These days, when it seems like everyone in SL fashion is taking themselves way too seriously, it is delightful to be reminded of just why I play virtual paper dolls. Recently, while scouting for a costume for a party, I discovered something I’ve been looking for since I was thirteen years old.
It’s quite possible you may not recognize this dress. You are not necessarily a child of the 80s with a crush on all things fantasy. But ever since I first saw this sequence from the movie Legend which features Mia Sara dancing with (and being seduced by) a gothtastic gown, my id has been muttering a low, guttural Gollum-like cry of “mine.” And now, thanks to the SL dress-up goddesses and Natalia Zelmanov of Sirena, it is now my precious!
Like many costumes, it’s not a 100% success. Those nummy gossamer arm drapes are not represented, and there are some elements that could use a little tweaking. I should mention: I could care less. The wicked-witch delish high collar, the cleavage that dips all the way down to Paris, the black and gold decadence of the original intent is well represented in goth girly scrumptiousness. The skirting is also a triumph. It doesn’t suffer from the wretched pangs of transparency bug ruination (is LL ever going to address that crap?) because it is actually two different attachments - effectively layering the skirt and creating smooth movement without the woes of most formal-length offerings today. The texturing might be that “lather, rise, repeat” style that is unfortunate in SL dressmaking, but in this instance, where we’re dealing with folds and ripples of black satin, it just works.
Also at Sirena, you’ll find some fabulously innovative scripted hairstyles. The one I paired with my Dark Lily is called Seduction and it has been my favorite fashion toy over the last several days. When you purchase Seduction, or a similar style, you’re effectively getting two styles in one shot. The base wig comes in colorpacks of four shades, with each shade presented in three different sizes. Each size has corresponding hair sticks (sister styles might come with barrettes, etc). When the hair sticks are worn, the style changes to an updo. To revert to original long hair, simply remove the sticks. You can set it so that only you (the owner) can remove the hair sticks or allow anyone to do so - making your hair a target for friends and mischievous strangers to play with. The hair shows as no-mod in your inventory due to the scripting, but I was able to resize and re-texture it with no problem. It must be said, it was really a treat to get the wigs in three different “start off” sizes.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the faboo skin I’m wearing is from Fleur and the necklace that compliments the ensemble so delightfully is a previously reviewed gem from Miriel.
Now if anyone can tell me where I can find the ball gown from Labyrinth…
Where To Buy
Black Lily Gown - L$195
Various Scripted Hairstyles - L$195
Sirena
http://slurl.com/secondlife/West%20Sunset/160/50/22
Medallion Necklace (gold and jet) - L$250
Miriel
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Nouveau/117/202/23
Vivant Gothique Nova 1 Skin - L$500
Fleur
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Fleur/54/118/27
Thank you for the wonderful review, Salome
Heehee dont forget to try the newest styles (they play an animation when you change styles 
)
Comment by Natalia Zelmanov — June 19, 2008 @ 1:50 am
Salome!!
This is so great…and it gave me a squeal, because this past Halloween, I went to a part dressed as Lily!! Not the same costume, but I thought I should share the one I found…just for comparison…and because I thought you might enjoy it. AND FYI, my date for the night went as the demon =P I LUV costumes… and Legend is one of my fave movies, I obsessed over the dancing dress scene, so I know the feeling you describe perfectly!!
Not sure I can put a pic here…hmmm…. going to give you the link to the image on my flickr….
http://www.flickr.com/photos/felicityblumenthal/2591089235/
(It does come complete with everything you see, including the HAIR **which I thought was done very well** - - you don’t get a skin…I HAD one that was great, black lipstick and all…dunno where it is in my inventory)
Comment by Felicity Blumenthal — June 19, 2008 @ 3:49 am
I smiled when I saw this blog entry …. that dress was one of the first ones I bought when I joined SL a year and a half ago. I had no idea it was from a RL movie, but one of my best gal pals had an epic light saber battle while I was wearing it and it so perfectly suits the evil tyrant persona I like to demonstrate.
You know …… when I’m not shopping.
Comment by Cliothe Luo — June 19, 2008 @ 3:22 pm
Phew. I thought I was the only one to go “SQUEE! Legend!” when I saw the pics! I’m old…..
And Salome….I love it that you’re wearing your glasses with it! (My avatar also feels nekkid without her glasses)
Comment by Alyx Sands — June 19, 2008 @ 8:37 pm
Oooh! I looooooved Legend as a kid. I watched it (and Labryth, btw) incessantly. SO running out to buy Dark Lily’s dress. Right. Now.
You know what else I’d love? Her hair from the Happy Lily scenes. I have yearned for that delicate gold-net headpiece thingy she wears my entire childhood-into-adult life. I wanted to wear it for my wedding, but alas. Never found one.
Does anyone know where Virtual Me could snap-up something like that? Does anyone even know what I’m talking about? lol
Comment by Meg Zhao — June 23, 2008 @ 4:22 pm
“Labyrinth” … nice spelling.
More coffee obviously necessary.
Comment by Meg Zhao — June 23, 2008 @ 4:24 pm