 |
|
|
Story by
annettemusick
Published on June 6, 2008 in Spotlight |
Photo by TopsyTurvyDesign |
Okay: let me start off by saying to you all that I am absolutely IN LOVE with Steampunk. That being said, there's a new, almost sub-genre, of Steampunk called Circus Couture. Like Steampunk, Circus or Carnival Couture revitalizes times past, and encourages participants to inject a bit of carnie color and energy into their wardrobe. Lately, this trend has been flying off the Etsy seller shelves, so I've decided to introduce it to readers of the Storque. It's a style that borrows from the big-top, burlesque and pin-up alongside some of the dark-MadMaxness from Steampunk, minus the metal decorum. I believe Black Rock City residents from Burning Man may have clearly pioneered this fashion, especially with the vaudville performance groups Cirque Berzerk , and fellow relative Lucent Dossier Vaudville Cirque. Both troupes showcase incredibly amazing performances with costumes and talents that might literally knock your socks off, so you should definitely plan to see them live for yourself.
From Lucent Dossier's website (photography by: Steven Meisel):
Here at Etsy, there are several sellers who have designs representing this fabulous style:
From TopsyTurvyDesign:
From Desirapesta:
From LukasAdrian:
Circus Couture wearable art pieces are extremely fun to wear, and somehow, being this gussied up injects a little extra magic into your day.
Check out more from these and other sellers below. I'm excited to wear much of these types of fashions on the playa this year. Only two months away!! Are you ready? Do you have some Circus Couture candidates you'd like to share with us?
Please comment and Happy Friday Everyone! :)
See more of our Trends posts!
25 comments Login to add your own!
Artsy
hellome
topsyturvydesign
Wow! You used "MadMaxness" as an adjective! You are so beyond thunderdome!
Thanks for including my top hatties Annette!
Noxenlux
gothfoxdesigns
RaeGun
dancingcircle
For those in the west - this looks like performances from the Oregon Country Faire or the March Fourth Marching Band - both totally too much fun!
tangerined
I'd have to disagree on the burlesque/punk circus revival being related to steampunk. :) Only because I know folks who've been doing it quite a while before I ever heard or saw steampunk...
I love this stuff though.
annettemusick
These styles are so similar in vein and often crossover, from the research I've done on this. I think the origins are to be debated for sure. All sources seemed to lead back to Burning Man. Neo-Victorian I would classify in this genre as well as Lolita or other Harujuku type fashions. Please see my other Harujuku article as well. :)
matouenpeluche
This is really classy stuff! A bit retro but very now at the same time :O) Love it! Many thanks!
BoudoirQueen
Aidabele
undertheroot
...and etsy goes underground!
so much happening under there!
magnificent!
tangerined
"All sources seemed to lead back to Burning Man"
I probably would have to agree. ;) For background, I know of this style via the Dresden Dolls Dirty Business Brigade, Punk Cabaret, etc... So in my mind it's a little different vein, but yes, it definitely all seems to converge at Burning Man!
Off to check out your other articles, thanks! <3
CRychlee
Beautiful & Brilliant! Circus Couture, who knew? I'll have to add my own version in my get the look book.
vortextradingcompany
I love steampunk. You wouldn't know it from my Esty store banner but my physical store in Victoria, BC has a bit of a Steampunk Decor. It's decor is wood, brick and riveted sheet metal walls. My clothing racks are large crates, at the back of the store there's a giant riveted Jules Verne looking portal, which is the Vortex.
Wenchie
An excellent article! It's great to see someone who really knows/researches their stuff.
WickedFascinations
makemesmile
boudoircompanion
Yes, yes yes! And I do think it stems from music too -- Devotchka, Dresden Dolls, Caetano Veloso etc. Love the links and pictures. Thanks for featuring this.
CRocka
choklit
As a huge fan of both circus / vaudeville couture and neo-victorian / steampunk, I say huzzah to all of it! There's definitely some crossover. Fantastic!
yosemitevintage
I have this killer romper available with free U.S. Shipping and half price Int'l shipping.
brehanclaire
Check out my new Circus Couture shop. I have feathers, bows, beads, baubles, clowns, ruffles, ribbons...All handmade, with recycled and vintage materials! Thanks.
Previous Page
Fun stuff Annette! Circus couture.. who knew? Steampunk is alive and well on Etsy!