12. Dark Mori Kei

12. dark mori kei

dark mori kei is a substyle of mori kei that merges the forest inspired aesthetic of traditional mori kei with a darker, more mysterious edge. often called dark forest girl, this style retains mori keis connection to nature but emphasizes its mythical, shadowy side -- akin to walking through an enchanted forest at twilight, here's a breakdown of dark mori kei

origins and development

evolution from mori kei: dark mori kei emerged as an offshoot of mori kei around the early 2010s, developed by individuals who appreciated the cire aesthetic of more kei but wanted to introduce a "gothic", darker element. It offers a way to explore the darker side of nature, moving away from bright, pastel colors to show off the shadowy side.

influence of folklore and fantasy: the style draws from mythology, fairytales, and myths often portraying a darker character that could represent a witch, forest spirit, or some sort of dark fairy. its aesthetic plays on the mysterious qualities of deep woods, misty paths, and magical creatures

key motifs

Dark color palettes: Unlike traditional Mori Kei's earthy, light tones, dark Mori Kei uses a palette of deep, muted colors like black, charcoal gray, forest green, burgundy, deep plum, and midnight blue. shades of brown, rust, and dark cream may also appear to keep the natural theme but in a more somber way.

Layered shapes: Layering is essential in dark mori kei. The look often involves flowing, asymmetrical layers of dresses, shawls, and oversized sweaters to create a slightly ragged shape. Loose cardigans, cloaks, capes, and lace details add to the forest effect.

nature and mystical textures: materials like lace, velvet, wool, and cotton add a textured, vintage feel to dark mori kei. worn in or distressed fabrics are common, as they give off the impression of a forest wanderer. dark lace, crochet details, and feather or fur trimmings add an extra touch to the outfits.

occult and nature theme accessories: accessories in dark MRI kei often include items inspired by nature and witches---think of dry flowers, feathers, crystals, charms, and bones (fake or real). silver jewelry, layered necklaces, rings with dark stones, and talismans are popular, giving off a forest witch vibe.

dark makeup and hair: makeup in dark mori kei is more pronounced than in mori kei. dark eyeshadows, smudged eyeliner, and berry or plum-colored lip tints enhance the makeup in this style. hair is often left loose and wild, styled in braids, or decorated with hairpieces like flower crowns, vines, or feathers. darker hair colors or tones of auburn, deep green, and black complete the look.

music

dark mori kei is often associated with atmospheric, ethereal music that has a haunting, folk-inspired sound. neofolk, dark folk, and ambient genres resonate well with this aesthetic. artists like Wardruna, Chelsea Wolfe, and Florence + the Machine capture the spirit of the style. Medieval-inspired or witchy folk songs set the right mood for dark more kei as well. here are some artist suggestions

lamp

ichiko aoba

800 cherries

tico moon

HUS

astrud gilberto

joao gilberto

kaede

kali uchis

serani poji

movies

films that embody the magical and mysterious parts of nature fit dark more kei perfectly. Pan Labyrinth by Guillermo del Toro is one amazing example. other fitting films include The Witch, Sleepy Hollow, and The Secret of Roan Insih. here are a few other movies I suggest!

the ancient magus' bride

anohana

fruits basket

honey and clover

is the order a rabbit?

Mary and the Witch's flower

Mushi shi

snow white with the red hair

the dark crystal

mirrormask

books and other media

folktales and dark fantasy: dark mori kei is often linked to literature that explores enchanted forests, ancient magic, and gothic themes. works like The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Garden, Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, and classic fairytales with darker themes resonate with this aesthetic.

witchcraft and nature journals: witchcraft and nature-themed journals are popular in the dark more kei community. many enjoy documenting plant knowledge, seasonal cycles, and forest photography, often with an emphasis on the darker, hidden beauty of nature.

visual art and photography: dark mori kei is also influenced by art and photography that captures shadowy forests, mystical creatures, and haunting but beautiful landscapes. artists like Brian Froud, known for his dark fantasy illustrations, are popular in the community.

inspo

dark mori kei is a style that celebrates the mysterious, darker side of nature through a forest-inspired aesthetic. with its deep colors, layered fabrics, and mythical accessories, it channels the spirit of a dark forest fairy or a forest spirit. dark mori kei is for those who find beauty in the shadows, embracing a balance of nature and magic that feels otherworldly and grounded in the forest. this style offers a sense of hidden magic, embodying the darker, mythical says of the mori kei aesthetic.

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