Steampunk 2025

It’s been one week since the end of Lucca’s big Comics event and we are all breathing a sigh of relief at having survived the crowds and chaos.  Soon the tents will all be down (that takes a bit of time) and the city will have a period of quiet before the Christmas season begins.  Though here in Lucca, Christmas decorations are already showing up in window displays and shops.

But first, I will wrap up Comics with some photos from my favorite event, the Steampunk parade.  Actually, 3 days of Steampunk parades, each with a different theme but all with the hallmarks of Steampunk Style – Victorian elegance meets Industrial Revolution mechanical chic.  That means lots of fancy dresses and hoop skirts for the ladies, top hats and vests for the men.  The basic dress is then paired with goggles, gears, jet packs, brass arm braces, flying machines, interesting weapons, and telescopes.  

The Steampunk Italia group, which always has a big presence at Lucca Comics, goes all out in terms of costumes. It has to be the most photographed event of Comics, and for good reason. The creativity, self-expression, and cost (in terms of time and money) in creating these outfits is over the top.  Each day’s parade began in front of the San Michele church where participants posed for photos before beginning their procession through town. 

The theme for day one was Flotti Aeree, Air Fleets, with a mostly white and tan color scheme.  Every form of early industrial age flight was included.  Costumes included a variety of wings – feathered ones, canvas ones, and mechanical ones (steam powered of course). 

There were hot air balloons, propellers, flight helmets, goggles, and altimeters.

 Day two’s theme was Opere d’ Arte Viventi (Living Works of Art).  For this parade, the color of the day was mostly black and there were many picture frames added to costumes with the usual Steampunk sense of style.  Several well-known artists were represented along with many creative works of art. 

 The third and final day’s theme was a tribute to the world of Jules Verne. That world includes undersea and lunar exploration, travel, mad scientists, and flight. Some of the participants had entirely different costumes for this parade.

Look closely - can you spot Diana, one of Lucca’s own Steampunk enthusiasts, in three different costumes? Imagine the chaos in the dressing rooms after 3 days of different outfits!

Steampunk is the ultimate in cosplay events during the festival.  A big thanks to the Steampunk Italia troupe for all of their efforts to make this a fantastic event!

Steampunk, Italian Style

Steampunk is a type of science fiction that transports us not to the future but back to the past.  Back to an era of Victorian style combined with early industrial era mechanical devices.  

It’s almost as if a person in the 18th century was looking 100 years into the future and imagining what the world would be like.  Machines powered by steam, dark magic, devices made of bronze, time travelers, flying machines, good guys and evil. 

Steampunk fashion reflects this in its elaborate Victorian style costumes embellished with all sorts of mechanical Industrial Revolution era devices.  Think ladies in dresses with corsets, lace, and full skirts.  Victorian, but with an edgy feel.

Picture men in brocade suits, breeches, leather vests or jackets, top hats, and boots.  Men and women both sport goggles - they seem to be hallmarks of Steampunk style

 And it’s not just the adults - Steampunk kids are beautifully costumed as well.

Now, add in the industrial bits: clocks, gears, pocket watches, moveable wings, mechanical arms, metal face masks, fancy canes and weapons.   

One of my favorite parts of Lucca Comics and Games is the Steampunk Italia group which has a big presence throughout the event.  This year, there were 3 separate Steampunk gathering days.  All took place in Piazza San Michele and were followed by a parade through the center of Lucca.    Many of the participants wore different costumes on different days – some days black, other days white, one day even an a Puccini opera theme.

The costumes were elaborate, very individual, and nothing short of amazing. I can’t even guess at the number of hours that go into crafting each one. The little details – mechanical arms, elaborate face masks, industrial style devices strapped to backs, arms, embellished hats, fancy canes – just wow!

Steampunk Italia is one of the most photographed groups during the Comics event.  It’s easy to see why!

The 2025 Edition of Lucca Comics and Games will take place from Oct 30 to November 3rd. It’s not too soon to make plans to attend.