This, fashionable reader, is a interviews style blog post on steampunk fashion!
What defines Steampunk Fashion to you? How do (or did) you see fashion defining the Steampunk movement?
Steampunk fashion tends to be an amalgamation of Victorian fashion with metallic industrial detailing (usually brass) and modern Gothic overtones. I've defined it in the past as the lovechild of Hot Topic and a BBC costume drama. I do believe that the attire of steampunk is relevant to the movement as a whole. It's one of the things that sets steampunk apart from other SFF subgenres. The fashion melds an aesthetic with creativity and community. Some people are more into the literature and others craftsmanship, but most at least nod in the fashion direction with a vest, or a pair of goggles, or a newsboy cap.
Where should one begin, with the Character or with the Clothing?
I began with the clothing, but that's because I'm not much of an actor and I really enjoy the style. I like separates and small details, like jewelry, that I can mix with everyday garb. Starting with a character might work better for those who are planning on attending a convention, or aren't inveterate shoppers.
What do you see as the relationship between Character and Costume?
This relationship often emerges in the kinetic or mechanical aspect of a costume. Someone will come up with a motorized arm, or a mad scientist self-folding kit, and suddenly a character will emerge from that one detail. It's important not to become too carried away by character when in the planning stage. I've known people who look endlessly for the perfect piece of costuming, yet they could have something wonderful if they were more flexible. As much as the clothing should adapt to your character, it is possible for the character to adapt to a new clothing discovery as well.
What is your best advice for someone just getting started with steampunk fashion and characterization?
Be open to the possibilities. One of my most commented upon pieces is a corset I tore apart and covered in buttons and brass spoons. Yes, spoons. People love to see the silly and unexpected. Shop in a different area of the thrift store. For example, the bric-a-brac section often has bendable bits of metal. Buttons can be changed, pockets can be added, sleeves removed. Try to train your mind to see what a piece of clothing could be, rather than what it is. Also keep your eyes open at places like Target and Kohls. Steampunk turns up unexpectedly.
I also suggest watching a period drama from the time period you are interested in, and then extrapolating. If you're fascinated by the Austen dandy driving a high flyer, how would that character dress if he were driving an ornithopter? How would the engineer of a train differ from the engineer in a dirigible? How about Gaskell's doctor who has to treat steam burns instead of cholera? If the lady is cross-dressing, why is she doing so? Is she riding the latest and greatest steam powered bicycle? What would she have to carry about her person if she were?
Lastly, there are certainly elements not well represented yet in the steampunk world: minors, maids, footmen, drivers, hostlers, postmen, sailors, clerks, foreign dignitaries, cooks. Yet if we imagine a Victorian world where steam power dominates, these people are its cogs.
Beyond the perhaps de rigeur goggles, what item or items, if any, do you see as quintessentially "Steampunk"?
Some kind of hat or hair ornament is pretty common, anything from an embellish band to a tiny top hat or a massive modified eyepiece. Vests, corsets, kilted up skirts, knickerbockers, and boots tend to abound. Deconstructed clocks, gears, leather bands, metal buttons, and military detailing are common as well. The color template leans in favor of brass and brown, although goth wear is still there with its black and silver. I enjoy costumes that adopt the Victorian delight in bright colors and the expansion of British trade that brought with it vibrant Indian muslins and patterned Chinese silks, but they remain comparatively rare.
What resources can you recommend to readers wanting to become more involved with the fashion side of Steampunk?
The steampunk fashion group on flickr has over a thousand images that will certainly inspire. Just going on to Google Images and typing in "steampunk fashion" yields up some amazing results. And in spring of 2008 Ralph Lauren put some seriously great turn of the century style pieces down the runway.
Other Posts where Gail talks Steampunk
Gail has many posts on steampunk on her fashion blog: Retro Rack. She also maintains a Listical on Amazon.Informative Stuff
- Gail's 3 Series ~ A Victorian Silhouette Retrospective for Readers, Fellow Authors, & Dilettantes
- Uber Post: Thrifting for Victorian Garb, Introduction
- Uber Post: Thrifting for Victorian Garb, Womenswear
- Uber Post: Thrifting for Victorian Garb, Menswear
- Proper Foundation Garments, Part 1: The Full Details
- Proper Foundation Garments, Part 2: The Low Down
- Proper Foundation Garments, Part 3: Corsets!
- So much more on corsets: 5 Things to Look For in a Corset; 7 Tips on How to Buy a Corset That Fits; How Do I Choose A Corset Style?
- Packing Steampunk
Inspiration & Shopping
- Men of Steampunk
- A review of Gail's steampunk outfits
- Steampunk Accessories ~ Gail Carriger Style
- A Moment of Steampunk ~ More Accessories
- Steampunk Month on Retro Rack
- High End Couture
- Gail's Octopus Collection
- Timeline of Inspiration ~ Outfits
- Timeline of Inspiration ~ Accessories
- Daily Wear
- Daily Wear ~ Gail's Clothing
- Nova Albion Steampunk Convention ~ Fashionable Others
- Nova Albion Steampunk Convention ~ Fashionable Objects
- 5 Fashionable Things Gail Learned at Nova Albion Steampunk Convention
- DIY ~ Your Own Steampunk Pocket Belt
- DIY ~ Steampunk Holster for Tiliting Folding Parasol
Gail's Steampunk Outfits
- Gail's Steampunk Meets Retro Outfit in London
- Gail in Denver in the Spoons
- Gail in Santa Clara in Teal
- Gail in Santa Clara in Brown & Cream
- Gail in Santa Clara in Cream
- Gail in Santa Clara in Iridescent
JustCos covers steampunk cosplay on YouTube.
Retro Rack is also on facebook where I post additional images and fashion thoughts.
You can also visit the following shopping lists: Travel Dork, My Steampunk, My Wardrobe.