Iris Ophelia's ongoing review of virtual world and MMO fashion
It's no secret that I love cosplaying in Second Life and putting together avatars as homages to my favourite characters. So, when I was considering what other Halloween costumes I could put together for New World Notes; the titular young witch from Studio Ghibli's classic film Kiki's Delivery Service sprang immediately into my mind.
Kiki, like many of the heroines from Hayao Miyazaki's work with Studio Ghibli, is brave, resourceful, kindhearted, and completely adorable. Even the Disney Princesses could learn a thing or two from her!
It can be tricky to capture the spirit of animated characters in SL, but Kiki's look is so distinctive that it was a much easier avatar to build than I'd expected. But you be the judge, here's a side-by-side comparison:
How did I create my Kiki avatar? Keep reading for a full breakdown of this little witch's wardbrobe!
- I started with a fresh-faced and nearly natural looking skin named Loa from Mother Goose's [Click here to teleport to Mother Goose's in TURPENTINE]. Ideally Kiki wouldn't be wearing any makeup (especially not eyeliner), but the expression of the face is sweet enough that I'm willing to bend the rules.
- For Kiki's hairstyle, I modified the fringe on Zero Style's bob cut Mary [Click here to teleport to ZERO STYLE], sweeping it to the side while the original style's fringe hangs straight down. I also added her signature red hairbow, bought from Y&R [Click here to teleport to Y&R in FOOTLOOSE].
- The dress I'm wearing is anther bit of compromise, the Dot Long Onepiece from Niniko [Click here to teleport to Niniko in SWITCH]. This dress is originally a lighter shade of purple, but I've darkened it to make the polkadots a bit less noticeable, and to get closer to the color of Kiki's dress.
- Kiki's red flats are ANEXX's Bow Ballet Flats, easily my favorite and most worn flats in SL. [Click here to teleport to ANEXX in AOHARU2]
- I couldn't forget Kiki's familiar, Gigi the Cat, as played here by WangRen Frog's Neo Kowloon Kitten, which you can pick up from a stall in Kowloon [Click here to teleport to KOWLOON]. Though this kitty may not seem to do much compared to the popular breedables, it makes a perfect accessory for Kiki. The cat's head is scripted to follow your camera, so no matter where you turn it will look at you. Its head will also stay straight, so if you're posing on a slight angle like I am above, the head will correct for it and look much more realistic than a stiff prim cat usually would.
Of course, what's a witch without her broom? I was unhappy with the brooms I found on the Marketplace, so I turned to fellow Ghibli fanatic and incredibly talented builder, Menno Ophelia, to help me out. Menno's shop, Kari, is packed with exquisitely sculpted items from furniture (like a surreal television-aquarium) to accessories (like the adorable animal hat pictured on the right). Click here to see more from Kari, or teleport directly to the store!
Once you've become Kiki in SL, where should go? Maybe you could visit this giant tribute to Studio Ghibli, where you'll fit right in!
Iris Ophelia (Janine Hawkins IRL) has been featured in the New York Times and has spoken about SL-based design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan and with pop culture/fashion maven Johanna Blakley.
Looks a bit big f'r Kiki. Just sayin'. ;-)
Posted by: Marianne McCann | Thursday, October 20, 2011 at 05:12 PM
Wonderful work here. Kiki has always been my favorite Miyazaki, actually. In a curious twist, my daughter has always preferred the more "mature" pieces like Princess Mononoke or Howl's Moving Castle, but I've more attracted to this young girl trying to find her way in the world. Thanks much, Iris.
Posted by: Harper Ganesvoort | Thursday, October 20, 2011 at 10:23 PM
Kiki's mom?
Posted by: Taro | Friday, October 21, 2011 at 05:59 AM
The Wood Deck Brush of Witch Flight that Kiki uses in the final scenes is a free item at Evileye Littlething's wizard shop - look on the upper floor.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Zilch/187/35/23
Unlike most brooms it can be ridden side saddle. I use it all the time!
Posted by: Oriella Charik | Friday, October 21, 2011 at 03:28 PM
lovely!
Posted by: Isadora Fiddlesticks | Friday, October 21, 2011 at 06:25 PM