So I found along my wandering in SL that the Fantasy Faire 2011 was on from April 2nd – April 10th, an event show casing fantasy merchants in SL and trying to raise funds in support of Relay for Life. So I dawned my most outlandish fantasy look for the event. I decided that why not go all Drow for the experience and walk around as a drak elf from the UnderDark. So I dawned my white wispy hair, dark skin, elven ears and put on a outfit by Lucia Cyr Owner and designer of [LH] LostHaven. The outfit is [LH] Drow Priestess of Lolth. I have always admired Lucia’s work, but not normally a designer I would wear but Drow females have never been known for being dainty and demure and the outfit screams devotee of Lolth. Her sculpt and texture work quite something. The outfit comes with skin and ears for those who don’t have their own already, making the outfit well worth the price tag. A creator that would appeal to darker fantasy cowed, especially men. She puts great detail and care in all her work and her texture skills are really quite something.
Once dressed I took the TP to the Fantasy Faire there I rezzed into a whimsical relm. The Forest of Shadow was the fair’s starting point and utilized the sculpted works from “Skulpting notba,” made for quite a fanciful feel as you made your way through the sim. Dark Mirage was sponsored by “The Looking Glass” which had quite the eclectic and wide range of stock, you are sure to find something to satisfy your RP needs and a darker mood loomed over the whole sim. “The Epic Toy Factory” had a collection of oddities on display and contributed to a large part of the sim build on the Fantastical and Magical sim. “Cerridwen's Cauldron Creations” did the sim design for the Exotic Worlds sim, it was quite unusual and felt as if you were rumbling down the rabbit whole. Sea of Mer had some underwater shops and the build under the water definitely worth the cam and the walk under the pixil sea. “Fallen gods” sponsoring the sim and build for the Enchanted Mysts sim. It had a very Roman feel as you made your way through, but also reminiscent of the southern cities of Gor. “Natural Fantasies Landscapes” did the sim build for the Forest of Light sim sponsored by Evie’s Closet, a long time supporter of Relay for Life in SL but I would have to say though it was a pretty, I didn’t spend as much time exploring it as I did the others. For more information on the sims and sponsors of the 2011 Fantasy Faire and all the events going on can be found at http://fantasyfairesl.wordpress.com/
The fantasy fashion options were wide and there was definitely some thing to appeal to any fantasy roleplayer. There was so much to see and too many to mention but these are some old and new finds that caught my eye. There was a many merchants selling there wares, Neko shops dotted here and there and other humanoid animal mixes such as Satyrs made by “Satyrs Moon.” And of course “Grim Bros.” was there with there Steampunk look with a edgy twist… “Skinthesis” and “The Plastick” were present, giving some exposure to their fantasy skins. And of course being all done up as a Drow I had to stop and admire the tattoo - Lolth’s Blessing from “Collisions” and more then one of the tattoos were a tempting purchase. “Barer Rose” was at the fair and had some interesting pieces out, most that would definitely strike a cord with the Naruto/ Bleach anime fantasy fans in SL. Illusions vendor displaying their finally crafted masks that made me want to get all dressed up for a Masquerade. “Material” squirrel brought there wings to pander to the fae. “House of Ryfre” Gorean/Roman male fashion was in attendance along with “~Sa-eela~” and “Tribal Soul” with their fashion for the women of Gor. Gorean RP accessory outfitters such as “Old World,” “Trident” and “Roawenwood” were there. The few that I noticed representing the Gorean fantasy markets as I trudged through all 8 sims. “Forest Feast” had some interesting landscaping items, definitely worthy of a fantasy theme. “Fae Faire Home & Garden” and “Fea Fantasy” were also showing of some of their wears. Another vendor in the landscaping and prefab market that caught my eye as I was wandering by was “Mab & Co” and “Mac’s Originals.” “Oran” had an interesting collection of oddities as well and “Gauze” had an offering of very unique Elvin ears. There were a few freebies and chippies about as you wound your way through the merchant lanes. In short the Fantasy Faire 2011 is a fantasy fashion shopaholics dream.
Finally the only purchase I made at the fair to support the cause was from “Evie’s Closet” a long time and well known creator in SL for her fantasy and formal attire. Wandering into her vendor, which was front and centre at the TP point into the sim, there is a little bargain at the entrance but that wasn’t what I purchased. I ended picking up one of the Relay for Life options. *Evie's Closet* Amarie's Bower - RFL 2011, in a stunning eggplant and rust colouration a darling little fantasy dress ideal for the Fae community. Her texturing and prim work have just gotten better over they years is all I have to say. There is also a long skirt option so with some crative layering I am sure even the Gorean Free Woman could put this little outfit to use. Though I was disappointed she forgot to change permissions on the cuffs to the gloves so that they were mod-a-ble but over all I am stoked about this find and in a limited colour offering only available as a Relay for Life purchase.
Only negative criticism I have for the whole event is that I was disappointed there was no note card readily available that I was able to find, listing the creators participating and what sim they could be located in, as you never really get a chance to see it all the first time round. It was a wonderful tour and I know I must go back just too truly enjoy and appreciate the event and builds again. Too much to see and tell about, an event you really must go see for your self and enjoy getting lost in a world of fantasy.
