Men’s Corner: RFL in style

July 3rd, 2008 at 09:23am Ryan Darragh

Chances are that you’ve at least heard of Relay For Life, the annual overnight fundraising walk benefiting the American Cancer Society. The event is designed to further awareness of cancer prevention, treatments and cures; to remember those who have been lost to cancer and celebrate survivors; and to raise money for ongoing cure research. The Second Life embodiment of this effort is Relay For Life of Second Life. In 2007, through the efforts of 40 teams RFL of SL raised a grand total of over L$118,000!

One fundraising method is supported by inworld designers and content creators who donate original creations—anything from clothing and accessories to vehicles, buildings and furniture—to be made available for a donation to the cause. Some of these designs may be created exclusively for and available only during the event. This month I’m featuring just a handful of designs for men, in a variety of styles, which prove you can be stylish while supporting a worthy cause. Please note that all “prices” are donation amounts that go directly to benefit Relay For Life. Some of these items may also be found at other locations in addition to the ones I’ve noted here.

For casual wear, it’s hard to beat the wide range of men’s fashions by Jesseaitui Petion. His V-top tees (L$100 each) benefiting RFL of SL 2008 are textured and shaded for unisex wear, come in a variety of colors and feature different themed designs. Here you see “Can Cure” in Berry and “Hope” in Deep Sky. The rich colors are strong and clear, and the bold graphics are easy to read without zooming in. These shirts come on the jacket layer for comfortable untucked wear. Available at Aitui (Aitui 200, 182, 23).

The Cowboy Hat for a Cure (L$50) by Tawney Bian may be just one sculpted prim, but it’s handsomely shaped and touch scripted for easy resizing. The dark grey texture of the hat itself is stylized rather than highly photorealistic—it could be leather or felted wool—and the classic two-tone hatband catches the eye with its smart styling. The front of the crown features a bright pink ribbon design, the international symbol of breast cancer awareness. Available at Haute Style & Co. (Haute Couture 151, 188, 22).

If gothic designs are more your style, the Avenging Angel necklace for men (L$499) by BastChild Lotus may fit right into your wardrobe. BastChild has used highly detailed primwork to create an elaborate ironwork cross, studded with dark rubies and suspended on delicate chain links. The central ruby glints occasionally with subtle and actually very attractive bling. This piece is a limited edition design available exclusively during Relay For Life 2008—gold and silver versions are available for purchase in the shop. Available at LaPointe & BastChild Designs (Evocative 34, 153, 24).

For formal occasions, consider the “Hope” Tails Tux (L$400) by swaffette Firefly. This classy ensemble includes a formal dress shirt, vest, and jacket with flexi tails. The crisp white shirt sets off the luxurious double-breasted vest, which has been fashioned boldly in pink as a symbol of cancer awareness.  The vest is finished in back with cool, smooth satin.  You can accessorize with either the matching prim bowtie or the sculpted cravat, secured very properly with a silver cravat pin. A gold watch chain completes the look and coordinates nicely with the vest’s decorative buttons. Available at SF Design (Innisfree 134, 49, 538).

Summer’s just around the corner, which means it’s time to break out the beachwear. Posy Trudeau’s new Retro Swim Trunks (L$150 each) come in three different designs:  Cowabunga, Hang Ten, and Island Boy (my favorite, shown here).  The baggy legs are sculpted prims textured to match the pants-layer trunks, and for extra realism there’s a prim string tie. You could wear the trunks without the baggy prim legs, but honestly I can’t imagine why you would want to. I noticed that, for the ladies, Posy has also created bikinis and prim beach bags with a variety of summertime supplies. Available at PiP City (PiP City 128, 128, 25).  This and other beach gear can be found, appropriately enough, down by the beach–look for the tiki torches.

This selection barely begins to scratch the surface of the wide range of designs being offered in return for a donation to Relay For Life. Be on the lookout for the distinctive purple-and-white RFL vendors used for these items. Many designers have vendors out in their stores for their own items, but you can also use inworld Search (look for “RFL” and “Relay For Life”) to find collaborative shopping areas featuring a variety of items from different designers.

RFL of SL will conclude with the sims-wide Relay event itself on Saturday, July 19.

This is an expanded version of the Men’s Corner column originally published in Second Style Magazine (Issue #20).

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

Notes: On Ryan: "Advance" skin, "Sway" hair and Classic Jeans by Jesseaitui Petion (Aitui). FORM skin by Zabita Assia (FORM). Carnal Fiber suit by kaia Ennui (Nocturnal Threads). Surf’s Up tanks by Antonia Marat (Artilleri). Dress Oxfords by Eponymous Trenchmouth (JCS Shoes). Kaimana Sea and Shore men’s jewelry by Caliah Lyon (Muse).

Entry Filed under: Aitui, BastChild Lotus, Casual, Dressy, Fantasy, Formal, Goth, Hats, Jewelry, Men's Corner, Miau Haus, SF Design, Shirts, Suits, Swimsuits, Tawney Bian