Posts filed under 'Steampunk'
When Iris floated “grunge” as the theme for this issue, she said, by way of suggestion, “Think Mad Max…think Tina Turner.” Ah, I thought, I know what she means—post-apocalyptic fashion. The Thunderdome! But when I started hitting up friends for their favorite grunge outfitters, they mentioned a number of designers, all doing creative work that’s at least as different as it is similar. Is grunge like indecency? Do people just know it when they see it? It seems that grunge is, or at least can be, many things to many people. Here I’ve taken a rather broad view, from urban back-alley chic to grunge kitty gear to steampunk wasteland hardware to, yes, post-apocalypse couture. I invite you to indulge yourselves. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: Some
Notes: On Ryan: FORM skin and “Yagaruma” hair by Zabita Assia (FORM). “Jack” skin with wounds by Posy Trudeau (Flesh Peddlers). “Simon” skin by Kenny Sleeper (Kalico Kreations). “Illusion” hair by Khai Sinister (The Abyss). “Sway” hair by Jesseaitui Petion (Aitui). Old Shoes by Fallingwater Cellardoor (Shiny Things). O-Ring jewelry by Mhaijik Guillaume (Mhaijik Things).
Post Category: Angry Monkey, BareRose Tokyo, BroGear, FORM, Fantasy, Grunge, Kalico Kreations, Men's Corner, Steam Powered Nuts, Steampunk, Unzipped
September 15th, 2008 at 09:07amRyan Darragh
There’s not much I enjoy more than finding, playing with and (eventually) writing about some remarkable SL creation. It’s even better if the remarkable thing in question includes numerous prim attachments. That is, quite simply, one of my favorite things. There’s just something about a big, beautiful pile of prim attachments–it’s kind of like a new car. I think it’s the smell. It smells like…victory. Or maybe plastic.
My latest toy-slash-obsession is the Steam-Powered Mechanical Suit by Zoe Llewelyn, who also happens to be the creator of my first and still much-loved neko ears and tail set. This amazing construct includes so many prim attachments that you can’t wear them all at the same time, so I’m in heaven. But wait, there’s more! Several of them are scripted to do cool stuff. Does it get any better? I think not. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Generation" skin by Kaejo DaSilva (Renegade). "Liam" hair by Shelly Toonie (Moonshine).
Post Category: Accessories, Costumes, Fantasy, Llewelyn Steamworks, Period, Steampunk, Suits
July 10th, 2008 at 07:45pmRyan Darragh
Let us sing the praises of the humble waistcoat, unjustly neglected for decades. Nowadays it seems that even gentlemen such as ourselves could go for years without ever wearing one except at weddings and attending Royal Ascot every year. Yet it forms a crucial article of gentlemen’s attire in other subcultures, such as the Steampunk sims. I ran across Nix Sands’ rakish Xcentricity brand first in Port Babbage and was captivated as soon as I saw them. My favourite is Poisson, here portrayed in what are indelicately called ’sooty tones.’ The celtic design is printed on the finest satin and the garment is reassuringly snug without pulling tight.
Other gentlemen may frown on it, but I love to leave my jacket behind and take the air in only my shirt sleeves and waistcoat — ah, the daring informality of it all! Clearly Mssr Sands did not have such indiscretions in mind, since the backs of his waistcoats not only lack the design, but are not even satin, merely cotton, with bunching showing clearly as a buckled strap takes up the slack fabric where the garment tapers at the waist. [I stand corrected on this point; please now see Baron Wulfenbach's comment to this article below.] Poisson is also available in indigo, olive and salmon (all of them much nicer names than ’sooty;’ …I ask you!) and costs only 80L$. You may not see them when you first enter the shop — cycle through the vendor which also sells the ‘Steamy’ and ‘Wheeler’ waistcoats, to which we turn next. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Mr. Oh: Nora Entice - Hunter Almond by Sezmra Svarog (Nora BodySkins & Fashion). "Jared" hair in blackened grey by Elikapeka Tiramisu (ETD). "Finesse" glasses with scripted frames and lenses by Nibb Tardis (primOptic). Suits, shirts and prim bow tie by Vincente Shepherd (Gaslights Emporium).
