Fashion Houses

Lylia says, "I suppose I should start, lest fashions change before I do."

Lylia takes a drink from her honeyed mint tea.

Lylia clears her throat.

Lylia says, "We have talked this week of discontinuities in time and will hear more about the deeper esoteric mysteries soon, but first, I wish to speak a bit about something truly abstruse: Fashion."

Lylia flashes a quick grin.

Lylia says, "Some of you believe I jest, and perhaps I do, a tad."

Lylia holds up two fingers and slowly pinches them together until they are almost touching.

Lylia insists, "Yet fashion is far more than the frivolous endeavor some would make of it. It tells a story, both about a designer and a wearer. It speaks volumes about wealth, heritage, and tastes."

Lylia says, "Those who speak the language of fashion can read this story plainly and learn a great deal. In fact, some of you know this language unconsciously even if you are unaware of its message."

Lylia asks, "How do you know a noblewoman from a washerwoman? Is that man headed to a hunt or a play? Can you tell whether someone seeks a marriage partner or a position in politics by clothing alone?"

Lylia raises an eyebrow.

Lylia says, "You know more than you think, in other words."

Lylia smiles.

Lylia says, "Yet Faendryl fashion is a rather greater challenge than most, for many reasons."

(Lylia ticks these reasons off on her fingers as she talks.)

Lylia says, "One: We do not all dress alike."

Lylia surveys the area.

Lylia smiles quietly to herself.

Melikor nervously tugs at his silk cravat.

Ysharra attends to her gown, making the gown as presentable as possible.

Leifa flushes slightly, some color reaching her cheeks.

Lylia says, "Oh, I like that fragrance. Hello there."

Eiliriel says, "Hello, Cruxophim."

Xanthium taps some dark viridian leather trousers threaded with pewter-grey mithril stitching that she is wearing.

Lylia continues, "Two: Many Faendryl you meet outside of New Ta'Faendryl adapt ourselves to local styles, to some extent."

Eledryn blushes a nice shade of light pink.

Lylia says, "Three: Most of you are simply unfamiliar with Faendryl fashion houses."

Cruxophim suddenly fades into view.

Deep in thought, Lylia laces her fingers before her.

Cruxophim nods while tilting his black silk capotain forward and giving a quick, teeth-flashing grin.

Alisette nods.

Lylia gives Cruxophim a lingering kiss on the cheek.

Lylia dismissively says, "You may have heard, for example, that Faendryl fashion consists of layered linen, beaten metal discs, and exotic hides."

Lylia dryly remarks, "This is akin to saying that food consists of potatoes."

Lylia says, "Anyone who believes this to be the sum of Faendryl fashion has drawn an entire world-view of us from meeting a pair of Agrestis on their way to a rural tribunal."

Lylia explains, "Faendryl fashion houses include everything from venerable dynasties to bold, inventive new designers."

Lylia attends to her wrap, making the wrap as presentable as possible.

Lylia says, "The term 'house' is one of art and could also be termed a 'school' or 'aesthetic,' and the term in Faendryl has nuances of all these meanings. While I shall not attempt an exhaustive discussion of every prominent house, major or minor, I can speak to those with which I am most familiar."

(Lylia takes a sip of her tea. When she continues, her voice seems a lilttle smoother.)

Lylia continues, "In doing so, I may also describe something of the historical roots of designs and, where relevant, some clues as to what they reveal about their wearers."

Lylia says, "In New Ta'Faendryl itself, clothing is often seen in showrooms or galleries as art would be displayed, but for those who are far from such a center of culture, illustrated and illuminated texts are a popular way to display fashion."

Lylia glances at a lace-tasseled burgundy silk journal in her hand.

Lylia carefully places a lace-tasseled burgundy silk journal on the ground.

Lylia says, "I happen to have a few such illustrations to share."

Lylia nods to a lace-tasseled burgundy silk journal.

The page, written in Common, reads as follows:

"Fortune favors the bold in vivid silks and gems. Fine fabric feels even more luxurious when layered, and the new fuller skirts look particularly lavish split over contrasting hues."

The image of an unusually slim Faendryl woman with fair skin and chestnut hair takes up most of the page below the text, her full-skirted gown of obsidian brocade painted with thick brush-strokes. Beneath the pleated outer gown of what appears to be stiff, heavy silk, a gathered underskirt in a claret-hued fabric with a softer drape flows to the model's pointy-toed shoes. The gauzy chemise that peeks out beneath the low, square neckline of her gown is a deep merlot hue that contrasts with her pale skin.

