In a world where trends come and go, one subculture has stood the test of time, weaving its dark threads through fashion, music, and even Hollywood itself: goth. Often misunderstood and widely associated with brooding teens and black eyeliner, the goth phase is more than just a fleeting style; it’s a statement, an exploration of rebellion, mystery, and self-expression.
And while many associate goth with the underground, several celebrities have embraced its dramatic flair at different points in their careers. From the elegant yet edgy Winona Ryder to the unexpected punk aesthetic of Elizabeth Hurley, these stars once donned the black lace, bold eyeliner, and moody makeup that defined an entire cultural movement.
Let’s take a closer look at the famous faces who dared to embrace their darker sides, leaving a lasting impression on both the goth subculture and pop culture itself.
Angelina Jolie
From the moment she stepped into the spotlight, Angelina Jolie was never one to conform to society’s expectations. With her dark, seductive beauty, she embraced goth influences long before they became mainstream.
From her role in Girl, Interrupted to her red carpet appearances, Jolie often rocked a gothic-inspired look with her edgy attire and unapologetic aura. With her jet-black hair, bold lips, and piercing eyes, Jolie’s goth phase was both glamorous and rebellious, showing that darkness can be just as captivating as light.
Elizabeth Hurley
Before she was the glamorous movie star known for her role in Austin Powers and beyond, Elizabeth Hurley indulged in a punk-goth phase. As a teenager, she embraced a rebellious aesthetic, diving into darker fashion and an aura of defiance. In her early years, Hurley’s transformation wasn’t just about the clothes; it was about embodying the spirit of the subculture itself.
She had that rough-and-tumble edge before stepping into her role as the picture-perfect glam icon we know today.
Taylor Swift
Before she was a global pop sensation, Taylor Swift dabbled in goth-adjacent styles that would surprise many fans. Her early MySpace days were full of emotional, introspective looks, think dark eyeliner, dramatic poses, and a brooding aura. This period was part of Taylor’s artistic evolution before she emerged as the country-turned-pop queen.
Though she has since shed that softer goth look, the influence of her teenage years is still evident in the poetic melancholy of her music. A goth phase that was far less about the scene and more about capturing an ethereal mood.
Ivanka Trump
Yes, even Ivanka Trump had a goth phase. Though it’s been brushed off in interviews with a laugh, her younger days were marked by an inclination toward dark fashion and an edgy persona.
Before becoming a prominent political figure and entrepreneur, Ivanka was drawn to the allure of a goth aesthetic, a reminder that youth’s fashion choices are often fleeting yet eternally fascinating. It’s a testament to the ever-changing identities we explore as we grow, even for those in the public eye.
Christina Hendricks
Christina Hendricks, best known for her role as Joan Holloway in Mad Men, was once a goth enthusiast in high school. Imagine her fiery red hair, paired with black eyeliner and layers of mysterious, moody makeup. It was the rebellious, rule-breaking allure of goth that appealed to her, far removed from the polished, 1960s’ glamor of her Mad Men character.
Hendricks’ youthful rebellion reflects a period when the gothic subculture served as a refuge for many seeking self-expression through unconventional means.
Winona Ryder
Winona Ryder is perhaps one of the most iconic goth figures in Hollywood. With roles in Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands, she became a living, breathing embodiment of the gothic spirit. Her aesthetic was unmistakable: dark clothing, messy hair, and an air of mystery that captivated the world.
Ryder’s goth phase wasn’t just a trend; it was integral to her image during the ’90s. The moody, mysterious aura she exuded in her films mirrored the darker, introspective qualities of the goth subculture, solidifying her as the queen of goth chic.
Melissa McCarthy
Known for her infectious humor and powerhouse performances in films like Bridesmaids and Spy, Melissa McCarthy was once a goth in high school. Picture her in black lace, dark lipstick, and a mischievous glint in her eye, a far cry from the bubbly comedic persona she would later adopt.
McCarthy’s goth days were a perfect blend of rebellion and self-expression before she embraced her true comedic talents. In a way, those goth roots could be seen as the early inklings of the fierce, unapologetic energy she brings to her roles today.
Taylor Momsen
Taylor Momsen’s transformation from Gossip Girl’s Jenny Humphrey to a gothic rockstar is nothing short of legendary. She shed her preppy, Upper East Side persona and embraced a rebellious, grunge-goth look that took everyone by surprise. With her dark eyeliner, fishnet stockings, and smoky, brooding attitude, Momsen became the epitome of goth-rock chic.
She later channeled that energy into her music career with her band The Pretty Reckless, cementing her place in the goth scene. Her goth phase wasn’t a fleeting moment; it became part of her identity, both in fashion and music.
Evan Rachel Wood
Evan Rachel Wood’s goth transformation is intimately tied to her relationship with rocker Marilyn Manson. The two made headlines as a gothic power couple, and their aesthetic together became one of the most talked-about in Hollywood.
Wood embraced the dark side during their relationship, sporting edgy, dark clothes and a darker demeanor. Though she’s since distanced herself from that style, Wood’s goth days remain a defining moment in her evolution as an actress and public figure.
Conclusion
These celebrities, at various points in their careers, didn’t just dabble in goth fashion; they brought it into the mainstream. They took the darker, more mysterious subculture and made it their own, proving that goth is not just a phase but a state of mind that can inspire creativity and boldness in all areas of life.
