The next step is to immerse into a closer examination of Gothic fashion in order to find an explanation for their power to attract people. But as already mentioned before, I decided to concentrate this study rather on the aspect of Gothic fashion than of music, as I believe in fashion’s ability to communicate meaning. “Through our clothing we express our inner world as well.” Although Tuomas argues that: “the fashion is just a thing that is quite a lot only about a feeling and not so much that one wants to communicate something.” Still, I think that it is exactly this ‘feeling’ he mentions, which is the message, or the code sent by fashion and which is of interest for this work. To me, the Gothic subculture means more the inner scenery of my heart. It means a certain attitude. I reflect this by wearing dark clothes.

Clothing styles constitute something approximating a code. The content of this code, which is ingrained in Gothic fashion style’s symbols, is what attracts people to get involved with Gothic subculture. This work is interested in deciphering the code in order to understand the meaning that it has for insiders as well as for outsiders of the Gothic subculture. Therefore, it is now time to turn towards Gothic fashion with its material objects, goods and possessions, which have been adopted and adapted by goths in order to express the collectivity of their being-as-a-group and used for the creation of distinctive identity symbols that objectify a group’s self-image and at the same time demarcate them from nonscene members.

But when looking for one particular Gothic fashion and its attached symbols, one soon has to realize that there exists not only one Gothic fashion style but a great number of varying Gothic fashion styles, which moreover are often mixed with each other. In order to be able to analyze the meaning of Gothic fashion and its symbols, it is thus necessary to reduce the great variety of existing Gothic fashion styles to a manageable number of fashion styles. The idea is to find and formulate suitable idealtypen of Gothic fashion styles by taking certain elements of the historical reality of Gothic fashion and amplify them mentally to a concept called Idealtyp. When set against reality, the concept of an Idealtyp is not trying to reflect reality but rather functions as a measuring meter, which helps to evaluate reality. It is important to keep in mind that Idealtypen, other than Realtypen, do not occur as such in reality and are only an artificial measure created by science to simplify an analysis of reality. Therefore, I hope that my categorization of Gothic fashion styles into different Idealtypen is not taken by any Goth as deadly serious and as a big insult.

Since this categorization of Gothic fashions style is not meant as a reflection of reality. It is only an abstract categorization of Gothic fashion styles, which is mostly based on my interviews, observations, literature and to a great extend on the valuable information I was provided with by my key informant Emma. The idea is not to dig into little details of each and every single Gothic fashion style, but rather to give an overview of the most general of the Finnish Gothic fashion styles by describing their most common style elements. I examined each of the following Gothic fashion style Idealtypen for its symbols by concentrating on the fashion styles’ distinctive color usage, their particular objects and their characteristic dressing styles. The results of this analysis have been listed in the end of each Idealtyp’s description. This way, I hoped to reduce the complexity of Gothic fashion to its essential and most meaningful symbols.

Velvet Goth

The fashion style of the Idealtyp named “Velvet Goth” is characterized by a strong influence of the medieval way of dressing. Long dresses and gowns that resemble the appearance of a young lady of the castle. Those dresses are usually made out of black and ruby-colored velvet cloth, are one of the most typical features of the female Velvet Goth outfit. Also long capes and coats for both female and male Goths are very popular in this category of fashion style. Also, shirts with trumpet sleeves belong to this kind of style, which can also be called castle-style.

Victorian Goth

As already implied in its name the style which I decided to summarize under the Idealtyp named “Victorian Goth”, is greatly inspired by a fashion that dominated the Victorian era. Especially the Victorian tight-lacing corset, which accentuates the bosom and minimizes the waist, thus producing a curved hour-glass shape, is one of the popular items of this fashion style. But in order to complete the outfit of a female Victorian Goth, the corset has to be combined with: long skirts and dresses equipped with petticoats. Feminine accessories are borrowed from the era of baroque fashion, such as long gloves, fancy fans, neckbands, ornate jewelery, sacks, handbags and parasols. Especially parasols have been very much in fashion lately. The outfit of a male Victorian Goth Idealtyp includes amongst others hats, frilly shirts and velvet jackets and the materials, which dominate both outfits, male as well as female, are tulle, satin, silk, chiffon and lace, often of black or purple color, which in some cases might be combined with white.

Death Rock Goth

And then there is this death rock style which is quite a lot like punk. The Idealtyp called “death rock Goth” is a style that is greatly influenced by the punk style. This means that the hair is often styled to stand in spikes or cut into a Mohawk and sometimes colored in bright colors. It also includes bondage trousers, ripped fishnets, studded or spiked jewelry. The clothes are dominated by the color black. The representatives of this kind of style look quite masculine when being compared to other Goth styles, for example trousers seem to be more popular than skirts. It is a tougher style of clothing, which is emphasized through
the footwear which consists of Rangers or Doc Martens boots.

