I find it interesting that the label Nu-Goth has been created. I suppose the fact that this subcultural portion has been divided away from the “main” culture isn’t surprising, there are already terms like cybergoth, romantigoth, tradgoth, deathrocker, that divide the scene into neat little sections. The term Nu-Goth seems to imply nothing different than those other labels, it is simply another flavor of the scene.

However, not being active in any scene myself, aside from hitting industrial night a couple of times now with my boyfriend, I can’t say whether or not the Nu-Goths really associate themselves with the existing goth scene at all. There were hipsters at industrial night the last time I went, but they were guests of a guest DJ…who’s music wasn’t very industrial and wasn’t very Nu-Goth…it just sucked. If these Nu-Goths do not participate in the existing goth scene at all, or tend to operate in the hipster scene instead, well then I suppose I can see where the animosity towards them arises. Goths are threatened and offended by these kids who went through none of the things they did, who know nothing of the history of the subculture, (apparently) did not grow up in it, and owe no dues. I believe the goths are feeling replaced in a world where hipsters are the more relevant subculture.

I understand, really I do. They’re hipsters in black and hipsters are so terribly irritating. Honestly though, some of their high-fashion sensibilities and influences are fantastic…though I don’t entirely understand all of the triangles. Nu-Goths express interests in witchcraft, death, crosses, and creepy shit, the only difference I’m seeing from the old school is the way it is expressed. The typography, and the music, and the fashion is different, but it seems like the bones are the same. Maybe all of these kids aren’t just latching onto the new fad, perhaps some of them have found a scene that finally fits what they’ve been into for years now. The goth scene isn’t accessible for everybody , and the romanticism of bygone eras inherent in that scene aren’t appealing to everyone. But hipsters are everywhere and fashion is huge. These kids know their way around a thrift store just as well as a high-end department store.

Like anything, most of the hipsters will move on to something else soon. I’m sure many of the kids will continue in their gothy ways after the fad passes as well, because as we know, for some people these things are inherent regardless of the label we give them. What I hope happens is that scenes mingle a bit, that they take from each other and build a more lasting, relevant subculture that continues to change and grow and respect its history.

I’m not sure why I felt the need to write all of this, and definitely did not expect this to be more than a short blurb. I’m not goth, I’m not Nu-Goth, I’m not a hipster, as I said don’t participate in any scenes, so maybe I have no right to interject. I mean, look at my picture to the right there, I’m wearing a straw fedora and a flannel. I do have a soft spot in my heart for goths though, and though I never felt like I could access the scene, I’ve always had a certain fascination and love for it. I want it to be the best and most beautiful it can muster.

♥Ghost

The rest of these are going in a post together, due mostly to laziness and in part because their quality doesn’t make them worth the effort to post individually. Most of the photos are from the earlier years of Takuya Angel, beginning from 2003, because those are the designs I’m most attracted to and exhibit more of a traditional than cyber lean. As a rule, the more subdued color and use of plaid you see, the older the design when it comes to this brand.

Takuya Angel is an interesting little clothing brand, which enjoys the juxtaposition of traditional japanese fashion with modern and futuristic elements. All of these photos (found on the brand’s website) are taken at Angeler events, the die-hard fans of the TA brand.

While I don’t remember exact details, Takuya Angel was formed when its founder had a startling realization that Japan’s traditional culture was somewhat fragile, and very susceptible to the ravages of time. He wanted to create a link between Japan’s past and future, and so created the TA brand which is not only inspired by traditional clothing but uses vintage and antique materials in its designs, such as one of a kind silks from kimono.

I’m not sure how well TA is known in the states, but I would imagine that those who are aware of it became so because of the ever popular DJ Sisen, who worked at the Takuya Angel store and promoted it heavily, and who I believe probably had a lot to do with the heavy cyber influences of TA’s more recent lines. The physical store closed recently (within the past couple years I believe), but items can still be purchased on the homepage.

(Via Takuya Angel)