The Horrific Truth About Camp 30

THE HORRIFIC TRUTH ABOUT CAMP

Written by Maddy Ford Photographer: Justina Brandt Makeup Artist: Amanda Buckley Models: Natalia Cruz, Niamh Cogley, Daniella Grono

Layout by Rachel Erickson Stylist: Jacquee Moran

As postmodernist art revisits the beauty sphere, the makeup industry encounters one of As postmodernist art revisits the beauty sphere, the makeup industry encounters one of the most controversial yet riveting aesthetics: CAMP. In the past few years, mainstream media has encountered a resistance towards the reign of basics and instead promotes an opportunity to be tacky and bold while illustrating theatrical concepts and a newfound freedom of expression. From Kim Kardashian wearing Mugler to Cher wearing Oscar de la Renta, CAMP has found a home within fashion circles. Inherently, this creative and captivating style has bled into the film and entertainment industry and, specifically, horror. Some may consider CAMP to be a subgenre of horror due to its juxtaposition of comedic relief and dramatized features. Amid the thrills of horror, CAMP allows for mystery and inevitably adds to the story. Ezra Miller at the MET Gala in 2019 perfectly encapsulates why CAMP is simply a mockery of all things serious yet, is serious nonetheless. Why would someone go to the MET with a bejeweled corset paired with an elongated cape and five eyeballs across the face? Because it’s CAMP. Miller’s look sent eerie chills down my spine and remained fabulous. Or perhaps Jared Leto carrying a replica of his head on his hip sent the right message: CAMP is so atrocious, it is good. We are to dethrone what is predicted and expected; this concept is widely accepted in the horror genre. Horror presents an unprecedented, spectacular version of universal fear with the intent to grab the audience’s attention in unique ways.

Ultimately, CAMP and horror work together to repress contemporary ideas and instead, create original and unrealistic imitations of the real world. Without CAMP, horror would be predictable, boring, and repetitive. CAMP is entertaining and pursues our imaginations, within horror and everything else. From the MET red carpet, to TikTok trends, to the best ranked horror films, CAMP maintains the dichotomy between sophistication and vulgarity and refutes naturalism.