Ah, another pic of our boy Ashel?

SPAAAAAAAACE CLOOOOOOH-OTHES!

Interesting to have that mantle clapsed down by the hem.

Hmmm, now that you mention it.... wouldn't that be a trip hazard though?

While I of course did not design this costume, that little chevron clasp can be ceremonial as a "hobble", something designed into the clothes to slow movement. Also, it might symbolize that the mantle is "full circle" or "fully enclosed", indicating the severity/reverency of the wearer's office or the politics the mantle is meant to represent.

Hmmm, okay then. Yeah, I admit I'm from the uber-pragmaticism school of fashion design.

Yeah.
Ceremonial/processional garb is entirely un-pragmatic, but rather it's all about the pomp and pimpin', baby.

Exactly.

^_^

Well firstly, I primarily design this stuff just to look cool. I admit, I don't always fully succeed in that, but it helps if you folks out there keep the venerable MST3K Mantra in mind. Secondly, a decorative clasp right there isn't nearly as restrictive on an open-sided surcoat like that than it would be on a full coat or robe. QED!

It does look cool all the same, just let me get that out there. Yes, yes, yes, I remember that slogan very well. XP Doesn't stop me from bitching though. And that's a fair point about the surcoat being open-sided.

Ooh, uniform Ashel! ^_^

Look at him; all smart and formal and space-opera dress-uniform! ^_^ Isn't he COOL? And don't you love that holo-banner? This is the image of respectability he wants to promote. And he does it so very well, naturellement.

Dear Muffin is always respectable, of course. Though I prefer him with his hair loosened up a bit.

*le Sigh*

If only I could get the rest of him to do that more often...

^_^