Steampunk Fashion and Neo-Victorian Fashion Steampunk Store

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Last week we were given the opportunity to share the results of a fantastic collaboration between Urban Threads and KMKostumes. The product was an amazing Steampunk-inspired dress that got me thinking about how much Steampunk and Victorian-era style has influenced fashion over the last few years, and vice-versa. Not only that, but tons of our talented BurdaStyle members have uploaded amazing creations inspired by both romantic Victorian style and the Steampunk aesthetic (which draws a good amount of it’s influence from the former).

Much of the late Alexander McQueen’s work was visibly influenced by Victorian fashion – whether it was as overt as the use of corsetry or more subtly woven into the construction and details. No matter where his designs went in terms of pattern, silhouette or mood, there always seemed to be at least a few elements within each collection tying back to the romantic opulence of Victorian-era style.

Two looks from the Pre-Fall ’09 collection.

From left: looks from Spring ’08, Pre-Fall ’09 and Spring ’09

Menswear straight out of a Dickens novel: Fall ’09.

These shoes from his Plato’s Atlantis collection echo the aesthetic of Steampunk style with their mixture of mechanics and fashion.

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Speaking of mechanics and fashion…Jean-Paul Gaultier created these amazing couture gowns complete with metalwork accents for his Spring 2010 show. Sci-fi with just a touch of ethnic inspiration, these two could easily fit in with the costuming Gaultier did for The 5th Element.

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Ann Demuelemeester’s dark, masculine pieces are made just a touch more feminine with the addition of a billowy silhouette and a strap-laden corset. Demeulemeester is known for her gothic, romantic aesthetic that offers a deconstructed, avant garde take on Victorian style pieces like waistcoats and jackets.

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Other designers have taken elements from the two styles – such as military embellishments, Edwardian jackets, elaborate brocade fabrics and lace details.

From left: Balmain Spring ’10, Gary Graham Spring ’10 and Vivienne Westwood Red Label Fall ’10.

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Some of my favorite elements to tie into your modern wardrobe…

Clockwise from top left: corset top by Vivienne Westwood, ruffle front blouse by Ralph Lauren, cuff by Mawi, riding jacket from ModCloth, booties by Irregular Choice.

A few Victorian and Steampunk inspired fashions created by BurdaStyle members:

From top left: Steampunk by positivespace, Steampunk Ensemble by paranoire and Steampunk Calypso by jebbeansrgood.

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Neville’s Victorian Ensemble and Victorian Tea Party Dress by grafiketgrafok.

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From left: Madam Steam by cmcraig41, Victorian Dress by paranoire and Night at the Opera Gown by alasse.

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From left: Neo-Cabaret Skirt by Anda Purina, Renaissance Waist Cincher by Margaret Daniero and Steampunk Collar by grafiketgrafok.