Dieselpunk- the age of Iron and oil, retrofuturistic noir


   This website contains links to products that are part of affiliate programs. If you click on these links and make a purchase, I may earn a commission.


FLONZGIFT Steampunk Cats Playing Cards (Poker Deck 54 Cards All Different) Cats Working in Steampunk Office in Dieselpunk Machinery SciFi Posters



 Dieselpunk is a genre of speculative fiction that is based on the 1920s-1940s time period. It combines elements of retro-futurism and the occult with a focus on technology and morality. The stories usually involve conflicts with powerful forces such as nature or society, and the protagonists are often characters with low social status who have a neutral heroic stance. 

SWEETV 1920s Vintage Peacock Flapper Dresses Sequin Fringed Gatsby Dress with Headband



Dieselpunk draws inspiration from various sources, including German expressionist films, film noir, pulp magazines, radio dramas, crime and wartime comics, propaganda films, and pinup art from the early 20th century. This broad range of influences allows for a diverse aesthetic in dieselpunk works, with both gritty and glamorous elements. Vehicles in dieselpunk often feature exposed engines and customized exteriors. 

Lisianthus Men & Women Vintage Wide Brim Fedora Hat with Belt Buckle



While there may be some overlap with genres like two fisted tales and ray gun comics, dieselpunk stands out through its punk themes. Two fisted tales explore settings like heroic fantasy and space opera, which are not typically part of dieselpunk. Raygun Gothic references a more advanced or optimistic period, both technologically and chronologically, which differs from the grounded and urban settings of dieselpunk.

Straw Fedora Hat for Women Men Packable Short Brim Roll Up Trilby Hat Panama Summer Beach Sun Hat UPF 50+



If a Dieselpunk setting is presented as an Alternate History, it means that a specific event or condition in history has been changed, leading to a different outcome. In many Dieselpunk settings, the point of divergence is that The Great Depression never happened. This means that there was continued economic and technological growth, as well as less warmongering during the inter-war era. However, World War II may still occur in some Dieselpunk settings.

JYDress Men's Pinstripe Suit Slim Fit Stripe Peaked Lapel Jacket Vest Pants Sets



The term "Dieselpunk" was coined by Lewis Pollak and Dan Ross in 2001 for their RPG Children of the Sun. Pollak described Dieselpunk as being on the "darker, dirtier side of Steampunk" and as a continuum between Steampunk and Cyberpunk. However, some reviewers have noted that Children of the Sun is not a true representation of Dieselpunk.

Mens Striped Suit 2 Piece Formal Slim Fit Blazer Sport Coat 2 Button Jacket Pinstripes Pants Business Set



It is important to note that in the 1930s, Diesel-powered cars were not common and were considered a rarity. Only one model was produced on a small scale in Germany, primarily as a taxi. The majority of the population could not afford cars during this time. Instead, ordinary citizens relied on oil-burning locomotives, buses, ocean liners, and neighborhood power plants. However, Diesel engines started to replace steam engines in many areas during this period.

Women's Retro Foldable Cap Wide Brim Lady Vintage Style Cloche Stylish Bucket Hat



With the rise in popularity of steampunk, any kind of retro-futurism was often labeled as "steampunk." This led to a lack of understanding and recognition for the emerging genre of dieselpunk, which is distinct from both steampunk and cyberpunk. Dieselpunk differs from steampunk in terms of its timeline and themes, although both genres do overlap in the era of World War I.

IZONHERE Women's Church Hat Bucket Cloche with Lace Flower for Wedding Bridal Vintage Tea Party


World War I marked a significant shift in history, dividing an era of national revolutions, romanticism, scientific progress, and the expansion of Western civilization from a subsequent era characterized by totalitarian systems, mass communication, technological destruction, and the decline of Europe. The imagery of the war is often claimed by both steampunk and dieselpunk due to its relevance to the transition between these two eras.

FEPITO 1920s V Neck Sequin Beaded Fringed Dress with 20s Accessories Set



After the war, some human types undergo changes. The Second International, previously discredited for its support of the war, is abandoned. The ideals it once represented give way to a violent clash between those who desire a "red front" and those aligned with right-wing militias. The masses, having been taught organized violence during the war, must choose to join or lead these groups. The bohemian artist transforms into a party leader, or an enthusiast known as a "Wattman," becoming part of the new elite of technology enthusiasts who are addicted to speed, the sound of engines on overdrive, and the scent of cordite and gasoline.

