Halloween 2008 [i] : Angel of Death

October 6th, 2008 at 04:32pm Ryan Darragh

This year, rather than doing one big “round-up” of Halloween ideas, I thought I’d put together a series of costumes and post them individually in the several days leading up to Halloween.  I thought this would not only be more fun, but might also give you a little extra time to do your shopping.  I have no idea how many posts there will ultimately be in this series, but I’m hoping for something in the neighborhood of “several,” so check back for more!

This costume was inspired almost entirely by the idea that the Angel of Death shouldn’t necessarily have to be a skull-faced figure in a dark cloak and carrying a scythe.  Surely the Angel of Death could be attractive, alluring, even seductive, somebody you’d actually want to be taken by–for all I know, he’s cousin to the Archangel Gabriel.  Talk about being the black sheep at family gatherings, though.

I had some general ideas regarding the overall look I wanted but, not wanting to get ahead of myself, I started with clothing.  My mantra of “attractive, alluring, seductive” sent me to Aitui, where I picked up Jesse’s “Ashes” Low V-Neck shirt.  As always with Jesse’s designs, it’s beautifully textured, and the abstract design does indeed suggest a fall of ashes, which just felt right somehow.  The low neckline shows a little skin and seemed about as far as I could get from the admittedly traditional black robe.  L$85 at Aitui (Aitui 200, 182, 23).

The jeans are Sepulture Denims by VincentTalent Maximus.  These are wonderfully detailed jeans, and the gothic artwork was perfect for the path I was already taking in my head for the rest of the costume.  L$149 at Styria (Nelleman 191, 157, 130).

As it happens, the skin I chose is also by Vince: “Stephen” in the Pale skin tone.  I love the calm, serene expression of the face on this skin, and that too seemed just right for the look I wanted for my death angel.  L$1000 at Curve Appeal (Nelleman 147, 162, 122).

I’ve been wearing a lot of Din Raymaker’s hairstyles lately, although more or less quietly–I haven’t done a formal review, but if you’re in the habit of checking the Notes on my posts you may have noticed credits for quite a few of Din’s styles.  The style I’m wearing here is “Hibiki,” and I chose it for its neat, clean look (angels should be well groomed, I think), but also because this color, Burlywood, goes so well with the pale skin of “Stephen.”  (It also takes red tints well…but not today.)  The end result, at least in certain lighting, is a figure that might be chiseled from marble.

Like several of Din’s styles, this one includes two variations on the same basic style–when you buy “Hibiki,” you also get “Ibuki.”  L$130 at Uncleweb Studio (Yamashita 240, 206, 22).

No more-or-less Judeo-Christian angel would be taken seriously without proper wings.  If any one item suggested the Angel of Death idea to me, it would have to be the Gray Bandaged Wings by Ivy Graves.  These are highly detailed, beautifully constructed full-prim wings.  The bloodied bandages are flexi and drift convincingly when the wings move.  Several different colors are available, and a control HUD is included, so you can control the wings’ movement and position.  L$250 at Atomic Kitty (Atomic 114, 112, 33).

Mystical (or mythical) though they may be, even angels must have certain tools of their trade.  The Unholy Cross Armband (L$135) by Broder Kubrick is absolutely crazy with detail, including black buckle-down straps and bloody nails…which is kinda effed up, when you think about it, although in the best possible way.  Truly, it should come as no surprise to anyone that this particular angel stands in service to both Heaven and Hell.  When all is said and done, that’s the whole point, isn’t it?  Broder’s Leg Diary (L$75) is essential for keeping track of which souls will be requiring your attention and when; it simply won’t do to have them languishing in limbo because you’ve forgotten about them.  Both of these items are available at BroGear (Harajukubox 200, 144, 22).

For appropriately themed jewelry and accessories, I knew there was little need to look further than the “Yukirei” folder in my inventory.  Her Awe Scull Belt (L$250) is an old favorite, and with its angelic-skull buckle ornament and wickedly curved talons all around it could have been custom made for the Angel of Death.  The Lot of Crosses Necklace  (L$180) presents an elaborate array of crosses executed in different styles, forms and finishes.  The eye is irresistibly drawn to the central cross, traditional in shape but unusually cut in intricate filigree.  I’m also wearing Yukirei’s Skull Leather Bracelet (L$170), a single Scull Which Tears Mask Earring (L$150 for the pair), and Laugh Scull Rings (L$150 each).

Fortunately, rather than relying only on my existing inventory for contributions from Yukirei, I decided to drop by her shop–I had this nagging voice at the back of my brain that said, It’s been a while, and you never know.  I heeded the admonition and was rewarded with the discovery of Yukirei’s (at least somewhat) new Scull Flaps Boots (L$150).  It was as if light shone down from Heaven–I knew these were just what I needed to bring my Angel of Death to balanced, harmonious completion.  Both upper and lower are textured in finely grained black leather.  Skull-angel medallions backed by crossed swords (carried over from the Awe Scull Belt) and gleaming silver buckles turn the simple boots into something much more elegant and menacing.  One caveat: unlike most if not virtually all of Yukirei’s other designs, these boots are No Modify, so they cannot be resized.  This wasn’t a problem for me, but I’m not a big guy, so fitting these may be more of a problem for others.  I dropped an inquiry via notecard to Yukirei, and I’ll update this post when I hear back from her.  All designs by Yukirei are available at Yukirei Accessories (Yukirei Accessories 126, 155, 30).

The Angel of Death has been abroad throughout the land, you may almost hear the beating of his wings.  —  John Bright (1811–1889)

Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: Some

Notes: On Ryan: "Stephen" skin by VincentTalent Maximus (Styria). "Hibiki" hair by din Raymaker (Uncleweb Studio).

Entry Filed under: Accessories, Aitui, Atomic Kitty, Boots, BroGear, Costumes, Fantasy, Goth, Holiday, Jeans, Jewelry, New Items, Shirts, Styria, Wings, Yukirei Greene