by Estim20, HSM Editor

Sophistication is no stranger to PlayStation Home. Between the tuxedos, ballroom gowns, and elegance of a nicely-dressed avatar, we can say for certain that there is a market for a sharp-dressed Home citizen.

With that said, it can be interesting to discuss how style, class, and elegance evolve from generation to generation. Imagine, if one needs to see this in action, what ‘formal’ looks to you. Such a term has a plethora of connotations across the vast ocean of time, as well as across the vast tracts of land we call countries. All cultures generate their own notions of sophistication, which may evolve over the period of decades, let alone centuries.

For example, art deco dominated the 1920s, a departure from its preceding decades in the still-nascent 20^th century. It brought forth the heyday of everything from Agatha Christie to bootleg hooch, creating a decade perceived as the century’s ‘party central’ exemplified by cool, fluid lines and minimalist designs. Flappers gave spirited demonstrations of the Charleston while wearing bobbed hair; gangsters took to the pinstripe suit and dressed (literally) to kill.

If you are at all familiar with ‘fams’ on Home, this is the look you associate with them.

Fast-forward to the ‘eighties, and everything is pastel, huge, and awesome to all levels of max. It nearly gave the impression of the Roaring Twenties’ second coming, with its essence of pop culture explosion, moral guardians trying to drop some anvils in said pop culture, and dedication to excess and partying. Everything came in neon colors, with hair threatening the integrity of ceiling fans and enough hairspray to kill insects buzzing around it.

Formality for the ‘80s brought us the popular Eighties Business Guy, quite often portrayed as a villain in anything from Captain Planet to Johnny 5. It’s a suave, professional look that lends itself to later characters, such 30 Rock’s Jack Donaghy or Better Off Ted’s eponymous Ted, that offer a far more positive feel. A relatable feel, if you will, of a boss or colleague that has your back.

So where does Home fit into all of this? Formal clothing is no stranger to it – anything from tuxedos to wedding dresses to fashion-ready material awaits the user. Drey and Figment, over at Lockwood, owe their entire existence to the suggestion that a market exists for it, and will continue to exist so long as Home remains active. Heck, even fams suggest (in their own unusual – if notorious – way) that a suit sells.

KOVOK hasn’t ignored the fashion-conscious crowd; between Raven Culture and Stereo (formerly known as YOLO), it is definitely aiming for create clothes for the fashion whales of Home. It returns with another line, this time aiming for the aforementioned elegance and style users clamor for.

From KOVOK’s copy:  “If we could define elegance, style and sophistication in one word, it would be Altamar. KOVOK brings you this collection of high-end fashion, the combination of quality and taste has resulted in a dazzling line. Altamar offers you a neoclassical inspired style that breaks with convention and fits any occasion.”

It has been my experience that this is how many users establish themselves as connoisseurs of sophistication. When you walk into a ballroom in America or Europe, this is what you expect to see. Everything present is the sort of style that knows it’s stylish and confident, and doesn’t need garish ornamentation, exaggerated gestures and anything that only be described as bombastic to get that cross. Men have an elegant suit, a muted grey affair with matching tie and wingtip shoes. Women receive a flowing black dress (it’s an established sell for a good reason) that will make any ballroom proud.

Here’s hoping Altamar earns itself additional updates in the future – KOVOK could easily have their own Drey on their hands. Expect these to hit SCEE shelves on February 5^th and SCEA on the 12^th.

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