Dark Academia is a fashion and aesthetic subculture that romanticizes classical literature, higher education, and the pursuit of knowledge. It embraces a moody, intellectual, and vintage-inspired style reminiscent of elite educational institutions.
Dark Academia emerged as an online aesthetic in the mid-2010s, gaining significant popularity on social media platforms like Tumblr and later Instagram. It draws inspiration from classic literature, European architecture, and the fashion of early to mid-20th century academia. The subculture experienced a surge in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic as people sought comfort in nostalgic and escapist aesthetics.