23-05-2025
Five Fiendish Ways to Celebrate 'World Goth Day' in L.A.
How exactly something becomes a celebratory "day" is questionable, but like falling trees in the woods, if enough people are aware and acknowledge it, that's kind of all it takes. "World Goth Day" became a thing after BBC Radio DJs Cruel Britannia and Martin OldGoth started celebrating dark music in the U.K. on the date annually back in 2009. Most define the "goth" scene (short for Gothic) by its dark fashion and music, but even before this "holiday" came to be —and ever since— there's been contention over the word and what it actually means. There's different sub-categories too: "Trad goth" — traditional lacy, witchy frocks, pale face and dramatic eye makeup; industrial goth — futuristically fiendish looks with cyber vibes; pastel goths and Gothic lolitas — girlish bows, ruffles and doll-like get-ups with edge... And that's just to start. Factor in music artists and genres, and fans of dark culture will almost always have something to dispute. Suffice to say, if you equate "Goth" to Marilyn Manson, Fred Armisen's satirical takes on Portlandia or anything that can be bought at Hot Topic in the mall, you should probably do a little reading, and start HERE. For this round-up, we highlight some obvious and not so obvious ways to get in touch with your dark side tonight, and all weekend long, alongside images of some great gothy get-ups at this past weekend's Cruel World festival that prove this subculture might love death, but it will never die.
SHOP TIL YOU DROPYou can snag cheap corsets and tights online, but several stores in Los Angeles offer authentic gloomy glam garb you can try before you buy. (home of the Kreepsville brand) in East L.A. is great for accessories, while Foxblood on Melrose offers the widest selection of black dresses in town (and their sister store down the street offers pretty pastel pieces). At in Burbank, they've got cool tees and DIY clothing; and a drive to Long Beach is worth it for , stocking haunted housewares, accessories and more. IMMERSE IN MUSIC Check out local label Cleopatra Records for the best O.G. deathrock from L.A. and the U.K., plus new artists inspired by the rapturous beats evoking gloom, doom and decadence.
TOUCH TOMBS is the ultimate graveyard environment with its gorgeous grounds, historic headstones and wild animals (feral cats, ducks and peacocks). Yes, Marky Ramone's cenotaph is there (he's not), but old movie stars Rudolph Valentino and Cecil B. Demille are even more ghostly & SIPGoths tend to love all things spooky and provides a creepy way to get your caffeine, with freaky and fun flavors inspired by Frankenstein, Edward Scissorhands and more the characters from your nightmares. DANCING TO DIE FORRev. John 's L.A. industrial goth night Das Bunker is one of the most legendary dark dance bashes in the city, but his more sporadic soiree, , going down this Sunday at the Slipper Clutch, provides the macabre mood and dance floor drama that made this scene so popular in L.A. to begin with.
