Keira Knightley Is Turning Heads in a Whole New Aesthetic: Gothic Circus-Core

For promoting her latest project, the Netflix thriller series Black Doves, Keira Knightley has been turning heads with her gothic, daring fashion choices. Ever since she became an A-lister, Knightley has been known for her daring fashion choices, and within recent years, she’s made red carpet appearances on a very rare frequency. However, for Black Doves, Knightley has been making quite a few public outings and in clothes that are of an aesthetic we never thought we’d see from her: gothic circus-core.

Before we go into it, we know you’re wondering: what the heck is gothic circus-core? Circuscore, also known as clowncore, is an aesthetic based on fashion choices that are similar to clowns and circuses. So think puffy clothes, bold colors, and anything along those lines. However, instead of bright colors, Knightley has been going all black, making a new sub-aesthetic: gothic circus-core.

In case you missed it, on Dec 9, Knightley attended the Black Doves Tastemaker | Netflix event, looking so chic in a look that screams the aesthetic. See the photo below:

For the event, Knightley donned an all-black, velvet Chloe look that featured large maroon boots and a white lace shirt. This not only works for a romantic aesthetic because of the fabrics, but it fits the gothic circus-core aesthetic because of the cuts of the clothing, the detailing, and the large shoes.

(And for those wondering, she got her hair done by Ben Skervin, makeup done by Chanel makeup artist Kate Lee, and was styled by Violet Book editor-in-chief Leith Clark.)

Later that same day, Knightley arrived at The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in a look that was perfect for the gothic circus-core aesthetic. You can see the photo below:

Now, this look is as unique as it gets. For the talk show outing, Knightley rocked this daring, jewel-encrusted, black silk Valentino to-piece. With the puffy sleeves and colorful neckline, this look screams circus-core; and we’re obsessed.

In a previous interview with The Talks, Knightley discussed how she’s stopped caring about the random backlash as she’s gotten older, focusing on doing what makes her happy (including rocking Chanel whenever she can).

She said, “I learned you can say nothing, you can be perfectly smiling, wearing a perfectly nice dress at the opening of a charity and people can still despise you for it.”

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