Refreshing on Angelina Jolie's Early Iconic Status as the First Dark-hued Summer Icon
Angelina Jolie, a renowned actress and UNHCR Special Envoy, has left an indelible mark on the fashion world. In the 1990s, she revolutionised the industry with her bold and unconventional style that subverted mainstream beauty ideals by blurring the lines between masculine and feminine.
Jolie's fashion choices, characterised by black clothing, dark lipstick, and a certain vampiric mystique, were a masterclass in making darkness alluring. Her androgynous edge, paired with sleek silhouettes from designers like Versace and Tom Ford, made her a symbol of both rebellion and sensuality.
One of Jolie's most iconic roles, in the 1999 cult classic Girl, Interrupted, had a gothic undercurrent. This gothic aesthetic was reflected in her fashion choices, which further emphasised her iconoclast status in fashion. Dark eyeliner, deep red lips, and mussed-up hair were key elements of her style, amplifying her gothic mystique and offering a kind of sensuality that didn't rely on softness.
Jolie's influence on fashion is not loud or performative. She is an iconoclast, who didn't just wear dark fashion; she made it empowering. By laying the groundwork for today's embrace of gothic chic as a statement of both confidence and individuality, Jolie paved the way for future fashion trends.
Fast forward to the 2020s, and the goth subculture has evolved, influencing the style of the LA Goth Girls. While there isn't a direct connection between Jolie's 90s and early 2000s fashion and the style of LA Goth Girls, both reflect broader trends in alternative fashion that emphasise individuality and bold expression.
In 2025, the aesthetic of Goth Girl Summer has emerged as a defining trend. With its roots in historical goth subcultures and contemporary fashion trends, this new wave of goth fashion is a testament to Jolie's enduring influence on the fashion industry.
Jolie's contributions to fashion extend beyond her personal style. She co-founded global foundations, advocating for refugees and leading over 60 field missions. Her work off-screen reflects her commitment to using her influence for good, making her a true fashion icon.
References:
[1] TikTok and the rise of Goth Girl Summer. (2022). The Fashionisto. Retrieved from https://www.thefashionisto.com/2022/06/tiktok-and-the-rise-of-goth-girl-summer/
[2] The influence of social media on goth fashion. (2021). Gothic & Lolita Bible. Retrieved from https://gothic-lolita-bible.com/2021/03/the-influence-of-social-media-on-goth-fashion/
[4] Modernizing goth fashion: A blend of tradition and contemporary styles. (2020). Gothic Beauty. Retrieved from https://www.gothicbeauty.com/2020/02/modernizing-goth-fashion-a-blend-of-tradition-and-contemporary-styles/
- Angelina Jolie's androgynous fashion style in the 1990s, marked by dark clothing, dark lipstick, and a vampiric mystique, made her a symbol of rebellion and sensuality in the realm of both fashion and celebrity.
- By embracing a gothic aesthetic in film and fashion, Jolie's iconoclast status was further cemented, leading to a broad trend in alternative fashion that emphasizes individuality and bold expression.
- The 2025 emergence of Goth Girl Summer, a defining trend rooted in historical goth subcultures and contemporary fashion,piques recognition of Jolie's profound impact on the fashion industry.
- Despite her humanitarian work and advocacy for refugees worldwide, Jolie's distinct fashion sense continues to influence modern pop-culture, particularly in the realms of entertainment and alternative fashion styles, thereby cementing her position as a true fashion icon in the annals of pop-culture.
