BlakOpal's Blog

Mesh clothes continued ... getting things into SL

2011-06-03T10:34:00.000-07:00

Well, I was able to get my .dae file into SL finally. (The mesh viewer only has the "Upload Model" dropdown choice under the Build Menu I discovered. The upload menu options in the inventory window doesn't give you that option.) Of course once I uploaded the model v1 things didn't go quite as planned. My jacket popped up in world in 5 separate pieces, with parts missing here and there. Back to C4D for more tweaking.

First thing I learned ... your object needs to be connected into one piece. That means, even though I'm able to work on the jacket as body, sleeves, lapels, and coattails, using symmetry to give me matching right and left halves, it all needs to be connected before exporting it to DAE. no problem. (And I did expect this would be the case, but I had to test the theory.)

Second thing I learned ... there is only one side to a polygon, and in SL the other side is invisible. This is fine as well, it just means that whatever is visible to the world needs to have a facing side. I had already planned for this, and built my collars, cuffs, and coattails with multiple sides (and thickness). However I forgot to check which side was facing out. In the 3D world, this is called "normals". I was surprised to discover that even though I had created my collar by extruding the jacket, for some reasons my normals ended up flipped the wrong way. Have to remember to keep an eye on this in the future. However, this was also an easy fix. it just required a close inspection of all of the polygons in my model to make sure the normals were all facing out, and flipping those that weren't.

Right! looking all spiny, fingers crossed ... let's import that puppy into Second Life!

BAM! We've got a mesh model, looking very much like my C4D model! *doing the happy dance*
Step one complete and highly successful. hooray.

Next step: unwrapping the model and figuring out how to texture this jacket. For this I'll be using BodyPaint within C4D for the UV unwrapping, from there I'll move to photoshop to do the intricate detailing that I love so much. :D

Stay tuned. The journey continues!

=^.^= blakopal =^.^=

Uncharted Territory: SL Mesh Clothes ... take 1

2011-06-02T16:14:00.000-07:00

Well, it's looking like this whole mesh thing will be coming to Second Life pretty soon, so I've decided to dip my toe into the water to see how things go. Even though by day I am a motion graphics designer, and 3D modeling software is one of my regular tools, trying to take the jump from the old ways of making clothes in SL to the mesh way of doing things is a bit daunting. Mind you, it's a HUGE improvement, and once I have an understanding of how it works, I'll be able to create even more fabulous things, with FAR LESS frustration than trying to squash and pull balls to make shoes and collars. (Talk about ridiculous! Oy.)

After having mastered my own workflow to make SL clothing – using flat textures created in photoshop for system clothes, and torturing SL shapes in Cinema 4D to make sculpted parts like collars and cuffs – it has taken a bit of reprogramming to wrap my head around how I wanted to approach mesh clothing creation. I've been inspired by examples I've seen via friends on youTube and twitter ... especially seeing things like sleeves that bend with your arm, or a suit jacket that bends with you as you move. (Hooray!!) So I decided to spend some time creating an article of clothing. For my first test I decided to do a men's jacket. Cinema 4D is the 3D program I have been using for years, and with the current version (R12), they have added Collada export, which is the format needed to get things into Second Life. I am not going to even attempt to go into how I got my jacket to look like a jacket. Lets just say I've spent quite a few hours, having fun figuring out how I wanted to get the style I wanted. I did work around a standard SL Avatar shape (which is available online on .OBJ format, which C4D can use). I've also been working on my 11" MacBook Air ... don't let anyone tell you it's too small!

Here's a render showing how it looks in C4D without any textures applied.

It's sort-of a Regency style cutaway jacket with a standing collar that folds over and wide lapels which also fold over. The sleeves have a slight 'puff' at the shoulder, and the tails are split at the back. Not bad for a first attempt at modeling clothes in C4D.

Once I got the model created I was able to export it into a Collada .DAE file. Unfortunately my days progress has stalled there. I'm still trying to work out how to import it into SL. (My first attempt didn't give me any options to upload the model, despite using the current Mesh Beta Viewer. More tests will follow later tonight and I'll offer more insight once I am able to make some progress.

At least I am feeling more comfortable about the modeling process. That's a big step forward. :D

=^.^= blakopal =^.^=

A fabulous tour of Lexicolo

2011-05-08T13:56:00.000-07:00

On a lazy Sunday morning with not much going on in SL, I decided to check out what was being offered up in the Destination Guide. The first location on the list looked quite intrigueing ... "Folkvang, Home of Freja & her Valkyries" with a promise of 'earthly and magical rides', in the category of Adventure and Fantasy. Well, being a fan of fantasy, and adventure, I thought "why not!", so i hopped a transport over.

What I found was a beautifully designed region with lots to offer visitors. I am a huge fan of tours as a way to explore new regions, and this place had even more than I could have hoped for. My journey began on an airship ride, skimming the treetops, I was able to get a great overview of the surrounding area, the castles and long house in the town of Folkvang below.

I disembarked the airship, and quickly hopped onto a river boat for a tour from a different perspective. The Norse boats in the village were wonderful, and the sights we passed had my head turning left and right. I especially enjoyed the hummingbird that followed closely as we passed one particularly beautiful garden.

After the river cruise I took a stroll through the town, exploring the wonderful buildings and marveling at the amount of detail put into everything. Then I came upon another series of transportation options. Apparently the region was criss-crossed by a network of train lines. Well, I simply had to give them a try. Having been nearly run over by train lines in New Babbage, and Caledon, I was curious how well behaved these train cars would be!

