Gothic Fashion Camden

Ask anyone in Britain where to buy alternative clothing and the answer is Camden. Camden Town in north London has been the beating heart of the country's subcultures since the 1970s, and the stretch from Camden High Street up through the Stables Market is still the densest concentration of gothic, punk and alternative fashion anywhere in the UK. If Whitby is where goths gather, Camden is where they shop.

Camden high street at dusk

Why Camden is the home of alternative fashion

Camden Market. Several connected markets, including Camden Lock and the Stables Market built into old Victorian horse tunnels and railway arches, packed with independent alternative traders.
The shopfronts. Camden High Street is famous for its giant sculpted signs, boots, bats and dragons hanging over the pavement, a landmark of alternative retail in its own right.
Music history. The Electric Ballroom, the Roundhouse and decades of punk, metal and goth gigs made Camden the natural gathering place for the scenes that built the look.
Cyber and club culture. Camden is where UK cybergoth, industrial and rivethead styles found their shops, alongside classic Victorian gothic.
Still going. Unlike a lot of Britain's old subculture districts, Camden remains a working alternative shopping destination visited by millions every year.

The Camden gothic look

Camden style is bolder and more street-facing than Whitby's Victorian romance. It mixes eras happily, and it is built to be worn in a crowd.

Statement outerwear. Long leather coats, buckled trenches and military-cut jackets are the Camden signature. See Coats, Cloaks & Jackets.
Corsets worn outside. A corset over a mesh or band tee rather than hidden away. Browse Corsets and Basques & Bustiers.
Chunky boots. Platforms, buckles and heavy soles, the single most recognisable piece of Camden dress. Have a look at Gothic Boots & Shoes.
Graphic layers. Band shirts, oversized hoodies and longline tops under everything else, from Gothic Shirts, Hoodies & Jumpers.
Hardware jewellery. Chunky silver, chokers, stacked rings and heavy chains. Explore our gothic jewellery.
Studs, belts and buckles. Harnesses, fingerless gloves and studded belts from Gothic Fashion Accessories.
Bold make-up. Sharp black liner, dark lips and pale base, using Gothic Beauty & Cosmetics.

Three Camden looks to copy

Street goth. Longline black coat, band tee, skinny trousers and platform boots. Practical, layered and endlessly wearable.
Punk-goth crossover. Studded belt, tartan, harness detail, heavy boots and stacked silver rings.
Romantic goth, Camden edit. Velvet corset and long skirt from Dresses & Clothing, toughened up with a leather jacket and chunky boots.

Shopping Camden, and shopping from home

Camden is at its busiest at weekends, so a weekday visit gives you room to actually look at the rails. Wear boots you can walk in, because the markets sprawl, and take cash for the smaller independent stalls.

If you are nowhere near north London, you do not have to miss out. DevilGothic brings the same alternative wardrobe to your door, delivered across the UK.