Written by Team Editor Matthew Krueger
original release date: July 10, 2010
updated: January 22, 2011
Back to the Future: Steampunk
Imagine an industrial underbelly, a forest of pipes, gears, and nameless gadgets. Reach back across time to a quaint but clattering world of factories and locomotive whirlygigs, zeppelins, and wooden submarines with red velvet interiors. If Jules Verne or H.G. Wells come to mind, you’re not far off, as what may seem to describe a 19th century flight of fancy has actually exploded into a present day movement all its own: Steampunk.
Beginning in the 1980s as both a literary and aesthetic movement, Steampunk has been conjured imaginatively by fantasy writers like James Blaylock , author of the novels Homunculus and The Affair of the Chalk Cliffs, and materially by engineering wizards like Jake Von Slatt who has built mind-boggling Steampunk cars piece by reusable piece, and modified (or “modded” as it’s come to be known) everything from school busses to Ipods, PCs to guitar amps, and table lamps to more practical items like shop respirators.
The “steam” in Steampunk describes a tendency toward modernity as it was envisioned back in a gear-driven, steam-powered industrial revolution, while the “punk” tag denotes the movement’s more updated, almost post-apocalyptic Road Warrior vibe that is softened by Victorian ornamental stylings.
More than just a world of books and objects, Steampunk is a lifestyle. From fancier to fanatic, Steampunks extend the aesthetic to personal fashion statement. Combat boots are worn along with vintage corsets and bustiers dyed in goth-like hues, while rail worker coveralls are paired with top hats. Goggles modified in every possible configuration are practically de riguer, and Steampunk accessories and jewelry made from a host of unpredictable lost and found components personalize and complete the look.
What sets these artisan jewelry makers apart is their ability to make each piece a unique excursion into the realms of antiquated manufacture and memory. At a time when hi-tech and sleek usually carry the day, these and other Steampunk artists seem to be throwing a wrench in the works. Perhaps the attraction lies in the romantic individualist refuge Steampunk provides in the face of a more impersonal cyber future.
Steampunk Rings made from vintage mechanical watch parts and findings
What’s the attraction for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts! In any case, whether you're interested in a forward look back in time or a nostalgic look into the future, be sure to check out the rest of Native Motif’s Steampunk offerings.
Hi Matt, Thanks for this background information--it's interesting to learn of some of the origins of this movement. I've been wondering about it. I can't say I've seen anyone who has taken it on with the fashion you describe, but if I do I'll have some context. Are there countries or cities where it is more prevalent than others? I did notice over the holidays that there were many ads from fine jewelers with key pendants, so a very toned-down version seems to have made it into the mainstream . . . Nice to hear from you--Karen
Comments
Thanks for this background information--it's interesting to learn of some of the origins of this movement. I've been wondering about it. I can't say I've seen anyone who has taken it on with the fashion you describe, but if I do I'll have some context. Are there countries or cities where it is more prevalent than others? I did notice over the holidays that there were many ads from fine jewelers with key pendants, so a very toned-down version seems to have made it into the mainstream . . . Nice to hear from you--Karen