Further outside the box: Menlosophy [ii]

June 23rd, 2009 at 03:04pm Ryan Darragh

This post is Part II of my coverage of Menlosophy, designs by Amanda Bolero and ziamela Loon.  You can read Part I here.

One of the more traditional Menlosophy designs is undoubtedly the Chess shirt.  When I say “traditional,” I don’t mean it as a slam–it’s not code for “conventional” or even ”old-fashioned”–and I mention it at all only because I’ve said so much in this context about getting outside the box.  This shirt may still have one sleeve inside the box, but it’s such a handsome design, in such a challenging fabric print, that I can’t help but love it.  The cut is flattering, and the tight check print is potentially problematic but done so well that it looks better than it has any right to do.  Sculpted collar and cuffs are pretty much de rigeur for dressy shirts these days, and many casual shirts as well.  Here the collar is casual but smart, with sharply creased edges and crisp points.  The cuffs are equally casual but softer, rounder, and they looked comfortably turned-up.  L$150.

Glauco is a casual outfit in which luxurious fabric textures are embellished with detailed prim attachments.  The Glauco shirt is a short-sleeved almost-henley, distinguished by a fabric print that’s reminiscent of tapestry and elaborately sculpted laces for the vee neck.  The coordinating pants have sculpted side pockets, cargo-style but somehow fancier–look closely and you’ll notice decorative touches like the shiny metalwork, flexi accents and fine print fabric.  The set also includes the knot-tied head scarf in matching fabric.  I didn’t attempt to edit a copy of my hairstyle to “disappear” properly under the scarf, but it seems to me that the scarf would work pretty well with shorter, close-cropped styles.  L$425 for the outfit.

Here again I’m wearing the casual Robert shoes, this time the Burb style.  L$200.

Up last but in my book certainly not least is the Secret outfit.  I must confess to a certain nostalgia here, as this ensemble is (to my eyes, anyway) very, very Eighties.  The marble-print shirt, intentionally but unself-consciously twee necktie and heavily distressed jeans are things any synth-pop star of the era would happily have flaunted.  You know the guys I’m talking about.  Hell, I’ll say it:  Limahl.  Not that I’m making fun of the Eighties!  As I said, there’s a definite nostalgia factor at work for me.  I’m not sure if this outfit is intentionally retro, or if it’s just a case of Everything Old Is New Again, but it kinda pushes that “grad night” button for me.  The collar and necktie are separate attachments, so you can wear them together or solo.  The sculpted cuffs, like the shirt itself, are semi-sheer.  The sporty beret, sized a bit on the large size here to fit over my hair, is also included.  L$400 for the outfit.

The Robert shoes style here is LV.  The fabric’s print is distinctly reminiscent of “monogram” prints used by famous-name designers on a variety of items, from purses to umbrellas to shoes.  In fact, it’s quite specifically reminiscent of one designer in particular, who shall remain nameless but whose initials are…L.V.  L$200.

I have only scratched the surface of the variety of designs and styles Amanda Bolero and ziamela Loon have created for Menlosophy.  Part of me is tempted to describe the line as “something for everybody,” but I’m not sure how true that really is.  Although some items in the collection may not be your thing, you owe it to yourself to drop by and take a look.  There’s certainly a lot to choose from, and you never know what you might take home!

Most prim components are resize scripted for your fitting convenience.  Many clothing items are available in colors other than those shown here, and many designs are sold both individually and as part of an outfit, so take a look around before making your purchase.

Available at Menlosophy (Olivine Island 240, 86, 32).  You can open your own Menlosophy shop by becoming a member of the Menlosophy Affiliate Program–contact Mimi Juneau inworld for details.

Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Most | Friends List: No

Notes: On Ryan: "Vivant Buff" skin by CJ Carnot (Fleur). "Akami" hair by Maddox DuPont (MADesigns). "numero83" sunglasses by Youki Ran (Ottico).

Entry Filed under: Casual,Designer Reviews,Dressy,Jackets,Menlosophy,New Items,Outfits,Pants,Shirts,Shoes