"Steampunk" Trending at City College of San Francisco

 

 

 

Inspiration Board by Ineke Moss

 

The STEAMPUNK trend is a curious area to explore. The are many definitions and variations of this trend.  Adventurous, Victorian, Industrial, and Whimsical are words that come to my mind when I think of this trend.  Steampunk started off as a sub-genre of science fiction writing. Today it's a fictional celebration of steam- powered machinery, spring gadgets and modern marvels that can exist during the Victorian era or at any time in the present, past or future. Think of watches and their parts, top hats, corsetry, goggles, winged jewelry, lamps, computers, robots, weaponry, vehicles, bicycles and books. Brass, copper, glass, polished wood engravings, etchings, leather and lace all play a part in this trend. The possibilities in this genre are endless.

 Design by Ineke Moss

Steampunk Corsetry and Petticoat Trend

 

 Design by Ineke Moss

 

SAIFD (Student American Institute of Floral Designers) Ineke Moss and Oxana Sanukova  were assigned a special project of creating Steampunk designs for the floral industry with concentration on weddings.  I knew this would be a challenge and these two talented students would bring their passion to the project.  The bouquet above displays a Steampunk flair with the mysterious detailing of  whimsical charms, chains, lace and leather.  These elements begin to tell the brides unique story along with this fascinating genre.  The bouquet was composed with eucalyptus pods, seeds and foliage.  The dominate lotus pod captures our attention and is a fantastic specimen for this theme.  Roses, dusty miller, accenting glass flowers and feathers all bring this trend alive for a Victorian styled Steampunk wedding.



 Design by Ineke Moss

The naturalistic color pallet, lace and micro machinery details of this curious boutonniere  bring us into the world of Steampunk.
 

 
The American "Wild West" also plays apart in this trend and I go back to my childhood memories with the television series The Wild Wild West.  The show can be credited as being one of the more visible origins of the Steampunk subculture with its fantasy elements, trains, fashion and technologically advanced devices used by the characters of the program.

Design by Ineke Moss

Design by Ineke Moss

 

The tarnished brass lamp above is a brilliant way to incorporate Steampunk into a wedding or event.   This adventurous design begins a story with the accenting details of scrolls inside hanging glass vases. Reception guests will be intrigued of what is written inside these suspended time capsule like adornments.

Design by Oxana Sanucova

Floral chandeliers and suspended arrangements can enhance the ambiance of an event. They've gained popularity in wedding and event design.  Oxana's eye catching design above displays her interpretation of a Steampunk floral design.  Using jeweled toned flowers such as hanging amaranthus, tulips, dianthus and roses in deep burgundy, red and a hint of blue eryngium, these materials compliment the antique fixture.  These saturated jewel tones are an iconic color pallet for this trend and a favorite of todays bride.  This beautifully crafted machine like fixture finds its place in the Streampunk genre with key shapes, chains, brass, polish wood and spherical shapes that resemble machinery in motion. 

  

Inspiration for Steampunk Fashion and Design

Design by Oxana Sanucova

The powerful bridal bouquet design above displays the contrast of soft beauty and industrial texture.   Mechanics of inside a clock are incorporated boldly into the center of the bouquet.  The design characterizes the Steampunk style that would complement a daring bride.



Steampunk Color, Fashion and Attitude



Steampunk is an inspirational source for all designers. I encourage you to explore this genre and become a trend setter in the floral world.  Bravo and many thanks to Ineke and Oxana my assistants this semester for the outstanding work and joining the Steampunk train with me.