Our Basic Costume and theme is Steampunk Air Pirates and Adventurers.  Think: Jules Vern adventure, meets Victorian-era steam power and lead by Indiana Jones, Han Solo types, women who are strong, bold and ready for fantastical adventures!

Steampunk is more than just brass and watch parts. It’s finding a way to combine the past and the future in an aesthetically pleasing yet still punk-ish way. It’s living a life that looks old-fashioned, yet speaks to the future. It’s taking the detritus of our modern technological society and remaking it into useful things.

Though the term “steampunk” did not exist until the 1980s, the mix of Victoriana and fictional technological inventions that are prominent elements of the style first appeared in the writings of Jules Verne, Mary Shelley, and H.G. Wells. Steampunk evolved into a sub-genre of speculative science fiction that usually takes place during the Victorian era or in a world where Victorian aesthetics and ideologies are dominant. Always present are technological advances – often steam driven – that did not necessarily exist during the story’s time period.  While these fictional devices may be far more advanced than even current technologies, they are always keeping with the aesthetics of a story’s setting.

Today, steampunk extends well beyond a genre of fiction.  Its unique look can be found in clothing, jewelry, art, and everyday household items, often combining a 19th century feel with a modern twist.  As a result, steampunk is quite adaptable and flexible. Often there is a re-appropriation of items, which can reflect the ingenuity found in the genre and aesthetic. A modern suit jacket can be gathered in the back and embellished with lace. A long skirt can be gathered, bustled and hitched. Plastic welder’s goggles can be altered and painted so they resemble the goggles of an airship captain.

Steampunk has seen such growth in recent years that is often present in mainstream society, though people may not realize that an object is steampunk inspired.  From fashion, jewelry and accessories that have taken on a modern Victorian feel to movies such as Sherlock Holmes, Wild Wild West, Hellboy, and Hugo, steampunk can be found almost anywhere.

Airships are one of the staples of steam punk, and their importance to the movement is well represented by the amount of artwork centered on them. Whether they sail through the sky using gigantic Zeppelin style balloons, or are kept aloft by gigantic flapping wings and rotors, they are a stunning visual example of all that’s interesting about the culture, and the technological dream it represents.  This is our Mode of Transpot and she is THE KRAKEN!

Some great Steampunk Resources:  
How to Steampunk Your Stuff
Steampunk Articles
Large Steampunk resource List
Steampunk PBS Special
Steampunk Magazine
Steampunk Conventions