These new Gala Phoenix Battle Royale skins are so interesting I have to show you them in larger than normal sizes. There are 6 makeups total, with 2 versions each and a light and dark skin tone option. These skins also have a version called Battle Royale Defeated, which features the same makeups on a more banged up and bloody body. Scroll down to see all the makeups available & pics of the body 🙂 I squealed a little when I tried on each one.. they get bloody!
Normally I steer clear of specialty skins like this, but I have a feeling that these will be very popular. It's still pretty, but dirty and totally bad ass!
Battle Royale Body & Battle Royale Defeated version (with more scrapes and bruises)
SugarCube sugar by sugar dress in Amethyst <3
Sexy new Chelsea Stiletto from SLink!
What I'm Wearing:
Truth – Mavi (espresso)
SugarCube – sugar by sugar dress (amethyst)
SLink – Chelsea Stiletto (White)
Gala Phoenix – Battle Royale (Petal)& Defeat
About Post Author
Ooooooooh!! i love the face on this skin! are these being released as everyday skins as well? i love the Gala skins, but they all make me look either about 19 years old …or angry/sad.
Oh wow, love the skins a lot. So far there was a severe under-supply of beaten stuff on the grid and had to be made up with blood and scar layers. But these are awesome!
How glamorous! How much FUN to be able to accessorize the visible signs of physical abuse the same way that we change handbags and skirts!
Nothing quite as chic as trivializing a social blight that brutalizes millions of women around the world annually, eh? I can hardly wait for the new line of “Rwanda Genocide” skins, complete with bullet holes and machete wounds!
Bunny, the reason that there is a “severe under-supply of beaten stuff on the grid” is that most people in SL have retained a moral compass, something that was clearly left out of these designs.
now if i could only find a decent pair for bloody and torn pants..
I am going to add something of a update to my comment, above. I have since spoken to Gala, and she tells me that these skins were intended to be employed for “fight” simulations; she disclaimed any intent that they might represent physical abuse.
I am actually quite prepared — indeed, relieved — to believe her. The designer seemed to me legitimately surprised, and upset, that these skins were being taken as representations of violence against women.
That said, however, the essential problem remains, epitomized in the suggestion above that these skins are “still pretty, but dirty and totally bad ass”: whatever Gala’s intent in producing these, they are easily misread. Apparently there is a market for “Abuse Chic,” and the accessorization of violence against women.
I hope that Gala will consider remarketing these products more carefully to make it absolutely clear what these are intended for. I hope, too, that she will include with the product a notecard clearly disavowing any use of these to represent sexual or domestic abuse. These skins WILL get misused so long as they are on the market, but these steps would at least make it clear that the designer herself holds no truck with those who find images of a beaten woman “glamorous,” “chic,” or “fun.”
Hmm….did not even occur to me that thses skins represented abuse. I looked at them as i looked at the League Misty beat up skin….as a skin to be used in ‘arty’ pictures or in combat RP…i imagine Gala was pretty horrified that you thought that a woman would design a skin that promotes violence against women.
I think we can all be sure Gogo’s “still pretty, but dirty and totally bad ass” comment was intended in a completely NON offensive manner.
I doubt anyone finds images of abused women glamorous, and when i saw the skin first, i never thought of abused women. Honestly my first thought were warrior females. Especially with the battle royale name i think of games like Tekken with cool female fighters kicking a**! (i always played as Christie :P).
Anyways there are lots of bruised male skins and i dont see anyone complaining about those eventhough abused men are a serious problem in RL. I guess when you see a scarred male skin you think tough warrior or something.
I think the skins are cool, and i bet the skins will look awesome with the boxing helmet and gloves from hat mechanic. I also think the skin will be popular in RP/combat sims where alot of people wear scarred bruised skins (Atomic,Bruiser,&Bean etc) or wounds on clothes layers (Remember Kyoot Army’s clothes layer wounds?) to look like warriors.
Get over yourself, cunts. If you haven’t noticed, there’s quite a crowd for the warrior/post apoc tuff roleplay. Are you so in touch that you blog and comment like rabid animals but you’ve never seen this kind of design in Second Life?
Shes not glamorizing spousal abuse. Fucking get real.
Also, before that crazy feminist chick trys to twist my arm – I would never hit a woman and I believe most of us can agree anyone who believes in glamorizing such a thing are asking to be guillotined.
