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Name of Ensemble: Laureate

Creator: Darwin Mizser

Colour(s) Available: Black & White only

Shoppe: AVid

Number of Pieces: 16 plus 5 piece shoes

Variations Within Ensemble: 2 shirt colours (black and white), 2 coats (open and closed), and two frock coat tail lengths

Textures: High quality original, some familiar (from this creator), some new. Excellent “being worn” appearance with wrinkles, highlights and shadows in all the right places.

Prim Components: Shoes are of the “platform chunky” variety, the collar well formed, the frock coat tail pieces stiff but nicely styled, the belt carries delightful detail (almost entrancing), the cane utilizes nice textures and the “coat sleeves” are an excellent extension of the gloves.

Permissions: Transfer, most pieces modify. I had to stretch the belt and the frock coat tail pieces smaller, and to my delight found the components easily modified and therefore took on the shape I required.

Comments:

Newly released from AVid, Laureate is the first men’s ensemble in some time from Miss Mizser. While I do not begrudge her recent passion for creating some exquisite lady’s fashions, I have been rather keen on acquiring something new from one of my favourite designers. My prayers were answered yesterday, and I was certainly not disappointed.

In keeping with AVid’s unique “gothic” theme, Laureate is an excellent blend of goth and a dash of period, as exhibited in the frock coat and cane attachment. One of the reasons I enjoy AVid’s ensembles so much is that Miss Mizser pays particular attention to the lining of her coats, either by way of the appearance of a true lining, or by using textures that highlight the rich feel of the fabric. This outfit has a strong sense of brocade and velvet (or short brushed fur).

The textures on the trousers are of a subtle floral design, perfectly wrinkled in all the right places, adding realism. Initially I had intended to dispense with the belt, believing it to be a bit too much for me, but then I rather began to like it and before too long decided it was definitely a “keeper”.

The prim collar sits perfectly and flows very well with the coat. The texturing of the coat, again, adds considerable realism to the ensemble.

The cane attachment fixes to the left hip by default, and there is no option to wear it in your hand unless you make the modification yourself. The cane, in my opinion, looks quite fine on the hip even if some individuals confuse it for a lengthy riding crop — although, that might merely lend itself to your image, yes? Choose from a black or white shirt, as the mood strikes you. The waistcoat is finely textured. In the image above you can see the detail of the belt as well.

Personally not being overly fond of square or “platform chunky” shoes, I matched this ensemble with the boots from RFyre’s “Regent Black”. The coat comes in two lengths, and the above is pictured with the longer of the two, which is my preference with its unique cut and style.

As a furry, the belt vanishes in lieu of one’s tail. However, the outfit works quite well without the belt. The above picture is seen with the black shirt, open coat, and the shorter frock coat tail.

The boots with extra prim laces are seen above.

While reasonably suitable for this fox avatar, I believe Laureate is more appropriate to a human avatar.

In conclusion, this is a wonderful ensemble with numerous individual pieces (even underwear) that would afford plenty of flexibility in being paired up with pieces from other ensembles (from this and other creators).

Other Details:

Photos taken in Topiary Garden of Dance & Delight

Human avatar

• Hair - VanDyke (LightBlond) by Six Kennedy of GuRL 6
• Skin - Gabriel Ghost (Shaved) by Lost Thereian of Naughty Designs
• Eyes - Blue Opal by Miriel Enfield of Miriel
• Spectacles - Plume by Nibb Tardis of primOptic

Fox avatar

• Avatar - Arctic Fox by Cheetah Kitty
• Hair - The Dauphin (Blonde) by Siyu Suen of Illusions
• Spectacles - Plume by Nibb Tardis of primOptic

Some time last year I had aspirations of creating an in-world regular magazine of reviews and relevant information for the Gentleman shopper (and Ladies who assist their gentlemen). Unfortunately, the amount of work involved in creating an ongoing publication that was appropriate and timely was beyond the time available to me for such an endeavour. Still possessing the desire to offer this information, albeit via a more casual and less pressing venue, I have opted for an Internet Blog to convey my vision.

Please read the About & Disclaimer page for more details regarding the intent and purpose of this blog. I am aware of at least one other blog with a similar goal and focus on men’s attire, however, it is my hope that there is room for more.

Thank you for taking the time to read. Suggestions, as always, are welcome.