#circus goth

circus / carnival goth blends dark Gothic fashion with theatrical, carnival inspired themes like clowns, ringmasters, striped tents, and vintage circus nostalgia. it mixes playfulness with the dark style of goth. here is a style breakdown on circus goth !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

origins and development

inspired by Victorian circus aesthetics and goth subcultures.

gained traction in the 2000s through alt=communities online like Live journal and Tumblr

influences include dark cabaret music, freak-show history, and Tim Burton style animations.

connected to performance art, burlesque and DIY costume culture.

key motifs

striped tights

corsets

tailcoats

ringmaster jackets

ruffled bloomers

puffed skirts

victorian blouses with lace cuffs

mini top hats

bowler hats

clown hats

harlequin print anything

fingerless gloves

lace gloves

fishnets

platform boots

heeled Victorian boots

showls

capes

boleros

oversized bows

neck ruffle collars

polka dots

clown makeup

black, crimson, burgundy. bone white, cream, gold, antique bronze, royal purple, stripes, and carnival brights

music

dark cabaret

gothic rock

industrial

circus punk

baroque pop

steampunk

alt rock

artists: the Dresden dolls, Emilie autumn, Aurelio, rasputina, panic! at the disco, circus contraption, the tiger lillies, creature feature.

movies

something wicked this way comes (1983)

big fish (2003)

freaks (1932)

the greatest showman (2017)

dumbo (1941 or 2019)

batman returns 1992)

coraline (2009)

the nightmare before christmas (1993)

american horror story : freak show (2014)

other media

the night circus by erin morgenstern

somethign wicked this way comes by ray bradbury

any victorian circus / freak-show histories

bioshock (2007)

we happy few (2018)

alice: madness returns (2011)

dark cabaret fans

coth circus performers

alt burlesque

tim Burton fandom

burtoncore

clowncore

steampunk

gothic lolita

harlequin

jesters

inspo

This list exists because I refuse to let dark cabaret die

Movies:

• The devil's carnival (and The devil's carnival alleluia)

• Cabaret (The musical)

• Jack and the cuckoo clock heart

• Coraline

• Cirque du freak: The vampire's assistant

• Miss Peregrine's home for peculiar children

Shows:

• A series of unfortunate events

Other (The YouTube section I guess):

• Crystal Wood (YouTuber)

• Circus Contraption (Live circus/cabaret performance (you can see acts on YouTube))

*Again, work in PROGRESS!!!

i have a letterboxd list and an apple music playlist so far + a beefy pinterest board :D

Day 14 of Deadboy's 300 Followers Event: Fashion Style

Circus Goth

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