Inspirations for Steampunk Costumes

Last post we showed hints of the costumes that will be featured in the steampunk exhibit. However searching through the collection, Deb and I both found other items that reminded us of steampunk fashions. This time we can show you the whole garments since they won't be on display.

First up is my choice. When I opened the box I was captivated by the black velvet and braided detail (called passementerie). I can imagine a Victorian lady wearing this dark and mysterious cape.

 

Dolman capes were popular among the fashionable women of the 1870s and 1880s. 

An up-close view of the fantastic passementerie detail.

Next up is Deb's choice. She spotted this fancy bodice heavily decorated with beads, lace, and velvet. This piece really dazzles and would be a hit at any high class Victorian event.

This piece comes all the way from London, made by Garnier et Cie Confections. 

Thousands of beads adorn this piece. Just imagine the hours it took to complete!

So which one do you think is more steampunk: the velvet cape or the beaded bodice?

Either way, they both are marvelous Victorian Era costumes.

Sneak Peek: Steampunk Costumes

Here at the Oshkosh Museum, everyone is excited for our upcoming exhibit: Steampunk. Deb and I are especially excited to see all of the artwork, gadgets and costumes come together. For our contribution we picked out a few historical costumes that look like they would fit right at home in the steampunk genre. Before we can set them on display, each costume's condition is carefully recorded and repairs are made.

Deb's tools to make sure the clothing is in tip top shape for the exhibit. 

A side view of one of the Victorian costumes. The royal blue chenille trim needed repair.

Rich gold taffeta with pinstripes makes this bustle stand out.

Part of our menswear costume. The button stands in wonderful contrast to the dark velvet.

If you wish to see these items and more, come visit the exhibit this summer, June 8-September 8. 

The fantastical world of steampunk awaits you. 

Katrina

Getting the Picture B"Gosh

Oshkosh, the city, is often confused with OshKosh B' Gosh, the overall (and later children's clothing) company. We are two different entities, even spelled differently.

However, the Oshkosh Public Museum does have some OshKosh B'Gosh overalls in their collection. Check out this sweet pair originally worn by donor (Marjorie Miller, pictured below) when she was a child of 6 years, circa 1918;  then worn by her son (Robert Larson) and nephew (Richard Zahn) in the 1940s.

                                                

Playing Tetris

Our first challenge was to create a work space in the textile room. We wanted a large table area to examine the larger items. However, the room is small and crowded with metal racks and shelves. It also doesn't help that some of the walls angle at 45 degrees, further reducing the amount of storage space.

So we put our thinking caps on and brushed up on our Tetris skills, finally figuring out a solution that created more space. However, more space means less room to maneuver and get at the items. While its not the ideal set up, it will work for now.

The fantastic new work area.

Behind the quilt racks are hanging garments, an unfortunate side effect of the rearrangement.

The good news is that the work area will give us plenty of room to catalog the collections and find better ways of storing them in the future.