steampunk in the NY Times

[rm]

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/08/fashion/08PUNK.html

On the one hand, I always groan when the New York Times covers any cultural phenomenon I have any connection with. On the other, this may be a good sign for more structured clothing in the fall season and they do get props for actually finding diverse folks to photograph for a change.

Comments

[blergeatkitty.livejournal.com]

Are you kidding me? Victorian-era clothing was MADE for short people with big racks. Don't let a couple of models make you think otherwise. What did you think people looked like in the nineteenth century? Kate Moss and her ilk would have all died of consumption or something back in the bad old days, leaving only hobbits and the proper clothing to accomodate them. Shirtwaists and flowing skirts are not so different from peasant blouses when you think of it!

I am jealous of your ability to find jeans, matter of fact. I have a 35 inch inseam and no waist. If you'd like to talk about someone who can't wear Victorian garb, you can start with me. (But it srsly wouldn't stop me if I really wanted to do it. I've looked more ridiculous before and I probably will again. :))

[kiji-kat.livejournal.com]

Oh, finding jeans is a difficulty (though admittedly, not as difficult as it once was). Though I've lost weight in recent years, it seems that I just naturally have wider hips than most jean designers deem possible for the compact crowd. Most of the jeans I owned are either hemmed or frayed beneath the heels. ;)

I will have to take a closer look at Victorian fashions, as most of the photos I've seen appear sleek in the torso. Unfortunately, that's where I tend to accumulate most of my weight - breezy, flowing clothes obscures that. I haven't tucked in a shirt for years for that very reason.

Still, steampunk appeals to me on many levels. People in the article mentioned romanticism, a sense of dignity, the intersection of technology and ethical decisions...that and so much more about the movement fascinates me. Especially the music - I don't know if these bands would qualify, but I'm intrigued by groups like the Two Man Gentlemen Band and 16 Horsepower who put their own spin on Americana.

[rosepurr.livejournal.com]

Lane Bryant makes jeans that are different sizes in the hips and the waist. I swear by them.