Once again, dear reader, I have thrown myself into the dangerous world of shopping events. Yes, I risked my Linden balance and my sanity in the name of style and spectacle. This time? The Engine Room. Officially billed as A Historically Inspired Fantasy and Science Fiction Expo, but let’s be real, it’s basically Disneyland for anyone who ever whispered “steampunk” into a mirror three times and hoped a dashing airship captain would appear.
Now, unlike those relentless monthly shopping marathons that leave you with inventory shame and the desperate need for another coffee, The Engine Room has the decency to appear only once in a while. Exactly how often? No idea. Which is actually perfect, you get time to anticipate its arrival!
The venue itself is a masterpiece by Walton Wainwright: a cathedral of gears, pipes, ironwork, and glass. It’s like stepping into the belly of a mechanical beast that’s somehow also chic enough to host a runway show. Even the backs of the vendor booths look amazing. Yes, you read that right, the backs. When an event makes you stop and admire the rear end of a shop stand, you know you’re somewhere special.
So whether you’re a devoted steampunk roleplayer, a historical fashion enthusiast, or just someone who occasionally likes to accessorise with cogs and goggles (don’t we all?), The Engine Room is a feast. And even if steampunk isn’t your cup of highly-pressurised Earl Grey, you’ll still want to wander its halls just to marvel at the build.
And oh yes, I shopped. (Would you expect anything less?) I came home, gloriously, in:
- The Stellia dress by Everfaery – a leather-and-lace, super-mini corset dress that screams “scandalous airship soirée” while still leaving you fully capable of commanding an army of mechanical ravens.
- The Scryer’s Eyepiece by [Stelio] – perfect for spotting anomalies in the space-time continuum and looking fabulous while doing so.
- The Kate boots by [Arlots] – sturdy enough to kickstart an airship engine, stylish enough to strut into any tea salon uninvited.
Links and Info
Event Opening Date: September 20, 2025
Event Closing Date: October 20, 2025
And after you enjoyed getting lost among the gears and goggles of The Engine Room, you may want to sip something strong in the equally otherworldly Absinthe Salon, another Second Life gem that feels like it was built for time travellers and dreamers.
