With so many new vampires being bred, it was time that the pioneer in vampire propaganda rose again to claim his spot as the most loved and hated vampire of them all. 1992 marked the year Francis Ford Coppola reminded us all why Dracula was the vampire we all wanted peering out our window. Taking Dracula back to it’s Victorian roots, yet giving him a new look was easy. Gary Oldman gave life to a passionate, and strong willed Count, who would stop at nothing to claim what was his. This romantic tale of tragedy personified romance in every aspect of the word, even in the very clothing that they wore. Gone was the opera cape, and medallion. Replacing this attire was fashionably Gothic couture, deep rich velvets, and satin. Blood red nightgowns, and gloriously adorned dresses of lace and taffeta. The new Victorian garb worn by the vampires in this movie told a story in it’s own right. Notice when Mina is innocent, and pure, waiting her betrothed, how she is dressed covering up to the very neckline. Yet when she is the presence of her vampire lover, she wears plunging necklines, with her hair down. Shortly after the production of this movie, in 1994 to be exact, another very popular vampire film was made, also in the Victorian era; Interview with a Vampire.The clothing in these movies were a romantic Goth’s fashion nirvana.
Vampire’s took the media by storm, and their fashion continued to change. In some movies they wore industrial fashion, clad in vinyl and pleather gear. While a lot continued to have the look of the present time civilian. Vampires were already embedded in pop culture, however the media was never expecting the tidal wave that this next vampire would bring.
Twilight. Not much more need be said. Twilight introduced the vampire to many teens who would not even give these creatures a second thought. Twilight gave the vampire new power, and reach. It’s victims, now were not only Goth’s and horror enthusiasts. But teenage guys and girls who wouldn’t dare to watch movies like Nosferatu. Twilight infected the unsuspecting masses with it’s jean clad hero, Edward Cullen. The fashion that this new breed of vampire introduced was very much like it’s readers’. Trendy casual, with high fashion, low key clothing. This vampire didn’t even need fangs, much less a coffin or a lot of other things that were presumed to be vampiric necessities. Yet Twilight’s popularity grew, and with it’s popularity; grew a new found interest in this most desired beast.
In conclusion, it is safe to say that the vampire indeed is a seductive creature, who can transform and stand the test of time. It has seduced modern culture, and has evolved into many forms. The vampire will forever be lurking in shadows of entertainment and pop culture.
AlwaysBeOG
