O Steelhead Tartan Bustle Dress

I have released the "O Steelhead" version of my tartan bustle dress, done in Steelhead's official tartan!

You may find it in my shop at Steelhead City.

I will be releasing the lumberjack shirt, waistcoat and full tartan dress with jacket soon, so be on the look out for them.

New Release: Seaside Summer Dress

Inspired by a favorite painting by Tissot, the Seaside is a beautiful flirty summer dress perfect for soirees or leisurely strolls. A slim silhouette, it comes with a sheer jacket with lace cuffs and sculpted bows, as well as a fluttery train and cascades of ruffles that flatter your every move.

It is available in Sky, Rose, Aubergine and Canary, as well as all four colors at E.Laval shops in Caledon Regency and Steelhead City.

Inspiration for the Seaside Dress

The Seaside dress was inspired by this painting--"The Galley of the HMS Calcutta (Portsmouth)" by James-Jacques Tissot, c. 1887...

E.Laval New Releases: Steelhead Sunrise & Tiny Steampunk Lady

One may have seen me wear this on my rez day recently, but I decided to go ahead and release Steelhead Sunrise for everyone to enjoy. Miss Riven Homewood, when it was mentioned in chat that I had made a Steelhead dress, asked if it was made of fish. Well, yes, actually. The pattern is scales in the lovely gradated colors of the skin of the Steelhead trout, which is also reflected in the texture of the corset waist. It is inspired by the Gardner worth, and comes with the corset waist, bodice, skirts, gloves, a golden-brown lace underskirt and bodice and dress frills...Now, I couldn't possibly release a Tiny Steampunk Gent ensemble without releasing a Tiny Steampunk Lady version to join in on the adventure! Both new outfits may be found at my shops in Caledon Regency, Steelhead City or via the aethernet at XStreet...

The Messmers Get A Bit Squirrelly

It helps to have a partner who rather enjoys being a tiny squirrel as well sometimes. I thought I'd whip up a "Tiny Steampunk Lady" outfit similar to the "Tiny Steampunk Gent" that Phin is wearing...
Which certainly makes attending events together as the ValenTinies Dance at the Prop Spinners Pub in Steam Sky City a lot of fun!

1891 Isabella Stewart Gardner Worth Gown Available to Benefit Library

In conjunction with my exhibit at the main library in Caledon, my reproduction of Isabella Stewart Gardner/Mrs Jack's 1891 Worth gown--which uses a texture from the original dress' textile--is now available for sale for 1000L. 100% of the proceeds go to benefit the Caledon Library/Alexandrian Free Library system, which has helped to educate and provide libraries not just in Caledon, but throughout the grid. You may find vendors to purchase it at the Whitehorn Memorial Library in Victoria City or at my main shop near the hub in Caledon Regency.

An Evening in Steelhead

Tonight at the Steelhead town meeting I thought I would wear one of Dame Lapin Paris' creations that she gave to me a while back. I think of her sometimes and do miss the cheerful kindness that she had always shown to me. If there is someone closer to her that will see or speak to her, could you please tell her that she is thought of?Afterwards, I walked down the way to my shop to adjust a few vendors. I saw a gathering nearby and peeked outside, where I was asked to join them. Miss Tensai was showing a fantastic creation of hers to Mr Mosseveno Tenk and Mr Trilobyte Zanzibar, a visitor from Babbage. I do think she should open a small shop there as I believe her creations would be most appreciated by its populace. Also present were milliner Reghan Straaf and the Baron Wulfenbach. I had to take a second look at Frau Lowey's campaign dress. Oh my...

Exhibit Openings and Armed Paddleboats

Today was the opening of my exhibit at the Caledon Library! I was so tickled that there was such a good turnout! Gabi played my interview on her podcast, Voices in the Machine, where you can hear me discuss the exhibit, my working process and a roundtable discussion about designing Victorian fashion with Mr Nix Sands, Miss Fuchsia Begonia, and Lord Edward Pearse. It is a lot of fun to listen to. Everyone seemed to really themselves and the exhibit will be up until the end of March. A thank you to all who came out today to see it...Afterwards, I thought I would relax at Laval Point. I saw Col. O'Toole going by on one of his new little Mosquito paddleboats by Miss Commons. We chatted for a moment and he is settling in well at his new home here in Steelhead. If you'd like a paddleboat of your own, stop by his home's dock on the rock at Polymath Eyrie and look for a wooden box. It's only 1L, seems like a lot of fun and oh--did I mentioned it is ARMED?