Post Category: Dressy, Formal, Steampunk, Vests, Xcentricity
June 29th, 2008 at 11:32amMr. Oh
Before we start, you must first know that my friend Zazen always has the coolest toys imaginable. This is important information for you to know. So, the other day I was hanging out on my mile-high work platform (okay, it’s about 600 meters or so) when I heard a thump. This was quickly followed by a muttered “Oh dear.” A quick camera check showed that, as you may already have suspected, Zazen was indeed hovering just beneath the platform, where he had unwittingly bonked his head trying to fly up and see if that dot at altitude on the minimap might be me. It’s always nice to have the opportunity to catch up with Zazen–any excuse will do, really–and as I mentioned there’s the cool toy factor. This time my notice was irresistibly drawn to his boots, which were impressively constructed and animated with some really spiff effects. I had to know, so I asked. A landmark was immediately forthcoming. I went, I saw, I shopped. And here we are. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: Uchi II skin by Disembodied Hand (Steam Powered Industries). "Mikichan" hair by Bryce Tully (Bryce Designs).
Post Category: Accessories, Boots, Coats, Eyewear, Fantasy, Neko, Period, Steam Powered Nuts, Steampunk, Unzipped
June 9th, 2008 at 07:15pmRyan Darragh
I was in a barren and empty sim, the hour was late and it was dark (I had forced midnight) when a mysterious message urgently demanded my attention. “Your mission, should you choose to accept it: for the next issue of Second Style, highlight some of the best individual designs in SL fashion of the last twelve months. This IM will self-destruct in ten seconds. Nine. Eight….”
I logged out quickly, but not before triggering a sly smile ( }:-> ). I knew that this assignment would challenge me like no other, and I would have to rely on all my skills and training. How to select just a handful of items from the many released over the past year? It seemed…impossible. 
Hopefully my superiors will agree that I have succeeded. All of these creations epitomize the best of what SL design has to offer. In chronological order by month of release: (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: Some
Notes: On Ryan: “Adam” skin by Hart Larsson (PXL Creations). “Jack” skin by Posy Trudeau (Flesh Peddlers). “Maxwell,” “Damien” and “Pete” hair by Truth Hawks (TRUTH). Classic Jeans by Jesseaitui Petion (Aitui). Oslo boots by Eponymous Trenchmouth (JCS Shoes). Spencers dress shoes and Old Shoes by Fallingwater Cellardoor (Shiny Things). Coffin Ring by Allegory Malaprop (Schadenfreude).
Post Category: BareRose Tokyo, Business, Casa Del Shai, Casual, Costumes, Cubic Effect, Draconic Kiss, Dressy, Fantasy, Formal, GearShift, Goth, Jackets, Men's Corner, Outfits, Period, Silent Sparrow, Sportswear, Steampunk
April 17th, 2008 at 01:25pmRyan Darragh
Serendipity makes me happy.
There I was, minding my own business the other night, and I can’t remember if I was bored or not but I was certainly open to adventure, or at least a diversion. So when I more or less idly asked Posy what she was doing, and she responded “Trying on some new glasses I bought, and there’s a beautiful pocket watch too!” I immediately said, “TP me? Please?” In short order I arrived at the small but handsomely appointed shop of Pavig Lok. Although Posy hadn’t gone into specifics, she knew that Pavig’s gorgeously detailed steampunk creations would be right up my forbidding Victorian alley. She’s a temptress that way. And she was right–Pavig’s vendors showcased some very intriguing glasses and a truly elegant pocket watch. I thought to myself, “I’ll have the lot!”
