Originally inspired by a look-see @ the divine Miss Caliah Lyon's blog (an entry where she elaborated on the more "couture" looks from the fall/winter runways - looks she and others wished to see in SL), Jean-Paul Gaultier's incredible inspired runway collection, and bits and bobs from my favorite design houses (*hint: any of you interested in equestrian sports know this house :p)..."The Catwalk Collection" is a bit of an experiment! Lyra and I really tore some hair out trying to build with the grid being so wonky o.O We're incredibly pleased with the work this week, though, and what was so refreshing about it was the fact that we got to go a little crazy with detail work. Darting, seaming, boot stitching, and loads and loads of jodhpurs. I mean *who* doesn't love jodhpurs? ^_~ Enough verbage, on with the show!
All told, seven highly detailed and prim-packed outfit "sets" for women as well as three new pairs of boots and a stunning nod to Gothic religious jewelry by the lovely Lyra.
"Arachne" is a dramatic gown with a corset that alternates from paisley-printed silk to crocodile-embossed patent leather. It's closed with ebony ribbons and covers a bodice with a ruched bust and long, sculpted sleeves. There are 2 skirts - both a "skinny" skirt (for girls preferring a more 'evening gown' feel) and a "bustled" skirt. The skirt is adorned with scattered sequins and crystals for a bit of romance mixed with high drama. The posture collar is sculpted to dip in front and back with buckle accents - and crowning the top of it isa spray of flexi-feathers. To lay perfectly, feathers for the underside of the collar are on a mesh jacket layer.
"Irina" is a gown doreé with a sexy, exotic flare. The sheer black chiffon skirt appears to be "clipped" to the skirtbase with triangular filigree brooches. The arabesque pattern on the skirt is embossed with gold to match the foil corset bodice. The sheer cowl comes in layer options so that you can wear it with the epaulettes (which are decorated with flexi beading and a tassel), or without for a sleeker look.
"Equestria" is a riding suit inspired by the history of the sport and its various evolutions within fashion. "Je, je...suis libertine" crooned Mylene Farmer in the 80's and I found myself wishing someone made a realistic prim horse so that I could gallop in some vacant sim. Richly detailed, this coat is a perfect mix-and-match piece for elegance with or without the flexible tails (topped with a sculpted bow). The epaulettes and lace cuffs on the sculpted sleeve really do call to mind les libertines and the breeches come with sculpted legs for regular wear (as do each pair of breeches in this release).
"Dominica" is one of my favorite pieces of all-time. Probably because of the furry sculpted cuffs :p I'm fascinated by prim fuzz, what can I say? Detailed with crystals and embroidered lace, the set is topped with a sculpted bow above the tails. Something different, something unique, the coat is also fabulous with a pair of jeans and without the tails.
"Virginie" is another equestrian-inspired set. The velvet hunting jacket is detailed with darting and seaming all throughout its design. Sculpted cuffs come with and without lace. The jacket comes with 2 versions - one with a blouse and one without (for mixing and matching). To top off the blouse, I sculpted a little ruffled cravat. The gunmetal breeches come with puffed thighs (perfect for wear with boots) and sculpted legs for wear with a great pair of heels.
"Annak" is a sequined pair of black velvet pants paired with rich jewel-toned blouses. The gathered, curve-hugging blouses are adorned with a bejeweled oblong buckle, beading, sculpted epaulettes (with a silhouette reminiscent of eastern armor), and sculpted sleeves. The set also includes sculpted legs for regular wear - but I *highly* recommend the Nastassja furry boots by Lyra. Also shown in the ad (and also by Lyra) is the Kiska Gothic religious pendant. It's high fashion but it's got a bit of cheek thrown in there.
"Tilo" is the last of the outfits in the clothing release. A plunging neckline and back make the sharp colors of this set really pop against flesh tones. Each blouse includes sculpted puffed epaulettes, sculpted sleeves with chains hanging from the cuff (remember each set is copiable & modifiable - so you can pull the chains off of a copy for a less themed look), and a posture collar with coordinating scarves and chains draping down the back. The breeches come ready to wear with the gorgeous Melisande boots Lyra is releasing, or with the alternative sculpted legs provided.
Covet & Vamp have a fabulous release that perfectly coordinates with the eastern/equestrian feel of much of the "Catwalk Collection." Kiska is perfect for plunging necklines and is available accented with several different gemstones. Liah, Nastassja, & Melisande each make a strong case for wardrobe presence. The boots come in four rich leathers - coordinating perfectly in tone with the clothing release!
You'll find the new releases on the "NEW" wall at Last Call, the jewelry in Covet, and the fantastic boots in Vamp.
Skin: (Deviant Nation by Celestial Studios for Last Call) - Last Call - Fishnet (retired); (Deviant Nation by Celestial Studios for Last Call) - Celestial - Empyrean (available at Last Call)
Hair: "Europa" in chestnut - by Stumbelina Ophelia of Cake (tinted with the RGB: 255 84 84); "The Asymmetrical" in light blonde - by Elikapeka Tiramisu of ETD (soon to be retired from ETD - the "Couture Collection")