A large pear-shaped ruby pendant graces her neck, and a large despanal cuff encircles one wrist.

Lylia says, "I have taken the liberty of translating some of the text into the Common tongue, but the illustration should be clear regardless. Gather close and read, if you like."

Lylia fidgets and fusses with her russet silk gown, making certain of the fit.

Lylia says, "The gown I am wearing is a Sintanhali piece, representative of the house founded by Greyce Sintanhali Faendryl and now run by Livia Sintanhali Faendryl, who has maintained an admirable consistency of style while layering it with her own."

You see Mayor Lylia Rashere the Sorceress.

She appears to be a Faendryl Dark Elf.

She is taller than average and has a slender build. She appears to be in the spring of life. She has wide-set stormy grey eyes and fair skin. She has waist length, thick auburn hair braided and twisted beneath a tall two-horned hennin draped in sheer black silk. The strikingly smooth transitions between her otherwise angular features lend a distinctly patrician quality to her aspect.

She is wearing a cobweb-fine black reticella wrap, a bronze-shot russet silk gown pleated into graceful folds over pannier skirts with a gauzy black linen chemise underneath, a mithril and amber cuff, a ruby and silver wedding band, an obsidian ring of thorns, and some jet silk stockings caught with velvety black bows under a pair of onyx damask shoes set on slim glaes heels.

(Lylia extends her arms.)

Gannorlac just arrived.

Lylia turns around.

Gannorlac waves.

Lylia glances over her shoulder and gives Gannorlac a wink.

Gannorlac says, "Good evening fine folks."

Lylia exclaims, "Why, hello there!"

Leifa admiringly says, "Spectacular."

(Lylia completes her slow turn and arranges the drape of her gown.)

Lylia says, "Layering is quite the right term as Sintanhali designs are often layered themselves, both over other fine fabrics and in pleats or panniers that create exaggerated silhouettes."

Lylia explains, "These designs are particularly popular among Emporion traders and merchants who must travel and wish to 'wear their wealth,' so to speak. Prosperity is important for traders to project, and layers allow one to blend more easily into any clime or culture."

Lylia adds, "Note the full skirts and meticulous pleating of the illustrated design, and of my own gown's silhouette. Such lavish use of fine fabrics speaks to the wearer's wealth and status, even if that wealth is borrowed. Not only can she afford these yards of fabric, but she can also afford the staff to care for it."

Lylia chuckles.

Lylia says, "Think of a peacock's magnificent tail. It is a costly thing to the bird, yet its plumage serves a purpose. So do the rich hues, unusual silhouettes, and lush fabrics of Sintanhali designs. They say, 'I dress this way because I can afford it.'."

Lylia diplomatically says, "Peacock analogies are, of course, not meant to suggest anything about the Illistim and their affection for such magnificently garbed poultry."

Lylia folds her hands.

Lylia brightly asks, "Shall we see another?"

Ysharra says, "...or the horrible sounds they make."

Lylia picks up a lace-tasseled burgundy silk journal.

Leifa offhandedly exclaims, "Not to mention, they describe the male counterparts!"

Lylia turns to the next page of her journal.

Ysharra says, "The peacocks, that is, not the scholars."

Cruxophim produces a passable imitation of the cry of a vulture.

Ysharra rocks back on her heels.

Lylia raises her voice in merry laughter.

Lylia says, "Just so."

Lylia carefully places a lace-tasseled burgundy silk journal on the ground.

Speaking affably to Ysharra, Cruxophim remarks, "They make pretty horrible noises when they're bleeding out and their bones are crushed."

The page, written in Common, reads as follows:

"Where sea and air meet, magic happens, and Fiselle Sauvere Faendryl is its master. Lace both reveals and conceals, seemingly playful yet leaving an unforgettable impression."

The illustrated plate depicts a slim, dusky-skinned Faendryl woman posed in three-quarter profile against a dark background that shows the filmy layers of her gown's moonlight-pale chiffon to their best advantage. Lace gathers like seafoam at the gown's bodice and trails down its front, leaving the sides mostly bare of ornamentation. Her alabaster sandals are laced to her knees, and her silver hair is unbound.

