Inexpensive Treasures (2) @ Discord

November 16th, 2007 at 09:59am Mr. Oh

This is Gaku-Gen by Orange Meili of Discord. The white version in particular whispers “simplicity,” albeit intelligently decorated. The stylized tribal/flame design in contrasting colour is avoids cliche with its restraint and asymmetry, especially on the trousers. There’s something anime about the exaggerated flare of the trousers and length of the jacket/robe. The robe bottom is a skirt-layer garment rather than a prim attachment, so strike a kung-fu pose and the design will stretch like it’s printed on a rubber band. Somehow I find this adds to, rather than subtracts from, the anime feel of the outfit.

When I visited the Discord shop, there were four versions of Gaku-Gen: three for sale on the wall and one available from a “Lucky Chair” when it displays the first letter of your name. I was lucky, and the red version you see in the photo was the result. It is called “Blood.” The unpictured version is also black and red. Each colour will cost you only 30L$ (except the “Blood” version which is free if you win it). Each comes with Jacket, skirt, trousers and contrasting t-shirt (bearing an advert for Discord on the back, usually covered by the jacket).

On the left, I’ve substituted the grey t-shirt that comes with white Gaku-Gen with our old friend, Basic White shirt from plusNINE; its buttons and stand-up collar add to the overall effect, yielding an outfit that is a very pleasant mixture of formal and exotic, of serious and cartoon. If you click through to the larger version of the photos, you will see the subtle fabric texturing on the robes as well.

Discord has a wall full of outfits which no doubt look distinct to Japanese eyes, but which may look bewilderingly similar to the westerner. This green version of Kai-Rou stands out whever you are from. If the Matrix had originally been a manga comic, this may well have been what Neo would have worn. If you look closely at the cloth, you’ll see not only patterns reminiscent of circuit boards, but snatches of letters and numbers very nicely integrated.

Its composite parts are similar to that of Gaku-Gen, flared trousers, open robe top and skirt-layer robe bottom, but there is no t-shirt. It is meant to be worn open to the chest, and thus the upper part of the robe is on the shirt-layer rather than on the jacket-layer to give the sleeves the added bulk. I think adding a simple black t-shirt underneath enhances the cyberpunk aura. Kai-Rou costs 30L$ and is available in 4 colours. The packages include a prim belt, in three sizes (not pictured).

You’ll find the main Discord shop at Nanba Osaka Japan (138, 63, 31).

Photos taken at HappyDispatch (141, 31, 36).

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). Freebie "Linden Labs Male Korean Avatar" hair by unknown (NCI). Scripted colour-change "Aviator 1" sunglasses by Damanios Thetan (Collection Damani). AFantasy Harley Engineering Boots in black by Lightwave Valkyrie (AFantasy).

Entry Filed under: Casual, Costumes, Discord, Fantasy, Novelty, Outfits, Robes