Little did I know that I would receive so much more than I expected, based on the unassuming advertising placards I saw in the shop. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: Advance Skin by Jesseaitui Petion (Aitui). "Damien" hair by Truth hawks (TRUTH). Gentleman's Long Coat, Brocade Long Waistcoat, Formal Victorian Shirt and Charcoal Trousers by Vincente Shepherd (Gaslights Emporium).
Post Category: Accessories, Dressy, Eyewear, Fantasy, Formal, Jewelry, Pavig Lok, Period, Steampunk
March 14th, 2008 at 03:52pmRyan Darragh
I’m speechless.
150L$;
BareRose Tokyo.
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Mr. Oh: Nora Entice - Hunter Almond by Sezmra Svarog (Nora BodySkins & Fashion). "Jared" hair in white blackened by Elikapeka Tiramisu (ETD).
Post Category: Accessories, BareRose Tokyo, Coats, Costumes, Fantasy, Gloves, Jackets, Novelty, Outfits, Pants, Period, Steampunk, Wings
February 25th, 2008 at 01:00amMr. Oh
We all go a little crazy sometimes. It even happens to me. Fortunately in this case I’m not talking Norman Bates crazy; I just got a little click-happy and kept buying, and buying…and buying. I blame Posy (that’s my story, and I’m sticking with it) because she’s the one who dropped on me the landmark to Gaia Goodnight’s shop, Darkstar Designs. Hopefully this isn’t old news to everyone but me, but Gaia’s shop showcases some great design work with clear anime, steampunk and cyperbpunk influences, all at extremely reasonable prices. The beauty of this is that when you do go crazy (and you will, I say this with confidence), the effect on your L$ balance won’t be devastating. 
Unfortunately there aren’t a lot of men’s clothing designs beyond a few tees (although there are plenty of things for the ladies just across the way at Sh!t Happens), but as you’ll see I came home with hair styles and accessories enough to put together seven different looks. I may not have mixed-and-matched the way Gaia had in mind, or the way you would do, but that’s the further beauty of having such an embarrassment of riches to play with.
Let’s start kind of simple and work our way up from there. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: No | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Jack" skin by Posy Trudeau (Flesh Peddlers). Supertight Men's Tees and Filthy Canvas Pants by Posy Trudeau (Civvies). O-Ring Black Ribbon Jewelry by Mhaijik Guillaume (Mhaijik Things).
Post Category: Accessories, Boots, Darkstar Designs, Designer Reviews, Fantasy, Gloves, Hair, Novelty, Shirts, Steampunk
February 6th, 2008 at 04:58pmRyan Darragh
Sometimes bad stuff happens to good people. I’ll let Dis tell you the sad tale in his own words, for maximum effect and play upon your sympathies:
“Hey there everyone…for those of you who don’t know my computer has decided that its New Year’s resolution was to kill itself. SL is my main source of income, so it’s urgent that I get a new computer in order to release new products–the laptop I’m currently on barely logs me in. Everything (skins and all) in my main store is 50% off. It’s a great chance to buy all the stuff you didn’t have the money for, seeing as this will probably be one of the few sales I have this year. All the funds are going to buying me a new computer so I can work again. The sale lasts as long as I’m on this laptop, no longer; so get your cheap merch while you can!” (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: M021 hair by Yukimaru Koba (Z#road Men's Shop). Spinal Tank by Nex Brannan (Brutal Gear). Classic Jeans by Jesseaitui Petion (Aitui).
Post Category: Sales, Steam Powered Industries, Steampunk
January 4th, 2008 at 12:48pmRyan Darragh
When I was growing up, my mother always told me that there’s a difference between being a man and being a gentleman. As with so many things my mother told me, I’ve learned over time that this is true. I think it’s safe to say that this rule applies equally in Second Life. What makes one a gentleman? The term is usually associated today with a certain propriety and courtesy in one’s conduct, but historically also had connotations of belonging to a good family and perhaps even having the right connections. While I can’t help you with your manners or breeding, I can suggest some clothing and accessories without which no gentleman should venture into polite society. Feel free to take these necessarily specific recommendations and implement them more generally in your own gentlemanly pursuits.