Consider this:
People who create guns in second life =/= people who like to kill African Americans in real life? NO. That’s fucking ridiculous. Almost as ridiculous as saying that a virtual portrayal of a woman who has blood on her skin is glamorizing using a woman in the real world as a punching bag.
You make me want to puke.
I do think, Leeloo, that Gala is indeed upset to discover that people have been reading the skins this way. Unfortunately, we don’t always control how people will interpret what we say, do, or create. A glance, not merely at Prok’s blog, but also at some of the comments to be found there, will demonstrate that these skins HAVE been interpreted as representations of violence against women, and not just by Prok or myself. And I am pretty confident that they will also be purchased by some people with that use in mind. That may not be “fair” to Gala, but it’s a fact that has to be dealt with.
These skins are not without a context in SL, and sadly, it probably isn’t a context of Gala’s choosing. There ARE “rape skins” for sale in SL, skins or clothing layers specifically and explicitly designed to represent the damage inflicted upon a woman through sexual assault. I buy that Gala was not thinking of this market when she created these, but, despite the fact that these are probably marginally less gory than the rape skins, there isn’t an awful lot that sets them apart from them.
As for Gogo’s comment, well … I’d like to hear some clarification. There is nothing in this post to indicate that the skins are being praised as anything other than fashion accessories, glamorizing abuse against women. If that is not what was intended, I’d like to hear it said.
I suppose that Gala and those who support her can simply continue to insist that I and others are misreading her intent in creating these skins. But the problem remains that, whatever her intent, they are being read, and will likely be used, that way.
Gala has the opportunity to not merely correct that impression, but to actually do some positive good by making a public statement to the effect that these skins are intended only for combat or martial arts RP, along with a public condemnation of their use as representations of abuse. Ideally, something like this would be included in a notecard with the purchase.
Doing something like this would certainly (in my eyes, anyway) clear up the misunderstanding about her intentions. And, it would be a powerful message against representations of violence against women in SL. Gala is a deservedly successful and well-respected designer in SL. Her words would carry weight. I very much hope that she puts them to use where they can do the most good.
>>I hope that Gala will consider remarketing these products more carefully to make it absolutely clear what these are intended for. I hope, too, that she will include with the product a notecard clearly disavowing any use of these to represent sexual or domestic abuse.
So she should cater to the sensibilities of people like you who jump to ugly, unfounded conclusions and are never going to buy the skins anyway? Why on earth would she do that?
Scylla, please remind yourself of a couple of things about life and the way people are …
Each individual looks and responds to their environment based on perspectives they’ve developed since the beginning of their conscious. This instance is a clear example …
As Gogo, and several other people interpreted these skins in one manner, you interpreted as another. In your mind, you think it’s objectionable enough for you to go on a “crusade” to chastise people who do not share your feelings about this product.
Can you deal with the reality that just becuz there are folks who don’t feel the same self-righteous indignation that you’re displaying here, that these people are still decent?
There’s no reason for you to point fingers at anyone and make judgments to their levels of empathy and compassion. Where in Gogo’s post did you read: Hey beating up women is glamourous! ? I don’t read that anywhere. Sure, there are horrors in real life, but it’s not something a lot of people focus on when discussing fashion. So domestic violence isn’t high up there in Gogo’s radar. How does that equate to her advocating domestic abuse? I would say she’s fortunate to not have her mind jump immediately to that.
You infer way too much. And it’s mostly cuz that’s how your mind works given whatever experiences or learning you developed in your life. Hey that’s cool. But why impose it one other people who have no idea about your perspective. If all you want is empathy and compassion, there are more effective tones and issues to go for.
As someone who has been abused in RL, my personal opinion is, don’t speak for me. I’m not walking around in SL feeling all victimized all for a pack of skins. Saying that someone with my past would be so affected is insulting to me. It trivializes the ordeal I went through, more than how you assume a pack of bloody skins sold at Halloween time would offend or traumatize people. Cuz I’ll be damned if someone cries, “think of the RL battered women” like all women can do is cry in a corner and be punching bags. Women are stronger than that. And if there’s anyone out there feeling vulnerable, chin up cuz you deserve higher compassion and respect than a hissy fit over skins.
And that’s where we differ. You see victims. I see fighters. It’s all in perspective.
