From The Craft
Despite the fact that it is almost 2017, the struggle for equality between the sexes is far from over. In fact, recent events like Trump’s election and Texas’ new abortion rule are two signs of a possible regression. Nevertheless, it seems that an ancient power is being harnessed to tackle the patriarchy in the form of Witchcraft. By channelling such femme energy, women have been summoning the powers of the supernatural more than ever across the world of fashion, film and music, transforming it into one of the hottest trends right now.
Here, we examine all of the witchy ways that the occult is casting us under its spell.
Runway SS17. Images courtesy of Gucci, Dior and Preen By Thornton Bregazzi
ON THE RUNWAY
Occult imagery and pagan references were rife on the SS17 catwalks, with Gucci, Dior and Preen by Thornton Bregazzi all getting in on the act. Tarot cards — those occult harbingers of the future — played a huge part in all three of these brand’s looks.
For her first Dior collection, Maria Grazia Chiuri referenced Christian Dior’s own supernatural habit of reading cards before he presented his collections, with tarot card prints embroidered in golden thread throughout the entire collection. Likewise, Gucci’s collection was illustrated with tarot-like designs, and the invites to Preen’s show were written on the scared cards.
Images courtesy of @nightflesh and @thehoodwitch
ON THE INTERNET
The world of witchcraft is going strong on Instagram, with accounts such as @nightflesh, @thehoodwitch, @chakrubs and @energymuse amassing thousands of followers with their posts relating to the occult, chakras and ancient femme energy. Promoting sex-positive, unashamedly feminist and queer views, these witches are a source of positive inspiration for many young girls.
Images from Belladonna of Sadness, Love Witch, The Witch
IN THE MOVIES
2016 was a renaissance for the depiction of witchcraft in film, including The Love Witch, The Witch, and the rerelease of Belladonna Of Sadness. The Love Witch used the power of witchcraft to subvert the male gaze and reassert women owning their own sexuality; The Witch, ostensibly a sustained mood of increasing horror, drew parallels between witch-hunts in the 1600s and sexism women faced today, and the restoration of Belladonna Of Sadness reasserted witchcraft as a form of early feminism. Expect this trend to continue next year.
Images courtesy of The Coven Art Collective, @wehaveadream.foundation, Laurence Philomene, @gregorpituch
IN THE ART WORLD
From known-spiritualist Marina Abramovic helping add a mystical element to Givenchy’s spring show, to the MET’s exhaustive exhibition, “The Cloisters Playing Cards”, the links between the art world and witchcraft has been alive and well this year. Feminist witchcraft will be on full show next year with an intersectional tarot card exhibition being held by Polyester Zine, The Coven and Isabella Podpadec. Seeking to tackle the lack of diversity in tarot cards, it shows that the future of Witchcraft still has a long way to go. It will take place, just for one night, at Dye House Gallery in Hackney Wick, London on 7 January. Visit the event’s Facebook page for more information.
Aurora, FKA Twigs, Niki & The Dove. Images courtesy of Inez & Vinoodh, Marika Ågerblom, Øyvind Toft by @auroramusic
IN MUSIC
Once upon a time female pop stars had to be loud and brash to get their voice across. These days, a new, more introspective vibe, influenced by the imagery of Witchcraft, is taking centre stage in the music world, allowing female stars to be as unique as they are talented. Whether its upcoming star Aurora, the well-established FKA twigs or Swedish duo Niki & The Dove — who have just released a new album — muted and monochromatic designs, witchy hand gestures and overall occult imagery is seeping back into the musical mainstream.
Images courtesy of Inez + Vinoodh Adina Mills and @lenadunham
THE CELEB ENDORSEMENT
One of the most important accoutrements for any witch are the right crystals. Living in a complex world, they can be a great source of calming energy. If you don’t know where to start, check out the selection at Adina Mills, championed by feminist icons such as Lena Dunham, Pink and Björk, or visit Lena Dunham’s other favorite Energy Muse. Even Victoria Beckham is rumoured to have jumped on this lastest celeb obsession.
From Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Sabrina The Teenage Witch, The Craft
THE VINTAGE ICONS
For any budding witch who wants to understand the immense power of female bonding, the best reference has to be The Craft, which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year. Telling the story of four teenage girls who use witchcraft in order to get revenge at their high-school enemies, it is generally considered to be the highpoint of the ’90s obsession with witches, which also included Sabrina the Teenage Witch, The Witches, Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Practical Magic. With ‘90s nostalgia in full swing, it seems that witches are coming back too.
So… What can you do to become part of this new-age trend of 2017?
Host a Moon Circle:
Gather your girl squad and host a moon circle. It will help you to clear your mind, work through through something and connect with yourself and your female allies through communal energy. Get a full description from mindbodygreen.com on how to host a moon circle here.
Get your tarot cards laid in Berlin:
An easy way to help predict the future and to understand your inner self, tarot card readings can be found all over Berlin. We recommend Tarot Parlor for both its cheap prices and laid-back and welcoming atmosphere.
Picture and fashion research by Nathalie Francois