To my relief, there wasn't a grid-wide train conspiracy going on, and these cars managed to stay on track during the entire journey, even over twisting mountain climbs. At one point I was joined in my small train carriage by two fellow travellers. I was almost fearful that the train wouldn't be powerful to carry us all up the steep incline, but no worries. We did make it. With the station almost in sight, I was amazed to discover that the train was being held up at a crossing ... of elephants! Offering rides! ... off I went! FLinging a quick farewell to me fellow travellers, I hopped the sprightly pachiderm and trundled off in the opposite direction.

We headed through the deep underbrush, pausing occasionally for a nibble on the tall grasses. I took one such pause as my opportunity to hop off.

As it would happen, I was just outside a nearly-hidden Dwarves Cave. I decided to go explore. Inside I found twisting and turning caverns built-out with arches and wooden beams. Through one last door, I thought would lead me back outside, I found a secret place! A magic elven time boat, which took me on an even more amazing tour through time, and ancient mythology. (You really MUST discover this place!)

After the harrowing tour and my reemergence into this world of present time, I wandered off into a far corner of Lexicolo where I happened upon a large swan who offered me another ride. Another ride!? A large swan?? How could I refuse? :)

The view from above was magical.

And if that was not enough, the swan splashed down on the river, offering me a relaxing tour of the banks before taking to the sky again.

And lukiest of all, was the opportunity to join the regions creators who were riverside, manufacturing butterflies by a campfire as I wandered by.

Many thanks for a wonderful day go to Dizzi Sternberg, Janet Rossini, and NightShade Fugu who tokk the time to say hello and chat with my during my visit. This is a place well worth passing along to my friends and travelling cohorts. Do take some time to explore. There are lots more surprises out there to discover. Have fun.

Location: Folkvang, Lexicolo (206, 41, 2999) (SLURL)

=^.^= blakopal

Nantes: a stylish suit with a steampunk flair

2010-06-27T09:24:00.000-07:00

The latest suit in the shoppe for men is one of my new favorites. It's called the Nantes Suit and comes in four versions. This is a very versatile mix-and-match suit, with jackets interchangeable with vest-shirts, and multiple layered sculpted collars.

The BlakOpal Nantes Suit in black with a red vest has a wonderful houndstooth tweed jacket with a series of small buttons down the front, and a contrasting suede collar. The vest, in a shade of deep red with a subtle cog pattern, has a standing collar and metal buttons. The shirt underneath has a starched standing collar and french cuffs with cog cuff links. A classic silk bow tie is wrapped around the neck. The outfit includes coordinated pants with smooth pants flares. There is also a marvelous mekanikal belt buckle worn over the coattails with rotating gears and antique map.

Other colors include the BlakOpal Nantes Suit in chocolate brown tweed with a black vest. With it's own stylish standing vest collar, these outfits still looks fabulous without the jacket, for those time when you want to be a bit more relaxed. Separate collars also means you can wear a different vest with any jacket. The belt is also separate from the coattails, giving you even more opportunity to personalize your look.

The BlakOpal Nantes Suit in brown tweed with a copper vest.

And BlakOpal Nantes Suit in blue tweed with a burgundy vest.

I think any (or all) of them would make an excellent addition to any wardrobe! I do hope you enjoy them.

Many hugs!
=^.^= blakopal

BlakOpal Designs in Second Life (SLURL)

... White Tie & Tails ...

2010-05-24T10:17:00.000-07:00

"I just got an invitation through the mails:
"your presence requested this evening, it's formal
A top hat, a white tie and tails"
Nothing now could take the wind out of my sails
Because I'm invited to step out this evening
With top hat, white tie and tails ...

I'm steppin' out, my dear
To breathe an atmosphere that simply reeks with class
And I trust that you'll excuse my dust when I step on the gas

For I'll be there
Puttin' down my top hat
Mussin' up my white tie
Dancin' in my tails"

(~Fred Astaire singing Irving Berlin lyrics)

You'll need to sort out your own top hat, but we've got you covered for the White Tie with our new Lexington Tuxedo. It's the ultimate in men's formal wear, sleek and sexy with that touch of class.

The BlakOpal Lexington Tuxedo - White Tie has a black cutaway jacket with satin-trimmed lapels, worn over white wide-lapel button-front vest. The starched white shirt has black stud buttons, and is worn with a white sculpted bow tie. The jacket has flexi tails, split at the back. Matching pants are detailed with satin stripes that run down the sides of the legs, and the pants are beautifully finished with pants flares that give you a crisp silhouette. And what tuxedo would be complete without a white rose.

The BlakOpal Lexington Tuxedo - Black Tie is worn with a black vest and black bow tie. Another great style that looks fabulous on the red carpet as well as that special ceremony you may be planning. Our BlakOpal Two-Buckle Shoes are the perfect accessory for either suit (sold separately).

Hope all your days are suitably fabulous!

=^.^= blakopal

Shot on location at the Rose Theater (Angel Manor (130, 81, 35)

Precious Gems Gowns

2010-04-25T20:46:00.000-07:00

Ever since I made the Precious Metals Gowns, I have been wearing the copper gown around the shoppe. It's become one of my favorite outfits. But I kept wanting to wear a purple version. "But there aren't any purple metals", I'd tell myself. Then it hit me ... I should do some Precious Gems!

