I do realize that some creators are likely attempting to project a contrast between clothing pieces by accenting a coat in silver and a vest in brass, but I do not feel such endeavours enhance the image of the entire ensemble. Such contrasts, if desired, are best fashioned by clever fabric texturing and styling. I’ve also contemplated that designers are using specific textures for the sake of simply using them without regard to metal clash over the entire outfit.

[Unzipped's Crimson Night Victorian Male -- click for larger image]

Unfortunately (for me), I’ve been seeing this metal combining in several outfits recently released. After my purchase of Unzipped’s Crimson Night Victorian Male, while a reasonably well put together ensemble, I was disappointed with the overall look due to the brass and silver accoutrement combination. Certainly, aspects can be worn with other outfits, and I even found tipping the metal scales with the inclusion of pocket watches or canes composed of one or the other metal diminished the distraction, but in the end I was still dissatisfied.

What prompted this blog post was AVID’s latest release, Black Heart. I’ve been a fan of AVID’s creations since nearly day one of their operation. The last couple of outfits (not since Verne, and Verne is a fabulous ensemble) have not thrilled me. When I initially laid eyes on Black Heart, of course the coat and cloak set me immediately into the realm of “must have, must TP now and buy”, but then I continued looking at the promo picture, attempting to figure out what caused me to pause. The reason was the contrasting metallic buttons — brass and silver. Had the ensemble been less expensive, I would have purchased it for the coat and cloak alone, but L$890 is a little steep for that.

[AVID's Black Heart -- click for larger image]

And so, I simply pressed Ctrl+H on my keyboard and returned home, without a new ensemble. It is my hope that AVID’s next men’s release will have me excited once more and that designers will be a little more mindful regarding clashing accoutrement metals.

Then again, it could simply just be me and I’m missing the next fashion trend. And if that is the case, I may have limited the quantity of new clothing acquisition in my future! The horror!

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Photo taken in My Photosphere