Okay, I know you guys probably expected to see Serene by now, but I’ve got to tell you–and any good SL developer probably guessed this from glancing at the design sketch–but this one is posing some challenges in the way the shirt is done.  I could go the Celestial Studios route like they did with the adorable “Hana” set and make the flowy, open shirt in flexi panels, but it wouldn’t really match the design. Still, the only other route is a sculpty shape, which would not flow and would cut through the arms. That’s something I don’t really want to do. So I’m still not exactly sure what to do. I’m thinking perhaps two large flexi panels, one in front and one in back. They’d have to be angled pretty steeply so as not to cut through the body, though. And as anyone can see, that doesn’t exactly match the sketch.

So as a designer I’m struck with a serious dilemma: which option is most loyal to the original sketch?

I’m sure I’ll figure it out through trial and error, but you guys know that as an artist, it’s more important to me to experiment and get as close as possible than it is to compromise. I’m not trying to go the path of least resistance. As a new designer, I want to prove myself through these difficult challenges. :D

So look for Serene soon… and feel free to offer your expertise or insight as a developer or an avid fashionista!

x.o.
Naoki

Okay, for lack of a better name. I wasn’t ready to jump on most of the things in my sketchbook, but this one looks like fun, so off we go. I’m thinking this one will be available in several colors, but they’ll all just be in the regular L$250 version since it’ll be easy. Gold braided embroidery, jeans, belt. Sound good? Good.

This set for the lady-about-town has a flair of the old-fashioned. With gossamer fabric gathered at the bustline, glass buttons that go all the way up to the collar under an optional shirt ruffle, and a navy halfcoat with rolled up cuffs, you’re sure to impress your colleagues and coworkers with your classy femininity.

The set includes:
-Two blouses, creme and white
-Two optional flexi-prim ruffles for both blouses
-A navy-colored jacket
-Prim cuffs for the upper arm (you can go without them if you like)
-Two pairs of pinstriped pants, black and navy — features satin pocket linings and a side zipper. Comes in regular and tight versions (for boots).
-The full jacket/blouse combo in both colors on all layers.

The whole set is mod/copy. Make all the changes you like, but save before you do so.
All possible layers are included for full layerability.

In case anyone thought I wasn’t working on Fairweather like I mentioned, please know that not only am I working on it, it is killing me. “It’ll be so much easier than the last one,” I said. “It will be quick and it’ll be on the shelves like that,” I said. I was so full of crap.

People underestimate the elusive power of hand-painted gathered folds. I think I learned something, for sure, but the first few tries I looked at, I would have rather put my eye out with a rusty spork than to have put it on the shelves for you guys. I take not sucking very seriously and this was not up to par. So, rest assured, now the roughest bit is over (knock on wood) and it should be ready fairly soon.

This is the disadvantage of working alone and not building a fashion line based on real world designs. It takes for-farking-ever and you feel guilty for making everyone wait on your slow ass. Still, I promise the wait will be worth it. Every new product offers me new “a-ha” moments (predating a period of time which sees me with a few bruises on my forehead), and those a-has spell quick-like-a-bunny work on future undertakings.

x.o.
Naoki

P.S. Our model-bot has moved to the Land of Hope shop. Catch her at the help desk. You can leave her messages for me, if you like — if you’re feeling lazy and don’t want to look me up.

Update: Both the white and creme versions of the blouse are complete! ^_^ Phew. Had an a-ha I’ll be sharing in a tutorial with you guys later. Just need to do the ruffles and la blouse est fini.

Update the second: Both blouses, optional ruffles, jacket, jacket cuffs done. Working on pants now. Phew. It’s always harder than I expect.

I’ve always been inspired by strong female characters in fantasy literature and video games, and playing Jeanne d’Arc for the PSP recently had me intrigued by the magical-girl quality of the heroine’s transformations in the game. Simply put, I’m a sucker for the combination of lace, frills, and armor. It’s a pretty rare combination, but when I see it, I’m spellbound.

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