The model wears strands of pearls affixed to silver bands about her upper arms, leaving the nacreous jewels falling in graceful swags behind her back.

Cruxophim quickly adds, "Kidding."

Eledryn blinks at Ysharra.

Cruxophim raises his hands in surrender!

Eledryn blinks at Cruxophim.

Lylia says, "House Sauvere delights in highlighting the wearer's form and toying with the concepts of coverage and display with airy, ethereal designs. In centuries past, Sauvere's designs were gauzy but more substantially constructed."

Speaking to Cruxophim, Ysharra says, "You and I are such twins at times."

Lylia nods to a lace-tasseled burgundy silk journal.

Speaking to Cruxophim, Leifa says, "We're keeping our clothing bone and blood free this event, dear."

Cruxophim hangs his head and glances at Leifa with sad eyes.

Cruxophim mutters under his breath.

Ysharra chuckles to herself.

Cruxophim wrings out his black silk shirt, squeezing out the blood.

Leifa shakes her head, clucking her tongue.

Speaking to Leifa, Melikor says, "Most of us, anyhow."

Lylia quietly says, "When Cinerin Sauvere Faendryl died tragically short of her five hundredth birthday in an accident involving a scarf and a wagon wheel, it was a terrible loss for the fashion world. Original Cinerin Sauvere designs command astonishing prices."

Melikor casually glances at Cruxophim.

Speaking to Leifa, Eledryn asks, "So no bodices then?"

Leifa nods sagely at Melikor.

Cruxophim gazes with interest at Lylia.

Eledryn snaps his fingers.

Lylia says, "I have yet to acquire one myself."

Lylia says, "Her love of pale, airy designs are still a part of Fiselle Sauvere Faendryl's style, however, and her unconstructed garments have a fluid grace that also pays homage to elements of water and fire."

Lylia asks, "Any questions so far?"

Lylia surveys the area.

Xanthium says, "Not yet, but I love the illustrations."

Lylia admits, "Sauvere designs are rarely the ones that suit me, but I know some who cherish them."

Xanthium asks, "Are they your renderings?"

Lylia smiles at Xanthium.

Lylia says, "Oh, no, I am not quite that fine an artist. Yet."

Lylia turns to the next page of her journal.

Lylia carefully places a lace-tasseled burgundy silk journal on the ground.

Leifa says, "What a way to expire."

Lylia says, "Let us move on to another favorite, not only of mine but of many Clerisy scholars and certain daring Emporion types - Vielte."

Lylia nods.

Lylia says, "Most dramatic way to go."

The page, written in Common, reads as follows:

"Enshrouded in rich, dark velvets and silks, Anselis Vielte Faendryl's models are as radiant as dark jewels. The haunting beauty of the necromancer's styles has brought a venerable fashion house back to life."

In the image, the model stands in profile. Her alabaster skin and silvery hair seem to glow with an inner light against the penumbra of black tulle and bourde surrounding her in the illustrated plate. The only color in the image are in the young Faendryl woman's matte red lips and the scattering of teardrop garnets on her necklace. Her low-cut gown is obscured beneath a tightly laced bodice in ebon satin, and her voided velvet wrap bears a subtle ivy pattern.

A series of graduated silver hoops grace the woman's visible ear from pointed tip to lobe.

Lylia says, "Whether in sweeping robes or slim column gowns, black is the staple hue of any Vielte collection, often accented with jewel tones. The house tends to alternate from decade to decade between heavy embellishment and a more minimalist style."

Lylia notes, "Currently, a minimalist aesthetic holds sway, but no one would raise eyebrows at pairing these pieces with a more heavily embellished accessory or two."

Lylia says, "I like to do that very thing, in fact."

Leifa carefully inspects her evening gown.

Lylia says, "As one of the newer houses, Vielte fashions are especially popular among Diaspora Faendryl, many of whom find the bright themes and primary colors of local fashions distressingly..."

(Lylia waves her hand in the air as if searching for just the right word.)

Lylia says, "...simple."

Ysharra asks, "Garish?"

Ysharra asks, "Primary?"

Lylia diplomatically says, "I shall just say 'simple' and leave it at that."

Lylia says, "Anselis Vielte Faendryl draws his inspiration from the sorcery and necromancy he studies, incorporating these themes into his designs with an eye to pleasing his Clerisy and Emporion clientele."

