For those of you that have seen my earlier posts you might have a vague inclination as to what the whole genre is, but for others this a whole new idea. Because of this, I have decided to dedicate this post to some of the basics, how and where you might incorporate these ideas and aesthetics, and where these ideas are popping up in mainstream culture.
What is steampunk?
According to Wikipedia (I don't suggest this site normally, but in the case of pop sub-cultures, this is really the best way to go) steampunk is:
Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction, alternate history, and speculative fiction that came into prominence during the 1980s and early 1990s.[1] Specifically, steampunk involves an era or world where steam power is still widely used—usually the 19th century and often Victorian eraBritain—that incorporates prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy. Works of steampunk often feature anachronistic technology or futuristic innovations as Victorians may have envisioned them; in other words, based on a Victorian perspective on fashion, culture, architectural style, art, etc. This technology may include such fictional machines as those found in the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne or real technologies like the computer but developed earlier in an alternate history.
Other examples of steampunk contain alternate history-style presentations of "the path not taken" for such technology as dirigibles, analog computers, or such digital mechanical computersCharles Babbage's Analytical engine. as
Steampunk is often associated with cyberpunk. They have considerable influence on each other and share a similar fan base, but steampunk developed as a separate movement. Apart from time period and level of technology, the main difference is that steampunk settings tend to be less dystopian.
Various modern utilitarian objects have been modded by individual artisans into a pseudo-Victorian mechanical "steampunk" style, and a number of visual and musical artists have been described as steampunk.
For the whole article please visit Wikipedia. In fact, if you've read this far you should probably read this article.
Okay, so it's a sci-fi genre that deals with gears and clockwork? In simple terms, yes. Like they said, H.G. Wells is a fabulous example . Time Machine anyone?
Or perhaps League of Extraordinary Gentlemen is more your style?
Of course there's also Wild Wild West (both the old show and the movie), Around the World in 80 Days, Van Helsing (starring Hugh Jackman - YUM!)... the list could go on, but those are probably the more well known ones. Heck, even the new Sherlock Holmes movie could be considered steampunk.
Yes, underground fashion can be quite scary, but this one isn't. It's of exploration, fantasy and about bringing the best of the Victorian Era to the forefront. Heck, if you love the old steam engine or think traveling by balloon sounds like great fun, you might be a steampunk supporter.
As for all of you going "yeah, right!" and rolling your eyes I have one word for you: OZ. Whether we are talking about the yellow brick road, Elphaba, or the O.Z. of the Tin Man franchise, it's all there. So lets continue easing down the road, shall we?
And you all thought by mainstream I was going to show you a girl in a bustle...
These are two of my friends. Sadly you can't see the white bustle...I draped it!
But how can you add the aesthetic to your own life (if that's what you want)?
Earth tones by way of cargo pants and military jackets are probably the best place to start. Small things like pocket watches, or bowler hats (there back in fashionistas!), gloves, button up boots reminiscent of spats, vests... the list could go on. It's really not as hard as you think. The aesthetic is really more an antique feel than full out costume. Granted, if you want to do a costume you should! They're splendiferous fun!
What about just a small motif? Go to Zazzle (like my page!!)or Cafepress and search "steampunk". Done!
"But it's not on the runways!!" Aux contrare!!
D & G Fall 2009
L.A.M.B. Fall 2010
Dior Fall 2010
Seduced by the dark side yet? NO? Well, I shall just leave you with the Bergdorf Goodman Window Challenge
These were my entries:
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