The term ‘steampunk’ was first coined in the 80s and the movement is still going strong. For many, it’s a way of life. Here’s our guide to steampunk – the clothes, the attitude and the accessories.
A brief introduction to Steampunk
The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences calls it a ‘creative movement that has been growing in popularity, but also capturing mainstream curiosity.’
Originating as a literary sub-genre of Science Fiction and Fantasy in works by authors such as Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, steampunk now extends into fashion and music, and for some, it’s a lifestyle.
Alternative histories feature heavily in Steampunk books and films. Imagine our modern technologies, but powered by steam, and set against a backdrop of the Victorian Empire or American Wild West. That’s steampunk. Often, there’s a little horror in the mix, too.
Steampunk films include Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, Wild Wild West, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Van Helsing, Sherlock Holmes and The Golden Compass.
Steampunks favour craftsmanship over low-quality, mass-produced objects. Perhaps this is why steampunk fashion tends to include bustles, corsets, waistcoats, top hats and intricate accessories such as pocket watches, parasols, and goggles.
Steampunk events
Steampunk events abound both in the UK and abroad. There’s Arizona’s Wild Wild West SteamPunk Convention and the New Orleans Edwardian Ball. Don’t they sound great?
Here in the UK, there’s the Asylum Steampunk Festival, The Subaquatic Steampunk Weekend and heaps of other events that you can discover on Facebook.
With so many steampunk events to attend, it’s no surprise that so many small businesses have started making and selling beautiful steampunk curiosities to carry and wear.
We’re no exception. Our favourite UK handcrafted hip flask is probably this Round Compass pewter hip flask from Sheffield. It’s beautifully crafted and would look great alongside any Victorian-style steampunk outfit, especially an explorer-style ensemble. Dr. Livingstone, we presume?
Steampunk hip flasks
Naturally, we think the main accessory any serious steampunk needs is a well-made hip flask. And we’re hardly a bit biased.
Steampunk accessories must be stylish, yes. But it’s also important that they’re functional.
Hip flasks can be the perfect addition to a steampunk outfit or costume. Stainless steel, copper and leather are great finishing touches.
We love this leather-look Gentleman’s Hip Flask which reads ‘for medicinal use only’. Or how about this set of four stainless steel cups in a luxury Spanish leather case? The brass poppers are so steampunk. There’s the stainless steel hip flask with brown leather and captive top which holds a generous 6oz. Or there’s this tongue-in-cheek option: The Steampunk Inventor 8oz stainless steel hip flask with original artwork. It’s a corker!
Steampunk accessories from the Pocket Hip Flask Co.
Of course, there’s our portable, collapsible shot glasses, which look great and would fit in a concealed pocket. We also think they would make an affordable steampunk gift.
There’s these novelty moustache cufflinks with a torpedo-style closure – great for a dressy affair like a steampunk-themed wedding.
And there’s this polished metal tie clip with gun cartridge. The brass coloured touches will finish your steampunk outfit off nicely.