Lylia explains, "The natural world is a favorite theme, particularly when it involves poisonous plants or venomous creatures. Those who enjoy Vielte fashions often cite the designer's dry sense of humor as part of the house's charm, finding whimsy in wearing images of what they summon or animate."

Cruxophim makes a purring sound.

Speaking to Lylia, Ysharra says, "You don't say."

Speaking to Ysharra, Lylia says, "Although the house is often associated with sorcerers, I know that would appeal to your tastes as well."

Lylia raises her voice in merry laughter.

Lylia nods at Cruxophim.

Ysharra laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

Speaking to Lylia, Ysharra says, "Or necrobotanists, my new suggestion."

Cruxophim glances at Lylia and makes a little purring sound.

Lylia nods emphatically at Ysharra!

Lylia glances at Cruxophim and makes a little purring sound.

Speaking casually to Ysharra, Cruxophim admits, "I'm something of a necrobotanist myself."

Speaking carefully to Ysharra, Cruxophim mutters, "...assuming we have the same definition in mind."

Lylia says, "I believe we have time for another."

Cruxophim nods eagerly at Lylia.

Lylia picks up a lace-tasseled burgundy silk journal.

Lylia turns to the next page of her journal.

Lylia carefully places a lace-tasseled burgundy silk journal on the ground.

The page, written in Common, reads as follows:

"Fine-spun linen and silk layers offer protection from the sun in style. The stark beauty of the Southron Wastes inspired this palette of sandstone, weathered alabaster, and the sapphire blue of a cloudless desert sky."

The image in this plate is of a dark-skinned Faendryl man, gaunt and sharp as a blade, dressed in artfully draped robes of pale linen and silk. One of the layers in the man's robe bears a tone-on-tone stripe in tawny shades, the patterned fabric mostly hidden between fine linen. A leather-trimmed collar sweeps into a folded hood. The inner surface of the hood is lined in a deep lapis lazuli shade that matches a scaled leather belt around his waist.

The only jewelry he wears is a single large fibula at one shoulder, the curved pin large enough to hold the robes and hood in place.

Speaking to Cruxophim, Ysharra says, "...close enough."

Ysharra grins slowly at Cruxophim.

Lylia says, "Do let me know if you cannot get close enough to read the journal, by the way. The words are nothing without pictures."

Lylia says, "This image may be closer to what many believe is 'traditional' Faendryl clothing, and indeed it is - for some Agrestis and Rachis members."

Lylia muses, "What is 'tradition' when it spans so many millennia, though? The best answer may be that it is fashion that pays homage to our more distant origins as a distinct culture."

Lylia says, "This style of clothing is perhaps the closest historically to what was available in the Southron Wastes when we were first cast there."

Lylia says, "Fierce windstorms sometimes howl across the trackless desert, and the sun is cruel. The land itself is inimical, and anything one wears must guard against it."

Leifa dismissively says, "Those colors were important in the wastelands, but our modern landscape here in the city has changed drastically."

Lylia says, "To say nothing of the tattered and thinned veils between realities that...well. I should save that part for somethng other than a discussion of fashion."

Lylia nods at Leifa.

Speaking to Leifa, Lylia says, "Traditionalists do still enjoy showing their deeper roots, though."

Lylia says, "The layered linens some believe is the totality of Faendryl fashion are part of what Aulaine Gallius Faendryl has made her signature style. Her designs often draw from the desert itself with rare skins and hides, linen, and cotton in natural hues."

Speaking bemusedly to Lylia, Cruxophim mouths, "Roots?"

Lylia notes, "Recently, the venerable house has taken a decidedly martial turn with battle-ready styles. Leather accented with metal, rigid boning, and overlapping pieces that evoke lamellar armor are part of Gallius' designs."

Lylia echoes, "Roots."

Lylia nods knowingly.

Lylia says, "Timeless and durable, these pieces sometimes serve as light armor themselves. Embossing, cutwork, and other details are hallmarks of the house's mastery of leather, and exotic skins as accents pay homage to traditional Faendryl styles, fitting for a house that is celebrating its third millennium."

Leifa respectfully says, "I can respect a good root."

Leifa winks and flashes a sly grin.

Lylia adds, "Many members of the Extrachthonic Cartographers' Guild have embraced this house as well. Though of course, anyone is free to display the unique styles of any house, or none."

