It’s not every day that the worlds of gothic fashion and traditional Indian attire collide on the global stage, but September 2025 has seen both trends surge—each with its own twist on nostalgia, rebellion, and digital creativity. From the shadowy silhouettes gracing the streets of capital cities to the sepia-toned glamour of AI-generated retro saree portraits, fashion’s current obsessions are as much about looking back as they are about breaking new ground.
Corsets, radical cuts, and sweeping long coats—once the preserve of subcultures—are now making bold appearances on city streets, according to FashionUnited. The gothic aesthetic, with its dark palette and dramatic forms, is enjoying a renaissance that began in 2024. This resurgence was sparked in part by pop culture, notably the Netflix series "Wednesday" (2022), which catapulted actress Jenna Ortega into fashion icon status for her gothic-inspired red carpet looks. The movement has been further fueled by cinematic releases like Robert Eggers' "Nosferatu" (2024), starring Lily-Rose Depp, and Tim Burton's remake of "Beetlejuice" (2024), as well as Tish Weinstock’s book "How to Be a Goth," published in October 2024.
Exhibitions, too, have played a role. The recent Palais Galliera showcase dedicated to designer Rick Owens—a key figure in underground and gothic fashion—has cemented the trend’s mainstream appeal. But this is no monolith: today’s gothic fashion splinters into subgenres like "boho goth" (melding gothic with bohemianism), "Gothic Western" (think Johnny Cash’s romantic darkness), and "goth glam," where glamour meets gloom. This diversity allows the trend to cater to a wide array of tastes and markets.
Looking ahead, experts at Première Vision predict the "New Dynasties" trend for autumn/winter 2026-27, marked by radical silhouettes and dramatic, sculptural coats in shades of black and deep red. “New Dynasties resonates with the new fascinations for dystopian universes, metaphors for a world in crisis,” say PV experts, highlighting how fashion often mirrors broader societal moods. In the beauty realm, this movement manifests in bioluminescent pigments and sharply defined makeup looks, pushing the boundaries of self-expression.
The commercial impact is unmistakable. Klarna, the payments platform, reports gothic jewelry sales up by 85% for cross-shaped rings, 69% for bat-shaped rings, and a staggering 120% for cross earrings. Ready-to-wear is surging too: corsets up 43%, fishnet bodysuits 86%, velvet tops 90%, and velvet coats a remarkable 134%. But perhaps the most striking statistic is the 738% jump in black lipstick sales over the past year, underscoring just how deeply the gothic revival has permeated beauty routines.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the globe—and the digital divide—another kind of nostalgia is sweeping social media. As reported by FashionUnited and other outlets, Google’s Gemini AI Nano Banana image tool is enabling users to reimagine themselves in the timeless elegance of India’s most beloved garment: the saree. This viral trend, which took off in September 2025, allows anyone to upload a photo and, with a few descriptive prompts, generate dreamy retro saree portraits reminiscent of 1960s and 1970s Bollywood glamour.
What’s behind this digital saree craze? The saree, after all, is more than just fabric; it’s “a story, a memory, and sometimes even an identity,” as the trend’s chroniclers put it. For generations, the saree has symbolized grace, femininity, power, and resilience. The AI-powered edits don’t invent something new—they reawaken old-world charm for a new generation, letting users channel their inner Rekha, Hema Malini, or vintage Sridevi from the comfort of their own devices.
The process is refreshingly simple. The Gemini AI interface invites users to upload a well-lit photo, select the Nano Banana image feature, and input prompts like “Retro 70s Bollywood style, chiffon saree in pastel pink, soft golden light, vintage photo look.” Within seconds, the tool produces a portrait that feels plucked from a classic film reel. The results have been nothing short of enchanting, with social feeds awash in chiffon drapes, polka dots, and sepia backdrops.
Customization is at the heart of the trend. Prompts can conjure up everything from Banarasi silks with rich golden zari to earthy handloom cottons, each styled with era-appropriate hair, makeup, and settings. Popular retro saree looks include the "Bollywood Dream" (pastel chiffons against misty mountains), the "Polka Dot Classic" (bold prints and dramatic eyeliner), "Old Money Elegance" (heavy silks in sepia tones), "Disco Glam" (shiny satins and electric blues), and "Everyday Nostalgia" (cotton sarees in retro kitchens).
There’s something for every taste: whether it’s a hand-embroidered chikankari saree, a regal Kanjeevaram, a hand-painted Kalamkari, or an Assamese Mekhela Chador, users can craft deeply personal edits by referencing family heirlooms or cherished memories. The AI-generated images are more than just pretty pictures—they’re portals into another era, evoking the warmth and drama of old Indian cinema and vintage fashion photography.
The democratizing power of this technology is significant. No longer the preserve of celebrities or influencers, these retro edits are accessible to anyone with a smartphone and a bit of imagination. This inclusivity has helped the trend go viral, with people of all ages—Gen Z students, millennials, and beyond—embracing the chance to step into the glamour of the past. As one observer noted, “A saree, even in pixels, carries the elegance of six yards of history.”
It’s not just about nostalgia, either. For many, creating a digital saree portrait is a way to reconnect with cultural roots and celebrate the garment’s enduring relevance. The viral success of Gemini AI’s retro saree edits proves that while trends may come and go, the saree remains a symbol of grace and pride—now seen through a fresh, tech-powered lens.
Back in the gothic sphere, the future looks equally dynamic. The upcoming launch of the Boloria brand by Olivier Theyskens—himself a romantic gothic icon—promises to add new dimensions to the genre, with the first collection slated for 2026. In both cases, whether it’s the shadowy allure of "New Dynasties" or the radiant nostalgia of an AI-crafted saree, fashion in 2025 is about more than clothes. It’s about storytelling, identity, and the power of reinvention—woven together by threads of memory, rebellion, and imagination.
As technology and tradition intertwine, and as designers and digital tools alike reimagine what’s possible, the worlds of gothic and retro saree fashion remind us that the past is never far away. Sometimes, all it takes is a coat, a pallu, or a clever prompt to bring it vividly—and stylishly—into the present.
