*Looks like it really is about goths discovering the colour brown.
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-ca-steampunk-20110619,0,3386174.story
By Hugh Hart, Special to the Los Angeles Times
June 19, 2011
Inside a ranch house duplex on a sun-baked Burbank street, a woman dressed in prairie dress and bloomers serves tea in her drawing room, surrounded by bonnets, goggles, pocket watches and a half-empty bottle of absinthe. She's Donna Ricci, steampunk. Formerly the owner of a goth girl modeling agency and now proprietor of online emporium Clockwork Couture, Ricci celebrates Victorian-inspired finery with all the fervor with which she once championed jet-black hair and pierced nostrils.
Her guest is Jeff VanderMeer, author, with S.J. Chambers, of "The Steampunk Bible: An Illustrated Guide to the World of Imaginary Airships, Corsets and Goggles, Mad Scientists, and Strange Literature" (Abrams Image). Offering VanderMeer a plate of scones, Ricci explains her newfound fondness for 19th century decorum. "I get grandmothers calling me on the phone with their granddaughters on the line, and they're talking about what outfits to buy together. I love that. I love it when the mother isn't frightened that her daughter is going to walk out of the house with her … hanging out, because for once, she's dressed like a respectable lady."
VanderMeer chimes in: "That's your rebellion right there." Ricci: "'Yeah. 'Mom, I'm going wear granny boots that are 2 inches taller than you said!'" she pauses. "Also, people are a little depressed right now because of the economy. Steampunk is a good distraction."
Ricci may be onto something...
