Steampunk has become one of the sexiest options in fantasy conventions... a mix of retro, fantasy, adventure and romanticism with sci-fi. In recent years it's become a solid branch of cosplaying in its own kind. Today we highlight a store with superb items going beyond the classic brown related to Steampunk clothing, and offering also lighter garments for spring and summer (yes you don't have to sweat within leather by all necessity!) But above all Steampunk couture store is a must stop for lucious, delightful
Steampunk Couture creates hand-crafted clothing focusing on Neo-Victorian, Sci-Fi and Shabby Chic fashion. Founded in 2005 by Kato, designer from Wales now located in USA, as a private couture business producing custom-fit clothing and accessories and focusing on high quality with a personal touch, this independent label now maintains a very small team of fabricators and assistants who strive to make each collection exciting and unique.
I recommend you to go and surf the gallery but I'll leave you now with a few glimpses to fall in love.
Also check their etsy store for some "ready to go" listings
Below you can see a set of harness and trousers.... so sexy
And an ethereal set of white skirt and underbust... I WANT THAT ONE, including white hair, snif!
Misfit Leather is a shop that gathers a lovely collection of high quality handmade leather items masks, corsets, fantasy armor, and bondage gear to more specialized bj doll accessories. The crafter based in Seattle (USA) was an artist in several fields finally specializing in dance and that skill also influenced the work that you can now see at the store. From armors and bracers for men to the sexiest leather lingerie or even retrofuturistic and steampunk items... Definitely worth a dive in to find out really stunning things to wear like the following. Most items are made to order to your measurements for a perfect fit.
Misfit leather also encourage and welcome custom orders so if you have a dream design that you want to come into life for your fantasy event, fair or film project don't miss the chance!
Above: forest elf armor that can be done in a variety of colors though I think brown is my favorite!! Guys you would be so sexy this this!! Grab it!
Denim and Diamonds Specializing in custom made Burlesque, Moulin Rouge, Chicago, Showgirl, and Saloon themed costumes. Bring out the entertainer in you, or combine and use them to make it the base of your fantasy dress.
Above: Pirate and Siren costumes by Evening Arwen
Evening arwen is a store with a rather curious collection of items that range from historical to fantasy and even sci-fi. They specialize in making custom costumes and corsets made to fit you. On their official page are a few examples of what they can do but they´re open to make your custom comission. They also have an etsy store for "ready to go" items.
Time after Time designs is a delicious store with over two decades of experience featuring historical and fairytale garments. It is not a costume, it's a piece of art -they claim in the heading of their official site
In their official site you can see a gallery of the gowns and bodices available and they also have samples of all their fabrics available just in case you want to make a custom order, and they encourage to contact if you have any idea or want your dream gown to become a reality. Of the greatest quality all materials and embellishments for the gowns are hand selected. And they have indeed some shots and garments directly out of a fairytale...!!!
Dollflesh.etsy.com is where you'll find most of Louise Black corsets and also many accessories and jewelry items. They also keep the LouiseBlack etsy store as partner site.
The twilight parlour is the home website of AZAC designs and Azrael´s accomplice designs where they list their corset works, underpinnings, bridal gowns, masquerade and cocktail and masquerade gowns... A delightful, strange, alluring and beautiful collection of the highest quality to discover. The company was founded and still run by the skilled and creative designerTracy Robertson, known as "Batty" in the underground fashion/subculture. The passion behind the designs is really obvious, nourishing from vintage, modern, historical, gothic and a wealth of influences. So here I go with some handpicks so you can make an idea of what i'm talking about!
Above: Fairytale princess dress: Though it can be obviously used as a wedding dress I like this dress cos it reminds me a bit to Sarah ball gown in "Labyrinth".
Metamorph is a store that features a collection of items and accessories that will delight anyone with a darker edge. From lovely spats for your steampunk or victorian, circus or burlesque dress (and believe, shoes are always so difficult to customize!!!) to corsets (both under and overbust), delicate vintage lace gloves, feather chokers, leather collars and gauntlets and more... Some items have a spice of retrofuturistic yet with a gothic and victorian style, above it all it features a collection of exquisite ideas with that sexy vintage feeling! Some of the items are made to order but they have reasonable time schedules for that.
Von Lancelot is an ebay store that feature a very affordable collection of renaissance, medieval, pirate, colonial and vintage garments.
I have to say that it's one of those rare cases where the quality of the actual real garment might be more than you were waiting for the price you paid and the photos provided by ebay. I have a neighbor that ordered one and I'll say it was an offer (because they have lots of sales and special offers too) and I was surprised because it was much better than she and I had expected and it really suited her well, she´s become a happy customer so I have seen quite a few of the things with my eyes. The fabric was really soft and the trim was not cheesy. Of course you can always order a simple garment and ten use it as a base to customize it.
Uptight Clothing is a small independent business based in UK specializing in couture corseted wedding/bridal gowns, underwear corsets and fantasy jewellery. All the gowns are inspired by period, theatrical and fantasy elements. In vibrant colours and with exquisite embroidery all elements are one of a kind and completely designed and made to order individually for each client, that is able to deal exclusively with the designer, Janice Whitehorn, from the initial consultation, fittings and finishes, dealing with you personally, all the way. Below you can see an example of their exquisite embroidery patterns.