The Origins of the Cyberpunk Style
The cyberpunk style began to emerge in the early 1980s, originating in science fiction literature and films. The term cyberpunk was coined by author Bruce Bethke in his 1983 short story, Cyberpunk. This genre was characterized by its focus on high-tech and low-life, rebellious antiheroes, and dystopian societies. The style quickly spread to music, comics, and eventually, fashion. Initially, cyberpunk fashion was worn by fans of the science fiction genre who wanted to embody their favorite characters or replicate the futuristic world depicted in literature and films. However, the style quickly gained popularity beyond this niche group and became a fashion subculture of its own.Design Elements of the Cyberpunk Style
The cyberpunk style incorporates a variety of design elements that are both retro-futuristic and futuristic. The style combines vintage clothing pieces with post-apocalyptic aesthetics, such as torn and frayed fabrics and leather jackets. Here are some key design elements of the cyberpunk style:- Military gear
- Uniforms
- Trench coats
- Cybernetic elements e.g. masks, goggles, augmented eyes etc.
- High-tech fabrics e.g. neoprene, Kevlar, etc.