(more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: Some
Notes: On Ryan: Entice "David" skin by Sezmra Svarog (Nora). "The Ibiza" hair by Liam Oliver (Armidi). Wool suit, men’s dress shirt and flexi tie by Blaze Columbia (Blaze Fine Fashions). "Carl Perkins" shoes by Eponymous Trenchmouth (Jeepers Creepers). "City Walk" dress shoes by Fallingwater Cellardoor (Shiny Things). Gentleman’s Black Suede Shoes by Vincente Shepherd (Gaslights Emporium).
Post Category: Accessories, Bags, Blaze Columbia, Casa Del Shai, Casual, Cattivo, Coats, Dressy, Formal, Gaslights Emporium, Gedden Winthorpe, Men's Corner, Period, Steampunk, Studio Sidhe, Suits
November 17th, 2007 at 04:28pmRyan Darragh
The Pirate of the Skies
The air pirate fancies himself to be a dashing fellow. He likes to look smart while cruising the skies in his airship, always on the lookout for unwary innocents from whom to liberate negotiable currency, goods for trade, or other items of value. He is always unfailingly polite, even friendly, as he smoothly removes your wallet or purse from your person. He’s quite likely to tip his hat as he does so. You may even find yourself thanking him afterward.
In all actuality, he feels that he has never looked more dashing than in the new Trilogy Coat (L$200), created by Disembodied Hand of Steam Powered Industries. It’s the perfect addition to his rakish image. In his line of work, image can be everything. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: FORM skin by Zabitan Assia (FORM). "Gabriel" hair by Lost Thereian (Naughty). A001 Dirty Industrial Jeans by Nicole David (Armidi). Steampunk Hat and Boots by Posy Trudeau (Civvies). Magnifocal Bifocals by Disembodied Hand (Steam Powered Industries). Pirate Leg Buckles by Broder Kubrick (BroGear).
Post Category: Casual, Coats, Dressy, Fantasy, New Items, Period, Steam Powered Industries, Steampunk
October 31st, 2007 at 03:38pmRyan Darragh
I had a great time decorating for Halloween last year. I think one of the appeals of Second Life is the opportunity to do things that can’t be done reasonably or maybe even at all in Real Life. In addition to going a little crazy with the house and yard decorations, I also had, um, several different costumes for myself. You may not feel the need to go quite that far, but surely you’ll need at least one. Here are some ideas I’m playing with for this year, some new and some that have been around for a while. I only wore one of these last year, though, so I’m not just recycling things that are already sitting in my inventory! I’ve tried to include a mix of clothing costumes and avatars, although some costumes can be so elaborate that the line between often seems blurred. These are just some personal favorites of mine, and we’re by no means done for the season–you’ll undoubtedly see at least a few more seasonally themed items in the next few weeks. 
(more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: T/Rage only | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: "Antonio" skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). FORM men’s skin by Zabitan Assia (FORM). "Broder" hair by Avant Scofield (The Good Life). "Drift" hair by Jesseaitui Petion (Aitui). "Scratch" shoes by Eponymous Trenchmouth (Jeepers Creepers).
Post Category: Avatars, BareRose Tokyo, Completely Different, Costumes, Draconic Kiss, Fantasy, Gaslights Emporium, Holiday, Huddles Headquarters, Men's Corner, Nocturnal Threads, Outfits, Silent Sparrow, Steampunk, The Better Man
October 10th, 2007 at 03:36pmRyan Darragh
The desert was the apotheosis of all deserts, huge, standing to the sky for what looked like eternity in all directions. It was white and blinding and waterless and without feature save for the faint, cloudy haze of the mountains which sketched themselves on the horizon and the devil-grass which brought sweet dreams, nightmares, death. An occasional tombstone sign pointed the way, for once the drifted track that cut its way through the thick crust of alkali had been a highway. Coaches and buckas had followed it. The world had moved on since then. The world had emptied.
