Authentic can be defined as genuine, real, entitled to acceptance or belief because of agreement with experience. Although that experience might be due to historical clothing studies, literature, movies, or the influence of others who are costuming in the genre, there's a certain quality that defines an authentic ensemble.
The astute reader will notice that I haven't used the term "costume" to describe the stuff we wear. In the modern sense, costumes are superficial; we know that it's Bob behind the Ironman mask, or that Santa is probably a social worker when not in that red suit. When we dissolve the line between costume and what is for all practical purposes real clothing, then we achieve a measure of authenticity.
Some would say off the top that since Steampunk is pure science-fiction, anything goes. I can't dispute that. However, it requires a substantial effort to suspend disbelief in the face of something that is obviously contrived. Even some of the Steampunk tropes are becoming too cliched to be believable. Perhaps Just Glue Some Gears On It says it best.
So, what makes it believable?
- Fabrics - use good fabrics that would be appropriate to your character or impression. This doesn't mean that you have to spend $50/yard on silk taffeta. First off, do some research. Know what effect you're going for, and have an idea of what fabrics would be appropriate. Is it rugged? Dandy? Aristocrat? Then peruse the bargain racks of your fabric store. (Knowing which stores have great bargains is essential. Denver is terrifically lucky in that we have Denver Fabrics.) Learn what you can substitute for the same effect as that drooly taffeta. Be willing to pick up that fantastic damask when you see it at $6.99, even if the next vest isn't yet on the drawing board yet. Know how much you'll need for that vest, too.
- Quality - we know it's a Nerf gun, okay. However it's going to go a long way toward believability if we can't see "NERF" on the side. Make sure that you do a precise job with the filing and sanding, and then add some cool gadgets for the techno look, or some Rub 'N Buff for an antique look. Fill the squirt gun with sand or rice for an authentic weight. This applies to fabrics, too. And almost anything that is marketed as "steampunk" in department stores.
- Functionality - make it do something. One of the coolest accessories I've seen is the huge - functional! - mighty fist that Justinian of the Red Fork Empire has crafted.
- Tropes - Gears aren't a motif. They're parts of a machine. Think about how they might be used, rather than how to apply a picture of a gear to a leather belt. Those mini top hats are a relic. Corsets aren't de rigueur. Sometimes an antique-looking weapon is just the right thing. Brown does not define Steampunk; the Victorians wore all sorts of colors.
- Historically correct forms - bring authentic elements into your outfit. Take a look at the Imperial attire - spats and a cravat go miles toward creating a believable look. If you want a corset, make certain that it fits properly. (Nigella has seen so many poorly-fitting corsets, and she simply can't avoid silent snarkiness.)
- Walk the walk - you've conceived of an archetype or a character. Use that. Swagger, flirt, be elegant, add elements to your language that define your character, doff your hat, bow, be intimidating, use formal forms of address.
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| She works it! |
Our group is in the habit of dressing and going to do rather ordinary things, albeit things that would appeal to the Neo-Victorian - excursions to the Botanic Gardens or punting on Cherry Creek, or an ice cream social. In short, we focus on living the Steampunk aesthetic, rather than being actors in funny clothes.
I remember thinking last night, as I was cutting out my jacket, how if this was a costume, there were certain shortcuts I'd take to speed up the assembly process, but since it's clothing, I wasn't going to do that.
ReplyDeleteSo yes, my jacket will be fully lined--even the sleeves--, and the seams will all be finished and enclosed. That's part of the authentic look, too--taking the time to do it right.