Gothic fashion brand Killstar came out with a collection taking on the Dark Academia aesthetic.
Dark Academia originally began as a literary aesthetic around the 19th century. It was strongly influenced by gothic themes in literature during that time and the adoption of public education across Europe and the United States redefining what it meant to be educated in aristocratic society. The most notable works in this subgenre include The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde and Maurice by E.M. Forster, with Donna Tartt’s The Secret History standing as a more modern example.
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However, the term would be come to be redefined several times over, first in 2015 on social media websites like Tumblr as a more romanticized interpretation, and later on TikTok in 2020. The fashion side has its roots in European upper-class society during that time, particularly those from old money families who attended Ivy League schools and other prestigious universities, but it would also begin to see modern elements be incorporated into the style, namely the Witchcore aesthetic as well as modern gothic culture while still retaining a minimalist ideal similar to corporate goth fashion.
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With this in mind, many of the items in the KILLSTAR collection would need to capture a certain level of sharp sophistication to work. Luckily, KILLSTAR has shown they understand the assignment. The use of muted colors for all of the items is perfect. I also appreciate how the frilled designs on many of the blouses blend in so subtly with their respective designs, giving that minimalist look while also still adding character. The Lyricore blouse captures this exceptionally well with the frill embroidery on the false collar in addition to making use of single colors with the lavallière.
I do feel as though some items don’t work as well in this context, the jumpsuit-like Obscurella Trousers being one of them. My favorite design from this collection so far would be the Riddleton Dress, a short black ribbed velvet dress with heart-shaped buttons.
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