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Sensational Steampunk: What is it all about?

Blog by Nicole Tanzen Best

If you are not quite in-the-know about all things sub-cultural and underground, then the term Steampunk might not mean much to you, so allow me to enlighten you about this sub-culture that is rapidly gaining in popularity in our country.

This is a blog run by a bookstore, so it is fitting that the entire Steampunk thing started with books. It was originally a literary subgenre of science fiction and fantasy that included social and technological aspects of the 19th century melded together with some form of rebellion (thus accounting for the ‘steam’ part, and the ‘punk’ part).

This original and intriguing mixture of 19th century aesthetic and science-fiction gadgets inspired readers to experiment with their own takes on the fashion and technology, bringing the culture and mindset of Steampunk out into the real world for all to see and experience.

Think lovely Victorian ladies in corsets, bustles, and lace, wielding steam-powered weapons with a take-no-prisoners attitude, stopping only to sip a cup of perfectly-brewed tea.

Think handsome men with well-groomed moustaches and monocles, carrying the copper tanks needed to power their robotic hands strapped to their backs.

Model: Cat Jacobs Photographer: Anika Molnar

Think lots of copper; airships; a world without electricity, powered entirely by steam.
Within the Steampunk community there is a widespread tendency towards creativity and self-reliance; many people involved in the community have amazing outfits and gadgets that they made entirely by themselves. A casual internet search reveals hundreds of tutorials on how to make various Steampunk items to complete one’s wardrobe, and it is obvious that there is a thriving DIY culture.

However, if DIY is not exactly your forte and you are still eager to add some Steampunk elements to your style, don’t fret! This is one sub-culture that mainstream culture appears to have warmly embraced. Internationally, for example, Prada experimented with many Steampunk elements in their fall/winter 2012 menswear campaign; and there are a handful of clothing and accessory designers in South Africa that are creating new Steampunk-inspired designs. There is even a completely Steampunk cafe in Cape Town called Truth HQ!

Model: Cat Jacobs Photographer: Anika Molnar

Here are some helpful links for those of you looking to get into Steampunk:

South African Steampunk Designers:

SIN BIN – Facebook Page and Website

The Little Hattery – Facebook Page and Website

Waning Moon Accessories – Facebook Page

Steampunk Facebook Pages:

The Golden Monocle Society

Steampunk

Corsetieres:

Vintage Oppulence

Arwen Garmentry

You can read more spectacular blogs by Nicole on her own personal blog Not Necessarily Relevant.

Model: Cat Jacobs Photographer: Anika Molnar

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3 Responses to Sensational Steampunk: What is it all about?

  1. David Donde April 25th, 2013 at 10:10 am #

    Hey, thanks for mentioning us at Truth Coffee!

  2. claudia bothma October 10th, 2013 at 7:42 pm #

    Dressing in victorian gear and watch parts does not a steampunk make. One should discover one has been a steampunk all along and not go straight for the ‘uniform’ to become one! As every good inventor knows-copying is far from innovative. Terminology becomes both a problem and a stumbling block, leading to pre conceptions that will link the lifestyle to a cliche such as goth etc. Originality is the key. Darn, truth cafe way too far from my nest. Love to all.

  3. xer0bot July 2nd, 2015 at 8:32 am #

    I must agree on your ideaology, Claudia.
    Still in the unvealing process of steampunk, hard work really..

    I see it as arts and crafts, it could be a way of living too, i dont see it being a way of socializing though. the way i understand it is that the steam victorian era is way behind us and these inventors are now called by different names..
    so it’s more of a way of embracing a way of living that is long past, bringing it into ones life and crafting reminders of steampunk that is very lovable.
    As mentioned my view on the field is still very new born.. it’s still in the brew!

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