New : Bunch of new versions for “Style” Dress Shoes @ FNKY

May 1st, 2007 at 07:57pm Ben Vanguard

Today, another episode of the adventures of Ben and his quest for male shoes in SL. This is absolutely not a joke! We poor men, so much in need of decent shoes, and with so little choice in world. It’s no secret that I harrass the shoe designers, always with the same question: “When will you release new male shoes?!!” I know, I know, I’m impossible when it comes to shoes!

Funk Schnook has been treated that way too, I’m ashamed to admit. I’m sure you already know his Prada-like shiny black shoes, so realistic and perfectly designed (see Zarithi Federko’s review on October 2006).

The “Style” shoes are just amazing: perfectly balanced, with sophisticated détails (you can find leather IN the shoes, the sole is beautiful and shows a red insert, sign of a well known RL brand). Excellent textures give a totally “genuine leather” feeling.

Everybody loves these shoes. Everybody wished to have more colors. Some people thought it would be great if the shininess was a little less “show off.”

One day I was talking with Funk about his new Antonio skin, and I made the conversation shift to the shoes (hehehe!). “We absolutely need more colors for your Prada-like shoes, Funk!” I said, and Funk answered that it would not be so simple, that adding new textures would not be enough. For him, the shoes were not totally flawless, and a color other than black would show the flaws (did I mention that Funk is totally obsessed by quality and details? No? Now I have!). So, in order to release more colors, he would have to totally rebuild the shoe.

I just sighed very heavily, showing a deep sadness and desperation (it could work, it’s free to try )

And a few weeks later, my wishes, and the wishes of tons of you guys, were realized.

The huge new release of the “Style” shoes range was waiting for us!

Gentlemen, you wanted more colors? You now have seven. Some asked for a little less shininess? The shininess is now modifiable by menu on three levels. But there’s more — a gift that nobody dared to ask for: the shoes now come in four versions.

Yes, 4 versions by 7 colors by 3 degrees of shininess. Not mentioning three sizes for each combination. Is there a volunteer to do the math? 28 pairs of different shoes, 252 models counting sizes and variable shininess. Nothing less! I can’t imagine the amount of work Funk did for that release. The man is a hard worker for sure!

Lets see the details:

“Style - Plain,” the classic one, the most versatile, wearable on all occasions, casual, official, semi-formal even. The simplicity of his form shows beautifully the quality of the design.

“Style - Penny,” a cool variation of the original model, for a change, and maybe a little more dressy look.

“Style - Buckle,” with a discreet buckle, very elegant and appealing. Would match perfectly an everyday suit, a pair of khakis and a shirt, and even a pair of (clean) jeans!

“Style Laces,” the most formal model of the collection. Perfect with a suit and even a tuxedo, this version adds a real touch of class to any outfit.

The colors match all the need we can have for dress shoes: black, brown, tan, reddish, blue, cream and white.

The three sizes will satisfy all the various needs, and avatars of all sizes will find their perfect shoe fit.

Last but not least, the menu driven shininess control. OMG. I wish I could have the same in RL! Imagine, with a click on each shoe, a menu appears and asks you to choose between three levels of polish. 100% hassle free. I love that! The superior level is equivalent to the shininess found in the original black model; the others will ravish those who were waiting for a more discreet glow.

You can buy one or more of the 28 models (4 forms in 7 colors, remember) for 600 L$. Funk offers packs including 7 colors of each form for the bargain price of 3000 L$. Each pair includes 3 sizes and offers the menu driven shininess control. Each pair comes with two complimentary pairs of socks, white and black. Gentlemen, don’t forget the socks!

These shoes are positioned in the high end range, and the prices reflect it.

You can pick yours up at FNKY and Cake main store: FNKY Cake (128, 45, 24)

Assets: the impeccable style and design, the very wide choice of colors and versions, the modable shininess… all!

Liabilities: I feel forced to find one, so maybe the price, a bit too high compared to the few similar products we can find on the market … But, in my humble opinion, the only liability is the lack of a mega-pack including all the versions in all the colors at a very special price!

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

Notes: On Ben : FNKY! Five Ohs - Black Fade (LowRise/Tight) jeans

Entry Filed under: Business, Casual, Designers, Dressy, FNKY!, Formal, New Items, Shoes