Cybergoth

The latest Gothic style that has been very fashionable in the 21st century is this cybergoth style. The most distinctive characteristic of the “cybergoth“ style is its protruding usage of bright colors in addition to the traditional black of Gothic fashion. This can be seen at its best in cybergoths’ colorful hair extensions, which are woven into black hair and which are very popular amongst women as well as men. Also the clothes of cybergoths are a combination of black and some other, bright color. According to my data, it seems that the most popular colors, which are used by cybergoths, are blue, purple and pink. Especially the latter one seems to be very much in fashion. Further, the cybergoth style is often marked by the usage of PVC material, huge platform boots and fluorescent make up. Also piercings and goggles are common characteristics of the cybergoth style.

Elegant Gothic Lolita

The “Elegant Gothic Lolita (EGL)” style originated around 1997 out of a youth culture in Japan. This French maid meets Alice in Wonderland style which emphasizes girl’s clothing and often aims to imitate the look of Victorian porcelain dolls’, is characterized by baby doll costumes, which are often decorated with ribbons and a lot of lace. Skirts are knee length and may have a crinoline or petticoat to add volume. As in mainstream Japanese fashion, over-knee socks or stockings and frilly, ruffled or lace-trimmed Victorian blouses are also popular. The style is a combination of Lolita fashion and certain style elements taken from the Gothic fashion, such as using the contrast of black and white, and using Goth-related symbols such as coffins and crucifixes in the shape of jewelry or a bag.

As a whole it seems that the EGL fashion rather makes up a subculture on its own. They have their own music, their own Idols, their own magazine (Gothic & Lolita Bible) and their own distinctive fashion style. The Japanese Elegant Gothic Lolitas want nothing to do with our Western Gothic ways. They do not listen to our music and they are not Gothic in the American and European sense. The only connection between the Gothic subculture and the EGL subculture is their mutual influence regarding fashion. Like Gothic fashion is influencing the fashion of Elegant Gothic Lolitas, the Elegant Gothic Lolitas are influencing the Gothic fashion style in Finland.

Mixed Gothic Styles

While each of the above mentioned Idealtypen of Gothic fashion styles make up an independent and distinctive category of Gothic fashion style recognizable by specific symbols (e.g. corset, hair extensions, velvet), the Idealtyp that I have named “mixed styles” does not have any distinctive style elements of its own. It rather refers to a style, which has been created by a free combination of different style symbols, which are taken from other Idealtypen. What distinguishes this style form others, is the way it is created. The “mixed styles” is created by taking a symbol out of one of the Gothic fashion style categories and to combine it with other symbols taken of other Gothic fashion style categories.

Popular forms of women’s dress shoes in the 1920s can be divided into three basic types: pumps (no straps), ankle straps (mary janes), and T-straps. Closed toes and heels were worn throughout the 1920s. Peep toes and sandle-style high heels (with either a sandal front or an open back) did not come into fashion until the later 1930s. The split upper, with the vamp covering the toes separated from the heel, came into high French fashion in the 1920s, and eventually worked its way into mainstream American fashion by the 1930s.

Women’s evening shoes in the first half of the decade usually had a fairly pointy toe and a Louis heel (curved) or Cuban heel (block) of 2” or 2 1/2”; in the second half, the pointed toe started rounding out and they usually sported a 2 1/2 – 3”Boulevard heel (straighter than the Louis, but with a slight curve). All these heel styles were thicker/sturdier than today’s thin high heels. Evening shoes were often made with fabric exteriors (e.g. silk satin, brocade, velvet, lace) over a leather base; sometimes they were decorated with beading, embroidery, or shoe clips. It was fashionable to have heels in a contrasting color or decorated with patterns or rhinestones. Popular colors were gold, silver, bronze, black, pastels, and bright silks.

Women’s daytime dress shoes were made from leather or more durable fabrics like silk faille, and usually had a heel from between 1” and 2 1/2”. For more casual wear, women wore low- heeled mary janes & oxfords, button up shoes, boots, etc.

Where to buy modern shoes that can pass as 1920s shoes: If you don’t have anything in your closet that looks 1920s, your best bet are character shoes from a variety of dance shoe suppliers: Capezio, So Danco, Danceshuz, etc. Capezio seems to be priced in the middle, with others cheaper and more expensive. Capezio also makes pricier versions in their “theatrical” line. A great place to try online would be: www.womensvintageshoes.com. Women’s Vintage Shoes has hundreds of choices from real vintage and retro shoes to modern look-a-likes.

