So what is steampunk anyway?
The culture of Steampunk originated during the 1980s and early 1990s and incorporates a
mixture of elements from science fiction, fantasy, alternate history, horror, and speculative
fiction. It involves a setting where steam is the power of the day—whether in an alternative
universe or actual Victorian times. There have also been elements used in an alternate U.S. Wild West, or in post-apocalyptic times playing on this punk Victorian theme.
Today, artists feature technology involving clockwork, or futuristic innovations as Victorians
might have imagined them. For instance, this technology includes such fictional machines as
those found in the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne. Take a look at this modern steampunk style bathroom decor by San Francisco architect Andre Rothblatt and contractor Fredic Grasset as an example:
Steampunk has also infiltrated art, fashion, and design influenced by the aesthetics of steampunk literature. Various modern utilitarian/industrial objects are used by artisans to form a pseudo- Victorian mechanical "steampunk" style. There are also visual and musical artists now described as steampunk.
But in my opinion, nowhere has steampunk had more influence than in fashion. And never has this been more prevalent than the fall couture collections of 2012. Designers from Gaultier to Prada to Chanel have incorporated elements of steampunk, or at the very least--19th century fashion, to inspire their fall collections.
I couldn't pull my gaze from Jean Paul Gaultier's fall collection, full of top hats and tails,
bustiers, and flowing capes. You can view the entire collection video at the following link. And
keep watching until the end for the fabulous steampunk style wedding dress as the finale!
http://www.jeanpaulgaultier.com/brand/en/hc/haute-couture-par-jean-paul-gaultier#page-brand/
For a full range of designers revealing their steampunk style this fall, here's an awesome
slide show for your viewing pleasure:
www.decimononic.com/blog/haute-couture-steampunk-fashion
Even America's Next Top Model TV show is getting in on the steampunk action. The
folks at www.clockworkcouture recently wrote: "The wardrobe stylists from America's Next
Top Model came and raided our store for items to incorporate into their high fashion shoot with Steampunk flair." Here's the place to view the slide show of their photos:
www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150961650975896.394603.116071105895&type=3
If you want to find some steampunk outfits for yourself, there are a number of fine internet companies who focus on steampunk fashion, such as:
www.steampunkthreads.com
www.clockworkcouture.com
www.steampunkemporium.com
Steampunk conventions are popping up all over the world and are a great place to wear
your steampunk costumes and meet like-minded enthusiasts for tea and airship races. I'll be at Steamcon IV in October with my steampunk trilogy, Airship Adventure Chronicles. The first
book, Revenge of the Mad Scientist, is now for sale on Amazon and Barnes & Noble sites. It's a romantic steampunk adventure in the style of Around the World in Eighty Days.
Give the book a look, and you might become a steampunk fan yourself! Here's a chance
to WIN a copy along with a steampunk style necklace so you'll be ready for the 2012 steampunk fall. Leave a comment about your view of steampunk and you'll be entered to win the book and necklace. For more information on my books, visit me at: www.laranance.com.
Enter to WIN below!
