Turning towards a more rigorously historical bent, there are a few delicious outfits for the oldfashioned gentleman out there. Featured below is one particular example that I fell in love with on first sight, Medieval Designs’ Gustav in Red. It’s one of the most impeccable historical costumes I’ve seen in SL.
Outfit: Gustav in Red by Medieval Designs
Sword: 1620 Rapier by Medieval Designs
While searching for a historical costume for the Second House of Sweden’s 18th-century costume contest a few months back, I came across a picture of this outfit and was floored. Being Linden-poor at the time, I decided that if I took a place in the contest, I’d definitely make my way there to buy it ... and as you can see, I did!
The Gustav is a meticulously-researched example of a 17th-century cavalier’s costume, from around the period of the 30 Years’ War. The ad I saw featured Gustav in Black (which I also own, and which is delicious), but I discovered that there were several variant color schemes, including this one called Gustav in Red which was absolutely perfect for one of my RP characters. Initially, all the items were no mod, but after some discussion with the primary designer Francesco Despres he provided me everything in copy/mod/no trans and then went about changing all the Gustav boxes to match. Hurrah!
You get a ridiculous number of pieces, including three sets of the prim pantaloons including the three-banded version I’m wearing now, and boots with and without the lace. I’m sorely tempted to pick up a third of the Gustavs, whose colors—buff and a light blue—seem perfect for a Swedish cavalier of that era. I may be American, but Sweden’s my home now, and it’d be fun to walk about the Second House of Sweden in that costume. Hmm… The hat, by the way, is sculpty, as are some of the boot parts. One item not featured is the “musketeer” system hair that comes with it, but I’ve decided to show off a work-in-progress prim hair instead.
Also shown is Francesco’s meticulously-researched swept-hilt rapier, based on an actual sword. The hilt is to die for. The weapon is sold both in scripted (Spellfire) and unscripted forms. I love it.
You can get a nice look at the sword blade in this picture. Also featured is a glimpse of the lush, velvety Gustav in Red cape which is sold separately via a temp rezzer off to one side of the store. Naturally, you’ll find the cape to match the other variant colors for sale as well. It’s a great, authentic addition to the costume.
Medieval Designs has a number of terrific outfits, including gowns for the ladies that match the Gustav design and many more besides. Of particular note, I think, is Francesco’s well-designed suits of armor, featuring authentic heraldic devices and scripted jousting lances that actually break on contact. I’ve yet to see the jousting lances in action, but I know a number of locations run regular jousting sessions in Second Life.
Those historical outfits look great. I’m in roleplay every since the mmorpg game D&D;. It surely helps you stand out from the crowd and break the ice.
