Each year, the historic city of Leipzig, Germany, transforms into a haven for the global gothic community, drawing enthusiasts from every dark corner of the world to celebrate music, art, and culture at Wave Gotik Treffen (WGT). As the 2024 edition of this iconic festival concluded just a few days ago, it left everybody involved with unforgettable memories and a renewed sense of connection. This year's festival was a remarkable gathering, featuring an eclectic mix of established acts and rising stars, immersive art installations, and an atmosphere steeped in gothic elegance. In this article, we review the highlights of Wave Gotik Treffen 2024, capturing the essence of what made this event a standout experience. From the most electrifying performances to the most stylish creators to the most captivating moments, join us as we explore the best of WGT 2024.
WGT 2024 Highlights
So what were the best moments at WGT’s 31st edition? Before we dive into the most electrifying music performances, two events stood out in the rich program for their uniqueness and darkness. The first took place on the Friday - the Victorian Picnic, locally known as the Viktorianisches Picknick. This year's edition was a charming and elegant affair, capturing the essence of Steampunk and Gothic fashion and culture. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Clara-Zetkin Park, attendees donned elaborate Victorian and Steampunk attire, complete with corsets, top hats, lace, and parasols. Think Victorian, Neo-Romantic, Steampunk, Baroque, Rococo, Biedermeier and 18th-century dress code. Beyond fashion, this event featured classical music, period-appropriate games, and delightful conversations among participants, all contributing to a serene and nostalgic atmosphere.
The second was the Obsession Bizarr party on Saturday night, a standout event for the fetish and BDSM communities. Known for its provocative atmosphere, it featured fetish fashion shows, live BDSM demonstrations, and captivating art installations, all set to an eclectic mix of darkwave, industrial, and electronic music. This party has a strict dress code that includes Lacquer, Leather, Kinky, Glamour, Burlesque, Drag, Gothic-Erotic and more. It means attendees dressed in elaborate outfits, adding to the unique and visually stunning ambience. Held at a specially chosen venue - the historical Volkspalast, the party emphasised consent, respect, and community, making it one of the highlights of this year's festival.
And about the music? The most electrifying post-punk performances at the 31st edition of WGT were undoubtedly Deathrock and Batcave, Principe Valiente, Soviet-Soviet from Italy and Andi Sex Gang’s solo. The later is one of the key figures in the early ’80s post-punk and gothic rock scene. With his theatrical stage antics and unmistakable vocal style, Andi didn’t just make music - he turned gloom into performance art. While classic post-punk fans were treated by Theatre of Hate and Editors, and Martin Dupont rocked the Synth/minimal synt category.
Masters of Gothic Style: Old & New Friends
Wave Gotik Treffen is a gathering celebrating all things Gothic, so fashion and style play a huge part. Like in previous years, our Psylo team rocked the Agra Hall, connecting with old friends and making new ones. Here are some of the most talented creators in our WGT circle:
Upcycled Bags in Dark Style: Kalinoor by Noraly Van Deursen
Kalinoor is designer Noraly van Deursen’s latest creation, a sister label to Cyberesque. Like its sibling, Kalinoor combines the dark atmosphere of the underground in a fetish look with an avant-garde, neo-tribalistic style. Embracing the party scene while remaining practical, these unisex rubber bag designs cater to the need for stylish, functional gear that can transport your essentials to clubs and festivals. Kalinoor bags complement your outfits and help you stand out, featuring built-in party-friendly elements like hidden pockets, waterproof compartments, and anti-spy sections to protect your (bank) cards from being scanned. All bags are vegan and made from 100% recycled rubber, promoting environmental sustainability by helping save the planet and our oceans. To find our more about this designer and product, visit Kalinoor's website.
Post-Apocalyptic Costumes from the Wasteland: Wasted Couture
Born from a passionate love for festivals, Wasted Couture aims to amaze you with a spectacular appearance. Starting as a small sisterly endeavour in Poland, the brand has grown into an expert in the field of costume design. Nowadays, they take pride in working as a team of bold, creative, extraordinary women who believe in their strengths and whose talents complement each other perfectly. Through handicrafts, the team turns clothes and accessories that once existed only in the realm of imagination, into reality. Through fabrics, threads, metal, and fire, each piece of clothing tells a story – and by dressing it, you become its main character. The team at Wasted Couture believes that there is uniqueness within every person and their mission is to help you discover it, celebrate it, and express it through your style. The costumes and accessories they create are not just there to attract attention and make you feel comfortable in your own skin, but also enrich the world by promoting the concept of sustainable development. To find out more about these creative team and their designs, visit Wasted Couture's website.
Avant-Garde Body Adornments: Costume Therapy by Katarina Radovic
For this year’s edition, we joined forces again with the queen of darkness - Katarina Radovic, to bring you her avant-garde jewellery and Psylo’s alternative clothing, under one roof. Designed to empower and transform the wearer, Costume Therapy’s exquisite symbols of identity were conceived to assault and mesmerise. Otherworldly adornments, that are intended to haunt the senses, ignite erotic play and conjure your inner carnage. This futuristic 'tech couture' was featured on the cover of Vogue. Discover these avant garde body adornments here.
Psylo’s WGT Best-Sellers
Last but not least, a review of WGT 2024 would not be complete without the Psylo stars of this year’s event. Every year, Psylo's dark souls gather to visit our stall at the Agra Hall. Attracted by the dark & edgy clothing you can wear at WGT, as much as in your everyday. You are invited to discover this collection and join the Psylo dark community:
Here are the styles that stood out as the favourites of our WGT followers:
