New: Gothic temptations @ Crimson Shadow

April 12th, 2008 at 10:33am Ryan Darragh

I’ve come to be a great admirer of goth clothing by several SL designers–Draconic Lioncourt, Raven Pennyfeather and kaia Ennui, just to name a very few. This isn’t a genre I explore in RL–I couldn’t possibly afford to do it properly, and on top of that I now feel I’ve been spoiled by the richness of what’s available in SL. I worry that RL designs even remotely accessible to me might earn only a “Meh” in response. This is a consequence I did not foresee when I first left Help Island. They should warn you in advance.

Ah well, screw it. RL may be day-to-day and mundane, but SL doesn’t have to be. Consider “Adrien” and “Gabriel,” two new designs created exclusively for Crimson Shadow by Draconic Kiss designer Draconic Lioncourt. A surface description would make these two ensembles sound more alike than not: jacket, shirt, vest and pants, with prim cuffs and flexi tails for the jacket. It’s true, and unsurprising, that they have some design elements in common: simple black shirt and pants; sumptuous, baroquely patterned vests; flexi falls at the wrists. Anyone can look at either and see Draconic’s loving, bloody kiss. And yet the two are at least as different as they are alike.

Perhaps the most immediately obvious difference is that Adrien features a shorter, less formal coat while Gabriel’s is longer. Adrien’s shorter coat may less dramatic, but it’s no less impressively textured and finished. Glossy black buttons flank the coat’s front opening, shining with temptation like poisoned anise candy. The shorter tails make for an entirely different silhouette, more rogueish dandy than lord of the castle. This is echoed in the flexi lace that spills from the jacket’s cuffs–dandified, to be sure, perhaps even effeminate, but never assume that such a sleeve doesn’t conceal an experienced blade. You may realize your error too late, and to your everlasting regret.

I find myself torn between the jacket and the vest and cannot possibly say which is more beautifully textured. Is it the jacket, with its smart lapels and bright buttons? Or could it be the vest, with its bold crimson brocade and carefully imexact placement over the shirt’s simply knotted necktie? I am blessed in that I need not choose, at least not permanently.

Gabriel’s coat (and it is more properly a coat, not a jacket) falls regally to the floor in a sweep of dark tapestry, befitting his status as archangel, tainted and fallen though he may be here. Adrien may well enjoy the luxury and freedom of his naive and unencumbered existence, but Gabriel has power, and power brings obligation. The somber coat allows no hint of the deep-red vest to show, buttoned closed as it is to avoid unnecessary, unrestrained, undignified display.

Even the fabric of the flexi cuffs is somewhat more reserved here–not lace, but delicately rather than boldly patterned fabric. It may seem plain at first glance, but its deep luxury is apparent upon closer inspection. The simple, dignified top hat is cleanly textured, and its classic lines are devoid of additional ornamentation.

Adrien and Gabriel are priced at L$400 each. Permissions are Modify / Copy / No Transfer.

Tox1c Chemistry takes us in a markedly different direction with his “Myth” ensemble, also available at Crimson Shadow. The set includes shirt, pants, layered flexi tails that turn the shirt into a striking robe, and prim shoes. Aside from the angular lines that give it a vaguely Eastern, almost samurai-warrior profile, the look here is simply more casual. It feels to me almost like the goth equivalent of lounging attire. This is borne out by the included shoes, which are more like lightweight crepe-soled slippers than heavier, more substantial shoes.

The shirt in particular is remarkably detailed, with tapestry-patterned fabric and laces that look like flowing liquid metal criss-crossing the open front. If you look closely, you can see that the pants share some of the flexi robe’s artwork, which includes elaborate scrollwork designs and a repeated bat-shaped crest. A blood-red stone glows at each bat’s heart, the only hint of color in view.

Myth can be purchased for L$500. Permissions are Modify / Copy / No Transfer.

These designs are all available at Crimson Shadow (Rezzable 193, 227, 25).

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

Notes: On Ryan: FORM skin by Zabitan Assia (FORM). "Nick" hair by machang Pichot (AOHARU). Oslo boots by Eponymous Trenchmouth (JCS Shoes). Gold Diamond Celtic Ring by Alyssa Bijoux (Alyssa Bijoux Jewelry; custom mod of her own original design).

Entry Filed under: Crimson Shadow, Dressy, Fantasy, Goth, New Items, Outfits