In simple terms, Steampunk is what might have been had the Victorians had access to techology. So you get a bunch of wierd contraptions operating on steam and retro-futuristic clothing designs.

"The term Steampunk was first coined in 1987 by K. W. Jeter, the author of the novel Morlock Night. He used the term to describe a genre of speculative fiction in which steam, not electricity, drove technological advancements. Since then it has been used to describe an artistic and cultural movement."

"Steampunk is a retrofuturistic subgenre of science fiction that incorporates technology and aesthetic designs inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery. ... Such technologies may include fictional machines like those found in the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne."

It really apeals to people who love cosplay and allows people to create wild and crazy outfits. A great excuse to get dressed up and play a part.

I think it was petty popular about 4 - 5 years ago, but has fallen from public favour lately.

The photo of Nerissa in her lovely Steapunk gown was taken at a photoshoot we did. I wrote about it in an article here.