From Dolls to Cakes: Steampunk Themes Inspire Artists in Every Field

Steampunk originally began as a sort of genre of speculative fiction.

While science fiction stories often depict futuristic technologies, or at least those that are beyond what present day engineers have access to, steampunk stories generally feature anachronistic settings.

Much of the technology depicted in these stories feature a combination of fantasy elements combined with equipment used throughout the latter half of the 19th century.

The name Steampunk comes from the 19th century industrial technology which heavily used steam power. The word also draws from the cyberpunk genre.

Just like cyberpunk has inspired an entire fashion and cultural movement as well as fiction, steampunk has ended up doing the same.

The two genres have another point of similarity as well. The resulting subculture spin-offs have inspired a line of dolls in both genres.

The Steampunk styles were well represented by Jun Planning/Groove Inc line of dolls.

The mechanical angel Eos from the Pullip universe is notable for having machine-like wings and other accessories that resemble those seen on steam-powered vehicles operated throughout the 19th century.

Eos wasn’t the only Pullip outfitted in this manner. Another doll noted for mechanical-like wings is Pullip Aurora.The wings resemble the style of Otto Lilienthal's aviation creations.

A fascinating aspect of Aurora’s outfit is the placement of gears on her bodice.

The designers were a little more adventurous with Aurora than with Eos.

Aurora’s style seems to adhere more to the gothic color scheme than anything else.

Pullip artists designed a handful of other dolls in the steampunk style as well. Taeyang Pluto, Byul Moirai, Isul Helios, Dal Icarus, Byul Rhiannon, Dal Ra Muw, Isul Apollo and Taeyang Gyro feature similar designs.

The theme of flight greatly influenced some of their names.

For example, Icarus was the first man to fly according to legend.

One of the more interesting recent developments is a trend toward incorporating some of these elements into the field of cake decorating.

Some steampunk-style cakes have a tendency to play up the more fantastical aspects of the genre, while others have a tendency to play up the darker angles.

For instance, one baker made a cake that resembled a stovepipe hat with a pair of Victorian-era dressed teddy bears up top and a clock-and-gear designed featured prominently on the front of it.

It was an excellent way to play to some of the more fantasy-inspired and romantic themes that steampunk visions have to offer.

A pair of cupcake toppers also featured the same themes. They depicted a Victorian-era couple, though these might have had a bit of an edge considering that the male wore a hat with a couple of bullets in it.

Another bold designer decided to have fun with a feeling of adventure and made a cake that featured a globe and steam pipes, as if to call attention to themes that Jules Verne originally promoted.

Others have decided to play to the darker and more mysteriously fun side of the genre with cakes that feature art inspired by the works of HG Wells as well as a more metallic finish.

It’s Your Turn

Isn’t it amazing how versatile the Steampunk style is, from dolls to cakes to even movies (Mad Max)?

What other areas have you seen inspired by Steampunk?

Leave your comments below. We would love to hear from you.