These gowns have the luminescencent glow of the metals gowns, with the faceted shimmer of beautifully cut gemstones. Available in a wonderful Amethyst purple, and a gorgeous Sapphire blue, which just happens to match the Men's Habsburg blue-vested suit.

Both the BlakOpal Precious Gems Gown in Amethyst, and the BlakOpal Precious Gems Gown in Sapphire come with three skirt options. It can be worn as a stylish tea-length dress, with the more formal long skirt, or with the addition of the victorian-style bustle. The sheer shoulder drape wraps loosely around the bodice, giving you a beautiful decolletage, and the elbow-length gloves add just the right touch.

This is an elegant, versatile gown ... one I hope you enjoy wearing as much as I do.

=^.^= blakopal

Photo info ...

Men's outfits:
BlakOpal Habsburg Suit in Black & Blue
Blakopal Levant Suit in Purple

Blakopal Nexus Boot in Black

Women's accessories:

Womens shoes by Basevi Moda (SLURL)
Pearl necklace by JCNY (SLURL)
Diamond necklace by Wunderlich's Historical Garb (SLURL)

Shot on location in Paris 1900 (SLURL)

New for men, the Habsburg Suit!

2010-04-17T13:13:00.000-07:00

After many requests for our male customers (and lots of prodding from Trilo *g*) I am very happy to announce the release of a new outfit for men, the BlakOpal Habsburg Suit. With a wonderful stand-up collar and silk trimmed lapels, this is a very stylish outfit. The shirt comes with a high collar with a wrapped cravat, and brocade silk vest … which we are also offering in a bundle of five additional colors. The pants are in a fabulous two-tone contrasting fabric. The suits are available in four versions.

BlakOpal Habsburg in Burgundy with a Champagne vest, and warm-gray pants.

BlakOpal Habsburg in Black with a Wine vest and charcoal-black pants.

BlakOpal Habsburg in Black with a Blue vest and charcoal-black pants.

BlakOpal Habsburg in Ivory.

And because we know you're thinking "But blakopal, I don't have Ivory shoes to go with that suit!", we also present the BlakOpal Nexus Low-Top Boot in Ivory. (You're welcome. *g*)

These suits & boots are available now at BlakOpal Designs (SLURL), and also available on Xstreet.

I hope that you enjoy the new outfit, and have a great day!

=^.^= blakopal

Suit photos shot on location at the Isle of Cheswick (SLURL)

BlakOpal's Bridal Shoppe

2010-04-04T11:49:00.000-07:00

There have been a few changes going on on Reachra Island, home of BlakOpal Designs (SLURL). This week we have begun creating a few specialty stores that might be of interest. I'll be writing about the new places as I get a chance, and of course you are always welcome to stroll and explore as you like. They are all located down along the streets that lead from the Main Store and along the docks.

Today's focus is on the store next door, BlakOpal's new Bridal Shoppe. You may have visited this storefront when it housed the Photo Studio. If so you'll be happy to know that shop isn't gone, it's just moved upstairs.

The new Bridal Shoppe is a gathering of a beautiful selection of white, cream, and platinum gowns from the various BlakOpal Designs collections, for easy side-by-side viewing. We hope that you will find it useful when you are looking for that perfect dress for your partnering ceremony, or any other celebration where you want a special white frock.

And when you are ready to find dresses and suits to pair with your selection, our main store is just a few steps away.

Wishing you all a wonderful day!
=^.^= blakopal

Precious Metals Gowns

2010-03-25T15:48:00.000-07:00

Shimmering with layers and layers of super sheer metallic fabrics, wrapped around the waist, and encircling the shoulders … like a virtual cloud of wonderful, ethereal silk. That's the idea behind the new Precious Metals line of gowns. Shimmering in gold, platinum, and copper, the metallic fabrics are simply luscious.

These gowns are designed to be stylish and fashionable, spanning any time frame. Worn with the long skirt and bustle, it's perfect at your next Victorian ball. Remove the bustle for a more modern, but still formal look, or wear the tea-length skirt for everyday wear, or that special afternoon event where you want to look less formal, but still stunning.

The BlakOpal Precious Metals Gown is available in three metallic shades. The low-cut strapless bodice is encircled around the waist with a silk wrap that ties at one side in a long bow. The sheer pointelle tulle shoulder wrap circles loosely around the shoulders and upper arms, with draped ends at both shoulders. Matching elbow-length gloves, thigh-high stockings, and panty complete this stylish ensemble.

Available at our main store (SLURL), and on Xstreet. More photos can be found on our web site).

Gold and Platinum shot on location at the Rose Theater in Angel Manor (SLURL).

Accessories: Gold necklace and earrings: '85c Midnight Masquerade' by Jewelry by Jake (SLURL), Pearl necklace and earrings: 'Divinica' by JCNY (SLURL), Copper shoes: 'Ekota Amber' by Enkythings (SLURL). Copper bracelets and earings by Steamy Victoria (SLURL).

=^.^= blakopal

A Celebration of Red

2010-02-12T19:31:00.000-08:00

This weekend, with Valentine's Day around the corner, seems to me to be a great time to celebrate. Not because of the traditional giving of hearts, cards, and candy (love should be celebrated every day, not only on one day out of the year) but because we get to wear RED! I love that valentines day is a festival of red. As anyone who knows me at all can attest to, i am a HUGE fan of red. *grins* ... So today's blog is dedicated to some of my favorite items, in my favorite color!

