MY First ?steampunk? Item ... Era?

amandainvermont

amandainvermont

VFG Member
MY First “steampunk” Item ... Era?

This coat has a big old split right down the center of the lining, but I thought it might appeal, with a low starting price, to the “steampunk goth” group .

The collar (and right down both sides of the coat) is curly persian lamb. I had to roll up the sleeves on my model. Era ? Thanks.

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The squared-off shoulders and mid-calf length make me think 1940s. Persian lamb was quite popular then too. Cute coat!
 
Great coat and great presentation, Amanda!

What is that lining? It looks like a thin polyester or acetate, rather than rayon. And is it satin or taffeta? It looks newer than 40s to me., but often the lining--fiber, fabric, weight, and what is between it and the coat--is a great clue. I can't tell from the photo much about the lining.

And is there any embellishment at the back of the coat--half belt or something?
 
Like any subculture with a label, Steampunk has endless internal debates regarding what it is. I was sorta active in it a couple years ago and a group of us have costumed at places like DragonCon. Here's me for example.

While the essence (to me) of Steampunk is DIY and Anachronistic Retro-Futurism ;), and so almost anything could work (and several ideas for personas come to me from your fabulous coat), the general look of Steampunk would be from earlier eras than the coat. Your coat reminds me of words like Swing and Noir. As a rough guide, Victorian up to about WW1 is classic Steampunk.

For keyword purposes, "steampunk" is probably best if you want attract that crowd, and have them look at items that are slightly more distressed or odd than the typical vintage fashion crowd would tend to like.

For interest though, when DIY/anachronistic retro-futurism like this is applied to the Art Deco period through the 1960s, the phrases often used are "Diesel Punk" or sometimes Pulp Fashion (and I like Rivet Punk, but I think I'm the only one that uses it!).

So, um, yeah - my geek side revealed. Now you guys know what I do with some of those more distressed items. :BAGUSE:
 
WOW! That was fascinating, thank you. Phew .. anachronistic retro-futurism .... heck, I'm still trying to figure out what "goth" is all about. Seriously, thank you.

Your portrait is amazing. The whole odd glasses/aviator goggles seem quite popular as part of the steampunk movement.

This coat is distressed, which is why I thought I would throw it out there for $9.99, and the lining makes me think it might be even older than the 40's, but you're right, the back does have darts at the top, giving it a pseudo-swing feel.

The lining is kind of a ribbed silk, if that is possible. It reminds me of the lining of mens' Victorian coats. There are shoulder pads - sewn under the lining.


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Amanda, now I've seen the lining and the back, especially the line of those sleeves, I'm inclined to agree with Connie on the 40's dating. It's really a great coat! Can you stitch up the lining a bit; I'd think you could start it higher than $9.99--it's a great coat!
 
Phew .. anachronistic retro-futurism .... heck, I'm still trying to figure out what "goth" is all about.

(I don't find a smiley to indicate lighthearted chuckling, so just imagine there's one right here.)

I'm with you, there, Amdanda. And thanks, laughingmagpie, that was so interesting! Amazing pic, too.

MC
 
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