Blade and Batman are Back, so is Dystopian Dressing

With vampire horror Blade returning to the big screen, here’s how you can get that underworld drip

Hero image in post
Hero image in post

With vampire horror Blade returning to the big screen, here’s how you can get that underworld drip

By Niellah Arboine08 Apr 2022
2 mins read time
2 mins read time

We’re most definitely living through a time of serious nostalgia in culture and fashion. There’s just about a remake, reboot, sequels and prequels of just about every show and film of the last 25 years – and comics are no exception.

Now a remake of the 1998 cult classic superhero horror film Blade is coming out later in the year. In many ways, the Blade trilogy helped kickstart and shape the Marvel Cinematic Universe over two decades ago and was the first film to feature a black superhero as the lead. It follows the story of a slick vampire slayer (who’s actually half-vampire himself) played by Wesley Snipes, as he tries to protect mortals from all the evil in the world. But more than anything, Blade will always be remembered for the 90s looks, the leather, and of course, the sharpest shape-up.

“The teeny glasses, long coats, platforms, vests and all black everything is having its moment”

Now, Mahershala Ali will be carrying on the baton from Wesley Snipes, and while very few details for the new film are known, one thing we do know is that vampire, goth, dystopian aesthetic is most definitely back on the big screen and influencing menswear.

From Robert Pattinson’s take on The Batman – who looked more like an emo Berlin techno DJ than a playboy billionaire – to Keanu Reeves reprising his role as Neo in Matrix Resurrection in 2021 – the teeny glasses, long coats, platforms, vests and all black everything is having its moment. Think oversized silhouettes and layering like those by Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto. So, if you want to get that experimental, grungey vampire aesthetic, then look no further.

Sleeveless Layers

Off-White - Sleeveless Set

Off-White - Sleeveless Set

Sleeveless Layers
£$546.00

The late Virgil Abloh’s influence on fashion is undeniable. Through his brand OFF-WHITE, and later as the artistic director of Louis Vitton menswear, he shaped what streetwear in high fashion spaces could be. And by far one of his greatest influences was making men’s harnesses and outer vests, or as he referred to them, “mid-layer garments” a moment. This OFF-WHITE black vest is the perfect garment to add extra layering to your look. Wear it under a heavy coat, or over a jacket.

Workwear Vest

Adidas - R.Y.V Light Padded Utility Vest

Adidas - R.Y.V Light Padded Utility Vest

Workwear Vest
£$75.00

This simple black utility vest from Adidas perfectly blurs the lines between workwear and fashion, with a v-neck allowing you to show off the layer underneath, it can be dressed up or dressed down to create a more wearable version inspired by Blade’s actual utility vest.

LACK OF CONVENTION

Shady 3LW In Black

Shady 3LW In Black

Christianah Jones
£$69.00

A core part of the Blade aesthetic has to be the teeny black sunglasses. Nobody does it better right now than Black British designer Christianah Jones. She rose to fame via Depop and now her glasses have been worn by the likes of Beyonce and Billie Eilish. These upturned 3LW’s, inspired by the 90s pop group of the same name, add a little uniqueness to the traditional small sunglasses.

Bold Black Trench

ASOS Design - Faux Leather Longline Trench Coat Black

ASOS Design - Faux Leather Longline Trench Coat Black

Bold Black Trench
£$68.00

No dystopian cyber-goth fit is complete without a long leather jacket. If you can’t manage to get your hands on a second-hand leather jacket, this faux leather trench from ASOS Design adds the final layer to the look.

Genderless Pleats

Noko club - George Men's 7 Pleat Skirt

Noko club - George Men's 7 Pleat Skirt

Genderless Pleats
£$110.00

With the likes of Harry Styles and Jade Smith popularising men’s skirts in recent years, they are slowly but surely making their way into the mainstream. And while genderless fashion still has its limits, London-based clothing brand Noko Club are definitely shaking things up by championing timeless pieces and gender ambiguity through their ranges. This pleated skirt could be worn over cargo trousers, or on its own.

Black Cargo Trousers

Jaded London - Agent Cargos

Jaded London - Agent Cargos

Black Cargo Trousers
£$80.00

Streetwear brand Jaded London are already jumping on the wave with their exclusive The Matrix X Jaded collection featuring leather trousers, sunglasses, and even the famous green code pattern design on tops and trousers. Their black wide-leg tech cargo trousers with buckles and pockets add dimensions to any baggy, layered silhouette.

Leather Overcoat

ASOS - Coat With Faux Fur Collar In Black

ASOS - Coat With Faux Fur Collar In Black

Leather Overcoat
£$160.00

No dystopian cyber-goth fit is complete without a long leather overcoat. If you can’t manage to get your hands on a second-hand leather jacket, this faux leather overcoat from ASOS Design adds the final layer to the look.

Classic DMs

Dr. Martens - Jadon Hi Leather Platform Boots

Dr. Martens - Jadon Hi Leather Platform Boots

Classic DMs
£$189.00

There’s a reason Doc Martens have stayed popular for over 70 years, they’re durable, comfortable and timeless – the perfect boot for chasing down vampires. The platforms on these Jaden boots with 10 eyelets, add just a little bit more of that goth energy to your overall look.

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