One of my favorite pieces of jewelry, which just HAPPENS to also be a perfect match for the holiday, is the Pulsating Heart Necklace from the Golden Thorn, shown here in Red-Black (but comes in a wonderful selection of colors!) and looking fabulous with the BlakOpal Anastasia Gown in black & red. Thorn Witrial is the designer, and I'm a big fan of his work. I highly reccommend you swing by there for this great piece. (SLURLS are listed at the end).

While you're at Thorn's place i'll also point you to my second favorite piece of jewelry ... his Daedalus rings. I love the Raven Ruby version, but it also come in other gem stones, and different metals. The winged styling of the ring goes beautifully with the fine lacework of the BlakOpal Dark Horizons Lingerie, among others.

Another necklace worth looking for at the Golden Thorn, is the Mystic Darkling Ruby Ivy Necklace. It's subtle, animated texture, and celtic symbols make this a real eye-catcher. Especially fabulous when worn with a low cut gown, like the BlakOpal Baroness Gown, with it's see-through lace bodice and embroidered velvet waist cincher.

My recent excursion into landscaping, while setting up the Botanical Preservation Atrium in New Babbage, brought me to Uni Ninetails shop the Forest Floor in Winterfell. The place is filled with some fabulous plants and flowers, and i was able to bring back a lovely Berry Bush to plant outside the gazebo in Reachra. The red of the berries was just what was needed outside the shoppe. Here I'm showing off the lovely BlakOpal Amaranthine Dress, with oodles of lace and sexy peek-a-boo cutout front.

And while I was out trying on my favorite outfits in red, I couldn't help but throw on the BlakOpal Valhalla Dress. This is the predecessor to the Amaranthine, with lots of openwork lace on the bodice, and a varied-length skirt that's just dripping with venetian lace, this still rates highly on my list of the outfits I just love to wear.

Anchored off shore on Reachra, is my favorite Pirate Vessel. It's the Cormorant from the BlackSpot Shipyards, which (YAY!) come with the option of red sails. I recently ran this ship in a race of Tall Ships during the New Babbage Fleet week celebration, and even though I didn't win, I had a great time sailing. Of course I had to show off my favorite sexy pirate outfit while I was at it *g*, the BlakOpal Vanguard Lady Pirate outfit with Skirt. Red sails in the sunset, indeed.

My final selection for the celebration of red is my new skin, with it's fabulously lush red lips. Designed by CTL Skins, I featured this skin on a few of my signs, and immediately started getting comments and IMs from people, wondering where I got it. The first skin I purchased was a very goth-pale tone with darker lips, also beautiful. But this shade has become my new favorite. It sets off the BlakOpal Andante Gown beautifully, I must say.

Here are thelocations of the shops mentioned above:
The Golden Thorn (SLURL)
Forest Floor Gardens & Dreamscapes (SLURL)
BlackSpot Shipyard (SLURL)
CTL Skins (SLURL)

I wish all of my wonderful friends here, on twitter, avatars united, and in second life a wonderful weekend.

Lots of love and hugs!

The BlakOpal Anastasia Gown in four colors

2010-02-05T10:43:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I have posted any news here. After the busy holiday season, and other busy times in RL, I decided I needed to take some time away from the virtual sewing machine. It was nice to be able to get some things done in the tangible world, but now it's time to get back to what I love … and that's making beautiful fashions! It can't be denied. *g*

So I am very excited to be able to present a beautiful, full, flowing gown I have named the BlakOpal Anastasia Gown.

It has an amazingly full skirt, with lots of layered tulle, accented with embroidered details, silk roses, and finished with rows of gathered lace. The bodice has a long-waisted tabbed corset that flows out from the waist with more rows of lace that hang over the top of the skirt. The corset top can be worn with or without the shirt underneath. Sheer with embroidery at the shoulders the sheer silk top is gathered into very feminine ribbon bows at the shoulders. The outfit is finished off with sheer lace embroidered gloves, thigh-high floral-patterned stockings, and panty.

This gown is designed to be as beautiful in motion as it is at rest, with full crinoline petticoats that peek out as you sweep across the dance floor. It comes in four color combinations …

The Anastasia Gown in Black & White is beautiful in it's contrasting light and darks. With a black and white corset set off with black undershirt and gloves, and an overlay of black tulle over white satin skirts.

The Anastasia Gown in Black & Red takes the overlaying of tones and adds lots of sexy color. The red silk skirts are overlaid with black tulle with accents of white silk roses, and silver and black gathered laces and satins at the hem. Simply beautiful in it's rich detailing.

The Anastasia Gown in Black & Purple takes things in a darker, more gothic direction with all black detailing on the tulle, lace and silk roses over a deep purple silk skirt, with a corset in shades of purple brocade with black lace and details.

And at the opposite end of the color wheel is a gorgeous Anastasia Gown in White with tones of white and cream layered in lace, tulle, and embroidered details, and accented with white lace gloves and sheer top, and stockings.

I hope you get the opportunity to see these gowns in world. If you happen to see me wandering about the shop, feel free to ask me to model it for you. I'm always looking for a reason to put this gown on. *g*

Have a great day!

