#cyberpop

LOOK I MADE A BUNCH OF PFPS FOR MY CHARACTERS ON ARTFIGHT YAAAAAAY

CHARLI XCX // ROCK MUSIC (2026)

Round 1, Match 163 — Cyberpop vs. Halloween

Cyberpop is a retro-futuristic style that first emerged in Japan during the 90s under the more generic name "cyber fashion" (サイバーファッション). It is characterized by some fantasy, Y2K Futurism, a positive aura, and a stylized clean outline, as opposed to Cyberpunk and Cybergoth, which is rather negative and dark (post-apocalyptic). The key difference between Cybergoth and Cyberpop fashion is that the latter mainly focuses on bright colors. Cyberpop also contains more elements of Space Age in the usage of retro-future rings and shoulder puffs. The 1990s and early 2000's future fashion aesthetic found in Y2K Futurism is also influential. The color palette is similar to the one used in the Kandi Raver aesthetic, but differs in that natural materials are never used. Both Kandi Raver and Cyberpop fashion makes use of neon colored UFO pants, both wide legged and drawstring. Hair is often heavily bleached in order to achieve vibrant neon shades. Color accents are sometimes added with the help of hair color sprays and stencils in various simple shapes like stars, planets, and hearts. Wigs often include synthetic dreads, though they declined in usage in favor of so called cyberlox - hair pieces made from tubular crin and rexlace. Common headwear includes chunky plastic goggles, futuristic headphones, transluscent neon headwear, and hairclips in the more Decora-leaning outfits but with a focus on space themed motifs such as stars, planets, and starships. Tops often have orbit type rings around the collar or on the sleeves to emulate a retro-future energy, also seen on skirts, shorts, pants, shrugs or jackets. Neon faux fur as trim is common on jackets and shrugs, and entire skirts may also use faux fur. Also common are jumpsuits reminiscent of space suits and futuristic neon styled overalls featuring giant plastic buttons. Shoes are often platformed, and include high top skate sneakers in neon colors or even canvas high tops. Gogo boots paired with fluffy leg warmers (as they're common in raver fashion) are often seen here, though Cyberpop adds its own flair to fluffy legwarmers sometimes in the form of giant buttons. Accessories are often made from neon laser cut acrylic into space-themed shapes or words. Alien space ships, rocket ships, stars and shooting stars are common motifs for necklace wear The brand Cyberdog is famous for its shield necklace which is widely worn by all members of the Cyberpop and Cybergoth communities, featuring soft plastic in a 'V' line with holes along its surface.

vs.

Halloween is a holiday wherein much of the traditions celebrate the supernatural and the macabre, as well as harvest. The holiday began as a celebration of departed souls in Catholic tradition, but as centuries passed, new traditions and cultural elements became involved, especially after its arrival to North America in the 19th century and the rise of the Horror movie genre. Because Halloween is so heavily ingrained in North American pop culture, especially consumerism, many different types of visuals developed because the holiday reaches many demographics. For children, the holiday tends to focus on the whimsy and "spookiness," as terror is inappropriate for children. On the other hand, Halloween is often linked with horror, which involves a large variety of genres that have their own associated tropes that carry over into different visuals for the holiday. For example, people who enjoy more elegant aesthetics tend to decorate or dress themselves in a Gothic theme, while people who enjoy slasher movies enjoy jump scares and sometimes even (fake) gore. Halloween also has many colors strongly linked with the holiday. Black and orange are the classic colors, but additional colors can be added depending on different interpretations of the aesthetic; common additional colors are purple, green, and blood red. There are many visual motifs that can be portrayed differently in tone but are always going to be understood as "Halloween". Horror monsters (often from B-movie horror tradition) such as vampires, witches, zombies, mummies, clowns, and fictional serial killers are some figures that are commonly the theme of different costumes or incorporated into artwork. Aspects of Gothic horror also appear without totally being a part of the genre. Ghosts, haunted houses, and ancient graveyards are some examples of things associated with the holiday. Animals that are typically considered frightening are also symbols of Halloween. Bats (associated with vampires), spiders, snakes, rats, and black cats are often mascots of the aesthetic and feature as home decor, plastic trick-or-treat favors, or greeting card characters. Because the season takes place in Autumn, many of the visuals incorporate aspects of this, especially in religious communities who are opposed to the celebration of malevolent supernatural beings. (As a note, many communities totally opposed to Halloween often have a "harvest" or fall festival around the real day of Halloween to please kids.) Apples, in bobbing for a party game and on sticks, are an example of a harvest symbol. Corn mazes can be a common visual, especially because there can be both a horror or lighthearted slant. Pumpkins and Jack-O-Lanterns are a part of this autumn motif, but are extremely prominent as a Halloween symbol and tradition. Another symbol and tradition is candy, which is a part of trick-or-treating. Certain candies are associated with Halloween specifically, such as candy corn, gummies shaped like body parts, and anything pumpkin shaped. Halloween is also a season for gatherings, and many people host Halloween parties. Young adults often throw house parties or go to clubs where the alcohol is made to look like potions, women dress in sexy costumes, etc. Meanwhile, "Pinterest moms" often make elaborate themed food and decorations that look aesthetically pleasing.