Inspired by the Victorian Era
Steampunk fashion is a sub genre of the steampunk movement in sci fi. It’s an eclectic mix of the Victorian era’s romantic view of science, literature and the industrialization of most parts of Europe and represents a post apocalyptic era. The base of steampunk fashion is primarily influenced by the fashion of the mid 19th century. It includes long flowing dresses, regal jacket bodices, garibaldi blouses, top hats and corsets.
Steampunk Styles
Steampunk fashion is based on re-creating key fashion personas or archetypes from the 19th century. Firstly, the valiant explorer donning a helmet, telescope and binoculars. Secondly, the debonair aviator with a leather helmet and a pair of brass goggles and thirdly, the gentleman sporting a lab coat over formal clothes wearing a belt for implements and instruments. Other styles of steampunk fashion include burlesque (think Dita Von Teese), goth, fetishism and vampire.
When you need inspiration for a cosplay outfit for the next Steampunk convention, why not dress up as a empowered female aviator as below. Give Amelia Earhart a run for her money!
Designers of Steampunk Fashion
1. Jean Paul Gaultier
Described as the “enfant terrible” of the fashion world, Gaultier is best known for creating Madonna’s infamous conical bra for her 1990 Blond Ambition World Tour. His aesthetic is inspired by street wear focusing on French popular culture. He also frequently mixes types and genders in his collections including sexual fetishism and steampunk futurist designs. His 2012 Fall Couture collection combined the Victorian elements of steampunk fashion including corsets, top hats and long flowing skirts.
2. Alexander McQueen
Alexander McQueen’s designs have been praised as infusing fashion with a feeling of fantasy and insurrection. His steampunk fashion shows combine apocalyptic imagery with theatrical defiance. His final posthumous show, “Angels and Demons” for F/W 2010 showcases a bold use of gold and a history of ancient times fused with elements of contemporary punk.
3. John Galliano
Spanish/English designer, John Galliano is well known for his avant garde designs that push boundaries. In 2010, he identified his love of theatre and femininity as central to his creations. His Dior F/W Collection for Paris Fashion Week 2010 featured Victorian top hats, feathers and romantic flowing dresses.
4. Dolce & Gabbana
Dolce and Gabbana take inspiration for their unique designs from the Italian movie industry.
When we design it’s like a movie. We think of a story and we design the clothes to go with it.
Domenico Dolce
Fantasy, adventure and surrealism were the central themes of D&Gs Fall 2006 collection which featured Napoleonic military jackets, slacks, metal and antiques. Accessories such as steampunk wristbands and cufflinks evoke the look of an antique Victorian era.
5. Chanel
Chanel embodies steampunk corsets, bodices and Victorian inspired jackets. For Spring Paris Fashion Week 2012, the men’s ready-to-wear collection featured high neck collars, ruffles and metal belt accessories. Female empowerment and identity are synonymous with a resurgence of technological fashion. The women’s collection featured tailored trouser suits in pastel colours with a futuristic theme.
Avant-Garde Fashion
The concept of steampunk inspired by historical fashion is very different from the much celebrated punk fashion trends of the 1970s and 80s. The fashion of this era was very conservative and almost conformist.
Steampunk fashion, on the other hand, aims to be so avant-garde and ironic that fashion designers can perform bold experiments and push the boundaries of design and technique.
