CLAIMING MY SPACE: ILLUMINATING BEAUTY IN THE UNIQUENESS OF THE DARK GOTHIC LOOK

Second-year WSU fashion design student Zanele Doris Luvulweni’s distinctive and unconventional style is central to her identity as a strong, culturally rooted black woman who stands out from the crowd.

Luvulweni, who comes from the village of Corana near Mthatha, was  a teenager when she first experienced the significance, liberation, beauty, and power that accompany self-expression and individuality through fashion.

“Fashion is my personal voice. Expressing myself through clothes allows me to communicate who I am without words—it gives me confidence, creativity, and a sense of identity,” she said.

The young fashionista’s signature style is characterised by shock and boldness—a cornerstone of the goth and grunge aesthetics. She is a devoted follower of MUDSWEET, a goth clothing label that serves as a beacon for darkwave fashion.

MUDSWEET champions an aesthetic that emerged as a nuanced expression of individuality, blending the introspective and mysterious elements of the darkwave music genre with a distinctive style. This fashion sensibility is characterized by its enigmatic allure, featuring a palette of dark, rich colours, intricate lace, leather, and a fusion of vintage and futuristic elements.

“I’m inspired by both goth culture and goth people. Their boldness, dark aesthetic, and ability to transform unconventional styles into something beautiful motivate me to embrace my individuality,” said Luvulweni.

With her cultural background playing a significant role in her personal identity, the fashion student strives to incorporate these influences in a subtle yet distinctive manner.

Luvulweni said that growing up in Mthatha meant she was surrounded by traditions that emphasised identity and pride—attributes she combines with global influences, such as goth fashion, to create something both personal and unique.

“I blend my unique gothic-inspired style with elements of current trends. For example, I may incorporate trending silhouettes or fabrics but interpret them in darker tones or with accessories that reflect my personal aesthetic,” she said.

One of the biggest challenges of being a goth-inspired fashion trendsetter, Luvulwane said, is being judged and not taken seriously simply because her look and aesthetic do not conform to mainstream beauty standards.

In conclusion, she said, “Fashion can empower women by providing a platform to express their identity, culture, and struggles through clothing. Every outfit tells a story, and when women design, dress, and style themselves freely, they reclaim their voices and demonstrate the power of individuality to the world.”

By Thando Cezula