The Originality and Beauty in Steampunk Culture

The Originality and Beauty in Steampunk Culture

Steampunk. You’ve probably heard of it, but in case you aren't sure what it means, let's explore together! According to the dictionary, it’s a style of design and fashion that combines historical elements with anachronistic technological features inspired by science fiction. The vintage aesthetic is given a modern look, perhaps as if 19th-century people have stepped into the future. It celebrates almost an alternate timeline, inspired by stories from the likes of HG Wells and Jules Verne. To play a character or pay homage to the style, one must look the part. From costumes to accessories, steampunk is an elegant and historical type of style with a heavy dose of fantasy. Where else will you find an octopus pendant, a dolphin wearing armor, a winged scarab, or a dragon eye ring?


What Does Steampunk Usually Look Like?

Steampunk’s style celebrates the unusual. It may include a multitude of different technological aspects as well as mixed metals, vintage clothing, hats, and accessories like antique or replica goggles and spyglasses. You’ll find mechanical parts such as gears and clockwork pieces juxtaposed with Victorian lace and bustiers. According to Bellatory, “The goal of such redesigns is to employ appropriate materials (such as polished brass, iron, wood, and leather) with design elements and craftsmanship consistent with the Victorian era, rejecting the aesthetic of industrial design.”


Browns, blacks, tans, and other neutrals help to set the tone of Steampunk. It’s the color of brass, wood, leather, and antique, worn-down iron, and all of the other materials employed in Steampunk Style. 

 

Steampunk Accessories

The synthesis of Victorian and the machine age can be enjoyed in elaborate, full costumes, or may simply be a nod to the fun of Steampunk in simple accessories. We make it easy at Solid Oak to do just that, where you can create amazing, unique jewelry and accessories in the Steampunk tradition - without having to scavenge through yard sales and flea markets for interesting parts. 


Gears & Clock Parts

 Steampunk Gears from Solid OakA study in anachronism, Steampunk often plays with time, especially the elements of old, mechanical timepieces. Gears and clock parts are an essential part of Steampunk style. It represents things antique and futuristic at the same time. The brassy and metal look fit the aesthetic of a person ‘out of time,’ quite literally. Transform these pieces into a beautiful bracelet, necklace, or add them as pins to your hat, your wrist cuffs, or even your corset or waistcoat.


Bottles & Vials

Bottles and vials are part of the more scientific-esque side of Steampunk. If you’re interested in the Apothecary aspects of the future in the past, then it’s perfect for you to use a few bottle charms here and there in your outfit. Vials and small flasks are also an option, and any of these could be filled with a magical elixir such as glitter, sand or soil from a special place, dried herbs, and the like. Prefer a liquid? Just be sure to seal well with glue or epoxy, as our natural cork stoppers are not watertight! Solid Oak has a big variety of miniature glass bottles, vials, and flasks to hold the mystical concoctions from your steampunk “laBORat’ry.” The same containers can also hold small mementos, messages, dried flowers, or whatever your imagination desires!

 


Steampunk is there for you to enjoy and adapt into your unique style. From wearing something as simple as a skeleton key pendant, or as elaborate as an entire cosplay ensemble with Victorian-style apparel, monocles, pocket watches, and other accessories, the only rule is to be yourself. Some really dedicated Steampunk people create fantastic machines, or decorate their journals, or layer up components of the style in amazing multi-media decor for the home.

 

Of course, if you have photos of your beautiful creations, especially ones with our products, make sure to tag and follow us @solidoakinc and use #solidoakinc, and we might even share it! 

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