If you want a color other than the standard black or tan, character shoes can be spray-painted. I have seen it done with women’s Capezios in metallic paints (gold, silver), and they look great. I have found one pair of character shoes from Danceshuz that comes in silver.

Another option for women is Retro-01’s “Flapper” shoe, which is closer to a 1920s shoe than any other costume shoe I have seen. Plus they come in several colors (black, white, red, silver, gold), and you can get them for under $30: You can most likely find them on either Amazon.com or Women’s Retro Shoes.

Chucks were invented in 1917, and named after Charles “Chuck” Taylor, a basketball player, coach, and salesman who traveled the country evangelizing the game and selling the shoes. The 1920s through 1970s were Chucks’ glory days. But the 1970s brought new competition from Nike, Reebok, and Adidas, and Converse ceded territory as a performance shoe. After losing their footing in basketball, the brand floundered. And despite its strong ties to the counterculture movement – it was the shoe of choice for bands like Nirvana, The Pixies, The Ramones – Chucks never fully capitalized on the phenomenon. Converse declared bankruptcy in 2001.

Then the tide turned. The company, under new leadership, concentrated on rebuilding its brand name and focusing on what made Chucks so successful: simplicity and authenticity. Converse re-established timeless bestsellers with updates. They designed new streetwise models that retained the original style. They brought the brand’s focus back to basketball with NBA endorser and superstar-to-be Dwyane Wade. They also started to embrace the counterculture movements that had been embracing them. The result? Converse and Chucks came back as sales tripled over the first three years after Converse’s reorganization. Today Converse continues to cultivate its edgy rebel status by partnering with up-and-coming designers and bleeding-edge hip-hoppers and rockers. Sales continue to increase each year.

Part of what made Chucks so successful is they connect with timeless values. Putting on a Chuck, young people feel a sense of authenticity; they are part of something real because the shoe is old-school cool. Chucks also convey a message of freedom: freedom from the work world and freedom of expression. Chucks’ design hasn’t changed much since 1917, symbolizing simplicity of design and straightforward comfort. Chucks tap into membership: wearing a pair makes you part of a group. Perhaps most importantly, Chucks foster a sense of personal identity: there are many different colors and styles to choose from to express yourself. If you want to make a political statement, try Democracy Chucks; if you love music, try hip-hop producer Pharrell Williams Chucks; you can even go online at Discount Chucks or Retro Shoes to find the perfect pair. The variety and carefree image of Chucks make them fun to wear. Chucks tap into timeless values: They are the soles of a century.

Since the beginning of time, we see change in lifestyles and preferences. This holds especially true for fashion and trends because as far as fashion is concerned, it changes significantly as the years pass by. And for many years, women’s purses have been making a unique style statement of their own.

Today, the clutch bag is one of the most fashionable trends. It is, as they say “in vogue” and is particularly used during the spring and summertime. Clutch bags are so popular that most women currently have one or more clutch bags as part of their wardrobe.

Each woman has her own style-statement and the clutch bag can provide that extra “it” factor to set them apart from her peers. The roaring rage of clutch bags is such that it could easily be said that a fashionable woman and her wardrobe would not be complete without one.

What to Consider:

Since clutch bags are so popular that they are available in various designs and sizes. Clutch bags are also occasion-specific. There are evening clutch bags, frame clutch bags, silver clutch bags, etc. Before you get baffled down by the innumerable and various shops that carry clutches, think of the purpose for which you want to get one.

Choose a clutch bag that not only compliments your look and occasion, but one that is functional and can hold your minimum essentials. Coarse woven fabrics in the latest colors are just too fashionable these days. Try unconventional textures that have tie-dye effects or patchworks effects, studded with sequins and pearls.

Color Palette:

When it comes to color selection, the choices are endless! You can experiment with taupe or tan to impart an excitement look or make a bold statement with red or black. Today’s trendy colors include vibrant green, fuchsia red, dark citron, super lemon, etc.

It is true however, that sometimes the occasion may demand a traditional color choice. In a case like this, go for the “mini black dress” of clutch bags, the silver clutch bag. Classic silver clutch bags just look great,- go with anything, and will last for years. When out for a party, an evening clutch bag will simply make you look good and complete your overall look.

Cost:

Though clutch bags are in demand and available in rich varieties, today they are far more affordable. Thanks to the ongoing recession and market situations, some shops are offering a series of discount sales on clutch bags. However, do not get swayed by the low price. Do consider color and texture before buying one. Make sure the clutch bag you buy is large enough to facilitate small but necessary items like car keys, mobile phones, debit-credit cards, wallet, etc. A palm-sized clutch bag is chic, but if you are one for lipstick, perfumes, and combs, then it’s suggested that you buy a super-sized clutch bag that’s more spacious and can accommodate your items.

