Elanthian Vogue/Imaerasta 5118

This is a creative work set in the world of Elanthia, attributed to its original author(s). It does not necessarily represent the official lore of GemStone IV.

Title: Elanthian Vogue: Imaerasta 5118

Author: The Looking Glass

This Month's Edition

Editor: The Editorial Team in the absence of Rohese Bayvel-Timsh'l

Editor's Thoughts

First things first, The Looking Glass and Editorial Team would like to formally apologise for the last-minute cancellation of FashionCon 5118. As sponsors of the event, we regret that due to unforeseen circumstances we were unable to host the Conference as hoped but it is still our intention to continue sharing the latest fashion news with you through the publication of Elanthian Vogue.

Secondly, I’m sure you’ve noticed that autumn is just around the corner. The change of season means different things to different people so this month’s edition explores the importance of fashion and its significance in our fall preparations. Everyone’s wardrobe could use a seasonal refresh so as well as looking at what the best-dressed are wearing at court, we have also asked members of the TownCrier team what it means to them. From sweeping hemlines, wide leg pants and shearling coats to heavily embellished bags, buckles and shoes, we hope to inspire you with our insights on this season’s trends.

Thirdly, did you know that you can also express your fashionable creativity AND save yourself some silvers at the same time by knitting your own items of clothing? We hope our Knitting FAQ will address any queries you might have about this fascinating hobby and get you started on your first project.

Lastly, don’t forget to send us your comments on any of the articles in this month’s publication or suggestions for future editions!

Editorial Team

The Importance of Fashion

"This stuff"? Oh, ok. I see, you think this has nothing to do with you. You go to your locker and you select out, oh I don’t know, that blue spidersilk cloak, for instance, because you’re trying to tell Elanthia that you take yourself too seriously to care about what you put on your back.  But what you don’t know is that that cloak is not just blue, it’s not turquoise, it’s not lapis, it’s actually cerulean.  You’re also blindly unaware of the fact that in 5102, Oskarrr Daylarenta did a collection of cerulean gowns. And then I think it was Eave SahnL'ran', wasn’t it, who debuted cerulean Illistim jackets? And then cerulean quickly showed up in the collections of eight different festival shops. Then it filtered down through the alteration merchants and then trickled on down into some tragic “town clothier” where you, no doubt, fished it out of some donation bin.  However, that blue represents millions of silvers and countless hours of work and so it’s sort of comical how you think that you’ve made a choice that exempts you from being a fashionista when, in fact, you’re wearing the spidersilk cloak that was selected for you by the people in this room. From a pile of “stuff.” ~ Extract from a conversation recently overhead in the Elanthian Vogue offices

[OOC: Adaptation of a quote from "The Devil Wears Prada" attributed to Mersenne, member of the TownCrier Team]

Dedicated followers of fashion are often met with a mix of derision and bemusement. “Why bother with all that stuff!” is a statement that has often been overhead by some, while others have actually been called “crazy” and publicly denigrated for their “fancy garb.”

Fashion should not be so readily dismissed; it is a word that has many hidden aspects and people follow it for a variety of reasons depending on their life style, personality and way of expressing themselves. Some even adopt fashion as a profession.

"By means of dress, the woman who is deprived of doing anything feels that she expresses what she is."

Fashion is ever-present in our lives. Even the clothing available from a small bazaar or peripatetic wagon is offered on the basis of the latest trends or consumer demands whereby designs are regularly updated to appeal to the discerning buyer. Perfect examples include the “Seasonal Specials” department of Elaraeyn's Boutique in Wehnimer's Landing and the carts that wander the streets of Mist Harbor. Popular events and festivals held throughout the year always contain an element of fresh and exciting fashion too with a focus on enticing customers with new and ingenious designs.

Modern day Elanthian designers, merchants, and clothing brands can gain celebrity-like status; their names regularly cited for the fun and unique styles they create. Requests are often made for their reappearance: Veola’s millinery, Yfane’s and Peretta’s gowns, Yansio’s apparel, or Elsia’s Fancy Coat's to name just a few.

Fashion plays an important role in society too. It not only allows us to define our own style but also helps to differentiate ourselves from others and be accepted. It allows us to express and define our personality, visually communicate our interests and tastes, and assist in our engagement with the general populace.

