Wild Steampunk Fantasies to Rock the Springfield Steampunk Festival; Top Designers Hail from Arkansas, New York and Massachusetts

The most celebrated Steampunk Fashion Show from last year steps up this year with top designers creating one of a kind, wild and authentic Steampunk Fashions for a major runway show with live music to help benefit the Springfield Humane Society.

This is no ordinary fashion show. From repurposed designs to couture, festival goers will see a variety of what's wearable and Steampunk at the second annual Steampunk Fashion Show Saturday, September 24, from 2 to 3:15 p.m. at the Hartness House Inn wedding tent. A Saturday ticket to the festival or a weekend festival pass gains attendees entry to the fashion show.

On the runway: A voyage into the imagination of industry, a steam-powered fashion revolution, featuring three incredible designers, including returning participant Janel Norris, owner of the Fairy Stitch Factory in Agawam, Mass. Her whimsical designs feature fantasy and steampunk costumes, jewelry, crowns and fairy wings. "She specializes in nature-inspired clothing," said Rebecca Skrypeck, fashion show coordinator. Norris's works were featured in a six-month exhibit at the Springfield Art Museum.

Colorado-based Angela Hartshorn, also known as Mistress Fogg of Fogg Couture, returns this year to show off her latest work. Inspired by the writings of Jules Verne, she is a burlesque dancer known for her costumes - she is also coordinator of the burlesque show at this year's festival (Saturday evening at 9 p.m. under the wedding tent). "She specializes in corsets and skirts," said Skrypeck. "She also makes fabulous leather cinches." Also returning is The Mechanical Meow, which creates jewelry designs influenced by industrial chic, Neo-Victorian, Edwardian and Steampunk spirit.

New to the festival this year is Natasha Rawls, of NaJo Couture Collections basin in Arkansas. An award-winning, museum-exhibit fashion designer, she specializes in Steampunk couture. Other first-timers include Define You, which creates upcycled Steampunk styles.

"All of the designers celebrate Steampunk in some way with their own unique twist to the idea," said Skrypeck.

Providing the show's live musical backdrop will be Ghost Signal, a local Springfield, VT musician.

Festival attendees dressed Steampunk style are invited to join the fashion show at the end and can sign up to walk the runway at the festival or in advance on the festival's website (springfieldvtsteampunkfest.com). "We expect hundreds to hit the catwalk," said Skrypeck.

In addition to fashion, the three-day festival features a wide variety of Steampunk-related activities, including telescope/observatory tours via the underground tunnel, trader's bazaar, tarot readings, children's games, teapot racing and talks on astronomy, costuming and design.

The festival will also feature a number of performers, including thereminist Kevin Colosa, Balkan-inspired band Bella's Bartok, cirque artist Skye Whirlind and bluegrass quintet Stringfield Springers.

The majority of festival events are family-friendly with the exception of the burlesque show and absinthe tasting with returning expert S.B. MacDonald. All weekend, vendors from all over the country will be selling everything Steampunk and more.

The Steampunk Society of Vermont along with the Hartness House Inn and Gallery at the Vault present the Springfield Steampunk Festival Friday, Sept. 23 through Sunday, Sept. 25. Tickets and full schedule: www.springfieldvtsteampunkfest.com. Net proceeds benefit the Springfield Humane Society. All events will occur at the Hartness House Inn, 30 Orchard St. Designated parking areas including the DMV parking lot and the High School parking lot, are listed on the Steampunk website. The Steampunk Bus will be running regularly.

Photo: Designer Pamela Moore's Steampunk Bride.