There are times when you know you’re getting old. Then there are times when you open up TikTok and you just feel old. I had one of those moments several days ago when I stumbled on the Goblincore aesthetic on TikTok and Tumblr. I know that I’m a true blood Zillennial, but sometimes the second part of that term comes through a bit more. If not being super into Goblincore makes me a bit out of touch, so be it. It’s still my job to explain!
Put simply, Goblincore is an aesthetic comprised of earth: earth tones, earth creatures, and earth itself. While nature is the bedrock of this aesthetic, it’s certainly not exclusive to creatures in the above world. Per its name, Goblincore incorporates elements of the fanciful: goblins, fairies, and other mythical beings. Throw in the mushroom, Goblincore’s omnipotent mascot, and you’ve got a style that embraces the chaos of nature imbued with the delectability of human storytelling.
#Goblincore started showing up on internet forums in the late 2010’s. During the pandemic, the popularity of the aesthetic skyrocketed, as outdoor socializing became a staple of American life. The turn toward emphasizing the environment coincided with one of the best outcomes of lockdown. Divorced from the need for social performance, an entire generation were able to reassess their identities. Fungi provide a real world analogue to the queer experience; some species of fungi have thousands of sexes.
This isn’t the only aspect of Goblincore that seems to fit neatly into the 2020’s Gen Z experience. Directly opposed to the aesthetics of Cottagecore, which tend to imply nature as accessory to the participant, Goblincore thrives in the delightful imperfections of nature. It’s not so much Cluttercore, because Goblincore doesn’t involve nearly as many human-made consumer goods. Goblincore is about minimizing one’s footprint on nature and maximizing our relationship to it. It’s about embracing the natural world, not the one we’ve carved to meet our own ends, and that’s just about the most Gen Z philosophy I’ve heard.
So here are some tips to understanding Goblincore, its main hallmarks, and how to achieve its vibes yourself.
Art
Every good goblin is an art connoisseur. If you’re looking for some pieces to decorate your goblin lair, consider these framed prints and posters from Mushroom Babes on Etsy. Mushroom Babes sells phenomenal nature-inspired wall art. From adorable anthropomorphic fungi to this incredible dancing frog, Mushroom Babes has the tenets of Goblincore down.
Jewelry
One of the core beliefs of Goblincore is the commitment to earthy imperfection. While this is hard for humans to consciously pull off, it’s not too difficult. Katie Thomas, founder of KTM Design and an advocate for Goblincore, suggests putting collections of small jewelry pieces in textured bowls for display.
Jewelry can also consist of crystals and bones, feathers, and beads. Anything that conveys a genuine sense of ease with nature is a jewel fit for a goblin.
Clothes
Goblincore fashion comprises of sustainable clothing options that give you a distinctively earthy look. These include pieces that are thrifted, oversized, and torn with clashing patterns. The M.O. of Goblincore is the reclamation of the natural, and so this embrace of messiness should be reflected in your wardrobe.
Interior Design
While clutter is welcome, Goblincore’s specific interior design emphasis is on the integration of the natural. Therefore, rock collections, wooden mirrors, and mismatched cushions are goblin-certified. This stick on-fungi is great for creating a mushroom texture. Framed moss wall decorations will also lend to the natural vibe of your Goblincore home, as well as tables that reveal the true texture of its woods.
Activities
Speaking of woods, get outside! Goblincore is nothing but for the unending beauty and danger of nature. While other styles emphasize our dominion over the natural, Goblincore embraces humanity as part of nature. Therefore, spend as much time in nature as you can. Dress up in your most goblinesque of goblin outfits and sing ancient tunes to the trees. Show your love for the fungi, and your commitment to the earth. Happy gobbing!
What do you think of Goblincore? Is it your new 2024 aesthetic? If it’s not…does that make you a millennial? Welp! Leave a comment below!
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