As we continue our look through all different Gothic styles, this month we feature Industrial Gothic and its not just about studs, spikes and buckles as we find out more from Kates Clothing about this amazing style.

What are the origins of Industrial clothing?

Industrial, as a style, is difficult to pin down as there are so many cross-over items from other styles. Some aspects of Cyber and Steampunk, pieces of original punk fashion, minimal or full of details it is a tricky thing to define. There are two, very different, general looks. Many industrial bands stick to clean lines, sharp black shirts and ties, or take ‘industrial’ literally with metal spikes, chains and workwear goggles, outfits heavy on accessories and detailing. Think either Mad Max (but more black less brown, otherwise you’re getting into steampunk) or The Matrix.

Does the Industrial style differ from other Gothic styles?

It has less of a romantic feel to it, if that makes sense! Harsher and sometimes with a post-apocalyptic feel it is much less delicate than the traditional Gothic fashion, some would say not Gothic at all.

Which brands are associated with Industrial?

Necessary Evil is good brand for clean cut shirts with subtle industrial details like chrome buttons and epaulettes. Criminal Damage ‘Blacklist’ have also got some tailored black items with industrial metal details like their bondage jackets.

What would be the must-have Industrial item of clothing and footwear?

Footwear would be either a pair of shiny steel toe capped military style boots or, if you’re going for the detailed nuclear-future look instead of a matrix-style one, beaten up New Rocks with chains.

Clothing is more difficult, as I said before the style is hard to define. A tailored but interesting shirt or slim line leather coat

or go for heavily detailed items like these Criminal Damage trousers to evoke a feeling of industry and metal.

Shop Industrial Gothic now.

As its party season, we decided to find out what makes a good alternative fashion dress, which are the must-have brands, the stand-out party dresses, and are they available to the plus-size market. So who better to ask than our good friends at Kates Clothing:

A dress is a dress, but what makes a good alternative fashion dress?

What makes any dress good is it’s ability to make the wearer feel special. A dress should make you feel pretty and empowered. A good alternative dress should do just the same but also make you stand out from the crowd, perhaps even make a statement about who you are and what you like. A tartan dress might say you’re a punk, a black lacy gown says classic goth and a swing dress shows a love of vintage things.

If you want to buy a dress which brands would you recommend?

For gothic frocks Necessary Evil make affordable and very wearable black dresses with corset ribbons and lace overlays. Hell Bunny do some gorgeous retro dresses, as well as some fab tartan ones with zips. Hearts and Roses London also stand out for good value and cute quirky designs.

Which 2 dresses really stand-out?

At the moment, for festive parties, the Majesty Dress is the perfect combination of Gothic and glamour with red satin, lots of black nettings and an oversized bow at the back.

The Spin Doctor Polaris dress is a brilliant Little Black Dress with a twist with it’s skull flock print and structured ruching it is perfect for any style and can be worn to any occasion.

The plus size market is quite often neglected, do you stock the larger size dresses?

We certainly do! A number of our Hell Bunny dresses are now available up to a UK22. Many come with a smocked back and tie-up halterneck straps giving them much more flexibility and a better fit. A few of our customers have mentioned they don’t like to show their arms so we recommend our Necessary Evil Erinys bolero in stretch jersey which although it technically only goes up to a 16 we’ve used it in photoshoots on a 22 model. Or the Necessary Evil Circe cardigan is now available up to a 22.

Shop the full range of alternative dresses at Kates Clothing now.

From over-the-top American showgirl style to the retro pin up look, Burlesque is a sexy and unforgettable look, so we caught up with Kates Clothing to find out more about this amazing style.

What are the origins of Burlesque?

In a nutshell burlesque began in France (I believe!) when actors would smack each other on the bottom with a padded stick or ‘burle’ as part of a comedy act. The acts became more risque, but always retained their comedy element, and eventually evolved into acts we are more familiar with today.

Does the Burlesque style differ from other Gothic styles?

Undoubtedly. There are items which cross over the genres, like corsets, gloves, fascinators etc but burlesque as a style is much more light-hearted, frivolous and fun. It’s more about vintage style naughtiness than Victorian style morality or fetishistic hedonism. Always glamorous and immaculate with a big showgirl smile.

Which brands are associated with Burlesque?

Bordello shoes are very popular – they are the epitome of show stopping, but affordable, glam with glitter and high heels. There are some great reproduction vintage dresses on the market but they can be quite pricey, labels like Hell Bunny and H&R London make great retro items that don’t break the bank!

What would be the must-have Burlesque item of clothing?

A decent steel boned corset, either in plain black satin or with ribbons and sparkle you won’t get a burlesque look without one! If you want the look without the restriction of steel boning try a corset with plastic bones instead – it will still pull you in but allows for a little more flexibility!

Shop Burlesque now.