Peacock Gazette/Issue 9
Title: Peacock Gazette: Issue 9
Author: Various
Headline: Flights of Fancy: Northwatch Residents take the Skies
Icemule Trace has been buzzing with news of airships lately. Predominantly the preserve of the City-States, these flying marvels usually grace our skies but apparently Northwatch residents now benefit from elven craftsmanship and magical prowess too.
Whilst these northern airships serve as swift conveyances across vast distances - The Firebird traveling from place-to-place as a merchant ship and The White Wyrm connecting Icemule and Glaeve - they pale in comparison to The Midnight Heron and The Coruscated Pearl.
This author would be remiss if she did not mention the all-important social aspects of airships. After all, nothing compares to a twilight gathering of elven elite upon the deck of an airborne vessel, the stars above and the twinkling lights of the cities below.
Headline: Flights of Fancy: Insights into Elven Estival Fashion
The Green became a society hotspot once again as Lord Clessar Ryvvuel Illistim and Miss Penelia Caisandoral Loenthra hosted a talk on the fashions filling the Ta'Illistim and Ta'Loenthra Courts this season. The main themes showing up are flight and the bounty of nature, and, accordingly, looks are airy and ethereal in watercolor washes and a plethora of bird, butterfly, and moth wings. Perhaps most interestingly, clothes are merely the backdrop for statement accessories.
Ankles are still mostly sacred as fashions highlight the neck, shoulders and back. Gowns are featuring shoulder cut-outs or single sleeves, or are being replaced entirely by chitons that emphasize a well-placed accessory. Even gentlemen are lightening up - while they may not always have material removed from their shirt, they are forgoing coats and jackets at Court, opting instead for a twill or tweed waistcoat or vest over a light tunic or shirt. Ever the artists, our Loenthran cousins are taking the cut-out trend a bit farther than here in Ta'Illistim, utilizing a multitude of plays from layered fabrics for dramatic effect.
As ladies fight the heat by pulling their hair into chignons for Court and half-knots or plaits while out in the city, they leave an exposed neck as a beautiful canvas for jewelry that draws the eye, such as full gorgets and collars, or statement earrings and earcaps or earcuffs. The subtle wash of colors in the summer's cosmetics further let these accessories shine.
Not to be outdone, gentlemen are highlighting their sleeves with ribbons, bands, or an applique, and drawing further attention with cufflinks and a detailed pocketwatch. And, if one happens to be Ta'Loenthra's Living Canvas, Lord Lithavir, a bared back is just as much a fashionable accessory as any sleeve-ribbon or cufflink (a position with which this author heartily agrees, especially that particular back).
A lady who wishes to push boundaries and draw attention to her ankles may don heeled sandals with fanciful ankle-ties, while others are showcasing toes with open-toed shoes. The well-heeled gentleman is opting for brogues in Court, and somewhat simpler shoes while out and about.
As for going out in the summer heat, ladies and gentlemen both are being seen with parasols to shade themselves from glare and attempt to stir some of the still, hot air. Should our readers wish to emulate this trend, the Peacock Gazette would like to provide the warning to be extra vigilant of your surroundings and allow extra space while moving, to avoid any ungraceful collisions.
Miss Caisandoral brought a report from Lady Oirisu that Vaalorian color trends still continue toward gilded crimson as always, but they have picked up the lighter materials and cuts of summer, with their avian theme of choice leaning toward falcons and other predators.
With Ta'Loenthra increasing and strengthening trade agreements, many Loenthran fashionables are sporting ataela (also known commonly as cloudsilk), reveling in the airy feel and the cloud-like pattern of dye. Miss Caisandoral delighted attendees by presenting each with a bolt of cloudsilk large enough for a gown, shirt, or the like, and many immediately began chittering about taking it to their seamstress or tailor to prepare for the yet-to-be-announced coronation.
As some voiced concern about presenting the proper image at such an important occasion, Lord Ryvvuel left all with this important reminder: "Your style is uniquely you. These are just simple notes we have made in preparation for formal court, but we do encourage everyone to dress as one feels comfortable."
Headline: Court Circulars and Announcements
Speaking of well-heeled, word on the Peacock Grapevine is that the cobbling shop of the same name will soon see its spring inventory replaced by summer inventory and that the Veythorne Gardens will be closed for a few days in Koaratos - the 11th to the 12th to be precise - while preparations are made for the estival holiday.