–Stephen King, The Gunslinger (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: No
Notes: On Aidan: Male Lucent Skin 5'oclock Shadow by Maximillion Grant. Bare Rose Syuriken Hair (Black) and Daruma Tank & Pants by June Dion. Kalico Korners Blooded & Bandaged Shirt and Ripped Frayed Jeans by Kenny Sleeper. Goth1c0 Public Enemy Jeans by Keishii Roo. Homicide Designs Mothblood Shirt by Nerolus Mosienko. Brutal Gear Lowrise Grunge Jeans by Nex Brannan. Tattoos by me.
Post Category: Accessories, Angry Monkey, Boots, Casual, Designer Reviews, Gloves, Hats, Novelty, Steampunk
September 10th, 2007 at 11:58pmAidan Recreant
The Angry Monkey product selection was brought to my attention by Saeya Nyanda when I was looking for outfit components to support a review I was working on for Steam Powered Industries’ Jump Boots. Upon entering the store one immediately notices two things: (1) the level of texture realism embodied in the work and (2) the salvage yardian feel of the goods. I walked away with the Splinter Bracers and a lasting impression of the calibre of goods - the Junkyard Patriot flag being one of the most striking alternative accessories I’ve seen.
The quality of Vas Legend’s work speaks for itself. In fact, when I donned the pieces from his his newer “Distruzio”, “Road Warrior” and hobo-esque releases and wandered around the grid many people instantly reacted to the pieces. “Great gear” and “That is some ding dang diggity dong cool sh*t you have on!” were some of the comments aimed at the gear. If they weren’t strapped on tightly someone would have walked away with ‘em ([21:18] Aenea Nori touches Cat’s banjo. [21:18] Catero Revolution slaps Aenea’s hand).
Not too long ago Mr. Legend was kind enough to entertain some questions about his store, his content creation philosophies and his latest releases. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Catero: Skin, Justin - Dark, Aftermath (The Good Life / Avant Scofield); Hair, Sleepwalk Hair in black (Aitui / Jesseaitui Petion); Shirt, Brawler Tank - Steel (Truth Designs / Truth Hawks); Pants, Patched Jeans - Brown ([Civvies] Wearables / Posy Trudeau); Watch, Time by Kari - Male *not yet released* ({Kari} / Menno Ophelia); Cigarette, Lucky Sticks - Slim & Mild (Sakura's Smoke Shop /sakura Jannings )
Post Category: Accessories, Angry Monkey, Boots, Fantasy, Gloves, Grunge, New Items, Steampunk
September 9th, 2007 at 12:15amCatero Revolution
The New Babbage Victorian steampunk region came to my attention by way of the New Babbage build on this year’s Relay For Life track. It was while exploring in Babbage Square that I discovered Gaslights Emporium, a men’s clothing and accessories shop featuring designs by Vincente Shepherd. The shop itself is fairly new, and some items are new within the last week or two. Here you can find everything you need to outfit yourself as a proper Victorian gentleman, from clothing to accessories–and a few toys as well.
The Gentleman’s Suit (L$400) is available in your choice of Blue, Green, Black, Claret (shown), Brown and Charcoal. It includes jacket, trousers, shirt, waistcoat, flexi coat bottom and prim bowtie. Vincente is currently making these available on a “buy one, get one free” basis–details are available in the shop. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: No
Notes: On Ryan: FORM skin by Zabitan Assia (FORM). "Gabriel" hair by Lost Thereian (Naughty). Old Shoes by Fallingwater Cellardoor (Shiny Things).
