Subculture: Enyacore

Today I’m going to tell you about something that I only recently found out was a thing. Enyacore is one of the latest TikTok trends and I almost couldn’t believe it when I heard it. If you don’t know who Enya is, hang on for a mystical ride my friend. Enya is a singer, songwriter, and musician that’s widely known in the world music space and if you’re a Lord of the Rings fan you’d probably recognize her voice from the Peter Jackson film trilogy. 

I don’t entirely remember how I first discovered Enya. It could have been a PBS special, MTV, or some other way. However, I do remember where I picked up her albums, along with several others. Glifix, a store that was in Fashion Place Mall for quite some time. It was a store where you could pick up the latest world music releases, books on astrology and witchcraft, tarot cards, incense, and jewelry. It’s where I picked up the Pure Moods releases, and albums from Lorrena McKennitt, Yanni, and of course Enya. R.I.P Glifix, you’ve been missed.  

Enya’s from Ireland and her Irish name is Eithne Padraigin Ni Bhraonain, which was shortened to Enya when she started releasing music as a solo act. You see, her family was very musical and started a family band you may have heard of named Clannad. After deciding to release music on her own, she worked on soundtracks and eventually found worldwide fame when she released her Watermark album in 1988.

Oh, and did I mention that she lives in a castle, a freaking castle y’all.  

Now that you know about Enya, let’s talk about the TikTok trend that bears her name. It has elements that you would recognize from cottagecore, whimsygoth, witchtok, sprinkle in some Stevie Nicks, and a bit of the medieval and you have a bit of an idea of Enyacore.

Her otherworldly melodies and flowing dresses have inspired TikTok users to yearn for a simpler time, much like cottagecore does. Her bohemian style has inspired people’s wardrobes as well as their interior design choices. The Enyacore trend allows her fans to use their own creativity and individuality using her aesthetic as a starting point. 

I hope this look into Enyacore has informed and inspired you. It's an aesthetic that has a structure to easily make your own and I hope you do.