Review: Kari by Menno Ophelia

September 13th, 2008 at 11:23am Ryan Darragh

I was so impressed with the beautiful Emvee Cuba build by Menno Ophelia that I did “location photography” there for not just one but two of my recent posts–and I still haven’t exhausted all of its possibilities.  It seemed something of an interesting coincidence, then, when I heard about Menno’s new clothing and accessories shop, Kari.  It took me a few days (I got sidetracked by Hair Fair, so shoot me), but on my first visit to Menno’s shop I found myself grinning more often than not as I perused the eclectic selection.

“Kari has been in creation for over a year,” says Menno.  “My style is not the easiest to describe, but basically it is unisex clothes, sculpted shoes, accessories,  posed props and whatever I feel like making.  My influence comes from personal things I wear, like to wear and see on the streets [of Amsterdam] on a daily basis.”  I can only speak for myself, but I admire designers who follow their bliss, so to speak, simply creating things that appeal to them.  I honestly believe that, when a designer is excited, passionate and having fun, that shows through in their work.

“If you build it, they will come”?  Yeah, it’s a cliché, I know.  But still. 

The simple hoodie you see above comes in six colors (L$100 each); here I’m wearing Red (I can only imagine your surprise).  You get the jacket-layer garment plus sculpted cuffs and hood in small and large sizes.  The fabric texture looks soft and comfy, like velour.  Permissions are Modify / Copy / No Transfer.

Menno’s “Roborock” tees come in four different styles (L$90 each); “Turntable” is shown here.  Each depicts a different retro robotic figure constructed from vintage audio equipment; they share Robby the Robot’s thrown-together-from-junk feel.  The shirts can be worn tucked or untucked, and each is included in both regular and slightly “moth-eaten” versions.  Sculptie rolled cuffs complete the look.  Permissions are Modify / Copy / No Transfer.

The jeans here are called “The Rebel,” which seems an especially appropriate match with the red jacket.  They’re rather beat up, with rough-looking fabric, worn spots at the knees and noticeable fading.  Look closely and you’ll spot the “Kari” logo at the pocket.  Four different styles are available for L$100 each.  Permission are Modify / Copy / No Transfer; the size-scripted sculptie cuffs are No Modify / Copy / No Transfer.

If you’re thinking, “Hmm, high-tops–doesn’t everybody have them?”…I’d have trouble disagreeing.  There are a lot out there.  But I’d argue that it’s unfair to dismiss anyone’s effort as “more of the same” without first asking “What do they bring to the party?”  Menno’s high-tops come in eight styles (L$250 each).  ”Skull & Bones & Waves” is shown here, but my other favorite is “Stewed & Screwed & Tattooed”.  They’re realistically detailed, with canvas fabric and rubber toe caps that, um, aren’t exactly pristine.  It’s the unique artwork that really sells them and makes them work, though.  Permissions are No Modify/ Copy / No Transfer; they’re not scripted for size change, but large and small sizes are included for size-zero male and female feet.

I’m a sucker for prim accessories in general, but I have kind of a love/hate relationship with belts.  The thing is, they don’t always fit me very well.  All I feel for Menno’s belts is love, though–it might be the best fit I’ve ever gotten with a prim belt, and with my butt NOT dialed down to zero, I might add.  (My apologies if that’s just Too Much Information.)  Five decorated styles are available for L$100 each; “Skull & Bones” is shown here (hey, it goes with the sneaks!).  A pack of three undecorated belts in black, brown and white is also available.  Permissions are Modify / Copy / No Transfer; small and large starting sizes are included, as is a “curvy” belt designed with female shapes in mind.

The “Newsboy” cap shown here is one of ten different styles of hats and caps (L$150 each) on display at Kari.  Permission are Modify / Copy / No Transfer, and it’s scripted so you can choose from eight different tweed fabric colors at a touch.  I also really like the similarly scripted “Rudeboy” hat, which fits close to the skull and will surely play nicely only with close-cut prim hair.

The “Crate Digger” bag (L$200) takes me back to the good old days of Licorice Pizza record shops.  I know, I know–that dates me, but so be it.  The sculpted canvas bag comes in large and small sizes that are also differently shaped for male and female avatars.  Although simple stretch would only size down the bag so far, I found it simple to size the strap alone to fit me properly.  You can touch the bag to choose from six different artwork textures, and you’ll find a notepad (how quaint!) handily strapped to the side, along with a bottle of vinyl cleaner for keeping those ellpees pristine.  Curious eyes can peek peek inside to check out your haul.

The fire hydrant (L$250) is also one of Menno’s creations.  It’s scripted for color change and includes three different selectable sit poses.  It’s one of a handful of quirky set pieces you can try out in the shop and take home if they tickle your fancy.

You can read more about Kari designs release in Menno’s blog.  Demos of prim items (either “try” or “buy”) are available in shop for your convenience.  All items are available at Kari (Daffodil Island 251, 244, 21).

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

Notes: On Ryan: Random skin by Garbage Prototype (Random). "Avant-Garde" hair by Kavar Cleanslate (Exile).

Entry Filed under: Accessories, Bags, Casual, Designer Reviews, Hats, Hoodies, Jeans, Kari, New Items, Shirts, Shoes