Victorian Goth is a subgenre of Gothic subculture and culture that draws inspiration from the Victorian era, which spanned from the 1830s to the early 1900s. This style incorporates elements of Victorian fashion, such as corsets, bustles, lace, and high collars, and combines them with Gothic elements, such as dark colors, black clothing, and dramatic accessories.
Fashion
In terms of fashion, Victorian Goth often includes the same type of clothes worn in Victorian Fashion such as:
- Long, flowing skirts or dresses
- Corsets
- Top hats
- Lace gloves
- booties, heels or ankle shoes
However, the main difference is that the color palette is usually dark and muted, with shades of black, grey, brown, and deep red being common.
Victorian Goth culture also incorporates elements of and codes Victorian literature and architecture, as well as Gothic literature and art. This subculture often values elegance, sophistication, and a sense of mystery and darkness.
Media and Pop Culture
Books
- Far from the Madding Crowd (1874)
- The Way We Live Now (1875)
- The Picture of Dorian Gray (1890)
Anime, Manga, and Light Novels
- Black Butler (Anime/Manga)
- Diabolik Lovers (Anime/Manga)
- Danganronpa: The Animation (Anime)
- Gosick (Anime/Light Novel)
- Princess Principal (Anime)
- The Mystic Archives of Dantalian (Anime/Light Novel)
- The Empire of Corpses (Anime/Light Novels)
Movies
- Corpse Bride (2005)
- The Governess (1998)
- Dorian Gray (2009)
- Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
- Far from the Madding Crowd (2015)
- Mr. Turner (2014)
TV Shows
- The Crimson Petal and the White (2011)
- Desperate Romantics (2009)
- The Way We Live Now (2001)
- Penny Dreadful (2014-2016)
- Dead Still (2020)
Video Games
- Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate
- Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc (Specifically Celestia Ludenberg)
- Bloodborne
- Darkest Dungeon (Specifically The Hamlet and Crimson Court)
Music
Victorian Goth music draws inspiration from the music of the Victorian era, but typically features a slower and darker melody and tone compared to traditional Victorian music. It’s worth noting that most Gothic Victorian music was not composed during the actual Victorian era, but rather in modern times, perhaps influenced by contemporary Gothic music.
Songs
- “Death Waltz” by Adam Hurst
- “Crimson and Velvet” by M Jai Dark Flower
- “The Vampire Masquerade” by Peter Gundry
- “Gothic Ballroom” by Brandon Fiechter, Derek Fiechter
- “Curse of the Black Opus” by Fairytale Abuse
Artists
- Abel Korzeniowski
- Celestial Aeon Project
- Peter Gundry
Albums
- The Edge of Darkness by Peter Gundry
- Penny Dreadful Soundtrack by Abel Korzeniowski
- Vampire Waltzes Collection | Romances by M Jai Dark Flower
- Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs (Original Game Soundtrack) by Jessica Curry