The Martlet

Tired of those over-done alternative styles, like Grunge, Goth and Emo? Try on something a little more classic — become a Steampunk.

Steampunk, a sub-genre of science fiction, was inspired by an era when steam and clockwork were used to power mechanics. The origins of the term are unknown but some argue that Jules Verne and H.G. Wells wrote Steampunk.

The sub-genre has gradually developed into a sub-culture at science-fiction conventions and online. “Steampunks” are often seen scattered in the crowds at these conventions, dressed in leather and brass, and wearing large goggles.

Use it like a Steampunk

Be it visual art or fiction, in Steampunk, computers are replaced by massive engines patterned after Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine, which used analog instead of digital technology to perform computations. Air travel, another prominent theme, often uses zeppelins or hot air balloons.

For mass air travel in the Steampunk world, zeppelins are outfitted with private staterooms, luxurious dining rooms, Victorian-style smoking rooms and observations blisters with leather couches — like 19th-century luxury railway cars. Sea travel also follows, but in the style of the Titanic.

Dress like a Steampunk

Steampunk dress comes in two broad styles. The first is Victorian-era formal, with long skirts and corsets for women, smoking jackets or waistcoats for men.

The other, most common style of dress, is to be outfitted as a sub-genre character, such as a scientist, a pilot and an African safari adventurer.

Common add-ons include brass goggles with plenty of ornate detail, brass jewelry, top hats, trench coats, canes, gloves and bowler hats. Everyone mixes and matches for their own Steampunk look.

Enjoy the Steampunk culture

Steampunk has grown to be more than books and conventions. There are Steampunk bands (notably, Abney Park, Voltaire and Vernian Process). Movies have been made in mind of the culture, the best known being The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

Art is frequently created in the themes as well, depicting Steampunk culture, people, devices and events. Several local Victoria artists, including Christine Hart, produce these pieces. Victoria even has its own Steampunk group taking off. For more information or to get involved, visit their facebook group, “Victoria Steampunks.”