Post Category: Coats, Designer Reviews, Dressy, Eyewear, Fantasy, Formal, Gaslights Emporium, Jackets, New Items, Period, Steampunk, Suits, Vests
August 24th, 2007 at 06:51pmRyan Darragh
If you haven’t yet visited designer Posy Trudeau’s airship-themed shopping collaboration, Plunder, you’re missing out. Suspended high above Second Life by lighter-than-air ships, Plunder is an oasis of wood and metal, shopping and relaxation. In addition to Posy’s own shop Civvies, Zabitan Assia’s FORM, Dragontat Zagato’s Desert Moon Clothiers and others, you’ll find the Cloudbuster Cantina, where you can take a break and quench your thirst. When Posy was telling me about her new steampunk designs, she mentioned that she had discovered steampunk while researching airship designs for the Plunder build. Fascinated and creatively challenged, she’s taken that discovery and with it run headlong into that rich alternate Victorian era to create her new collection of steampunk gear: the Steampunk Coat, Steampunk Hat and Steampunk Boots you see me wearing here. (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: Yes
Notes: On Ryan: Antonio (Pale) skin by Funk Schnook (FNKY!). "Mess It Up" hair by Lost Thereian (Naughty). Distressed Brown Jeans by Dolce Blackflag/Nephilaine Protagonist (PixelMen). Magnifocal Bifocals by Disembodied Hand (Steam Powered Industries).
Post Category: Boots, Civvies, Coats, Fantasy, Hats, New Items, Outfits, Period, Steampunk
July 26th, 2007 at 11:55pmRyan Darragh
Before the age of homogenization and micro-machinery, before the tyrannous efficiency of internal combustion and the domestication of electricity, lived beautiful, monstrous machines that lived and breathed and exploded unexpectedly at inconvenient moments. It was a time where art and craft were united, where unique wonders were invented and forgotten, and punks roamed the streets, living in squats and fighting against despotic governance through wit, will and wile. — Quoted from: Steampunk Magazine
I will admit that I don’t know much about Steampunk culture. I had never even heard of it before coming to Second Life. But then again, I’d never heard of Pony Girls, Furries, Gor and a host of other cultures and sub-cultures. SL can be such an educational and culturally enriching experience.
My days of living in partial ignorance of this particular community ended when Disembodied Hand introduced me to his Jump Boots (750L) - footwear scultpted from rusted out parts salvaged from a scrap yard. Dis gave me a lesson in cultural dynamics. “Well, there are two major factions of Steampunk, actually. The ‘true’ Steampunk which is 1940’s-ranged classical machinery Steampunk. Literal meaning there. Back when there really was just the steam engine to work off for mechanics. The flip side there is more what we do: the Post-apoc Steampunk. Basically, imagine culture as it is now failing and electricity takes it in the ass ’cause someone wakes up some day and goes ‘F**K IT, let’s make it rain nuclear winter on this piece,’ and we have to resort to old technology again - blacksmithing, steam engines etc.” (more…)
Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Yes | Friends List: No
Notes: On Catero: Skin, Antonio Pale - Stubble (Funk Schnook / FNKY!); Pants, Camo Cargo Pants (Penny Patton / Happy Biouvac); Jacket, Steampunk Long Coat in brown (Posy Trudeau / [CIVVIES] Wearables); Hat, Steampunk Top Hat (Posy Trudeau / [CIVVIES] Wearables); Belt, Caution Tape Belt (Jemca Arizona / [The Syndicate]); Bracers, Splinter Bracers (Vas Legend / Angry Monkey); Eye wear, Goggles from Zombie Dreads Hair (Noam Sprocket / Gritty Kitty); Cigarette, Lucky Sticks - Slim & Mild (Sakura's Smoke Shop /sakura Jannings ); Scratches, Stitches and Wounds (Kψoot Army / Saeya Nyanda)
Post Category: Boots, Fantasy, Grunge, New Items, Steam Powered Industries, Steampunk
July 12th, 2007 at 06:30pmCatero Revolution