Victorian Fashion Exhibit in Caledon

Tomorrow, 12/7, will be the opening of my exhibit "The Past Reimagined: Victorian Fashion and the Designs of Eladrienne Laval" at the Whitehorn Memorial Library in Caledon Victoria City from 1-3 pm SLT... With the assistance of head librarian Sir JJ Drinkwater, we put together a retrospective of my work (I have created over 75 pieces since I started designing) giving you an idea of how a piece goes from historic source images and sketches to a final ensemble. It will discuss inspirations and give a side-by-side look. I also created an exhibit about Paris' first "couturier" who revolutionized dressmaking and fashion, Charles Frederick Worth...
With the help of library curator Miss Siri Woodget, we are also presenting an exhibit about one of Worth's wealthy patrons, Boston socialite Isabella Stewart Gardner, who is shown wearing her favorite Worth gown in this photograph...And here I am in the reproduction of it that I created, which uses the texture from its actual fabric. If you attend the salon discussion and opening tomorrow, you will have a chance to win this stunning dress. The exhibit will run until March 1, but I do hope to see you there!

New Releases at E.Laval: "Ada" Steampunk/Victorian Ensembles

I thought I would create some new pieces for Fall. I've always enjoyed wearing uneven hemmed dresses with little breeches underneath. Good for adventure, yet still feminine at the same time. In that spirit, I am releasing "Ada", a steampunk-y Victorian outfit named after Lady Ada Lovelace, the first "computer" programmer herself! It comes with shirt with flexi lace cuffs, cropped vest, collared jacket with sculpted cuffs, sculpted hat, pants, belt, uneven hemmed skirt, brooch, gloves and knee-high stockings. You may find these on the aethernet or at my store in Caledon Regency. The Ada Black is also available at the Dark Victorian Emporium in Caledon Tanglewood...

Yes, I Took it Too...

Oh...just because...

Your result for The Steampunk Style Test...

The Explorer

11% Elegant, 17% Technological, 17% Historical, 80% Adventurous and 63% Playful!

You are the Explorer, the embodiment of steampunk’s adventuring spirit. For you, clothing should be rugged and reliable, and just as functional as it is attractive. You probably prefer khaki or leather, and your accessories are as likely to include weapons as technological gizmos. You probably wear boots and gloves, and maybe a pith helmet. Most of what you wear is functional, and if you happen to wear goggles people had better believe that you use them. In addition to Victorian exploration gear, your outfit probably includes little knickknacks from your various travels. Above all, you are a charming blend of rugged Victorian daring and exotic curiosity.

Try our other Steampunk test here.

Take The Steampunk Style Test at HelloQuizzy

Gothic Fashion at FIT

This is only slightly OOC, as it does pertain to Victorian fashion in a way. My RL sister is a fashion merchandising student at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in NYC. We discussed her recent homework assignment regarding the school museum's "Gothic: Dark Glamour" exhibit that recently opened. I went there briefly myself after undergrad for their design program and remember being taken behind the scenes of this museum--the only one in NYC dedicated to fashion. Imagine being surrounded by carefully preserved pieces--both historic and modern. I was in heaven. The current exhibit is a mix of both as well, discussing gothic fashion's roots and current incarnations, with include Lolita, cyberpunk and steampunk. It will be there until February '09, so if you are interested, go see it if you are there.

Pausing...and a Fish Fight

Mondays have traditionally always shopkeeping days for me, when I check inventory, rents, box items and create vendors, and create pieces, but I had to do everything on a Tuesday instead. Afterwards, I leaned on the railing of the mezzanine of my Caledon Regency shop and looked down over the floor below.

First, I thought, "I have really created a lot" and of that, I'm truly proud. Then, I looked over at the Inkyboy Gallery and thought, "I love Gryffin's work and that octopus is way too much fun."