=^.^= blakopal

BlakOpal runways show at Menswear Fashion week

2010-01-11T14:52:00.000-08:00

I want to give a big shout out to all of the models who made todays BlakOpal Menswear Fashion Week runway show a success. The show lasted 1.5 hours, and we had 8 of the hottest male models showing off our clothes. We were well represented by (in order of appearance) Dragonbird Amiot, Mangioso Lohner, Cape Harbour, Liam Netizen, Lexi Vargas, Apollo Call, Locked Semaphore, and RicoRacer Flux … all models from the Siren agency, and our announcer was the lovely Lexie Jansma, the owner of Siren.

This was our fourth runway show and I was a bit apprehensive after a previous show didn't go off as well as I had hoped (let's just say i was cringing several times during that show, hoping that it was just me seeing the mis-matched outfits. *oof*). Having a bit more experience under my belt, i tried to be a bit more proactive about making sure things were going to go right, without being too much of a 'stage mother' (lol). We had a short list of male models we enjoyed working with and asked for them by name (Lexi and Locked, thank you!) and went so far as to put photos of each outfit in the packages we sent over to make sure the guys had an idea of what the outfit was supposed to look like. Not sure if this helped them at all, but it went a long way to quelling my fears!

The guys all looks fabulous, with each outfit looking really great as each model took to the stage and made their way around the runway. I spent the show busily cam-ing and snapping photos, trying to get just the right angle to capture everything just right.

... and that leads me to my one gripe of the show: the staging didn't seem to be very well thought out. The stage building was interesting, they did a nice job getting it to look a bit steampunk, though the textures on the wall were a bit too busy for my taste. Often the outfits were lost against the dark colors.

But when the models moved away from the stage things got even worse. The models headed in opposite directions along the circular track around the audience meeting up again on a raised bridge at the back of the audience, which was fun, but there were no backdrops! so the models were either viewed against a very dull blank horizon, or against the mall filled with shops. They could have easily put up some interesting backdrops to shoot against, which would have made it feel like more of a special event. (In comparison, The London Fashion Week runway shows we did handled this much better.) In addition to that, the bridge at the back had a very large railing at the front of the platform, which made it impossible to get any decent shots there.

i really wish the people running this show had thought a bit more about creating an environment that would show off the outfits and models a bit better. It could have had a much more theatrical feeling without too much more effort. (gripe over)

I don't mean to dwell on the negative here, but I think it's worth mentioning in the hopes that this will be better thought out in future shows we do. I do appreciate that a lot goes into putting these shows on, and I am grateful to everyone for putting their time in to make it a great experience.

I hope we had a few new converts in the audience, though with the high number of ladies present, I think they may have been there to more gaze on the models (and who could blame them!). Thanks again guys, and Lexie for a great show. I now can happily look forward to our next runway show without fear! *smiles*

=^.^= blakopal

Here's a selection of some of my favorite shots from the show … and this link will take you to the flickr set of show photos taken by Tillie Ariantho for Siren.

Dragonbird in the Airship Pilot outfit

RicoRacer in the Nexus Pirate

Dragonbird in the Desert Expedition Suit

Cape in the Levant Suit

Apollo in the Bentley Fur-Trimmed Coat outfit

Locked in the Nighthawk Suit

Cape in the Peacock Feather Suit

Lexi in the Cogsworth Suit with Animated Steampunk Gears Wings

Liam in the Ivory Feathers Suit

Announcing: The Nexus Clockwork Pirate

2009-12-27T11:04:00.000-08:00

At long last (and i mean long!), I am very excited to announce the newest addition to the shoppe: the Nexus Clockwork Pirate! An outfit that has been assembling itself in my head for a few months now, the Nexus combines two of my very favorite things, steampunk and pirate clothing. Designed as a classic pirate outfit, it includes lots of highly detailed and animated parts that gives this a decidedly steamy twist. It seemed to me a natural fit, since we are in the age of piracy of both the air and sea, certainly pirates would adopt mekanisms to help them in navigation, and survival. Like the mekanical arm with navigational instruments and rotating gears, and the gem-powered metal belt tied at the waist with rope.

This outfit is stylish and very detailed, with armored shoulders draped with sheer fabrics, and sturdy tricorn hat topped with several ostrich plumes (which are tintable to match your heraldry, if desired.) On the back is the power unit, with several rotating cogs and glowing gems, with tubes and wires leading in to the body.

The buckled front jacket is built with sturdy pieced leathers to withstand the harshest elements. Remove the solid leather shirt from beneath, and the outfit is tantalizingly sexy, with a gladiator-esque look.

The Nexus Clockwork Pirate comes in two color variations, black or brown.

And men, you will be happy to know the outfit includes a pair of low-top boots (or are they high-top shoes? i can't decide.) Which have stacked leather heels and soles, and several straps of leather with a metal buckle at the ankle. The boots are also available separately, in either black or brown.

All outfits are available now in the shoppes in SL (SLURL), and on xstreet. Photos shot on location at the amazing Steelhead Shanghai.

Happy pirating!

=^.^= blakopal

Furry extravagance for men

2009-12-14T10:32:00.000-08:00

I have heard so many men in SL bemoaning the fact that the ladies have so many fun options in their clothing choices, men simply aren't given that many choices. That's why I like to push the boundaries now and again and put out fantastical outfits like pirate outfits, and feather suits. Lots of guys send me comments on that one in particular, saying they were a bit worried about it, thinking a feather outfit a bit more 'out there' than they would usually go, but their girl wanted them to get it ... and once they had it were so pleased with how much fun it was to wear. *grins*

I love to hear stuff like that! It makes what I do that much more fun, knowing I am enabling avatars (and their typists) to find enjoyment in things outside their usual fare. After all, that's what makes SL so fun, am I wrong? I think not. And that in turn makes me want to do even more fun things with my designs.

