I don't believe that anyone is not bothered by critics. I think that everybody cares. 

— Miuccia Prada

 

Buckle your belts, kids - aunty Jailer has surfaced for the first ever EXODUS EDIT. In a week where we went on to suffer a hellscape of loading screens and were collectively haunted by the image of a pink lady with a bob walking for eternity - Stardoll showed out with some interesting StarPlaza collections. Here’s my take on the… amusing week we’ve had.

 

 

MON Feb 17th - Pretty n’ Love (fashion)

 

In a twist of fate, this Pretty n’ Love drop flew south and pulled slick garments from Korean fashion brand Kye. The brand, owned by 2014 LVMH Prize nominee Kathleen Kye, is stocked in offbeat retailers VFILES, and I was surprised to see such an elusive designer appear amidst the preppy set up of Pretty n’ Love. 

 

The pieces featured include a minimalist double-layered white sweater dress emblazoned with the slogan “POSITIVE ENERGY SEASON,” a printed pink silk maxi skirt, and a distressed mint knitted sweater. Such bold “street style” designs are a breath of fresh air following the recent onslaught of ball gowns and decadent formal wear. 

The sheer eclecticism of this release ensures there really is something for everyone, and as much as I applaud Stardoll for providing us with such variety, I can’t help but feel that items like “KYE Black Top” and “Heavy Boots” feel out of place against the heart-dashed backdrop of Pretty n’ Love. I would have much rather pieces from Kye be released under a brand like Velvet Orchid, as I feel the core of the designs would be much more suited within its aesthetic. 

 

WHAT EXODUS BAGGED: I loved the fit and flow of the KYE Black Top (13 SD) and the bounciness of the Flounce Top (16 SD) appealed to my love of floaty garments. 

 

 

WED Feb 19th - Fallen Angel (fashion)

 

Stardoll’s very own answer to Hot Topic (or Blue Banana, for my fellow UK scene queens) returned with a drop of 20 new garments, in a variation of, quite honestly, zestless styles. The mismatch nature of the pieces made this release feel inconsistent and a bit all-over-the place for me. Items like the Green Tie Blouse and Red Pattern Pants stuck out in a less-than pleasing form thanks to their unwarranted vibrancy and displacement from the Fallen Angel vibe.

When you click a few pages back, Fallen Angel showcases the styles we’ve grown to expect and adore; gloomy floral bustiers, tattered tulle skirts, and a sense of eroded dark glam. Yet, this release was nothing of the sort. Instead we got dealt glittery skirts, glossy pants, and one underwhelming drab dress. 

 

I did however think items like the Open Flared Pants and High Winter Boots were great staple pieces that fit the brand much more suitably. I was disappointed by this release, unfortunately none of the items were exciting enough and felt like shoe-ins for the sake of a release. 

 

WHAT EXODUS BAGGED: I debated on buying the White Square Heels until I zoomed in and saw the exquisite laser-cut mesh which convinced me to purchase them in the end. I also went back and bought the Feather Diamond Heels. All considered, the shoes were probably the highlight of this release.  

 

THU Feb 20th - HotBuys

 

I’ll be honest, I stopped paying attention to HotBuys a long time ago, and Stardoll’s efforts to bring back the excitement surrounding them by tweaking the way they’re released sadly fell short on me. I still do not fully understand why HotBuys are now released in batches at a time, nor do I think this has affected the attainability or exclusivity of the items. 

Included in this release was a pair of Alexander McQueen white sneakers with gold accents (for both male and female dolls!) and a pair of Y/Project spiral earrings (in both Suite and Beauty Parlor versions!) I do commend Stardoll for providing such versatility. However, a few weeks ago, I distinctly remember seeing some of these same items already appear in the StarPlaza? Reeling back through the StarPlaza start page, you can see two reiterations of this same selection of garments, alongside the breathtaking Butterfly Dress, which for some reason, was not re-released. 

 

This out-of-the-blue and disorienting release left me completely unfazed, and better yet, confused? It got me wondering what exactly is happening with HotBuys and… at this point, should we even care anymore?

 

WHAT EXODUS BAGGED: Nothing! I bought what I wanted the first time these came out (which was also… nothing.)

 

FRI Feb 21st - Young Hollywood

 

TGIF! Less “thank God it’s Friday” and more “three gowns instead, fabulous…”. Don’t get me wrong, I love a gown, dresses are the backbone of fashion and the glitz and glamor of a gorgeous gown is always something to admire with sparkled eyes, but Stardoll, I’m tired… We didn’t need another selection of floor-length frocks considering the amount we’ve endured in past weeks. 

 

The looks in this collection were taken right off the red carpet at the 2020 Oscars and included such ensembles as Janelle Monae’s bejewelled Ralph Lauren dress complete with attached hood, Natalie Portman’s viral Dior Cape embroidered with the names of non-nominated female directors (very glad that Stardoll included this detail, BTW) and model Molly Sims’ peach number designed by esteemed couturier Zuhair Murad. 

I understand the relevance of each look chosen in that they appeal to a a definitive trio of separate styles but personally, I would have showcased more sophisticated and versatile outfits like; Renee Zellweger’s mono-sleeved ivory Armani gown, Maya Rudolphs dripping in bronze Valentino tunic, and just for the fun of it, Billie Eilish’s oversized Chanel wool suit. 

 

Concerns did ensue when members began to realise this Young Hollywood release, unlike previous ones, was not limited. Was this Stardoll’s way of making up for a week of loading issues, an attempt to tackle such issues by removing the limited aspect, or simply a mistake amidst the chaos of trying to fix the site? Nonetheless, a flurry of users were not pleased about the mass availability of the items against the inflated price tags, with the most expensive item racking up at 195 SD - what are you paying for if not the exclusivity of a YH garment? 

 

WHAT EXODUS BAGGED: Sadly, I could not justify splashing out on any of these items, especially considering they weren’t limited, either. I was escorted from the StarPlaza empty handed. 

 

 As this dizzying week draws to a close, I’m left feeling watered but not quenched. It is impossible for Stardoll to swing and hit a home run every time, especially in-line with a level of taste as corrupted (yet, suspiciously refined) as mine. I am eager to see what surprises pop up in the Plaza next week, if my calculations are correct, we are due a new Archive *folds hands in prayer for anything pre 2010* 

 

That’s a wrap, Dolls! But I want to hear your scathing reviews on the week we power-struggled through together. Sound off in the comments and give it your all!

 

Much love, and see you on the other side

Jailer (exodus27)