A Palette of Darkness
Goth girl Loh Rui Xun Shynn shares her experience expressing herself freely and living life in non-conformity.
Written by: Falisha Adlina Binte Affandi
Photos by: Loh Rui Xun Shynn
Bare is her face as she gazes into the mirror, the air resonating with pulsing bass chords carrying dramatic and melancholic melodies. With unwavering determination, reaches out for colours that she typically would not go for in her makeup routine.
The soft hue that once adorned her eyelids is now transformed with the allure of black eyeshadow, creating a bold, smoky look. Her eyeliner, once naturally winged, is now boldly inked with intensity. However, the moment etched into her mind is when she exchanged her beloved mauve lipstick for enchanting obsidian black. As she beholds her reflection, a smile marks her transition from a usual soft look to a mysterious goth look.
Meet Loh Rui Xun Shynn, a confident and expressive Goth Girl currently pursuing a Diploma in Business Management at Nanyang Polytechnic. At 21 years old, Shynn boldly identifies with and expresses herself as a Goth, having delved into the subculture in January.
Reflecting on her journey, Shynn recalls, “I’ve always been aware of the Goth subculture even as a kid. It was something that I’ve always thought was cool but never imagined that it would be my thing.”
Experimenting with her style, Shynn tried a goth look for an entire month during Halloween last year, a change from her usual preference for the Douyin or Korean makeup style. “The Goth look brought a fiercer side of me and gave me the confidence to express myself more,” she beams.
This marked the beginning of her goth journey. As her interest deepened, Shynn sought to understand the core of the goth subculture – its music.
Shynn defines the goth subculture simply, saying, “So long as you listen to Goth music, you're considered a goth… you don't have to look like me with the whole dark makeup look.”
Goth, a music-based subculture, emerged from the post-punk movement in the 1970s and 80s, valuing anti-conventional beauty standards and gender expression. Iconic artists in the goth scene include Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and The Sisters of Mercy.
Shynn’s embrace of an alternative lifestyle began with a passion for watching anime, which led her into cosplaying. Unfazed by others' opinions, she boldly lives life on her own terms, dressed in bold attire with an array of necklaces, bulky earrings, and towering 10-cm boots.
Shynn cosplaying as Raven!
Within the goth subculture, Shynn’s style merges elements of traditional goth and romantic goth. Traditional goth features big hair, chains, dark makeup, and ripped fishnets, while romantic goth incorporates flowy sleeves, lacy dresses, and softer makeup.
Shynn shares her love for specific wardrobe pieces, saying, “My favourite pieces to wear are long skirts, big flowy skirts, lace, chains, and big earrings.” She resourcefully sources her clothing from thrift shops, local businesses, and online stores like Taobao and Shopee.
Dressing as a goth in a traditionally conservative place like Singapore is far from ordinary. Each time she steps out, she faces stares and unsolicited judgement. Shynn has experienced hurtful taunts, but the warmth of acceptance outweighs these negative experiences.
Recalling moments of kindness from strangers, she shares, “Every time I go to a crowded place, without fail, there will be at least one person that will compliment my outfit.” These experiences empower her to keep her head up.
Going through highs and lows as a goth, Shynn's advice for those trying new styles is, “Whatever you decide to do, tune out the noise because you will always be judged. You could be as conventional as you want to be, but there will always be someone out there that will have something to say about you.”
