Industrial Dance-The Cyber Look, The Cyber Style

If you have no idea what Industrial Dance is, check out

www.dasklub.com

Yes  it is very Cyber Goth esque but like the Cyber scene as a whole, I find it awesome and very unique. I am not a dancer, by any stretch of the imagination. However I do love the music, the style and the videos. Therefore, given time, I want to do my own video.

But moving on, the point of this post. Cyber is a love interest of mine. It is so crazy and literally out of this world. It is one of those styles that is either very costume/cosplay or is only seen in clubs. Think of all the Goths, alterna-people and people of a dark underlining. Of them how many are Cyber Goths. Some may have elements of it but do not go all the way.

I have only ever seen a handful of Cyber Goths and they were all in the same place, on the same day (Whitby Goth Weekend 2011). So why is this?

One article I read was that they Cyber Scene was dead in the UK. Cyberdog is the only UK shop for the Cyber Goth/Graver scene. Big in the 90's it is now a very small community. In Germany and the US the scene is much larger. Wave Gothic Treffen Videos on YouTube is full of them, along with every other type of 'different'.

So this is the Cyber Style. Masks, Goggles, Armour and Dreads.

The Wikipedia article hear will help explain things.

It is a DIY image of a futuristic existence, today. Where Steampunk is the age that never was, Cyber Goth is age that may be.

So how can one make this style an everyday thing. It is certainly unique due to its very conceptualisation and so uniqueness is not the concern. For many it is portraying such uniqueness.

I guess what I admire about this style is its out-there and its crazy colours and themes. Even the idea of a post apocalyptic future is intriguing and an exiting prospect to the adventurous and literary inclined.

Our over reliance upon technology leads to its almost complete control over us. Technological integration into humans. Brain implanted internet, Goggles with HUD screens for instant access. Like an I-Pad in your eyes.

The idea itself is exiting and so the look and style compliments the idea.


The Industrial Dance element of it is another thing. It is again, unique in both style and design and often only employed by this subculture. The Graver (Gothic Raver) is a unique thing, listening to rave and trance over rock but still maintaining an alternate look. They do not become clubland people and ravers. They are their own thing. It could therefore be argued that Cyber Goths are arguable a break away from the Gothic community and are only Gothic due to the alternate means of dress and attitude.

I am not a Cyber Goth nor do I know any. I love the style and often wear goggles and have a mask dangling off me. But it is clear that its uniqueness is also its niche. If one is to do it, it cannot be half arsed, it has to be whole hog. All the way as it were. There is no harm in taking ideas from their look. After all it is still an industrial style and image but the term derives so much more. Use and treat the look with respect.

Expansionism

Gathering together unique looks is harder than you think. Wearing different clothes in a similar style is simply the same thing but evidence of cleanlinesses and washing. Although each look is a bit different, they all hold the the same fundamental roots and so each piece is not unique.

I have therefore decided that a second and third wardrobe is required (not literally, I do not have the room). A second unique look that can be tailored and differed on a daily basis like my existing look and a third look that can combine elements of all three.

It is anybodies guess as to what my current look is. At times it is a trendy, rockabilly esqu look with chains and straps. Others it is a mosh pit dwelling flood of bagginess, boots and buckles. This is one look, taking my existing clothes and working them into an aesthetic.

Now the second wardrobe is, for me, a desire to be more adventurous. Cyber/Industrial is a definite love of mine but I want to make it my own. While I love the trad goth look, I don't think it is a practicality for me, be those factors price and comfort.

The third look would probably be a death-rock or goth-punk look. I love the trashy style and the combination of the studs, spikes and desirable romantic connotations.

HOWEVER!!!

Goth is all about being yourself and not necessarily conforming to labels.

Watch this fantastic video. Basically the argument is, be yourself, wear what you want and labels are simply a way of aiding explanation to others. Explore the scene and respect those within it.

Whats in a Name

I began to assess my wardrobe today and looked at what I did and did not have. I scoured Youtube and other sites for ideas on the aesthetic. It is clear that the style is massively varied and different branches within the subculture have very different and contrasting styles. From the vibrant colours of Cyber Punk to the Victorian themed Traditional Goth or New Romantic style. Although I am not wanting to be forced into picking a style, some seem more 'me' than others.

I was largely into the Steam Punk scene a year ago and I love the look, the style and even the idea. A post apocalyptic world of modernised Victorians and Airship Pirates. It is a heavily developed style and arguably its own self defined following of itself.

But the look was not one I would want to be at all times. It is hard to style the look away from fancy dress whilst still maintaining the air of adventurer as opposed to gentleman. Though on some occasions, the traditional gentleman is simply the only appropriate attire.

Therefore the hunt goes on for my ideal look. I am not after the shock statement and all that. Simply something that reflects my interests in ideals, music, philosophy and style.