In order for us to answer this question, one must first understand what Steampunk is. Steampunk is first and foremost a fun genre for those of us who love the Victorian steam powered age. It’s a sub-culture rich in imagination. Picture H.G Wells or Jules Verne plying their trade today, mixing modern technologies with values and ideas of a time long passed. In other words, imagine Steve Jobs, Stephen Hawking, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and Nikola Tesla sitting around a table, throwing ideas at each other in a fashionable London Tea Salon in the 1890´s and you get the idea. Steampunk is where techno freaks pay homage to the industrial revolution.
Walk down any Highstreet today, and you will see all the fashion stores selling clothing, bags, shoes and anything else you can imagine, covered in Victorian moustaches, gears, Penny Farthing bicycles, Victorian planes, trains and automobiles and others with Victorian inspiration. Celebroties like Lady Gaga, Helena Bonham Carter and Nikki Minaj have been known to spot tome Steampunk looks. So, why is Steampunk going mainstream?
Steampunk is accessible, and it’s fun. Anyone can be Steampunk from those dressed in the most expensive Victorian splendor to the girl in the street who just loves those Octopus earrings, and isn´t sure why. There is no judgment, no right or wrong. Many other sub-cultures have specific guidelines one must adhere to. Cultures such as Goth, you must know what this season´s shade of black is going to be, which band to listen to and so forth. Steampunk´s only boundary is your vast imagination! If you can imagine it, and make it, you can be it! The spectrum reaches far and wide like the tentacles of the Kracken. The movement embraces Victorian enthusiasts, as well as Steam aficionados, Sci- Fi geeks and colorful Cyberpunks.
Due to this, Steampunk is producing a vast array in the industry of inventors, imaginaries and artisans. It finds a home equally comfortable for those who make a hobby of making a little jewelry, clothing and/or painting. The beauty being that old recycled junk, can be just as much fun, and can use any modern expensive gadget, to create something beautiful. This diversity means Steampunk, is attainable to all, because it’s available to every pocket.
A Victoria Secret model sporting a Steampunk inspired lingerie look
Lastly, the genre is enjoying widespread popularity, and will continue to do so, because it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Its ability to laugh at itself creates room for creativity and adds an organic feel to the movement. Steampunk has taken on a life of its own, getting into all the nooks and crannies, like an ever spreading weed, embracing the serious hard core fanatics and taking the casual enthusiasts along for the ride. Whether you’re an artist, bending, twisting and heating your copper and brass tubing or you just want to spray your infant’s toy ray gun with gold paint for fun, it’s all inclusive. It also helps that all the Steampunk enthusiasts from all over the world, happen to be charming, polite, fun, helpful individuals, glad to help and get the party started!
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