Fashion: On Trend
Meet the Steampunks
Thursday, March 11th, 2010
Ever since Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes came out, I’ve been aware of a growing trend; we’re in a movement right now—the steampunk movement. The closer I look, the more I see tweed plus fours, deerstalkers, brass timepieces and black feathers in women’s coifs. It’s all so very “chimney sweeper”, but still so new.
Steampunk is basically a subculture that takes inspiration from the neo-romanticism of the 19th century steam-powered era. “Steampunks” are a little science-fiction/surreal, are certainly dramatic and have a slight “friendly punk” about them. They flirt with macabre in their dress, making the whole movement in sync with Tim Burton’s aesthetic. Very Sweeny Todd.
Steampunk fashion includes gowns, corsets, petticoats, bustles, suits, vests, spats and military-inspired garments. Most of the time, steampunks accessorize with a mixture of period pieces and modern-to-future technologies—such as timepieces, parasols, goggles, cell phones, iPods and ray guns.
For a modern-day example, look to Gaultier’s SS10 collection; his models wore structured bodices, and he adorned their arms with brassy gizmos and gadgets. Dior Couture 2010 took on the Victorian side of the look with riding crops, top hats and high collars. Lanvin, Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood and Thierry Mugler have also subtly incorporated the trend over the past few seasons.
But more so than the fashion, there is a pulse behind this tenacious street style-slash-lifestyle movement. The biggest attraction is the tremendous optimism of the Victorians and Edwardians; steampunks are hoping for the bright and exciting future that accompanies a vintage lifestyle. They are young, inquiring minds who appreciate science and technology—embracing iPhones, in addition to old-fashioned technologies such as airships and single-gear bicycles. They are forward-thinking creatives who delight in having a go at everything. They celebrate the talented amateur, individuality and imagination.
All so complex, yet all so elementary, my dear Watson.
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Cool pictures. Very evocative. I do like the steampunk style, but in moderation. I know some people can walk around in corset and top hats in broad daylight, but I’d opt for something that just hints of steampunk.