Wonderful Fashion Men's Classic Herringbone Tweed Wool Blend Newsboy Ivy Hat (Large/X-Large, Charcoal)



Meanwhile, in the United States, the country's manifest destiny has been fulfilled with westward expansion, leaving a sense of disillusionment with the bloodthirsty ideals of Europe. The country enters a Golden Age of Jazz, characterized by entertainment, sexual liberation, and organized crime. Traditional law enforcement, such as posse and desperados, fade away, and foreign gangs pose a threat to the rule of law in cities. New products like soap bars and cigarettes make living in close-knit city communities easier. Only those who are part of secret drinking establishments, known as "speakeasies," can drown their problems in banned whiskey, as new laws aim to protect the growing electorate from domestic violence.

2 Pack Newsboy Hats for Men Classic 8 Panel Wool Blend Ivy Hat



Japan is no longer a battleground for traditional samurai warriors, as the new leader of the country, who represents a modern industrial power, seeks to assert their dominance over the world and establish Asian rule. The occult world has also undergone changes, with traditional methods like electricity no longer being effective in resurrecting the dead or invoking fear. Instead, new sources of power called the Old Ones have emerged, and those who can read the Necronomicon are granted glimpses into new alien realities and a future where Nyarlathotep reigns. The improvised rituals to contact demonic worlds have been replaced by more organized societies, and the black mass takes on a more defined form through the works of Alister Crowley. In this society where God is Dead, pagan traditions are reinvented for a sense of belonging. At the same time, the Ahnenerbe organization leads the way in exploring occultism and forbidden knowledge for totalitarian purposes, as there is no place for mad scientists and their subhuman minions in a totalitarian state.

MUXXN Women's Classic Vintage Sweetheart Neckline Cocktail Prom Tea Dress



In the steampunk genre, the fashion revolves around top hats, tailcoats, corsets, bowler hats, waistcoats, and other clothing styles reminiscent of the Victorian era. In contrast, dieselpunk fashion includes fedoras, pinstriped suits, cloche hats, newsboy caps, zoot-suits, bomber jackets, and outfits similar to those seen in the game Kantai Collection. 

Dreamgirl Men's Zoot Suit Riot Costume



When it comes to power sources, steampunk is associated with coal and clockwork technology, while dieselpunk incorporates petroleum-based fuels. Nuclear power may also be occasionally used in dieselpunk settings.

Red Gangster Zoot Suit Costume



In terms of ideological conflicts, steampunk often depicts a struggle between monarchy and democracy, while dieselpunk explores conflicts between fascism and democracy, as well as capitalism and socialism.

 Plus Size Men's Zoot Suit Gangster Pin Stripe Mobster Costume Historical 1920s Roleplay dieselpunk



Materials commonly associated with steampunk include brass, gold, copper, bronze, wood, and steel, while dieselpunk incorporates materials such as steel, wrought iron, aluminum, chrome, and polymers like Bakelite. The color palette tends to include darker and more muted tones, such as greys, browns, blacks, and olive greens, reflecting the gritty and industrial nature of the genre.

Ferro Aldo Arthur MFA139001D Mens Wingtip Two Tone Oxford Black and White Spectator Dress Shoes



Weaponry in steampunk often includes repeating rifles, revolvers, self-loading pistols, and hand-cranked machine guns. Dieselpunk, on the other hand, features bolt-action and self-loading rifles, submachine guns, self-loading rifles, SMGs (typically Thompson- or MP40-based), self-loading pistols (commonly used ones include the M1911, FN 1910, Mauser C96, and Luger P08), revolvers (usually snub-nosed ones), some early assault rifles (like the M2 Carbine, StG44, and AKM); lever-action and revolving rifles can show up, but are rare.

SATINIOR 1920s Mens Costume 20s Accessories Outfit with Gangster Vest Fedora Hat Vintage Pocket Watch Suspenders



Airships, aeroplanes, and helicopters are often depicted in fictional works. Airships, such as blimps, semi-rigids, and Zeppelins, are commonly seen. Aeroplanes from World War II era monoplanes to World War I style aircraft or jet planes from the late 1940s and early 1950s are also popular choices. Although helicopters are less common, they are occasionally used as well.

FLAVOR Men's Real Leather Bomber Jacket with Removable Fur Collar Aviator





When considering the "floating fortresses" mentioned in Nineteen Eighty-Four, various kinds of water-based vessels come to mind. These include dreadnoughts, which are heavily armed battleships, destroyers, which are smaller and more maneuverable warships, and aircraft carriers that serve as mobile airbases for launching and recovering aircraft. The idea of these floating fortresses emphasizes the oppressive military power and control that exists in the dystopian world of the novel.

Rude - The Roaring 20's Eyeshadow Palette - Reckless



1920's makeup tips

 

Eyebrows

 If you want to achieve the thin eyebrows popular in the 1920s, you can either pluck them or use concealer and foundation to cover them. To pluck your eyebrows, use a pair of tweezers to shape them into a thin arch, making them slightly thinner at the ends.

