What began as a niche interest shared by a small yet growing like-minded population, folks as much influenced by reading authors like Jules Verne as a love of Victorian-era aesthetics, grew into a fully realized and marketable subculture that we often see ‘dressed’ in latex. And with the attention Janelle Monáe’s motorized clock monocle received at the just passed Met Gala (which we made a note of here) we thought a deeper dive into Steampunk and latex couture might be warranted.
It’s no surprise, even to those not especially fluent or interested in latex couture and fetish events that our favorite textile became something worn (and often quickly peeled off) by plenty of the people who populate the kinkdom. The shine, the feel, a decided display of body parts (clothed and not) when wearing latex is what’s always made the material just so damn sexy. As alternate couture choices flowed from simple black corsets and masks, designers and wearers alike were prompted to add new textures and wonderful colors in the latex fashions they chose.
But latex and Steampunk?
Well, yes.
Firstly, Steampunk, mixing the old with new—if you will allow such simple terms—has evolved to embrace all manner of technology, often realized in machines of the past. Clocks and gears mix with all kinds of contemporary styles and couture and latex, a textile of the now is as perfect for Steampunk dress as is metal and leather. And, let’s face it, be it punk fashions, a fetish aesthetic, the cosplayer’s go-to, or some new array of catsuits Kylie Jenner is currently wearing during her latex revolution, even in its current popularity, latex wardrobe choices are still considered an alternative fashion choice, as is the Steampunk aesthetic.
And while we saw scant latex at this year’s Met Gala, we applaud Janelle Monáe’s accessory choices and all the wonderful dandyism on display at the Met Gala. And we just love the marriage of Steampunk and latex.
