Steampunk - The Greatest Era There Never Was

Steampunk...Huh?

Slowly but surely, this sub-cultural/sub-genre of sorts has made its way into popular culture with film, books, comics, but especially in fashion and costumery. So what is it? The best way I can show it in few words is the picture below.

Yeah, it is really like that.

In written words, Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction in which steam power is still the main form of power (I know that sounds a bit redundant). So think Civil War/Victorian era with steam ships and steam engines. A film example that I believe many people have seen that adequately shows this is Wild Wild West.

Wait, You Just Described It As A Sub-Genre Yet This Blog Is About Sub-Cultures. What Gives?

While this is a sub-genre of science fiction, Steampunk has expanded beyond the realms of a written genre or film genre and into popular culture with devoted followers of everything Steampunk. Maybe like a Renaissance Faire that exists way past the faire grounds.

What Do You Mean It Expands Beyond Just Being a Genre?

It's not just a genre of a book or film. It's a lifestyle now.

People dress for conventions or parties in Steampunk attire (which is basically anything that looks like it's from the Victorian Era and adding a couple gears or wearing goggles). People create their own props for their costumes. People make Steampunk music, jewelry, and even modify modern objects to instill a Steampunk aura in them. Take a look below to see!

Did I mention people get really into it? Like REALLY into it?

While some of the fashion in Steampunk is outrageous, toned down versions have found their way into mainstream fashion. Don't believe me? 

A jacket by the brand Free People. I think Free People is one of the brands where this Steampunk influence is seen.

Another jacket by Free People. This one is called a "military ruffle jacket." You may not think ruffles are big in Steampunk, but they are for the women's fashion in Steampunk. 

The online retailer for women, Modcloth, also sells Steampunk inspired accessories and fashion, like the necklace above (though interestingly many of their clothing items are retro-vintage inspired. Think 1950s house-wife or 1940s glamor).

Let's not forget one of the most important accessories any Steampunker should have. The pocket watch, or in this case a pocket watch necklace, also from Modcloth. 

Still don't see how Steampunk is affecting the mainstream fashion? Well, you will later this year according to IBM. Read the article from IBM here: http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/40120.wss

Did I Mention They Have Steampunk Inspired Balls and Galas? 

Yes they do. Actually a lot of them. 

I would include more, but there's too many. But if you find yourself interested, more often than not there is one going on in your region. Especially the West Coast. They're really big there.

Oh Yeah, They Also Have Crazy Competitions Too..

...like the Hand-Car Regatta held every September in Santa Rosa, California.

Want To See More into the Imagined World of Steampunk?

This cool piece called "Steampunk" is by PReilly. Check it out on his deviantArt account: http://www.deviantart.com/art/Steampunk-64546343

And this lovely work is by raybender from deviantART as well called "SteamPunk Octopus." Check it out here too: http://www.deviantart.com/art/SteamPunk-Octopus-109981053

Basically, just type Steampunk into Google and you will find basic to intricate artwork, whether it's digital, fashion/costume, props, or 3D artwork. For digital work like that above, I suggest to browse deviantART.com. 

One More Thing...

A lot of people who like Steampunk also like to cross other worlds or universes with that of Steampunk. For example, some of the most popular worlds that people like to clash with Steampunk are Star Wars and the Marvel universe. 

Here are custom figures by SILLOF's WORKSHOP. 

Visit them here to see what else they have made: http://sillof.com/C-Steampunk-SW2.htm

Alright, Time For Some Books and Movies to Immerse Myself in the Steampunk World

- Wild Wild West (Film, 1999) - With Kevin Klein and Will Smith, while this film didn't get good reviews, it really is one of the best examples of Steampunk.

- Sherlock Holmes (Film, 2009 and 2011) - Robert Downey Jr., and Jude Law. While not overt in this series, the films give off an aura of Steampunk. Especially with the music though, it reminiscent of a clock ticking. Clocks? Gears? Pocket watches? Steampunk.

- Steamboy (Film, Animation, 2004) - A Japanese film by Katsuhiro Otomo. I had to search to be able to watch this film, so just be forewarned if you fancy watching this film. If you do find it and are able to view it, I think it's quite enjoyable.

- The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (Comic Book - 1999- Present, Film - 2003) - Originally a comic book series written by Alan Moore that was later turned into the film starring Sean Connery. 

- Leviathan (Book Series, 2009) - By Scott Westerfeld. Never read this series, but I love the map that decorates the inside of the cover of some copies of the book. It has gotten great reviews too.

- Twenty-Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (Book, 1870) - By Jules Verne, this is one of the books that laid the foundation for Steampunk. Science Fiction written during the steam powered era. This is a definite read for anyone interested in Steampunk.

- The Time Machine (Book, 1895) - By H.G. Wells, another classic Science Fiction novel that helped to lay the foundation for Steampunk. 

- War of the Worlds (Book, 1898) - Again by H.G. Wells, the original "War of the Worlds" was a book written at the turn of the century. So side note: If you ever come across a person who vehemently argues that "War of the Worlds" was only a radio broadcast, please slap them with a copy of this book.

- Bio-Shock Infinite (Video game, 2013) - A first-person player game by Irrational Games and 2K Games for the Bio-Shock series, this game has Steampunk all over it. Never played it, but the artwork and images from it brings the players into a world of a Steampunk city in the air.

Want a New Top Hat or Need Some New Spatterdashes? Check Out These Places to Outfit Yourself for Your Next Adventure!

Clockwork Couture - So far I think these lovely people have the best selection in regards to Steampunk clothing: http://www.clockworkcouture.com

Steampunk Emporium - The selections they have here are definitely more in the realm of accurate period style clothing: http://www.steampunkemporium.com/steam.php

Steampunk Threads - This is a newer site to me but still check it out!:                                                                 http://www.steampunkthreads.com

Steampunk Couture Clothing - For an edgier Steampunk vibe, this is the site for clothing inspiration, all the work of Kato: http://www.steampunkcouture.com

Alright, so I'm going to end this post here. As you can tell, you can talk about Steampunk till the cows come home. I encourage you to do a little exploring yourself on the group, it's definitely not going away anytime soon. And according to IBM, Steampunk will be going mainstream this year. Let's see if it does!