 Alternatively, if you do not want to pluck, you can use concealer and foundation to partially or entirely cover your existing eyebrows. For a partial cover, apply the makeup to your eyebrow hairs, leaving a thin line of hair exposed. Layer enough concealer and foundation to match the color of your skin and blend the covered eyebrow into your face.

 To completely cover your eyebrows, apply concealer and foundation to all of the hairs. Once covered, you can use a pencil to draw in thin eyebrows.

 To darken your eyebrows, use an eyebrow pencil in either black or brown. This will not only add color to your eyebrows but also help define their shape and make the arch more visible. Choose a color that is slightly darker than your natural hair color to create a natural appearance.

 

Eyes

For the eyes, create a smoky and dark look reminiscent of the 1920s. Apply a black mascara to both your upper and lower lashes for maximum impact. Layer the mascara, applying three or more coats, to achieve an intensified effect. Look for the darkest black mascara available for a dramatic result.

Besame Cosmetics Cake Mascara Black - Volume & Length 3-in-1 Eye Makeup - Eyelash Mascara, Eyeliner, Eyebrow Mascara - Vegan Mascara Sensitive Eyes - Black Mascara and Eyeliner Set + Tin & Applicator



Apply a dark, gray-based eyeshadow to your eyelids using a soft brush. Start at your lash line and gently sweep the eyeshadow over your entire lid and up to your eye socket. Use the brush to blend the eyeshadow to create a seamless look with soft edges. For definition, you can also apply the eyeshadow along your lower lash line.

If you prefer to use colored eyeshadow, opt for green or blue shades to maintain the smoky effect. After applying the colored eyeshadow, blend in some black eyeshadow at the corners of your eyes to add depth.

AISIZE Women's 1940s Vintage Square Peplum Bodycon Cocktail Dress



Use a black kohl eyeliner to line your top and bottom lash lines. Kohl eyeliner is smooth and easy to blend, making it perfect for achieving a 1920s-inspired look. Apply a thin line of eyeliner along your lash lines and then use a brush to blend it into the eyeshadow for a soft, smoky appearance.

To prevent smudging, consider using a waterproof formulation for all of your eye makeup products. This will help to keep your smoky eye look intact throughout the day or evening.

Rude - The Roaring 20's Eyeshadow Palette - Carefree

Cheeks

Find a cheek stain or cream blush with hints of red in it. In the 1920s, rouge was a popular choice for adding a redder tone to the cheeks. If the color red is too intense for your complexion, consider using raspberry or rose blush as alternatives. Apply the blush to the tops of your cheeks, just slightly above the cheekbone. Blend the product well to avoid any harsh lines, but make sure the color is still noticeable, as if you have just come in from the cold.

Besame Cosmetics | Crimson Cream Rouge - 1938 | Cream Blush for Cheeks + Lips with Long Wearing Matte Finish | Vintage Makeup in Reusable Tin | 2-in-1 Lip and Cheek Tint | Vegan Makeup Blush

Mouth

Shape your mouth into a cupid’s bow, a signature look of the 1920s. The cupid's bow is characterized by an exaggerated bottom lip and an upper lip with a curved shape. Start by using a dark red lip liner to draw arches on each side of your top lip. These arches should be even, resembling a bow. Next, draw your lower lip slightly plumper than it actually is by extending it slightly on the bottom. Then, draw both your upper and lower lips shorter on the sides. Once you have the desired shape, fill it in with the lip liner. Finally, apply a matching lipstick over the lip liner to complete the look. In the 1920s, lip colors were typically deep reds and brownish reds. The goal is to create the illusion of puckered lips, narrower than their actual width, giving you a flirtatious and ready-for-a-kiss appearance.

BESAME Forever Red Lipstick - 1925 | Classic Color for All Skin Tones | Luxe Vintage Makeup | Long Lasting | Semi Matte Satin Finish for Women | Moisturizing with Vitamin E | Made for Sensitive Skin

Nails

Enhance your appearance by painting your nails. After completing your facial routine, take it one step further and add some color to your nails. In the spirit of the 1920s, when women would only paint the center of their nails, select a nail polish shade that complements your lipstick and apply it to your nails, leaving the half-moon and tip bare.

Long Feather Satin Opera Gloves,1920s Stretchy Satin Gloves,Makeup Party Opera Stage Women's Mittens, Elbow Length



Letter Love Womens Vintage Lace Fringed Gatsby 1920s Cocktail Dress with 20s Accessories Set



I have a few more options on my new Cyberpunk page. Go check it out!

Cyberpunk- Science Fiction, modified bodies, military gear, uniforms, tech gear and cybernetic

Comments

Popular Posts