Kunglers: Nature, Sensuality, and Boldness Come Together

Dress: Amanda Nature by Kunglers; photo credit: Beck Azalee, Picture Perfect studio

I might wear a full gown occasionally, but what I live in are dresses—be it a cocktail dress, a business casual dress, or a dress to play at the beach. Dresses are easy to wear, feminine, and great fun to accessorize. Oddly enough, dresses are hard to find in SL. I have never quite understood why, but most designers either focus on super casual (e.g., jeans, tank tops) or on highly formal gowns. One place that never fails me when I need a dress for any occasion is Kunglers. In particular, this is my go-to place for cocktail dresses. I highly recommend a visit to the store.

Kunglers began operation in December 2008, but I did not find them until 2010. I was shopping for a dress—a fun short dress that would be adaptable enough to wear to a club, or host friends at home, or just stroll through various sims for a day of fun exploration. The moment I found the red-belted white dress (Renata) I was hooked. Not only have I worn this dress more than once (yes, don’t be shocked. I tend to do that from time to time when I like a dress, particularly one this versatile), but I have bought it in other colors. In fact, if you read my article on essential items, you might remember that I recommended it in black. This is still one of my favorite dresses in my closet (i.e., inventory).

Dress: Renata in white; photo credit: Beck Azalee, Picture Perfect studio

The colors and flavors at Kunglers are as varied as the designs. The designers, RL sisters AvaGardner Kungler & Barbara Kungler, have created a brand that has a distinct stylish look.  In fact, last week, I stopped by to visit a friend while I had on Amazonia. My friend asked whether this was “another Kungler” before even examining the dress, suggesting that the bodice’s design was detailed and fresh which is a signature of a Kunglers’ design.  Recently, I had a chat with Ava who joined SL at the request of her sister Barbara. I was curious as to how the sisters ended up as designers with style in SL. “After weeks of exploring and learning, everything started to get kind of boring. It was then that I decided to try my first designs and began making dresses for myself,” Ava said.

The fact that friends started requesting dresses and encouraged the sisters to open a shop is now ancient history. At least it is history by SL measures where time, as Ava admits, runs very fast and the field is quite competitive. It is this competitiveness that results in continuous improvement of designs and builds. Take a look at Cherry Dress. This dress exemplifies the spirit of an SL designer to me. The texture is beautifully realistic and silky, and the pattern is so well matched with the colors. The contrast of the brown siding with the dress color is well placed, and it emphasizes the green and gold in the pattern. I also appreciate the fresh design. It is nothing like other dresses in my closet, and it makes you take a good look at the dress and admire the design.

Dress: Cherry Dress in cinnamon; photo credit: Beck Azalee, Picture Perfect studio

One thing I promise you is this: you will be impressed by the range of options at Kunglers—from gowns to jewelry, to cocktail dresses to casuals. The Kunglers tops have quickly become my favorite top to wear these days, particularly because, in addition to design element, they are well built and fit easily without needing hours of modifications on their prim elements. I have grown fond of scripted clothing items recently. I enjoy not having to wonder what to stretch in what direction, and instead have a scale by the designer to enlarge or reduce the piece. Zeta, one of the newly released dresses, exemplifies the uniqueness of Kunglers due to its fresh design. While fashion is competitive which in turn promotes its evolution, one often finds rebirth of the same designs over and over. When I asked Ava about her inspirations, her answer was absolutely in tune with my sense of her designs: “I love nature, sensuality and boldness. These are, basically, what I keep in mind while designing.”

Dress: Zeta in honey; photo credit: Beck Azalee, Picture Perfect studio

I see those elements in Velouria. It has a sensual flow in both the design and the texture. Also, the skirt is scripted to accommodate sitting, which is (as any girl knows) a real risky proposition in SL. I also see the element of boldness coexisting with sensuality in this design in the use of the feathered bodice and the rich color of the dress. The use of feathers makes this dress one that makes others take a second look, yet the sensual design leaves you safe that you didn’t try too hard. And of course, what would the feathers be representing but nature. This is one of those dresses that might not grab you quickly in the store, but trust me it is a winner.

Dress: Velouria in red; photo credit: Beck Azalee, Picture Perfect studio

Don’t let all this talk about cocktail dresses give you the wrong impression that Kunglers lacks in gowns and formals.  The range of style and functionality is as wide in the gown department. One of the sweetest gowns I have in my closet is Sophia. For some reason, its pattern reminds me of being at peace, enjoying the moment, and living in your own skin whatever it may be. The design of the bodice is lovely, folds of fabric that twist in the center and wrap around each other. I have taken this dress dancing as well. While this is perhaps not what you want to wear to your next blues concert, it is an impeccable dress for dancing in your special someone’s arms.

Dress: Sophia Candy; photo credit: Beck Azalee, Picture Perfect studio

Now, I do know that not all you avatars are excited about wearing sweet dresses. Yes, I know some of you. I am on occasion one of you in fact. But have no fear. This is exactly what I meant about versatility of the designs. Just take a look at Origami. You cannot sneak in and out of any place in this dress. I guarantee it. This dress will get you noticed. The texture is gorgeous in both color and silky sheen, a Kunglers trademark. The bold colors are a smashing success, coupled with planting green and purple together. This is a daring move that results in SLeye catching colors, regardless of the world’s time or light settings. We all know that light settings can often ruin your perfect look, if you don’t know what others are looking at. In this dress, you can throw all those worries aside, and just enjoy yourself. The dress is slightly fluffier than I typically wear, but it was such a gorgeous piece that I simply could not resist it. I am afraid I have been contaminated by the Kunglers gown bug!

I wanted to know what else Ava enjoys on SL besides designing. Her thoughtful response reflects the sensibility that goes into making the dress: “The endless possibilities of escape from reality, even for brief virtual moments; where else would you coexist between fairies, mermaids, naughty devils or such, from all wildest possible places, thanks to so many talented residents who spend so much time building this world.”

I asked Ava whether this range of styles reflects hers and Barbara’s array of personal styles. She did admit that she designs only what she likes and what she would wear in RL. Ava sees herself as “an ordinary woman who, in SL, found a way to express her passion for clothes.” In RL, she is an interior decorator and showcase designer. Fashion is something she has always loved, which should come as no surprise since you see it reflected in her designs. If you have seen me around town recently, it would have been hard to miss my new favorite gown Francis. It is not simply the high quality texture and build that attracts me to this dress, the daring slit in the front is very hard to pass. This is exactly what made me smile when I asked Ava about her philosophy on the relation between style and one’s experience in SL. She believes that in a virtual world you have to dare to get away from certain standards because this is inevitably how one ends up identifying one’s personal taste. Amen to that.