →

Fashion, Lifestyle, music

Growing Up Goth: Finding My Self Within the Subculture

by Jennifer Vasquez17 Comments on Growing Up Goth: Finding My Self Within the Subculture

Vamp Jenn's Corner

How does one know they’re goth? I can’t recall a specific incident that brought me to this realization. There wasn’t some grand transformation that happened, although it would be more exciting to say I underwent a dramatic change similar to Anne Rice’s vampires. These characters shed their mortal shell in a painful process; even their bowels are emptied of all human waste. No, nothing of the sort happened when I began identifying with the goth subculture. The shift for me was subtle, but my family noticed my all-black apparel, heavy use of black eyeliner and polish, and unusual taste in music.

Here’s my coming of “dark age” story of how I found my place within this alternative group and discovered my true colors—black, black and black. Continue reading “Growing Up Goth: Finding My Self Within the Subculture” →

Film

7 Films to Watch on Goth Day

by Jennifer Vasquez12 Comments on 7 Films to Watch on Goth Day

Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (© Columbia Pictures & Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)
Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (© Columbia Pictures & Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)

Wondering how you can celebrate Goth Day on May 22nd? Set the mood with a list of binge-worthy, macabre films. Following are a few of my favorite flicks that either feature goth characters or exude a dark vibe. By no means an exhaustive compilation, this should at least give you a good start. So, drape yourself in black, dim the lights and enjoy the feature presentation. Continue reading “7 Films to Watch on Goth Day” →

Fashion, Lifestyle, music

Do You Know Your Goth ABCs?

by Jennifer Vasquez13 Comments on Do You Know Your Goth ABCs?

Photo by Matheus Farias
Photo by Matheus Farias

You’ve seen us lurking in the shadows, clad in black, listening to dark tunes and exuding a sense of mystery. We’re goths and there’s more to us than meets the eye. The goth subculture is multifaceted and not a teenage phase. In an ode to Goth Day that is on the 22nd of this month, I wanted to offer an introductory course on this dark and beautiful community. Let’s call it Goth 101. I’ve combed through the alphabet selecting words that are related to the subculture to provide deeper insight.

Ready to begin your lesson? Class is now in session. Continue reading “Do You Know Your Goth ABCs?” →