The fashion of the steampunk genre
Within the underworld of media is a genre that has come to be known as Steampunk. Appearing in books, music, movies and even clothing, this recently emerging trend is a world unto its own. More than that, it’s several worlds, depending on who you talk to and what questions you ask. The phenomenon of steampunk can sometimes be so vague that even the people who participate in it have a hard time coming up with a solid definition. In an attempt to at least somewhat explain the trend, I've looked a bit at what people have to say concerning its fashion statement.
A few words come to mind when thinking of steampunk: Victorian, Wild West, clockwork. But mixed into this loose interpretation are other fashion trends, from goth-industrial to historic to science fiction. One can take a Victorian outfit, slap on some clockwork mechanics, add a pair of knee-high leather boots and then polish it off with a brass laser pistol and still be within the boundaries of steampunk. If you've ever seen the movie Wild Wild West, or even the latest Sherlock Holmes films, you can get a general idea of how the genre is expressed in film. This translates to fashion as well, with plenty more added.
The site BuzzFeed took it upon themselves to make a list of six rules to help people understand what steampunk fashion is. While the advice they give for knowing and participating in the genre is sound, more experienced steampunk aficionados may find it a bit simplified. In the end, they really leave the definition up to the reader, barring some very basic outline. Another site, Life123, makes its own attempt to clear the fog, but they end up with similar vagaries.
While both articles are worth a read and may help people get a clearer picture of steampunk, in the end there really is no solid definition. It is all the things I mentioned above, yet the individual puts their own creativity into it to make it special to them. As long as it isn't obviously of another genre, it may very well fit within the steampunk world. It’s a bit of creativity, modernity and history all mixed up into one to manifest something that might best be described as “atmosphere.”
To make matters even more interesting, some trend-watchers believe that steampunk will be making its way into the mainstream soon. While certain elements of it may end up being adopted by popular fashion, I personally don’t see the true essence of steampunk taking such a prominent place in everyday life. Considering the complexity and individuality of the fashion genre, it’s not likely to attract most casual dressers.
In the meantime, it stands as a sometimes beautiful and striking fashion trend that allows people to express themselves within wide boundaries. If you've got a flair for the unusual and elegant, and especially if you like putting together complex outfits, then steampunk may be a good choice for you.
Images courtesy of KyleCassidy, 5of7 and Alexander Schlesier