So when the winter season hit, and snow started to fall I decided to try my hand at some furry coats. Of course, fur is tricky, and to get it to look right create some very high-prim attachments, especially when designing for men, since they tend to be larger than women. That said (end disclaimer), I have been having lots of fun creating a new line of fun and extravagant fur trimmed coats. The ladies have the Rousette Coat, and now the men have the Bentley Fur-Trimmed Coat outfit. A long tweed coat with a long fur collar and cuffs, that includes a vest and shirt with cravat, and pants.

I hear Trilo has been having a great time strolling around the snowy streets of New Babbage in this coat, maybe I can get him to post a few glamour shots to share. I'm sure he looks fabulous. *wink*

=^.^= blakopal

Reachra's Local Shop

2009-12-09T10:10:00.000-08:00

One of the things I'm really loving about Reachra, our little home island in SL (SLURL), is how it's really been starting to feel, well, homey. And by that I mean, more than just a huge main store plunked down on a tile island … it is becoming a wonderful place to stroll and explore. It seems every time I get to the island, I see visitors wandering beyond the main store, and that's wonderful! It is exactly what Trilo and I envisioned when we decided to build this place. *grins*

So it has made me even happier to now have my own place, beyond my workshop. It's a storefront just down the road and to the left of the port, next to the book store. I have called it the Local Shop, (a nod to a running joke from a british comedy show League of Gentlemen) but it is not much of a shop, though I do have some of my more decorative items on sale (or for free) in there, it is more of a friendly place to hang out and entertain guests. It is also becoming a place to display some of my favorite furnishings and curiosities from around the steamlands.

This is actually a new experience for me! For the first time since i came to SL, I am finding myself wandering around the steamlands looking for strange and wonderful little items that I can put out on display. Like Meadow McBride's Steampunk Cephalopod under glass. Just the perfect item for the corner of my desk, I think. (Meadow McBride's Atelier SLURL)

Looking around the room it's not hard to tell who my favorite furniture designer is, Canolli Capalini makes such beautiful things I usually have to restrain myself when I go shopping in her store! Her furniture is well made, with lovely sitting and reclining poses, and her music boxes are just masterpieces of intricate design and scripting. Capalini Fine Furnishings in Babbage Canals (SLURL) is always fun to visit.

I had been eyeing the Cottage Fireplace at Quaint & Curious Contraptions in Clockhaven (SLURL) for so long, I knew it had to become the centerpiece in my room … it's broad mantle will be perfect for collecting steampunk snowglobes. Now, where DID i put that New Babbage Soot Globe?

The door is always open at the Local Shop, and you may even find me there. (Writes a reminder to get mister Zanzibar to set out some refreshments.) Do come visit when you are on Reachra, I love guests.

=^.^= blakopal

A Ladies Suit for the scholarly types

2009-12-01T12:06:00.000-08:00

The Rodean School was one of the first universities to offer victorian women a real education, and by that I mean, one that went beyond the feminine arts of flower arranging, and such. So it seemed a fitting reference for an outfit one might be seen wearing strolling across the quad, or entertaining a group of most learned colleagues.

A bit more conservative and refined in it's styling, the fitted jacket has details borrowed from styles I saw on my recent airship journey to Paris for the Festival de la Couture: folded satin detailing on the cuffs, back, and jacket hem, with a bold satin lapel that sets off the contrasting vest. I like to think of the vest as the spark of color that grabs attention and says 'there's more here than meets the eye'. Underneath, there is a nice crisp white shirt with a soft lace cravat tied around the neck, for a very buttoned-up, professional look … but feel free to leave the shirt off if you have a mind to be a bit saucier. (It's also worth noting that if you happen to be wearing a Victorian Corset underneath, it will peek suggestively out of the vest decolletage. That will surely turn the head of that professor you have been wanting to know better.)

The Roedean Ladies Suit is available at this time in three unique styles, the first is fashioned from a gray & black striped fabric set off with red satin vest and hem details, second is a special Holiday version in striped two-tone green fabric with deep red silk detailing that would be perfect for holiday entertaining, christmas caroling, or strolling about town doing your holiday shopping, and third we have the Gold Tartan suit which uses the hunter tartan of the New Babbage steamlands on the jacket with a solid gold skirt with ruffled trim (we do have plans to offer other tartan variations).

Quite a wonderful collection! We hope that these outfits will make their way into your wardrobe, and wish you continued success in your studies, or whatever fun you are getting yourself in to. *grins*

=^.^= blakopal

A caped coat for men in these snowy times

2009-11-30T07:10:00.000-08:00

The weekend and it's 4-day holiday was a wonderfully productive time for me. Trilobyte can attest to the fact that i hardly left the computer, being immersed in one design after another (with yet another still in the nebulous phase ... but more on that soon). But first ...

