-March 27th 2010. Scala, King’s Cross London. -
A night where neo-Victorian, carnivalesque steampunks’ wildest dreams came true, exuding a vaudeville unadultered infectiousness. I took a trip to London to try and define this new trend. I’ve come away in complete awww, the people, the costumes, and the fun to be had… it was all sexy, sultry and a bit surreal.
The evening started with a welcome serenade by Oompah brass band as you climbed the staircase, to then enter an intimately decked room with steampunk paraphernalia such as pieces from Oxford’s steampunk exhibition, to jewellery and homemade chocolate souvenirs. The soft background of jazz set the perfect mood for guests to arrive, get a drink, mingle and of course ‘ooh and ahhh’ over each others intricately planned out attire.
A night where neo-Victorian, carnivalesque steampunks’ wildest dreams came true, exuding a vaudeville unadultered infectiousness. I took a trip to London to try and define this new trend. I’ve come away in complete awww, the people, the costumes, and the fun to be had… it was all sexy, sultry and a bit surreal.
The evening started with a welcome serenade by Oompah brass band as you climbed the staircase, to then enter an intimately decked room with steampunk paraphernalia such as pieces from Oxford’s steampunk exhibition, to jewellery and homemade chocolate souvenirs. The soft background of jazz set the perfect mood for guests to arrive, get a drink, mingle and of course ‘ooh and ahhh’ over each others intricately planned out attire.
Hats, moustaches, military attire, ring leaders, corsets, goggles, brass, monocles, tweeds and a whole lot of dandyism, were flaunting about the room. The guests looked amazing, in their impeccable ‘dressed to the hilt’ attire. Having gone all out, to the point where one would be embarrassed to show up in jeans and a t-shirt.
The whole evening seemed more like an interactive theatrical experience rather than a regular night out. Just when you thought you had seen it all you would stumble across, a live photobooth, a magic show, a flea-circus, or another obscure act from the continuous live entertainment. The variety of shows was mind-blowing ranging from Mr. B, the Gentleman Rhymer’s ‘Chap-Hop’, to a chainsaw juggling pirate. All to end with a good foot-stomping resembling to an early 1900’s dance hall, with swing and jive.
The best part about the whole evening was the great atmosphere, everyone was relaxed and super friendly. I didn’t see too much alcohol or substance abuse taking place, it was four A.M. and people were still able to carry conversations as opposed to the normal stagger and grunts I see around at University.
This bizarrely fetish and obscure evening perfectly clashed with genteel sophistication. White Mischief has assaulted my senses and left me craving the next event!
Full set of images: http://www.flickr.com/photos/48837865@N02/show/
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