A current rising trend has seen the word 'steampunk' entering the English language recently. The term itself was coined in 1987 by WJ Jeter. Even as a sub-genre of science fiction, it has gone on to influence artists and stylists alike. From steampunk buttons to boots, there is no end to what designers can think of. There is also a growing popularity of steam punk fiction as many science fiction enthusiasts seem to be talking about it nowadays.
As a sub-genre of science fiction, many of its writers took inspiration from authors such as HG Wells. Their stories of were often set in an alternate version of history, usually a Victorian setting. The difference was that these stories featured technology similar to that of most science fiction, although it had a distinctly Victorian flair. It would often include the likes of steam or coal powered machinery, as well as the use of complex clockwork mechanisms. The Wild Wild West is a clear example.
Many artists and indeed the fashion industry have cashed in on this new found trend. Common images associated with this genre include machines and items made of copper or brass, cog wheels and pocket watches. Another associated fashion statement is the wearing of aviator goggles. Being based on the Victorian era, its fashion either copies this or indeed adds extras. These extras range from seemingly steam powered rocket launchers and weapons to something as small and intricate as cog shaped buttons.
Modern science fiction literature is not the only one to be experiencing this trend. Indeed there are countless anime series which fit this genre quite well. Such works include Hayao Miyazaki's Future Boy Conan and Sherlock Hound, which draw heavily on the aesthetics of Victorian imagery. Indeed, Miyazaki was one of the original anime artists to properly explore this genre in his work.
Fairs and expos about the genre, or featuring it, are common in many part of the world today. These shows often display the creativity people have come to express with the rise of its popularity. It is quite common for many kinds of merchandise to be crafted, using a do it yourself approach. In spite of this, however, many have expressed concerns that steam punk is now becoming 'too mainstream'.
With a range of subcultures in our contemporary society such as the Gothic, punk and vampire lifestyles, steampunk is beginning to take its place amongst them. Due to the rise in popularity, it has given artists and designers the opportunities to find inspiration for their pieces and designs. With this new subculture on the rise, both designers and artists have an opportunity to explore creatively, bringing in new designs for anything from steampunk buttons to gadgets.
As a sub-genre of science fiction, many of its writers took inspiration from authors such as HG Wells. Their stories of were often set in an alternate version of history, usually a Victorian setting. The difference was that these stories featured technology similar to that of most science fiction, although it had a distinctly Victorian flair. It would often include the likes of steam or coal powered machinery, as well as the use of complex clockwork mechanisms. The Wild Wild West is a clear example.
Many artists and indeed the fashion industry have cashed in on this new found trend. Common images associated with this genre include machines and items made of copper or brass, cog wheels and pocket watches. Another associated fashion statement is the wearing of aviator goggles. Being based on the Victorian era, its fashion either copies this or indeed adds extras. These extras range from seemingly steam powered rocket launchers and weapons to something as small and intricate as cog shaped buttons.
Modern science fiction literature is not the only one to be experiencing this trend. Indeed there are countless anime series which fit this genre quite well. Such works include Hayao Miyazaki's Future Boy Conan and Sherlock Hound, which draw heavily on the aesthetics of Victorian imagery. Indeed, Miyazaki was one of the original anime artists to properly explore this genre in his work.
Fairs and expos about the genre, or featuring it, are common in many part of the world today. These shows often display the creativity people have come to express with the rise of its popularity. It is quite common for many kinds of merchandise to be crafted, using a do it yourself approach. In spite of this, however, many have expressed concerns that steam punk is now becoming 'too mainstream'.
With a range of subcultures in our contemporary society such as the Gothic, punk and vampire lifestyles, steampunk is beginning to take its place amongst them. Due to the rise in popularity, it has given artists and designers the opportunities to find inspiration for their pieces and designs. With this new subculture on the rise, both designers and artists have an opportunity to explore creatively, bringing in new designs for anything from steampunk buttons to gadgets.
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