SteamPunk

Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction and fantasy that uses a 19th century industrial aesthetic as well as steam powered machinery to give it a very traditional yet futuristic mechanical feel. The subgenre can often be associated with Victorian post-apocalyptic visions of an entirely machine powered fantasy future. This style was heavily influenced by classical literature such as H.G.Wells' The Time Machine and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, stemming from a historical fascination with industrial retro-futurism and experiments in science and steam-power.

The appeal for many people who participate in Steampunk, is the ability to live a completely different life to they usual ones, even just for a few hours on a few days a year. Within Steampunk you can make your character anything, from a traditional jungle explorer to a aristocratic business woman to a robotic hot air balloon operator. The possibilities are endless! And within that, the fashion choices are very individual to the person. Some opt for vintage clothes that they modify and alter to make them their own whereas other people make their entire outfits by hand to achieve the specific look they want. Because of this, all people, their characters and their outfits are completely unique, making the community diverse and usually accepting of others and their own style.

Steampunk fashion is often heavily influenced by Victorian clothing and including elements such as large bustles, petticoats and dresses for people opting for a more feminine style and long tail coats, waistcoats and top hats for a masculine look. Military-inspired garments are also a feature of Steampunk and they have an elegant, aristocratic feel to them. . Goggles are a symbol of the style as well as metal accessories and add a retro-futuristic twist to the traditional garments. The accessories include staffs, face coverings, pocket watches, guns and parasols to help build their characters and their backstories.

I think Steampunk is a lovely style that brings people of all ages together for a shared interest. It also helps people bring out their creative side by making a custom character and a lifestyle for them as well as a look and an outfit for them to create. Steampunk helps people utilise handmade clothing and bring back the traditional craft of sewing. I hope that the style of Steampunk will continue to be such a positive and universal thing for people to share and enjoy together.