Following the turn of weather in the Steamlands, I set about to make even more warm outerwear for residents and travellers alike. Following the Rousette Coat for Ladies, I set my mind to getting something warm into the shoppes for men. I rummaged through my bolts of fabrics, looking for just the right color and texture. Something the men of the steamlands just couldn't keep their hands off of ... and there, in the back corner of an upper shelf, I discovered the perfect one ... sure it was a bit ragged, and a little worn in patches, but it just screamed winter yumminess to me ... ad so the Inverness Coat was born. Based on a caped coat design I had seen recently on a gentleman in the streets, I attempted to add some original BlakOpal styling. I was thrilled to see the men dropping the crates off at the docks a few days later, being able to get the finished coats out on the racks just as the worst of the storm hit town. The reception has been very good so far, and I will be rummaging around the stacks of bolts to see what other long-forgotten yardage I can find for variations on the style.

I have already seen some wonderful photos of this outfit showing up in various places online, and I'm very happy with the overall look. I think it's one of my moodiest outfits yet. *grin*

Have a warm and wonderful week!

=^.^= blakopal

Dressing up in style for winter

2009-11-24T10:22:00.000-08:00

It looks like the winter season is upon us again. The air is getting crisp and cold, and flurrys are beginning to turn the world into a "winter wonderland". There is a bit of magic in watching the map in Second Life as regions one-by-one turn white with frost.

As a clothing designer, I can't help but feel the desire to put some warmer clothes on the neighbors, lest they catch a chill! And of course, having just the right outfit for Ice Skating on your favorite frozen pond, and sipping Hot Buttered Rum or Hot Cocoa outdoors with friends is just SO much more fun when you are dressed for the weather!

With that in mind, I present my newest outfits for the season ... The Rousette Fur-Trimmed Winter Coat & Hat. A warm, caped coat with soft fluffy fur around your neck, waist, and cuffs to keep you warm, and add a bit of fun. And we all know the importance of keeping the heat in with a warm furry hat! The coat comes with or without attached skirt, so you can wear it with other skirts, or pants if you like. In two color s: Burgundy with black trim, and one in shades of brown.

'Rousette' refers to a social gathering where boys and girls are each given ribbons or roses with numbers on them, and everyone skates around searching for the person who's number matches theirs. It's traditionally a Valentine's Day event, but I think it would make a wonderful ice skating party! *g*

Rousette Coat & Hat listing on Xstreet.

Happy winter!
=^.^= blakopal

Photos shot on location on the beautiful frozen lake at The Golden Thorn (SLURL). (free ice skates available!)

BlakOpal Designs new Island and main store is open

2009-11-17T07:05:00.000-08:00

It's been a while in the planning, but I'm happy to announce that we have opened the doors on the new main store for BlakOpal Designs ... on it's very own Island sim. Trilobyte Zanzibar has been hard at work coming up with a unique theme (you can read more about that in his blog), and has been working non-stop getting the build just right, and doing all the behind-the-scenes work (like switching landmarks in all of the shopping bags! whew!). He's got things where he's pretty happy, though still tinkering on the outlying buildings, stairs to the airship dock and whatnot, so we decided to do a "soft opening", getting the new shop open, and we will do a big Grand Opening some time in the near future!

The photo was taken this morning as the sun was coming up behind the new region, called BlakOpal (Click for SLURL).

Our other store locations will remain open, since we enjoy being a part of lots of communities. This was just too good an opportunity to pass up, and we look forward to growing the Island, adding shop stalls perhaps, and more beautiful places to explore and entertain. We hope you'll come visit the new location ... and be sure to join our group in world to find out about the upcoming events! (Group invite signs are in or near the doorway of all the shoppes).

=^.^= blakopal

Visiting Dublin again, for the first time

2009-11-12T09:35:00.000-08:00

Did you ever have one of those experiences where you are visiting someplace new, but it seems so familiar? That happened to me on our recent RL trip to Dublin, Ireland. Trilo and I were staying in the center of the city, and our week there gave us a lot of time to go strolling around on foot, enjoying the small winding roads, gazing at the large beautiful expanse of river that cuts through the city, and meeting lots of friendly people. Dublin is a wonderful city, small and welcoming. And very familiar … which was odd, since I had never been there before.

As I was roaming in Second Life last night, a couple days after returning from our trip, I decided to go back to the place of my rezzing. You see, when I joined SL, I thought it might be fun to choose an interesting virtual birthplace, some place fun I'd never been to before … virtual Dublin was that place. Of course on my rez day I was overwhelmed with the newness of everything, so the town itself was completely lost on me, not knowing anything of SL (or Dublin for that matter). I thought that it looked like a pretty town, with interesting buildings as I stumbled my way over to The Blarney Stone to have my first virtual pint of Guinness. I recall hearing people mention how much it looked like the real Dublin, which I thought was cool. So a year or so later, having just returned from the RL Dublin, I thought I should take a second trip, and go back to visit the virtual Dublin, the place of my rezzing.

As I landed, just outside of the Blarney Stone, and the town began to fill in around me, I was overwhelmed with the familiarity of the place. The builders had done a wonderful job of recreating the look and feel of the real world town with it's homey pubs, and winding streets. As I strolled around I started to get the feeling that I knew the place … not from having been there in SL, but from having been there in RL. I started running through the street, thinking to myself 'if I am here, then if I look down this street to the right, I should see that bridge I took a picture of last week…' And lo and behold, there it was. *g*

'… and if I go a bit further down this way, I should come to the Guinness Brewery (what would a virtual Dublin be without THAT?!)' … and sure enough, I found that too.

And then I wandered down to the River Liffey, with it's wonderful bridges that I was enjoying so much during our trip. Marvelling at the detail and how much effort the designers went to to create this world.