I'll be releasing some new menswear and steampunk ensembles for the Fall. I love what I do and I'm lucky to be able to share it with everyone... Later, I checked on my shop in Steeltopia and went across the street to the Embassy of Steelhead. I ended up ducking under the stairs with my Tombola Steelhead "sword fish" fighting trout as Lunar and Miss Hilra got into a full-fledged parrot vs. fish gun fight. I'm sure that was quite some cleanup afterwards...

New Release: Godey Nightlit Bustle Dress

I realized that I had not made any white bustle dresses, so here is a lovely one, the "Godey Nightlit"...perfect for that special day or a stroll on a warm afternoon. Like the others in the Godey series, it is based upon an 1870 design from a fashion plate in Godey's Lady Book. Look for it in my aethernet and inworld shops...

Great Exhibition & the Crystal Palace Opens!

I am exhibitor in the Crystal Palace and today was exciting as the Great Exhibition is finally opening!Exhibition organizer Mr Mako Magellan awaits the arrival of the Queen by train...
Queen Victoria, accompanied by Prince Albert, declares the Great Exhibition open!

Merchant Talk

Last night I had a chance to really talk to longtime Caledon resident and former steward, Mr Gerami Fizz. We have shared a shop in Steelhead for quite some time now, but we've never had a chance to formally chat beyond exchanging pleasantries while out and about.

I always enjoy talking to other shopkeepers and creators. We were both in Antiquity Shouls looking at shop space and discussed retailing inworld and new creations, and he showed me a new sword he has been working on. I don't know if folks realize how much work actually goes into shops. These are by no means complaints, as I love what I do, but I think most merchants I know will say the same thing: they love creating, but the retailing part is a lot. First, you must create the piece, but then it is a matter of photographing it, boxing it, loading the vendor, and placing it in your shop space or aethernet shop.

Not to mention that your groups become eaten up by land permission groups. A good deal of my 25 groups are merchant-related. I have always felt that land owners should have a land rez permission list similar to that of the add and ban list so that they may add/remove names as necessary. And if you have multiple shops, such as Mr Fizz and I do, there is also a matter of general maintenance. Somewhere that I can just leave my vendor and--even better--not need a land group is even better! Those who know me know that I perform shopkeeping duties on Mondays. I am always prompt when customers have questions, but on Mondays I check rents and vendors, box and photograph items, and deal with general store concerns. And yes, that is my new little storefront behind me!

Beside the River Nile

The Duke of Greystoke held a hafla dance and get-together at his wonderful Egyptian build over Caledon Greystoke for RFL. Ululations rang out, there were shouts as brave explorers were chased by a mummy in the pyramid, and dancing--lots of dancing. I made a 1860s Egyptian dancer's outfit, complete with full "Turkish-style" pants. It will be for sale in the bazaar and at my shop.
Here I am joining the Duke at the hookah...
Mr Sands looking regal...
At one point the men decided to dance for us and we women took the drums...
The Duke impressing us with his sword balancing skills...I had a lot of fun. Do stop by and enjoy the sights yourself!

Dark Victorian Show

Today was the big Dark Victorian "Dark City" show, featuring Victorian designs of a more gothic feel...I was nervous to be on the runway, but here I am in my new "Godey Nightfall". I have also made the Lola Midnight available as a RFL item, so if you see it in a vendor, its purchase proceed goes towards RFL...
Lady Patty and Puck enjoy the show...
Bastchild & Lapointe (designs below) were the featured designers, but there were also great pieces from Lapin Paris, Fuschia Begonia, Terry Lightfoot and yours truly!
Afterwards, we danced in Dame Lapin's lovely build as Dia spun goth tunes. Yes, I'm the one in the mourning veil...

One of Us...One of Us...

Mr Kwerbleburb Knelstrom and I met at the Tangle party. He is normally a relatively tall black rabbit furry and wondered what it was like to be a tiny. I loaned him my tiny black bunny AV to see and he loved it so much that he not only bought his own AV, but bought one of my tiny Vic gent's outfits to wear with it. I recommended the "Tiny Gryffin" for him as he has gold in his eyes. As Lord likes to say, "Once you go tiny..."

New Release: Metal Hair Roses!

I was disappointed not to find a rose during the recent Caledon rose hunt, so I made some lovely metal ones instead! They come in brass or riveted steel with green oxidized copper leaves and if you click on them, they will bloom! Just a little something to make a steampunky girl feel pretty!