• Journal of Fashion Business
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.109-123
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• 2024

This study explored characteristics of Camp style as presented in the musical The Rocky Horror Show, analyzing its symbolic meanings through the lens of Greimas' semiotic square model. Camp style, known for its exaggerated expressions, irony, and fluid gender representations, plays a central role in challenging traditional gender norms and cultural binaries. This study begins by outlining the significance of The Rocky Horror Show in musical theater and pop culture, highlighting its impact on fashion and art. Through character and costume analysis, this paper examined four key features of Camp style: symbolism, gender fluidity, playfulness, and theatricality. The semiotic square model was applied to deconstruct complex relationships between these features, particularly focusing on contradiction and opposition. Research findings demonstrated how Camp's symbolic elements in costume design interacted with the narrative and character identities to convey deeper cultural and social meanings. This analysis provides insights into how Camp style functions as both a visual and cultural critique within the framework of the musical.