Tributes Gallery

So, I'm a little bit behind on posts - please forgive - I'm currently away on holiday, yippee! Anywho, one of the recent tribute releases was, what I now assume is a continuing collection, Tributes Gallery. Personally, I actually really like the Tributes Gallery releases. They provide an overview of 'hot' accessories in the designer world in a small one-floor manner. While last season we had two Tributes - bags & shoes - this time it appears to have been condensed into one, which I actually appreciate more as it makes more space for a branded store. As someone who likes the releases dedicated to one designer, this is a short, concise way to feature a load of other brands without making Tribute season last all year (I wish).

So, one floor packed with items. Designer pieces featured include Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Miu Miu, Givenchy, Off-White, Manolo Blanik etc. I thought that this was a nice collection of brands and their more iconic pieces. 

First, let me address the Gucci present. Six pieces are dedicated to Gucci, which I'm not complaining about: a green cross body, pink embellished bag, embroidered cowboy boots, crystal glasses, a suitcase, and a sky-blue backpack. I adore the green cross body! I managed to find the inspiration (pictured below), just in a black colour. I love the emerald green as it really resonates with the current Gucci aesthetic being sold to consumers. Green and red is present in so many of their items; t-shirts, sneakers, bag handles - so it's clear that this piece does stay true to the brand. As for the 'Guccify' pink bag, well we all know that has been a huge success. I have seen so many dolls sporting looks featuring this piece. I also found the real inspiration (pictured below), it looks absolutely stunning. I am always on Net-A-Porter looking at the latest fashion looks and Gucci is always slaying the game. The crystal sunglasses (pictured below) and blue backpack are a bit of a miss for me, it comes down to just not suiting my style. I find backpacks hard to work with online, they don't translate to being as casual and cool as they do in the real world. I do love the design and colours used though. I hope to see somebody pull these pieces off! Lastly for Gucci, the cowboy-esque boots...okay Stardoll. Cool initiative, you know there's high demand for boots right now in our community, but I'm not entirely sure that when users scream "I want boots", that this is what they envision. Still though, I like the concept, as stated in the Fendi review, some items just don't translate well from runway to online graphics.

Okay, Gucci over, now onto the other items! The tartan boots, which I casually found on Net-A-Porter one day appear to be inspired by Off-White. I chose not to add a comparison image as I'm not 100% sure of this! Regardless, these are some hot boots! Absolutely amazing print, and I love the small details, such as the ruching up the sides to give them a more 'slouched' and 'oversized' appearance. I love them whole-heartedly! I also love the Dolce & Gabbana bag - with a black and white checked foreground and flowers overlaying, this bag is truly representative of the brand. The handle is something a bit more different, a hard shaped curve, not a flexible handle, I like it. I don't have many other thoughts on the bag, except for - I wish more dolls were sporting it! Another bag which hit the mark is the red Miu Miu bag. This piece is just so perfectly simple, it would go with just about any look! Red is a beautiful, underrated colour, it screams confidence and provides a dominating colour to an anotherwise bland look. Following on from 'pop-of-colour', the Manolo Blanik shoes. Can I just say I have waited so long for these to be featured!? I know we had the Manolo x Vetements orange thigh-highs in Young Hollywood last year, but they were so limited. By having some Manolo's in the Tributes gallery means that they are so much more accessible for more consumers!

I really appreciated that this year Stardoll included a lesser-known brand, Maison Michel. For which, the Maison Michel navy hat with pearl string was featured. It is identical to the real life item (pictured below). I haven't seen an overwhelming desire from other dolls to style this item, but I sure am keen! The navy colour is nice, and the pearl details are refreshing and provide a sense of 'luxury'.

Okay, I will conclude with the three pieces which I was necessarily overwhelmed by. First the Gianvito Rossi boots. What are these? They confuse me a bit, and I haven't seen a single doll wearing them. I feel like they are a bit different, but I am still willing to give them a go before condemning them to the pits of my bazaar. Next, the Givenchy pink backpack (pictured below), who is going to wear this? I think it is more of room decoration than something Stardoll actually expects you to work with. Personally, I think the colour is nice, but it could've been replaced with something a bit more versatile. Finally, controversial opinion, the Gucci suitcase. Looks great as a suit accessory, but as stated above, I think something more useful and wearable should've been featured instead. But then again, I have seen people using it, so maybe it's just me haha.

So, my thoughts on the items are varying. However, the overall consensus is that this release was more of a success than a disaster! Again, sorry for the very late review, I am trying to catch up and schedule some posts for days when I can't write anything. What did you think of the release?

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