Cabaret Goth, also known as Burlesque Goth, is a distinctive subgenre within the goth community that melds Victorian and early 20th-century aesthetics with the theatrical elements of cabaret and burlesque. This fusion creates a unique style characterized by a blend of elegance, sensuality, and theatricality, reminiscent of a bygone era of performance and fashion.
Origins
Cabaret Goth draws inspiration from several sources:
- Burlesque and Cabaret: Historically, burlesque shows were a form of entertainment that combined striptease with comedy and theatrical performances. These shows often featured elaborate costumes and a playful yet classy presentation of sensuality. The cabaret, similarly, was a venue for performance art that included comedy, dance, and music, all presented in a sophisticated setting.
- Victorian and Edwardian Fashion: The fashion associated with Cabaret Goth is heavily influenced by Victorian and Edwardian styles. This includes elements like corsets, bustles, and intricate detailing that evoke the elegance and opulence of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Gothic Influences: While Cabaret Goth integrates these historical elements, it also maintains the dark, mysterious essence typical of gothic fashion. This creates a style that is both luxurious and edgy.
Aesthetic
The Cabaret Goth aesthetic is a striking mix of vintage charm and gothic darkness:
- Costumes: Key elements of Cabaret Goth fashion include corsets, garters, fishnet stockings, and dresses that feature mermaid silhouettes or end at mid-thigh with trailing back pieces. These items evoke the opulence of burlesque and cabaret performances while maintaining a gothic edge.
- Hair and Makeup: Hairstyles often reflect a vintage glamor, such as 1950s-inspired waves or pin-up styles, similar to those seen on figures like Dita Von Teese. Makeup tends to be bold and dramatic, featuring smoky eyes, sharply defined cat eyeliner, and vibrant red lips, all of which enhance the theatricality of the look.
Fashion
Cabaret Goth fashion is characterized by its blend of sensuality, elegance, and theatrical flair:
- For Women: Women’s Cabaret Goth fashion includes elements like lace, feathers, and elaborate corsets paired with skirts or dresses that have dramatic, trailing details. Black heels and jeweled chokers are common accessories that complete the look. The overall style channels a mix of seductive and sophisticated, inspired by burlesque and cabaret performances.
- For Men: Men’s Cabaret Goth fashion often features a blend of Victorian and early 20th-century styles, such as suits with pinstripes, small bowl hats, and bowties. The look can resemble a stylish cross between Dracula, Charlie Chaplin, and a mime, maintaining a distinctive class and elegance.
Why Cabaret Goth Might Be for You
If you’re drawn to Cabaret Goth, here’s why it might resonate with you:
- Love for Vintage Glamour: If you’re captivated by the elegance and opulence of Victorian and early 20th-century fashion, Cabaret Goth offers a stylish way to embrace these aesthetics with a gothic twist.
- Passion for Theatricality: If you enjoy the theatrical and performative aspects of fashion, Cabaret Goth provides a platform for expressing yourself in a dramatic and sophisticated manner.
- Appreciation for Sensual Elegance: The combination of sensuality and class in Cabaret Goth fashion allows for a unique and elegant style that stands out while maintaining a dark, gothic edge.
You Might Be a Cabaret Goth If:
- You Love Vintage Fashion: Your wardrobe includes items like corsets, fishnets, and elegant, theatrical costumes that reflect a bygone era of performance and style.
- You Enjoy Dramatic Makeup: You’re drawn to bold, theatrical makeup with smoky eyes, sharp cat eyeliner, and vibrant red lips, creating a look that enhances your dramatic and sophisticated appearance.
- You Appreciate Theatricality: You have a passion for performance art and enjoy incorporating elements of cabaret and burlesque into your everyday style, blending sensuality with elegance.
- You Embrace Gothic Elegance: You like to merge gothic themes with Victorian or Edwardian influences, creating a look that is both dark and luxurious.
- You Admire Iconic Figures: You’re inspired by figures like Dita Von Teese and their blend of burlesque and gothic fashion, and you incorporate similar elements into your own style.