We hadn't realised that the annual Steampunk Festival was to take place this weekend, but we soon cottoned on when we saw people dressed in the most wonderfully stylish and individual outfits. These two women were enjoying a chat by the side of the cathedral. I didn't get them from their best angle, but I didn't want to interrupt their conversation, although I know that I would only have been met with smiles and politeness.
Steampunk began as a title for a particular genre of science fiction, but it has broadened, it is the label for a style of dressing which combines historical fashion and accessories which could have come from the Victorian era, they are mostly quite romantic and often very individual indeed.
Hundreds of Steampunks were walking around Lincoln, all were delighted with the attention they were receiving.
The man and girl in the previous photograph, and this woman with a little boy, were a family group and were happy for me to photograph them as they walked up the middle section of Steep Hill.
These two were at the bottom of the hill, they would certainly have felt the chilly breeze blowing around their legs, but they were having a great time.
The top of the hill was a little busier and it was difficult to get a clear shot of costumes, but I liked the way this woman had done her hair to echo the colours of her dress and also the costumes which the other Steampunks were wearing, pith helmets, old furs, every one of them beautifully turned out and feeling fabulous.
This woman was patiently posing for a serious photographer to get snapping.
Quite different from most of the others were these two. I loved her outfit, it was made from an assortment of old ties. They had gone for a slightly different approach and they looked superb. I asked whether they would mind me taking a photograph and they very happily put down their supermarket shopping bags and posed in front of the cathedral.
I have just read that there is one rule for Steampunk: Be Nice to One Another. They were all embracing that, the atmosphere was superb.
So it was just a dress up day or were their events too? I have never gotten into reading that genre.
ReplyDeleteAs it is a festival I imagine there will be a large and varied programme of events, Marcia.
DeleteIt does look rather fun, for all ages too.
ReplyDeleteLots of young ones about, having a good time, Sue.
DeleteWhat a lovely intro to Steampunk! _Intro_, because I never really understood it. Steampunk blogs and etc., look rather....scary to me. -grin-
ReplyDeleteBut this form of Steampunk is simply F-U-N!!!!!! Dressing up in an individual way, and strolling around, and having the fun, of having one's picture taken. Who couldn't embrace this?!? :-)))
From what I saw on Friday, this festival is definitely an asset to Lincoln. I believe there were lots of different events dotted around the city, they were probably all heading to their chosen venues, Luna. The costumes were fabulous fun, so much effort and creativity. I love people who dare to be different.
DeleteI love Steampunk! I can just imagine people shopping thrift stores for costumes, or commissioning them, or making them. And being nice! Thanks for all the pictures.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I think they probably have a wonderful time putting their outfits together, being creative and letting their imagination fly. They looked really good against the backdrop of the old city.
DeleteI love Steampunk - the whole look and the genre. I have attended a number of SciFy Conventions in the past and they were always the best dressed in my opinion. I attended a number of their workshops to learn about them and to learn more about the costume aesthetics. I find them to be so very creative when it comes to both the costumes and accessories.
ReplyDeleteThey delight the eye, that is for sure. I mostly forgot to take photographs, I was so busy ogling those costumes. Does this mean that you have a wonderful steampunk outfit hanging in your wardrobe, Margie? (I do hope so!)
DeleteSadly not at this time - but I have been tempted to have one made - and may do it yet. I'm torn between one of the explorer/archeologist looks complete with pith helmet and a back & red "vampire" style dress, complete with black veil. I once attended a "Vampire Ball" and the steampunk contingent were the best dressed by far! :-)
DeleteI like the explorer/archaeologist look, but I saw a few people dressed in black and red, they looked fabulous, very dramatic!
DeleteWe have a steampunk group (although there must be a better word) here in Whangarei, New Zealand.
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely to know that it extends so far, Susan.
DeleteWhat a great gathering! How original the tie dress is too. I love the Victorian bias on the ladies' dresses. We regularly see Steam Punk folk shopping at Malvern Fleamarket for accoutrements. They are always very individually dressed and Keith doesn't quite "get" the genre!
ReplyDeleteThe woman who is standing to be photographed has the most amazing . . . weapon!
I had to put that photograph in, I would love to think that she created that weapon from bits and pieces, rather than bought it from a Steampunk shop.
DeleteI can well imagine that some people have discovered the art of sewing, thanks to their desire to have a unique and beautiful outfit, adapting this and that, pouncing with triumph when they spot something useful in those fleamarkets!
Thanks for explaining the Steampunk ideas. I love the style and saw a restaurant when we were in Helsinki that advertised it as Steampunk and I didn't know the meaning, if I had we might have gone there for a meal.
ReplyDeleteHello Rosie, now that is really intriguing, a Steampunk restaurant. I wonder whether it was the food or the decor, both, perhaps. I have just done a very quick search on the internet - goodness, the place looks wonderful. I would have been sorely tempted!
DeleteIt's definitely a unique type of person who 'does' steampunk! At least in southern California. We find very few under the age of 55 or so who do so here.
ReplyDeleteThat seems quite a shame - age shouldn't be a barrier to having fun and dressing up. I have been watching some of the local news reports on the festival, the costumes and the good cheer have been phenomenal.
DeleteAwesome I love steampunk, like to see some around here
ReplyDeleteWe could do with some around this village, it would certainly shake things up a bit!
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