Fairy Grunge

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Fairy Grunge is a mix of the Fairycore and Grunge aesthetics. This aesthetic was popularized predominantly by creators on TikTok and other social media platforms, but has strong roots in early 2000s YA fairy fandom (particularly the works of Holly Black).

Given the goals of Fairy Grunge, it could be viewed as a natural evolution of the Kinderwhore aesthetic (which also has deep ties with Grunge), but goes for more of an ethereal and Hot Topic-influenced twist.

Visuals

Rocks, stones
Forests, woods
Walking paths
Abandoned houses
Earthy tones
Torn clothes
Outdoors
Night skies

Other

Movies/TV

Bratz Fashion Pixies
W. I. T. C. H.
Winx Club

Books

Exclusively found in early 2000s fairy-centered YA literature:

Modern Faerie Tales trilogy by Holly Black
The Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa
Lament: The Faerie Queen’s Deception by Maggie Stiefwater
The Blue Girl by Charles de Lint

Artists

Amy Brown
Jessica Galbreth

Fashion

The Fairy Grunge fashion often tends to include:

oversized t-shirts or hoodies
maxi or mini skirts
nightgowns
corsets
mittens/gloves
patterned mesh tights or fishnets
knee high socks
leg warmers
platform Demonia shoes
fairy wings and sometimes elf ear
large cargo pants

Subgenres

Tomboy Grunge

Tomboy Grunge, also known as "y2k grunge", unlike Fairy Grunge (which is closely related to Kinderwhore), has no connection to grunge or kinderwhore. Instead, it draws inspiration from y2k and 2000s japanese fashion, using more monochromatic colors such as white, black, and grey green and a masculine approach than Fairy Grunge.[1]