The Chicago Steampunk Exhibition is a steampunk convention that happens annually in Schaumburg at the Hyatt Regency. This was the first time the entire Crypt team had attended a steampunk convention so we were rather excited and prioritized it over all other events happening the same weekend. We were glad we did. Never have we seen such detailed and intricate costumes! What people wore was of utmost importance. Also, the Gregula crew were treated so nicely. The whole weekend at the steampunk convention was a polite affair, as if at a garden party complete with English manners. People who enjoy the steampunk society are genteel, polite, and cordial–and some additional adjectives of them include intriguing, original, and otherworldly.
Steampunk fandom is a fandom that is not centered on a franchise and doesn’t draw its costumes from a franchise like other fandoms such as the Star Wars fandom, the Doctor Who fandom, and Marvel fandom. Steampunk doesn’t imitate characters. Rather, they create their own characters and draw on their inner productivity. This fandom essentially takes historical eras and futurizes them. To create a steampunk look, a historical fashion is the base, and then add futuristic elements such as gadgets, gears, and electronic accessories. The main inspirations for steampunk are the fiction of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells while visual inspirations are movies such as The Wild Wild West and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Throughout, there is a certain sense of whimsy and wonder conveyed. The outfits delight in anachronisms. Pairing a robotic blinking arm with an Edwardian suit would be an example of what was to be seen at this Exposition.
The theme this year was The World Columbian Exposition: The Shadow of Nosferatu. Sharp teeth were added to some steampunk outfits. Most of the clothing that people wore were patterned from or inspired by Victorian clothing. The convention felt to be a branch of science fiction fandom, with some who go to Windycon also present. People upon the whole were so fine, rarely was rudeness encountered at all, such a refreshing ambience to indulge in within this day and age.
There were many panels and Jim Butcher, author extraordinaire, was the guest of honor. Butcher had long lines for his book signings. His panel was at the enormous main stage and it had brought many of his fans. Some panels included the Crypt’s very own first panel titled Interview with a Vampire. Other panels included ones on the 1893 World’s Columbian Exhibition in Chicago, memento mori in Western art, fan and flower languages, and werewolf serial killers. The vendor room was filled with articles of clothing, writers of steampunk fantasies, candles, tea preparations, and more. Artists’ Alley included a museum of wonders, its exhibits being staged creations that had a sense of humor to them. In the Exhibitors’ Hall was Deadly Dex who sold his own books and antiques while Count and Countess Gregula presented information about the Crypt’s show, blog, and local media. There was a tea parlor directly across from the Exhibitors’ Hall. Steampunks treasure their tea, they certainly do. Dozens of teas were available and preparation of the tea was formal and elaborately done. Some exotic teas were offered from far corners of the earth. The teas all tasted wonderful. The convention also had several high teas that were a separate ticket and these were popular. For each high tea, it was dreamy to look into the tea parlor, as if having a glimpse of another world of 19th century science fiction explorers enjoying a clandestine luncheon.
There were many parties at night and steampunks love to party indeed. There was a grand ball in the outside tent on Saturday night. Being at this ball, it was as if you were suddenly at a Venetian masquerade. Music was from goth and German darker bands, such as Wolfsheim, The Cure, Siouxsie & the Banshees, VNV Nation, and more. At one time “The Time Warp” was played, very appropriate for a gathering such as this.
Next year’s Chicago Steampunk Exhibition will take place at the same hotel in Schaumburg during the last weekend of May. It will have a Cthulhuesque theme, a fun emphasis on H.P. Lovecraft. It will be our second ever steampunk convention and we will be prepared and eager, very much looking forward to all the retrofuturistic fun!
If you like Deadly Dex’s articles, check out his books on Amazon! Published with Airship 27, he writes science fiction, mystery, and sports stories.
Connect vith Count Gregula’s Crypt
Like us on Facebook.
Subscribe to us on YouTube.
