Confidence Boosting Power of Steampunk
Twitter
Facebook
Google+
Email AppWhoever thought that Victorian-inspired fashion couldn’t be anything but straightlaced needs to reconsider. The rising movement of Steampunk fashion proves that this counter-culture has tenacity and spirit, far flung from the realm of prim and proper. The steampunk trend features an emphasis on Victorian bodices mixed with Edwardian age technology, such as mechanical gears and spokes in aged brass or silver.
Inspired by science fiction works by Jules Verne or H.G. Wells, steampunk costumes share elements of both fantasy and historical fiction. The Industrial Revolution brought about new machinery, factory work and many changes to society which were reflected in the changing styles of dress. The love of steampunk crosses generations, grandmother Evonne Clough from New South Wales embraces the Steampunk sub-culture and enjoys a chance to shine in Steampunk garb.
A typical Steampunk look features a tight boned leather corset contrasted by a voluminous skirt. Although nowadays there are many variations of Steampunk fashion, including leg harnesses or garters, and tailored trousers for those leaning towards a more masculine style. Steampunk connoisseurs are known for their constant ingenuity and evolving creativity. One example is a leather bodice designed with gears, spokes and lines of gold grommets. Layer over a lace blouse and flowy skirt for a look that’s totally chic. Taking the accessories to the next level, some steampunk fans wear eyepatches with spokes and spirals, or a set of oversized brass goggles. Others take a more sultry approach, wearing bodices, torn leather skirts and leg harnesses at their next steampunk meetup.
Evonne Clough has a wardrobe of handmade steampunk items, featuring brocade skirts, puffy blouses and black boots. A chunky leather belt is a must, complete with large pockets to hold anything from the necessities like a phone or wallet, to ornaments like skeleton keys, hourglasses or clocks. Out of all the items, Clough states that the corset is the most demanding, and she even has to lie on the ground to wear a fitted black leather favorite. The ordeal of lacing and unlacing the corsets has to be completed in stages to allow for blood circulation. Once that’s through and she’s fully outfitted, Clough feels beautiful and embraces a sense of empowerment, and she accounts it all to her love of steampunk. Steampunk fans rejoice; there’s a special meet-up celebrating the first Steampunk festival at Lithgow’s Eskbank House Museum on July 11th. In costume, of course.
No Comments