The Rise of the Victorians

Recently, a movement has come to my attention called “steampunk”. First originated in the 1980s, the term ‘steampunk’ (as defined by wikipedia) denotes ‘works set in an era or world where steam power is still widely used—usually the 19th century, and often Victorian era England —but with prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy, such as fictional technological inventions like those found in the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne.’

Steampunk has gained traction over the past year as the movement spread to popular film, and fashion; several movies set in the era were made (There Will be Blood, the upcoming Sherlock Holmes), and the fashion world has seen a plethora of Victorian styles in men’s and women’s clothing (oxford shoes, vests, bowler hats, and oversized trouser pants). These trends have been well documented by the NY Times fashion editors. The steampunk movement also reaches into the art and design world. For example, this refurbished desktop computer, which has been embellished with brass, iron, and wood, giving it the appearance of being from the Victorian age:

It has been demonstrated by research analysts that most aesthetic or sartorial trends are the byproduct of social, economic, or cultural macro forces. Given this fact, what can we credit with the rise of steampunk and a return to the Victorian era?

Well for one, we are in the midst of a global recession that has spurred numerous references and comparisons to the Great Depression. This has encouraged a look back at the images and objects of our past. Paying homage to the styles of this era seems like a natural response, and a way to connect with our current circumstances. In so doing we are also romanticizing the time period, which perhaps serves to comfort us and helps us believe that we too will make it through this economic crisis, as our predecessors did.

I think perhaps the rise of steampunk in the design world can also be attributed to the recent monumental surge of new technologies. New innovations in Internet technology, mobile communication, and desktop computing bombard us everyday. The aesthetic de-modernization of objects by Steampunkers may represent a desire to slow the rapid spread of technology to all spheres of life. However, the fact that the objects remain functioning, despite their pre-modern appearance, demonstrates an acceptance that modern technology is here to stay. The interplay between these two sentiments is what makes steampunk design particularly provoking, and relatable. We all feel the push-pull of embracing new technologies while at the same time wanting to keep our lives simple and free from the pressures of invasive, ‘always on’ devices.

Steampunk influences are all around – just today I read in the Wall Street Journal that the New York MTA will be running antique subway cars that served the city in the 1930s during four Sundays in December. New Yorkers have embraced the vintage cars, dressing up in early 20^th century attire to ride. It looks like this trend is here to stay, at least until the Stock Market picks up.

Wall Street Journal Article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704869304574596291960167518.html

New York Times Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/12/fashion/12CODES.html

Wikipedia Article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk