Men's Second Style

In 1949 George Orwell’s cautionary tale against totalitarianism and democratic socialism was published. Within the world of the novel 1984, social and political upheaval have resulted in a dystopian future. Institutional propaganda, complete subordination to political cause, sexual oppression, concentration camps and leader worship (Big Brother) weigh down on the masses. Personal expression is a crime.

Though his main store location is influenced by the novel and movie, Broder Kubrick’s creations attempt to break away from the standard issue to provide his own brand of gritty clothing and accessories in BroGear. The derelict shop is situated within an isolated, stone-set market amid large Stalin-esque banners of Broder, His Supreme Imminence, that warn “Big Broder is Watching” and “War is Peace; Freedom is Slavery; Ignorance is Strength”. As shoppers peruse the goods within, loudspeakers intermittently blaze with news of wartime progress.

Among the store’s newest product array are the Trampler boots (299L or 750L/3-pack). Buckle strapped and combat-ready, the footwear is available in black, brown, and punk (with checkered cuffs and strapping) – each with their own optional knee pads. The soft, dull leather texturing lends to a well-worn appearance as well as the grime and tarnish on the exterior steel toe caps. Pair these up with the Black Label collection to add to your guerrilla wardrobe.

I recently had an opportunity to throw some questions at Broder regarding his store, his products, and his Tramplers.

MSS: Describe yourself in general.
Broder: Uh well, in general just kinda … I dunno, there’s a small section in my picks about me. But, hm, other than that I just like to have a good laugh occasionally, but sometimes enjoy getting very serious. I’m by no means a workaholic, but get worried when I’m not making something. Oh, and I can be a dork.

MSS: How long have you been creating stuff for BroGear?
Broder: Hmm … around 3 or 4 months. That would be the very start.

MSS: How would you describe your store in general and the types of products you carry?
Broder: At the moment grunge / urban accessories and clothing with a few military inspired products.

MSS: What prompted you to make the Tramplers?
Broder: I wanted to make a new pair of boots for the store, basically. So after a few failed attempts I ended up with these ones. I also noticed a lack of people making unique boots, seeing the same boots everywhere. So, thought I might as well just give it a shot.

MSS: As the designer, what do you feel are the unique aspects of this footwear?
Broder: The huge metal cap at the toe is something I don’t think I have seen much of in SL. Also the straps coupled with the buckles is kinda unique. The boots have a military feel to them, but in more of a dystopian / Equilibrium sense.

MSS: Your store concept is really innovative. Care to describe it? – The motivation and the overall experience you want shoppers to have as a result of it.
Broder: Well, I guess I wasn’t really thinking much about the shopper experience … but the inspiration behind it was obviously the novel 1984 … and movie, obviously. Come to think of it, it’s probably not the best to have intimidating propaganda everywhere. But really, just think of any broken dystopian, totallitarian rule and you’ll get my store.

Within coming weeks Broder’s aspiration for his store is to establish it as a retail presence synonymous with quality accessories in Second Life. With affordable prices, custom textures, and the acceptance of the MetaCard payment system Broder is on his way to infiltrating your inventory. Pick up your counter military apparel at BroGear’s main store @ Isle of Tharen (38, 171, 33).