60 years ago, on 18 September 1964, the first episode of The Addams Family flickered across America's black and white tube televisions. For us, this is more than enough reason to take a closer look at the styling secret of the grand dame of gothic style - Morticia Addams.
Like no other personality, Morticia Addams enchants not only with her dark aesthetic sensibility, but also with her whimsical character and morbid humour. 
What makes a gothic lady a true dark diva? Here are a few ideas for you and possibly some styling tips for the next lavish ball night.

Gothic diva: the sublime elegance of morbidly eccentric styling

The gothic diva - for us a dazzling figure between dark romance and fantasy, who captivates with her unique style and at the same time exudes an unforgettable aura of mysticism and sublimity. Let's take a look at what makes these fascinating personalities tick, where they come from and their evolution into true style icons. From Morticia Addams to the dark Disney beauties Maleficent and Cruella, here's an insight into the unmistakable look of a gothic diva.

Morticia Addams: The mother of all gothic divas and style icon

When you think of gothic divas, there's no way around Morticia Addams. The cool matriarch of the Addams family, whose unmistakable look has characterised the definition of the gothic diva since the 1960s. Morticia Addams, originally a creation of cartoonist Charles Addams, is the embodiment of dark beauty and stylish elegance.

Her iconic appearance begins with the floor-length, narrow dresses, which are usually designed in a mermaid line. These emphasise the female silhouette in an elegant yet ethereal, almost supernatural way. The dresses are often made of softly flowing, smooth materials, which lends the look a touch of luxury and at the same time embeds it deeply in the traditions of gothic fashion.

Morticia's hair, jet black and straight, falls over her shoulders like a curtain and enhances the ghostly beauty of her appearance. This hair style is not only another trademark, but also symbolises her connection to the supposedly dark, mysterious forces that pervade the world of the Addams Family.

Morticia's make-up is another essential element of her look. The pale complexion, accentuated by deep red lips and dark, dramatically made-up eyes, forms a sharp contrast to her hair and clothes. These clean lines and perfect balance give her an unrivalled presence.

From Morticia to Maleficent: the transformation of the gothic diva

Since the first portrayal of Morticia Addams by Carolyn Jones in 1964, the character's look has evolved. Anjelica Huston gave Morticia a more modern, almost supernatural aura in the films of the early 90s, combining the gothic style with a touch of glamour and sophistication. Catherine Zeta-Jones, who portrayed Morticia in the 2022 Netflix series ‘Wednesday’, brought a modernised, yet traditionally inspired interpretation of the character to the screen. Each actress added their own flavour to the archetype of the gothic diva, while retaining the core of the character - the unwavering, dark elegance.

But Morticia Addams is not the only icon in the ranks of gothic divas. Disney beauties Maleficent and Cruella de Vil have also become true symbols of this style in recent decades. 

Maleficent and Cruella: Gothic divas from the fairytale imagination

Maleficent, the dark fairy from Disney's ‘Sleeping Beauty’, has also developed into a true gothic diva with her dark and imposing look. Played by Angelina Jolie, Maleficent combines dark magic with sublime beauty. Her look is as unique as it is terrifying: the high, black horns, the black dresses and the sharp, angular make-up that emphasises her cheekbones create an image of power and unfathomable depth. Maleficent is a master of darkness whose presence on screen enchants every time.

Cruella de Vil, known from ‘101 Dalmatians’, is another unforgettable character who has interpreted the gothic style in her own way. Her black and white hair and dramatic clothes, often made of fur and leather, contrast with her eccentric but unwaveringly elegant demeanour. In the 2021 film adaptation ‘Cruella’ in particular, her evolution into a gothic diva is masterfully staged through the brilliant use of black and white themes and exaggerated, avant-garde fashion elements.

Gothic divas beyond fantasy: true artists in the spotlight

Gothic divas are not just characters from films and novels; there are also real artists who embody this unique style on stage and have become true style icons. One of the best known is Tarja Turunen, the former singer of the symphonic metal band Nightwish. Tarja has made a name for herself with her unmistakable look and powerful voice. Her deep black, sublime elegance combined with modern styling elements elevates her into a category of gothic divas all of her own. Tarja knows how to create a darkly romantic and sublime aura on stage that casts a spell over the audience. 

Her successor in Nightwish, Floor Jansen, also occasionally embodies this style. Although she is known for her versatile stage outfits, Floor Jansen always shows herself as a gothic diva, especially in performances where her powerful voice and presence are emphasised by dark but elegant styling. 

Jennifer Haben, the frontwoman of the band Beyond the Black, is another example of an artist who knows how to combine the look of the gothic diva with a modern rock attitude. Her ability to perform as both a rocking lady and a dark diva shows how multi-faceted and inspiring the gothic style can be. Jennifer Haben relies on dramatic outfits, often made of leather and lace, and combines them with striking make-up to present a mesmerising blend of strength and mystical beauty.

These artists prove that the gothic style is not just a figment of the imagination, but is also lived and celebrated in reality. They are true role models for all those who see the gothic diva look not just as a costume, but as an expression of their personality.

The gothic diva look: the most important styling details

For those who want to conjure up the look of a gothic diva for themselves, there are a few basic elements that characterise this style. Start with a long, figure-hugging gown. Black is the colour of choice here, but deep reds or purples can also set accents. The clothes should be made of luxurious fabrics that fall softly to emphasise the style.

Hair should be jet black and either straight or slightly wavy. For a more dramatic look, wigs or hairpieces can be used to complete the look.

Make-up is crucial: a pale complexion, darkly coloured eyes, perfectly shaped eyebrows and deep red lips are essential. Eyeliner and mascara should be applied generously to create the dark, seductive look.

Finally, the styling should be rounded off with matching accessories. Long, elegant fingernails, delicate jewellery with morbid pendants, such as spiders or Gothic symbols, and high heels are perfect additions to complete the look.

A style that is and remains everlasting

The gothic diva is far more than just a style - it is a way of life, a connection to dark romance and the sublimity of the mystical and mysterious. Whether inspired by figures such as Morticia Addams, Maleficent or Cruella de Vil - the look of these Gothic style icons remains timeless and fascinating. Certain styling elements may change and sometimes reinvent themselves over the decades, but the sublime style of the gothic diva will never lose its essence. The gothic diva will always remain a symbol of feminine strength, sublime elegance and morbid mysticism - a personality that shows us that normal people have no idea how beautiful darkness is.