"Clothes and manners do not make the man; but when he is made, they greatly improve his appearance."

The key thing to remember is that fashion is always a matter of personal choice. It enables you to choose how you wish to present yourself to the world. It allows you to take risks and realise what you are comfortable with and what you dislike about yourself. There is nothing wrong in following trends and dressing to impress or to feel extra-special but it is important to never hide your true self.

So, wear the tallest Tall Shoes, slip into that revealing Ianthra gown or squeeze into those tight Iacl zebra skin pants and strut down the Errisian Var like it’s a runway. Never forget that your clothes feel great because you chose to wear them not because someone will like you more in them.

It’s YOUR fashion choice and it’s important; don’t let anyone tell you you’re crazy!

Fall Fashion 5118

Warm days, cooler nights and the smell of woodsmoke lingering in the air; it must be fall!

Icemule bred and bound, fall to me means it's time to get to work, preparing for the harsh winter. Functional garb, sensible and warm, is at the top of my list, though I’m always on the lookout for ways to potentially impress the object of my obsession. Hunting garb, but cut sensibly, and in earth tones, are what gets worn in the fall. ~ Oubar

The autumn equinox marks the end of the halcyon days of summer and is traditionally seen as a period of change leading to the dark of winter. It symbolizes balance and reflection. It heralds a time of harvest and honoring Imaera for the bounty that the land produces in its cycle of life. It means preparation for Ta'Vaalor's Autumnal Glory Festival, the Frontier Days celebrations in Wehnimer's Landing, and the Eve of the Reunion: a day in which the spirits of the beloved dead are freed to return to their homes for a short time to visit with their friends and families and celebrate with food, drink, stories, memories and good will. Not forgetting, of course, the excitement of the annual Ebon Gate Festival.

Fall is all romance; that's our anniversary season. I watch the stars for that HORRIBLE jackal and try to hide from it, planning my anniversary gift for Aetheri. I flat out wear black during that time, both to be wrapped in the color of night and the protection of the Lord of Dreams, and hopefully to avoid the gaze of the Jackal. When Charl rules the skies, I know it is but days away and I make sure all is ready! I will pull out comfortable layers to get me through the crazy changing temperatures of the season and wear some of the outfits that I wore while we were courting. ~ Luxelle

Fall is a time to put away the pale silk chiffon and experiment with rich-toned jacquard, bourde, plaid, and shearling.

I don't wear earthy colors and I’m not attracted to them at all. I simply migrate from summery pastels into darker, deeper blues and purples as the season progresses, and wrap it all in white and grey furs, mainly rabbit and ermine. Layering soft fabrics is everything for me; I’ll put on sweaters, boots and cloaks and underneath wear some of the same gowns year-round.  My jewelry gradually migrates from summer flowers to snowflakes and such but remains silver year-round. ~ Elysia

If you’re the type to shy away from fashion trends because they tend to be too prescriptive or expensive to follow, then welcome Fall Fashion 5118 with open arms. So far at court and recent society gatherings, all we have seen are familiar patterns, colors, coats, and layering tricks, just worn in new ways. Anyone can pull off the four most prominent style statements. Read on and prepare yourself for an eye-catching wardrobe this season that’s both affordable and effortless.

It doesn’t matter whether you prefer a crazy ornate print, something fluffy, or a design that’s wildly colorful and oversized. One statement coat is all you need this season and there are so many styles to choose from! Keep an eye out for Fancy Coats, Fur Coats, Fuzzy Warm Parkas, Sprite Cloaks, Climate Wear, and Adventure Clothing; all of which are sure to make a statement.

One thing is clear, this autumn, fashion is really, really wild for animal print. From zebra to tiger, leopard to gak, wild stripes and spots are back and being seen everywhere. The difference this time around? The boldest iterations insist on a head-to-toe policy. Dare you?

Speaking of daring … go one step further and dare to bare your shoulders and back. Remove those coats to reveal off-the-shoulder blouses and gowns with plunging necklines. For the more audacious among you, try omitting a blouse completely and simply wearing a tailored jacket... just don’t forget your pants!

