What Is Steampunk?
The term 'Steampunk' was originally a slightly sarcastic derivation from 'cyberpunk'. Cyberpunk is a flavor of science fiction that is typically set in a dystopian near-future, which has overtones of '40s film noir. Dystopia by definition, is a work of fiction describing an imaginary place where life is extremely bad because of deprivation or oppression or terror. The movie Bladerunner is quintessentially cyberpunk.
Steampunk as a descriptive term began being used in the '90s to characterize science fiction that was set in an anachronistic past, where, for instance, computers were developed in the Victorian Age. The term now embraces fiction that is not necessarily set in a variant of our past, but that has a 'feel' of Victorian sensibility about it.
Steampunk, is a subculture that is the aesthetic expression of a time-traveling fantasy world, one that embraces music, film, design and now fashion, all inspired by the extravagantly inventive age of dirigibles and steam locomotives, brass diving bells and jar-shaped protosubmarines.
This definition is loose enough to accommodate a slew of influences, including the streamlined retro-futurism of Flash Gordon and Japanese animation with its goggle-wearing hackers, the post apocalyptic scavenger style of "Mad Max," and vaudeville, burlesque and the structured gentility of the Victorian age.
Devotees of the culture trawl e-Bay for saw-tooth cogs and watch parts to dress up their Macs and headsets and share their inventions with kindred spirits they find on the web.
The Cosplay community, focuses on costume rather than fashion with individuals developing personas alongside their outfits. One of the roots of steampunk is in the story. That is where it lives. Even the most common items transformed into sculptural creations kick start the imagination. Take for example a pair of binoculars-glass and brass, covered in clock pieces. You think who would have designed these if they were real? What else can they do? How do they work? There's no point building these things if there's no story to inspire-just buy a pair of binoculars at the store. They probably work better too. But it's much cooler if, whenever you look at them, visions of mad monsters hunted down by some guilt ridden creator fill your world.
And, in keeping with the make-it-yourself idea of Steampunk, they assemble their own fashions, an adventurous pastiche of neo-Victorian, Edwardian, are blended with a non exclusive mix of Goth, Cyber and Punk. Not limited to the wear of the late 1800's and early 1900's, the combination of Cyber hair pieces, gas masks and bondage clothing reflect it's whimsical and some times edgy, rebellious nature. Safari and modified military style such as sharp tailoring, badges, and epaulettes accented with sometimes crudely mechanized accouterments like brass goggles and wings made from pulleys, harnesses and clockwork pendants, to say nothing of the odd ray gun dangling at the hip. Steampunk style is corseted, built on a scaffolding of bustles, crinolines and parasols and high-arched sleeves not unlike those favored by the movement's designer ideals like Alexander McQueen and, yes, even Ralph Lauren.
The elaborate mourning dresses, waistcoats, hacking jackets and high button shoes are goth's stepchildren, for sure but the overall look is "not so much eyeliner and fishnets." Some costumes may include elaborate hairstyles, piercings with corsets and tattered petticoats, Victorian suits with goggles and boots with large soles and buckles or straps and the aristocrat style.
Some helpful ideas in building a Steampunk costume:
Steampunk fashion is a real-world reproduction of the clothing that is or could be found in steampunk literature.
When in doubt, dress Victorian and add. If you're afraid that your outfit is “too Victorian” you're probably doing it right.
Steampunk fashion is about creating an outfit that delights the senses, entertains the wearer, and engages the viewer. Never feel obliged to take away from the style or appeal of an outfit simply because you fear it will be "not steampunk enough." Do not be misled, coerced, or second guessed into including a collection of "steam punk status symbols" (goggles are the most infamous) if they do not fit with your outfit, or with the vision you are attempting to produce.
There is no “steampunk color.” Some people have claimed that steam punk is only brown, or black or white. Many people prefer this color palette, especially brown due to the sepia pictures of the time. Virtually any color can be steampunk. Remember, steampunk is set in a world of comparatively advanced technology, so it is perfectly reasonable to have vibrant colors and complicated machine-made patterns.
If Steampunk has a mission, it is, in part, to restore a sense of wonder to a technology-jaded world. "Today satellite photos make the planet seem so small," "Where's the adventure in that?" In contrast, steampunk, with its airships, test tubes and time machines, is "sort of a dream, the way we used to daydream. It's like part of your childhood's just bursting forward again."
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