A handbag or a purse is a necessary accessory for women. Not only are they fashionable but also functional. They answer the call to fashion as well as function. That’s what you can expect from a Sondra Roberts handbag. Handbags have been around for numerous generations. Ever since recorded history began, handbags have been known to be useful for women, and even men! A handbag is a true companion that holds things like wallets, keys, cell phones, debit/credit cards, tissues, business cards, lipsticks, blush, etc.

During the early years, handbags were not carried in the hand; instead women use to wear handbags around their waist. If you glance-back into the history of Ancient Egypt, you can easily get references that prove that both male and female wore small carrying bags. It was only after the early 20th century that the term handbag was becoming more popular and consequently the trend shifted to only women carrying handbags.

Women and handbags go hand in hand. She makes sure that all the things that she needs are easily accessible so that she is safeguarded for any occasion or event.

Handbags are so popular today because they are stylish, functional, and most of all a fashion statement in itself. Because of their popularity during emerging fashion trends, handbags come in different styles and sizes. Designer handbags are in vogue. Now let’s look into the different styles of handbags, they are as follows:

• Satchel handbags – Satchel handbags are identified by two short handles and straps and are quite large. They are ideally meant for travel and journeys.
• Tote handbags - This kind of handbags displays a flaunting stylish-and-crazy fashion. Tote-bags vary in shapes, sizes, and materials. They have two handles and are usually made of canvas and are more durable than many other types of handbags. They are multi-purposed. They can be used to carry books, clothes, and even groceries. The lightweight of tote handbags also make it useful to be carried to the beach.
• Shoulder handbags – Simply put, handbags that can be worn over the shoulder, are called shoulder handbags. They normally have one or two straps to secure over the shoulder. Clutch handbags – They are small, rectangular in shape, and usually holds small items like keys, business cards, lipsticks, combs, etc. Great for evening and formal attire ladies!

Apart from the aforementioned varieties of handbags, there are also other styles of handbags. Shopper handbags, Messenger handbags, the Balentine Bag, the Accordion bag, Slings handbags, etc. are other styles of women handbags.  For a full range, visit handbags by Sondra Roberts

A sweater, pullover, jumper, or jersey is a relatively heavy garment intended to cover the torso and arms of the human body (though, in some cases, sweaters are made for dogs and occasionally other animals) and usually worn over a shirt, blouse, t-shirt or other top. Sweaters tend to be, and in earlier times always were, made from wool (typically of sheep, though possibly of alpaca or other type); however, they can be made of cotton, synthetic fibers, or some combination thereof. Sweaters are maintained by washing, and the use of a lint roller.

Sweatshirts give a cozy feeling and a perfect fit looks pleasing. Sweatshirts are, in fact, gaining prominence as a very popular type of clothing preferred by millions of people across the globe, which come in a wide range of colors, sizes and with many different images screen printed on the front and back of the shirt.

Screen printing or silk screening is a printing technique which suits flat surfaces. The core of the process constitutes a fine mesh or screen which is tightly stretched around a solid frame. The areas that need not be printed are masked off on the screen. The print is created by positioning the framed screen over the item to be printed along with a small quantity of thick ink. A metal blade is then used to press the ink through the screen. The unmasked areas allow the ink to be imprinted on the material while the masked areas prevent ink from passing through. The last stage of the process is sending the item on a conveyor belt which passes through a heat tunnel. This process is to make sure that the ink dries off fast, so as to allow the materials to be packed or stored.

The process is repeated if there is a need for more colors. This means that the process should be repeated for each and every color. The screens are placed on a revolving press which allows different color prints to be properly aligned or merged with each other. These days automatic screen printers are available in the market, which does not require any manual labor, except for the setting up and the loading and unloading work. There are multiple options to mask a screen. The most popular among them is to apply the masking liquid directly on to the screen. This method is suited when only one or two colors are needed. For more colors to be printed, the best alternative is to use photosensitive emulsion.

There are three types of screen printing presses. The ‘flat-bed’ (probably the most widely used), ‘cylinder’, and ‘rotary’. Textile items are printed in multi-color designs using a wet on wet technique, while graphic items are allowed to dry between colors that are then printed with another screen and often in a different color.

Over the years, people have been using silk screening to place designs on t-shirts, until recently, when modern technology has been adopted such as digital printing using inkjet printers. Silk screening, however, has always remained an attractive source of high quality prints on shirts.

Prince Donald is a writer for tshirtprince.com, an online store for printing apparels. We offer quality custom screen printing, Custom embroidered and contract screen printing on garments like t-shirts, baby tee shirts, jackets, hats, caps, pants sweatshirts, polo’s, t-shirt, tee, jerseys, uniforms and even bags etc.