I remembered the river from my rez day, of course, but now I could enjoy it that much more with the appreciation of a years+ experience in building in SL. Not only is virtual Dublin a great recreation of the experience of being in Dublin (on a small scale, of course), but it is a really beautiful build, with an incredible attention to detail. Not only in recreating some of the most memorable building in RL …

… but in the small details that probably go unnoticed by most people, because they seem so natural. Take this detail for instance, a loving recreation of Grafton Street, a shopping area near Trinity College (which in this world is used as the rez place, I was pleased to discover). Grafton is a wide pedestrian-only street lined with shops. But the thing I found most intriguing, was that the builder went so far as to use refections of actual street scenes to texture the shop windows, so when you walk, it looks like you are seeing the building opposite reflected back at you. Brilliant! Bravo to the designers.

I do hope you will get a chance to visit the RL Dublin, but till then it's well worth taking the time to explore the Second Life town. Have a pint at one of the fun, and usually packed pubs (sometimes with live music being performed). Or just stroll around and be inspired. Here's the slurl, happy travels!

=^.^= blakopal

Cruising Burning Life in Poseidon's Chariot

2009-10-18T10:48:00.000-07:00

Just a day before the festivities were set to begin at Burning Life (Second Life's version of Burning Man) I got a note card from my good friend, the brilliant designer Thorn Witrial. He had just completed something called Poseidon's Chariot ... well, i HAD to go see, so he TP'd me to his special showroom above the shop he shares with another designer named Bobo. Well, let me tell you, the chariots were simply amazing, and ABSOLUTELY what i needed for roaming around the upcoming event.

I of course, chose the black and red one ( :D ) and after a few seconds of fiddling with my AO, was ready to roam.

I just can't say enough about these beautiful creations. the textures are really beautiful, and since you wear it, there is no problem rezzing it wherever you want to ride. I quickly said my good bye to Thorn, and whisked myself away to the playa to do some sightseeing. First stop, Eridu, to check on things.

First stop ... our camp, The Eridu Society Airship Outpost ... I was happy to discover there was already a large group of people hanging out at our camp, enjoying some Ninkasi Ale, while changing into the Expedition Wear and other free goodies we left lying about in crates. There was a crackle of excitement in the air all over town, and I couldn't wait to explore.

indeed many wonders awaited ............
(more to come)

=^.^= blakopal

Amaranthine Dress video posted

2009-10-13T21:37:00.000-07:00

My newest dress, the very gothic Amaranthine, has inspired me to create a video to show off how beautifully it moves.

More photos can be found here.

Eridu party at Burning Life scheduled!

2009-10-11T20:59:00.000-07:00

You are invited to join us at a party at our camp at Burning Life ...

The Eridu Society Airship Outpost Beer Bash Party!
Date: Sunday, October 18
Time: 2pm-5pm SLT
A festive gathering of the friends of the Eridu Society, presented by BlakOpal Galicia and TriloByte Zanzibar. Music, dancing, and our special brew of Ninkasi Ale. All are welcome. Come and and explore our Airship Outpost. We have lots of camp freebies you won't want to miss!

Location (the link won't work until the event is open):
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Burning%20Life-Leadville/184/133/25

Feel free to pass on the invitation to anyone you think might enjoy celebrating the opening of our camp at Burning Life 2009.

square version of the invite suitable for handing out in second life ...

=^.^= blakopal

Pink for charity

2009-10-01T14:08:00.000-07:00

We've just added a vendor in Winterfell at the BoobieThon with the Pink Baroness Gown. All the benefits from this vendor (SLURL) will go to charity. Join us in the 2ND ANNUAL SECOND LIFE BOOBIETHON.

The gown can be worn with, or without the top, and the bustle is also removable ... the ball is "topless if you dare", so i wanted to give you ladies that option ;)

Some BoobieThon highlights:

More info about the event can be found on PJ's Blog here.

Opening Night on October 2nd @ 6:30pm SLT BoobieBall. Winterfell Community Center.
October 3rd @ noon SLT BoobieBall. Winterfell Community Center. Wear Pink to the Balls if you'd like - or come topless if you dare!!
October 5th @ 4:00pm SLT Innertube Obstacle Course and Race. Entry Fee L250
October 7th @ 6:30pm SLT Limerick Contest*. In the sky on Isle of Skye, Winterfell Anodyne

more on the Blogger Boobie-Thon (www.boobiethon.com).

=^.^= blakopal

Virtual London Fashion Week (part 2)

2009-09-20T21:10:00.000-07:00

Today was our first of two shows for the virtual london fashion week in second life. the theme for today's show was "body beautiful" and we had a nice selection of corsets and lingerie to strut down the runway, with a few men's outfits thrown in for the fun of it. trilo put together the music for the show, some really sexy beats matched the gorgeous models perfectly! and the whole show was really well received. Here are some of the highlights ...

Sabine Mortenwold in the Blue-Black Feather Gown

Locked Semaphore in the Blue-Black Feather Suit

Katherine Comet in the Peacock Feather Gown

Delacroix Constantine in Dark Horizons

Branden2279 Runner in the Levant Suit

Delacroix Constantine in the Shelley Gown

Branden2279 Runner in the Black Feathers Suit

Delacroix Constantine in the Black Feathers Gown

Bravo to the event producers and all of the beautiful models.

=^.^=

blakopal

*hugz*