Anyone Ever Heard Of Steampunk?

Perusing Etsy has lead me down some strange paths, but none more then my new found
interest in something called 'Steampunk'. I had noticed some really interesting jewelry that seemed sort of industrial and turn of the century at the same time. It was almost fantastical- like something out of a Victorian fairytale.




Well it turns out it is supposed to look Victorian or turn of the century!From what I gleaned from Wikipedia, Steampunk is a ,"sub-genre of fantasy and speculative fiction that came into prominence in the 1980s and early 1990s". It is based on literature that is from an era where steam is the primary source of energy such as steam engines. That time period is pretty much the 1880-1920s.

(this is a steampunk mouse!)


To make a long Wiki post short: Steampunk is considered a anticulture like Goth, Punk, or Rockabilly. When it comes to Steampunk fashion, I think this paragraph sums it up the best:

"'Steampunk fashion' has no set guidelines, but tends to synthesize modern styles as filtered through the Victorian era. This may include gowns, corsets, petticoats and bustles; gentleman's suits with vests, coats and spats; or even military-inspired garments. Often, steampunk outfits will be accented with a mixture of technological and period accessories: timepieces, parasols, goggles and ray guns. Even modern accessories like cell phones or music players can be found in steampunk outfits, after being modified to give them the appearance of Victorian-made objects. Aspects of steampunk fashion have been anticipated by mainstream high fashion, the Lolita fashion and aristocrat styles, neo-Victorianism, and the romantic goth subculture."



I adore the Victorian period, and I think that is why I have been inspired by the Steampunk jewelry on Etsy. Here are some of the pieces I have been looking at:


.Blue Locket


Retractable Lapel Pin


Lady's Mini Topper


Victorian Octopus Ring


Butterfly Brooch


Letter In A Bottle Necklace


Pocket Watch


What I like about the Steampunk genre is it is sort of like Goth without the weepy emo side, and industrial which gives it a hard edge. I think it looks amazing with vintage clothing because it has a timelessness about it, but also a hardness that contrasts so elegantly with the uber feminine side of the vintage outfit.

So tell me: Have you ever heard of Steampunk, and if so- when did you learn about it? Am I totally out of the loop or is Steampunk the next underground trend gone mainstream like the grunge look in the early 90's, the swing dancing in the late 90's, and the furries in the early 00's?