Hustle in your Bustle

Whilst sourcing costumes for the video clip, I found myself in a store next door to Enmore Theatre called Gallery Serpentine. A menagerie of brilliant costume-type pieces, I was introduced to the term Steampunk. Since then, I have come across it a bit, and have realised that I've actually had a mini fascination in it for maybe 6 months now without actually knowing it was a subculture.

(https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-u7AFpR6NKHMNn9k9RDAMa1sQX2lOyL8BiwxI497CalVTuYxIrjlhIxrXTWeqnUAVHnEOaGj4sRCST_4MsLEYtjofQk4_XZfb04qaTUJOSNaP1kSt5yUn0bGK20rDNIUcLpnwwCdWig/s400/Kat+Bret.bmp)

Steampunk focuses mostly on fantasy, branching out from the genres of science fiction and speculative fiction. It reflects on the era of steam power- around the 19th century. Steampunk designs usually incorporate pieces of technology and machines; clocks are a major feature.

(http://myoctoberheart.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/steampunk1.jpg)

I enjoy the theatrical elements of steampunk, as well as its creative use of found objects and discarded technologies. The contrast of the 19th century fashion with the metallic objects brings a romantic and stuck-in-time feel to it.

(http://ullam.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c683453ef010535940fe7970c-800wi)

Last year, when designing my vintage inspired outfit for the portrait, I was desperate to use some old watch faces I'd seen at the local flea market as buttons. I was unable to find them again, but the design idea has stuck with me. If I had done so, I would've referenced steampunk unconsciously.

(http://etheremporium.pbworks.com/f/1200599976/05gog.jpg)

This year, I have formed a fascination with bustles as well as jewellery that is pieced together from found pieces. Again, the Steampunk theme has infiltrated.

(http://ullam.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c683453ef0105358cbf67970b-800wi)

While you won't see me walking down the street wearing a floor-length bustled skirt with corset any time soon, elements of the genre may creep into my designs and personal style. It's fascinating and romantic... two things the world needs lots of.

(http://www.vintageconnection.net/bustleblackwhite.JPG)