Do I care if people will use this in a way that may trivialize domestic violence? No. Trying to prevent people from doing things I don’t agree with is like trying to prevent the cycle of life. It’s not my business what people do with their time and money. When it comes to things like this it’s really an internal debate for each person. And it’s up to each individual to filter and say what does and doesn’t get under their skin. I’ve got a whole life to live for myself than to waste it playing net-nanny amongst consenting adults.
I feel it’s better to embrace the diversity in SL, not censor it. I’m liberated like that, but not immoral. Fight the real battles where it matters. In real effing life.
Seriously? Why is this become an issue? I can’t believe there are people in SL right now talking about boycotting Gala for this. These skins are amazing and a brilliant too for roleplayers like myself to represent damage from a multitude of sources including combat, accidents,insanity and the fun kind of rough sex.
Could someone use these to represent an assault victim in RP? Sure .. in the same way an actress gets bruises painted on her face to represent one on CSI, or any other drama on TV. But its just that .. roleplay. Acting.
Whats next? seriously? Are we gonna have public outcry against zombie skins? “zomg! They glamorize killing women! And eating their brains! waaaah!” Please people .. if you have issues cause you were a victim of abuse in some way in real life .. I feel for you, truly. But don’t come into a venue like SL (Or her blog) and throw a fit because YOU misinterpreted the use of something that has a large multitude of contexts. It shows a lack of dimension in your imagination.
Err…..Gomalt? ONE person was suggesting the skins looked abused…ONE. Youre lovely useage of the C word kinda implied more than one comment annoyed you…almost made you sound like you work for SCD.
And i forgot to say, the skins are called “BATTLE ROYALE”, i think that kinda lets everyione know that they are fight skins…and nothing more needs said if you read Lash’s post.
Lash:
I think, in the post to which you were presumably replying, that I made it fairly clear that I do understand that people interpret things differently. Indeed, that has been all along my central concern about these skins: where a small specialized minority of you see (with the aid of the name “Battle Royale”) a reference to a rather obscure Japanese film, much of the rest of the world is going to see, simply, a woman who has been abused. I don’t think Gala intended that, but it is the reality none the less. Regardless of our intentions, we need to take responsibility for the impact of what we communicate.
Nor am I trying to “censor” these skins. I have not called for a ban on them: I have simply expressed my personal opinion about the social harm that these skins cause, and asked those who agree with me to join with me in doing the same. Suggesting that I should not be permitted to do so, on the other hand, IS censorship.
Gomalt:
Hey, it’s “that crazy feminist chick” here. Might I suggest that the verbal violence of your response does not exactly fill me with confidence that you are capable of distinguishing between your “warrior” persona in SL, and your RL self? In SL, this kind of language may make you seem “tough.” In RL, it’s a cue that you might benefit from some training in anger management. And maybe a thesaurus.
Ann:
“So she should cater to the sensibilities of people [who] are never going to buy the skins anyway?”
Absolutely not … to hell with ethics, right? It’s the bottom line that really counts.
Leeloo:
Please see my response to Lash. “Battle Royale” means absolutely nothing to most people. Which is precisely why I think she needs to be less ambiguous in her marketing. And again, I ask, why on earth WOULDN’T she be? If these skins are truly intended for that niche market, why NOT make it clearer to those who don’t already belong to it? You aren’t communicating very effectively when you are employing a language and allusions that are obscure to most of your audience.
I’m sorry, Ayami, I nearly forgot to respond to your point:
The likening of RP to acting is pretty commonplace, but the comparison is superficial at best.
Acting is a craft or discipline that uses certain methods to create a dramatic illusion of “reality” to an audience of NON-participants. The actors themselves — even “Method” actors — don’t “get off” on their roles: they aren’t doing it for self-gratification, but rather to achieve this illusion for the benefit of their audience. Any element of “role playing” involved is merely a means to an end, not the end itself.
Role playing, on the other hand, is about self-gratification: the target audience is the role player herself or himself, and other role-playing participants (who differ from a theatre or movie audience precisely because they ARE participating). Here, the RP itself IS the point, and the pleasure from the illusion generated is felt by the “actors” (i.e., role players) themselves, and not by a third party.
To make the distinction a bit clearer, perhaps, actors, other than those in porn films, are seldom known to masturbate while performing sex scenes. Whereas, rumour has it, this is actually pretty common among role players in SL.
It is the fact that the role players are at one and the same time the “actors” and “audience,” and that the illusion they are trying to generate is directed at themselves, that makes role play so powerful and, in some contexts, potentially dangerous.