I am too busy with my head in a book to even respond to such a question.  Do I even have pants on? ~ Qafziel

There is evidence of plentiful plaid but not the classic checks we’re familiar with. Expect to see it worn asymmetrically across the body, draped over one shoulder, or even head-to-toe in varying shades. Try mixing your plaids, not just by color, but by weave - think brightly colored wool scarves with windowpane patterned gowns or skirts and black and white checkered boots.

As with any seasonal fashion trend, the key is to simply choose one or two statement pieces that work with your existing wardrobe and feel confident that you look good!

Tools of the Trade

Cosmetics are an easy option when we want to quickly pull a look together or give a nod towards the latest trends, particularly when used on the lips. But did you know that there are other benefits apart from temporarily enhancing our features?

It can protect our lips from the elements, especially the cold and wind, and who doesn’t want to have soft, smooth lips to KISS? If this is something you desire then choose a lip balm that contains scented natural oils and emollients to deliver the delicious moisture that you need.

The addition of shine has the benefit of defining your lips, brightening your smile and enhancing your eyes. The application of a lip gloss can make your lips look fuller and plumper.

If your eyes are your best feature – or even if they are not and you need something to make them pop - the right choice of colored lip cream can have the effect of making your eyes really stand out.

One of the best things about make-up is the psychological benefit. People who wear lip color or gloss tend to feel more confident and empowered and are usually perceived by others as being more in control. It can also lift our spirits.

Get dabbing and SMOOCH like crazy with those tasty, luscious lips.

Knitting FAQ

Thought to be the preserve of spinsters or the elderly, knitting is a skill that is often underestimated and overlooked. Far from being dull, it is a hobby that needs little in the way of training or expenditure and is both portable and versatile. In need of a gift for someone or something new to wear? With just a pair of needles and a few skeins of yarn, it is possible to create a new item of clothing or an accessory in no time at all.

We asked our resident knitting fanatic to share their knowledge and answer some frequently asked questions.

What can I knit? Possible projects include bags, pouches, sweaters, satchels, scarves, mufflers, hats, socks, mittens, gloves, stockings and shawls.

Is it difficult to learn? Not at all! In fact, it comes fairly naturally if you are willing to sit still and focus for a while. Once you get going, it is even possible to hold a conversation, share a story or catch up on some local gossip. Why not start a knitting circle to share your leftover yarn and ... tell an old yarn (sorry).

What do I need to get started? All you need is a suitable pair of knitting needles and some yarn. Needles vary in what projects they can work on and the amount of yarn will depend on what you wish to create. The bigger the project, the more yarn you will need. Most skeins of yarn will produce about 10 rows of knitting so make sure you buy enough before you get started!

Where can I get supplies? There is a specialty shop located on Wisteria Lane in Mist Harbor called Knit It. It stocks everything you need to get started, including quite a few different colored yarns. A more diverse range of yarns can often be found at festivals and events.

How creative can I get? It is possible to mix and match various styles of yarn to create different looks but try not to use too many as you’ll simply end up with a multihued mess – unless of course, that’s the look you are going for! I would recommend sticking with two types of yarn but don’t be afraid to experiment and see what you can come up with.

What if I make a mistake? It is inevitable that you will make a mistake at some point by throwing an extra stitch and getting stuck. Don’t panic! Simply PULL the yarn and undo the row to begin it again.

Why not share some of your creations with us and we’ll publish them in a future edition of Elanthian Vogue. Good luck!

Style Steals

Our third “style steal” draws from the denizens of Mist Harbor who in turn borrowed their stylings from the many cultures and races of Elanthia.

Formal wear on the island is an extreme contrast of jeweled tones and elegant lines to combat the warm and humid weather but one garment in particular can be used to great effect during the cooler autumnal weather of the mainland as a wrap.

A saewehni, much like a cross-body sash, is traditionally worn from the right shoulder to the left hip. The panel of fabric is usually heavily embroidered and of three folded layers but this functional design can easily be adapted and tailored from colorful plaid, thereby serving as a seasonal statement piece.

Coming Soon

Charity, Cigars, and Celebrity. Before the year is out, we will be looking at ways to give back to the community, the allure of cigars, and which Elanthians have made our Vogue Gallery.