Speaking to Leifa, Eledryn says, "I am fond of natural elements as well."

Lylia says, "But again, what one chooses to wear speaks volumes."

Speaking to Ysharra, Xanthium says, "I heard that."

Speaking affably to Lylia, Cruxophim muses, "Sometimes it's still screaming."

Lylia says, "There are, of course, many other houses, great and small, rising and in decline."

Cruxophim removes a flayed skin mask from in his shadow cloak.

Lylia raises her voice at Cruxophim in merry laughter.

Cruxophim puckers his lips and makes a sloppy smooch sound at his skin mask.

Lylia warmly says, "Only you..."

Cruxophim put a flayed skin mask in his shadow cloak.

Lylia picks up a lace-tasseled burgundy silk journal.

Lylia says, "But these are the ones I enjoy the most, and until my fancies change, these are the ones you shall hear about most often."

Lylia flashes a quick grin.

Lylia gently closes her burgundy silk journal.

Lylia asks, "Any questions, then, on fashion in general or Faendryl styles in particular?"

Lylia places a hand over her heart.

Lylia bows.

Alisette says, "They are exquisite."

Lylia warmly says, "Thank you."

Xanthium says, "I liked the natural elements, definitely. The fellow who taught me the mandolin said that's something all art has in common. The air, the water, the spirit that moves through them."

Leifa inquisitively says, "I am curious about any other Faendryl fashion houses that you are aware."

Lylia notes, "By the way, later in the summer, I shall be talking more on Faendryl fashion for Fashion Week."

Speaking to Lylia, Leifa asks, "You spoke of Fiselle....did I miss any other names?"

Speaking to Lylia, Ysharra says, "Oh, I look forward to that. What a lovely season this has been."

Lylia says, "Fashion is determined by what others are wearing; style is often innate, and it does not require a label, although it may have one if that designer's vision resonates with you."

Speaking to Xanthium, Eledryn says, "There is something about a nice forest glade, with just a bit of sunlight filtering through the leaves and a gentle breeze to stir up one's muse."

Leifa says, "Of course. I was just interested in discovering any active Faendryl designers."

Speaking to Eledryn, Xanthium says, "I think he meant more the base forms...like music mimics the brook rumbling, or the wind whistling..."

Eledryn taps some shimmering golden chainmail wreathed by a whirlwind of luminous ethereal leaves that he is wearing.

Speaking to Eledryn, Xanthium says, "Just as paint takes on the hue of the sun at its peak or at its demise, or sculpture the side of a green hillock or marble cliff."

Speaking to Xanthium, Eledryn says, "Sometimes the music IS the wind."

Speaking to Leifa, Lylia says, "Yes, Fiselle Sauvere Faendryl took over after the house's original visionary died. Other houses...hmm, some people are fond of Naerdrim, Vellarith, Cominius..."

Leifa turns an inquisitive ear toward Lylia.

Lylia gets a strange look on her face and glances about suspiciously.

Lylia says, "You may know some that I do not, in fact. There are --"

Lylia chuckles.

Lylia says, "Sorry. I was momentarily distracted."

Lylia says, "But yes, Sauvere, Gallius, Sintanhali, and Vielte are my personal favorites."

Leifa interestedly says, "I will be noting those names and keeping my eyes out, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge."

Lylia says, "More than welcome to look through my illustrations too, if you like."

Lylia says, "I wish I had more to offer, but we are rather far from New Ta'Faendryl."

Eiliriel says, "Perhaps in the future. Your lecture was excellent, of course."

Lylia says, "Someday, I would like to talk more about how fashion has evolved, about what each house offers and why those who choose it do so."

Speaking to Lylia, Ysharra says, "Thank you, my friend. Your descriptions were poetry by themselves, much less the cultural lesson."

Leifa admiringly exclaims, "Absolutely flawless presentation, my lady!"

Lylia says, "Or about Diaspora fashion, with local influences."

Ysharra says, "How much work goes into something that we admire, and often take for granted."

Speaking to Lylia, Eledryn says, "And an absolutely flawless presenter too."

Speaking to Lylia, Xanthium says, "Like trousers."

Lylia says, "Thank you so much."

Speaking to Lylia, Alisette says, "I may be an elegant halfling yet."

Lylia agrees, "Elegance is not an exclusively Faendryl virtue."