Diva Style, or WHAT THE HELL AM I GOING TO WEAR????
Back in...white?!
So after a rather half-amusing, half-horrifying "discussion" with fellow goths in IRC, or on other channels, or even seeing them in dance clubs with their snooty looks and cliquish ways, I've had it. I just...lord...
It's time to put black away. I've noticed that many people my age are doing the same. I suppose the kids believe that it means we're finally "growing up" and leaving the scene to them. Not so - we can't change who we are. However, when asked if we're goth what music we listen to, we're more apt to reply "What books have you read? What protests have you been involved in?" Things have changed a lot, and I'm not the only one feeling it. We're not leaving the culture - rather, think of it as the Elves travelling to the West - retreating to our coffee shops, or wine bars, and the like.
So...if you're like me, you've decided you need a change of "scene" as you're getting really embarassed by all the prats calling themselves Goth - rather like most Satanists feel about the kids with upside-down crosses painted on the back of a leather jacket to piss off their mums. What do you do, to keep some sort of "freakiness" in your life? Chances are that you've lived this way all your life, and so a change seems really disturbing. Breathe through it, y'all...here's some ideas.
I'm glad you asked:
-Change your clothing colour. When I was a kid, I LOVED purple, but I wasn't digging white. In reality, white looks very stunning on me, especially when I have my hair dye in something reddish or blue. African American sistahs look BRILLIANT in white. People wanna stare at you in clubs, REALLY give them something to stare at by showing up in a ripped up wedding gown. Or perhaps something in a brilliant green or purple. Find a colour that works on you, and "freak it up".
-Find something beautiful that you love. For myself, I have to laugh, as most of the dance tracks I hear in clubs now sounds like friggen NOISE - what the hell is up with techno?! But I've always loved the symphony. So, I treat myself now and then to some chamber music in my gothy best, enjoying the sound of an orchestra playing my favourites. If I ever find a wine bar, I'll haunt it often, and I also want to ride the Flying Scotsman with an intimate dinner for two. Appeal to the "snob" within and let it loose.
-Arrange an old-goth night with friends. Doesn't have to be a club if you're not into it. Find a coffee bar and relive some old memories. Hold a Dark Tea in your evening best. Attend an opera in clothing from the Regency period. Why should the kids have all the fun? So we're older, and we don't like shouting over loud music - doesn't mean we can't have a little fun!
- Find freaky touches you enjoy and surround yourself with them. As a former belly dancer, I still love the jewellry, and I'm a silk addict. My house would look like a pasha's den if I could, and why not? It doesn't have to be all latex and leather - sure it's cool but everyone's doing it, so why not something different? I read a description of Brian Froud's house and fell in love with it - it's filled with faerie dolls and drawings, sculpted trees that look like they're holding up the ceiling, incredible stuff really. Wouldn't that be cool as hell? Why not do it?
-Style, style, style! From Rasputina to the Gothic BellyDancer, anything goes whether the little snobs want to believe that or not. I've seen women show up in dark saris to goth parties and look absolutely glorious. Screw the raver-bondage-pants look...if there is something you've always wanted to try, try it. How about the Josephine Baker look? The voudoun initiate in white? Dress as a geisha and dance with your fan. Take a little of your culture with you into your life, wear silk, mismatched socks, whatever you want to do. You can still be a freak.
Find your niche, and WORK IT!