Review: Gaslights Emporium by Vincente Shepherd

August 24th, 2007 at 06:51pm Ryan Darragh

The New Babbage Victorian steampunk region came to my attention by way of the New Babbage build on this year’s Relay For Life track. It was while exploring in Babbage Square that I discovered Gaslights Emporium, a men’s clothing and accessories shop featuring designs by Vincente Shepherd. The shop itself is fairly new, and some items are new within the last week or two. Here you can find everything you need to outfit yourself as a proper Victorian gentleman, from clothing to accessories–and a few toys as well.

The Gentleman’s Suit (L$400) is available in your choice of Blue, Green, Black, Claret (shown), Brown and Charcoal. It includes jacket, trousers, shirt, waistcoat, flexi coat bottom and prim bowtie. Vincente is currently making these available on a “buy one, get one free” basis–details are available in the shop.

This suit is a complete outfit unto itself–you need add only shoes. If you find that you have nothing suitable in your wardrobe, you can pick up a pair of Gentleman’s Formal Black Shoes or Gentleman’s Formal Spats in the shop, free of charge. The trousers have a traditional button closure, and the black waistcoat contrasts nicely with the crisp white shirt and the jacket’s simple but rich fabric texture that resembles heavy, densely woven wool. Overall, the look is quite dapper.

With this suit I’m also wearing Vincente’s Gold Magnifying Spectacles (L$125; also available in Silver) and the Gentleman’s Pocket Watch (L$200). Both are detailed prim accessories that enhance the air of gentlemanly refinement and sophistication. The Battery Cane (L$250) isolates an elaborate copper energy storage cell in the carved hardwood handle and includes optional animation override with four different stands and one walk, all carefully designed for authenticity and smooth, natural accommodation of the cane. Animation stands are available in the shop, so you can demo the animations before purchase. You can see some of the stand poses in the accompanying pictures.

The Gentleman’s Greatcoat (L$175) comes in Black (pictured here), Brown, Crimson and Indigo. The set includes jacket, prim cuffs and flexi coat bottom. The knee-length coat bottom is moddable but comes at its smallest possible size and cannot be sized down, only up. However, it fits me just fine and my avatar is fairly slim. I did mod the color a little darker, to more closely match the jacket top on my monitor. You’ll find the same heavy wool fabric texture, and the longer flexi coat bottom sways nicely with your movements.

The Hydraulic Cane (L$250), like the Battery Cane, includes optional stand and walk animation override. Three canes are actually included in each set: one with no animation override, one with all animations, and one that leaves out the “over the shoulder” pose you see at left. A detailed gold inset symbolizes the pipes and plumbing of water-powered machinery.

Slightly less formal than the Gentleman’s Suit is the Evening Suit (L$400), available in Claret, Indigo (shown here), Charcoal and Brown. The set includes jacket, trousers, double-breasted waistcoat, formal Victorian undershirt and prim cravatte. The cravatte is cleverly designed such that, when properly positioned, it appears to tuck under the waistcoat.

For a touch of richness, the set of Brocade Waistcoats (L$100) includes four different colors: Black, Blue, Crimson and Gold (pictured). The luxurious fabric is simply cut and finished off with a double row of covered buttons. Perfect for your dissolute mornings, afternoons, evenings and nights of sipping absinthe and musing on why she left you, and pondering the futility of it all.

For fun and enjoyment, you may enjoy the decidedly un-futuristic Compressed-Steam Rocket Pack (L$200). Like all the best toys, it serves no practical purpose–there is no speed boost or flight enhancement of any kind. It’s just for looks, but such looks they are! Its copper tanks are carefully strapped to contain the immense pressures within; mysteriously flickering exhaust spouts and gleams safely behind you in flight.

As if all that weren’t enough, you can also get a free War of the Worlds fighting machine! It’s not scripted for animation, but it is lovingly designed and and constructed with period-appropriate details suitable to the era of H. G. Wells’ novel. And you can sit in the captain’s seat.

A sign prominently displayed in the shop informs customers of Vincente’s availability for inquiries or assistance with fitting. He was most gracious and helpful to me while I was fitting his garments in preparation for this review.

All of these items and more are available at Gaslights Emporium (Babbage Square 98, 29, 25). You’ll need to fly or walk around to get there from the arrival point; the shop is located in an alleyway near the church.

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

Notes: On Ryan: FORM skin by Zabitan Assia (FORM). "Gabriel" hair by Lost Thereian (Naughty). Old Shoes by Fallingwater Cellardoor (Shiny Things).

Entry Filed under: Coats,Designer Reviews,Dressy,Eyewear,Fantasy,Formal,Gaslights Emporium,Jackets,New Items,Period,Steampunk,Suits,Vests