Goth culture emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s as a subculture within the broader punk rock scene. It is characterized by a fascination with dark aesthetics, often incorporating elements of horror, romanticism, and the supernatural. Fashion typically includes black clothing, dramatic makeup, and unique hairstyles, reflecting a sense of individuality and self-expression. Music plays a central role in goth culture, with bands like Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and The Cure influencing its sound. Goth culture also embraces literature, art, and film that explore themes of melancholy, existentialism, and the macabre, creating a rich tapestry of creative expression.