Let’s do something about domestic violence that will actually make a difference instead of boycotting or arguing: http://netherworldsl.blogspot.com/2009/10/combat-domestic-violence.html
These skins are absolutely wonderful. There arent enough well made battle skins in RL, which is a downside for alot of people who RP every day. Thanks for daring to think outside the box 🙂
Dragging in a final (and i do mean final for me) point….I have never seen the Battle royale movie….i was referring to the ‘Battle’ word…which in all honesty just makes me think of warrior’s and army’s….not domestic violence,although i understand and respect your opinions Scylla.
All I can say is – Awesome. Roller Derby skins.
@ Scylla – Your interpretation of actors “getting off” is subjective. I get an immense amount of self gratification when I nail my tactics, as well as a “high” of sorts every single time I get on that stage or step in front of a camera.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to do a love scene – even if it’s just a kiss – and in order to do so, I, myself, must truly want to kiss that person(Not just my character). I get all the butterflies and emotions that go along with it. The difference is, we are aware that it’s not real, and in theory, leave it “On the stage.”
Good role-players as well, know to leave it behind when they leave the game.
Gala can put notecards in the skin folder all day long and tell people not to use them for this or that but it won’t change anything. People who intended to use these skins for taboo roleplays will STILL do it regardless of what the designer says. Attacking a designer for not doing is a little overboard.
If you want to attack beat up skins you have a long list of things to attack in SL before you go to these skins.
RP potentially dangerous?
Wheee boy… now we’re just an inch away to start blaiming Alice Cooper, Marilyn Manson, NIN, Stallone, Keanu and the toothfairy for all the wrongs in the world too.
RP is about as dangerous as walking outside your door, taking a shower or opening your eyes in the morning.
Nice to finally see some really nice scarred skins done by Gala. She’s one of my fav skin makers 😀
I don’t see women as mentally or physically weaker than men so I don’t assume that these women have been abused. Whatever people’s assumptions are, reflects on their character I think.
Anyway: the majority of SLers will buy the skins regardless of any pathetic attempts on boycotting. I don’t see why Gala should have to market her products with warning labels.
If you like it buy it.
f you don’t like it…stfu and don’t buy it 😀
It is certainly true that women are not mentally weaker than men, Lei. And I’ve no doubt that on a case-by-case basis, you can find some women who are not physically weaker than some men. But think what you want, the stats on domestic abuse hardly bear out your overall point: women suffer far more, and far more severely, from domestic abuse than do men. That’s simply a fact, not an “assumption.” Nor do I find it a very satisfying theoretical response to imply, as you seem to be, that if women WERE physically stronger, and could express themselves more “equitably” through violence, that everything would be just cool. This is all about getting away from a culture of violence, not finding ways of “joining in” more effectively.
Personally, I certainly will not be buying Gala’s skins until she has unambiguously distanced these skins from the depiction of domestic abuse. But I also have no designs on preventing you or anyone else doing so: I’m calling for a boycott, not a ban, so the whole “censorship” subtext is a red herring.
And finally, I have no intention of “shutting up.” It is my right and, I believe, my ethical responsibility, to speak up about things that I believe are wrong. You, of course, have the right not to listen — a skill that I think you have already mastered.
Bravo gala! Welcome to the world of fantasy, folks. People play in combat sims, it doesnt always have to be perverse, naughty, inappropriate, or a sign of physical abuse. My very first skin a year ago offered this style of skin, the basic make up or its beaten alternate. Except *I* was way more offensive in my naming. I feel like you ladies and gents are being just a bit to sensitive and pointing fingers in a direction these skins? clearly were not going.
Look at any urban combat sim, steam punk, post apoc rp, you name it. Even some of the nekos, goths and fae enjoy a little roughed up look.
So again I say bravo Gala for taking a step in a fun new direction for combat rpers all over, that want the nice make up and that “just stepped off the front lines” look.
And to the rest of you? I’d suggest a sense of humor, or maybe an attempt at it. Its not like her battle royal skins are her only options. Its also not like shes promoting spousal abuse with this line. So stop projecting your own personal traumas, and waving your femanism flags. These skins were in fun..and gala has something for everyone at her store, if you arent feeling that whole, just took a fist to the eye socket sort of look.
xoxo,
Tyr Rozenblum – owner and designer of tyranny designs.