Q&A Blog 04: Rarity

Rarity: Hello, dearest human readers! Rarity has arrived, and is ready to answer your wonderful questions.

NSS: The mail is all here, and this week we have a whopping five entries from three readers.

NSS: The first comes from Merne23, who’s been waiting quite a while to get this one answered.

Rarity: Oh, so this the…gentleman? Is that correct?

NSS: Yes it is.

Rarity: So this is the gentleman who had already taken the time to write in a question for me?

NSS: Also yes.

Rarity: I like him already.

Merne23 asks: Did you learn any new skills, keeping morale high on the front lines?

Rarity: Oh certainly, though most are those I thought I would never dreamed of using or didn’t imagine existed at all. Sonnet became such a blessing in those days. I can’t imagine where I might have ended up without her. I had no idea that worn metals could require quite so much care and polish. And who else could have possibly shown me such faboulous methods of taming helmet mane? Take it from me, if you can find a way to wear a helmet and keep your coiffure in proper order, you’ll never suffer from hat mane again.

Soldiers take just as much pride in their equipment and armor as fashion ponies adore their accessories. Their armor and uniforms may be utilitarian first, but they still value them as a form of expression about what kind of pony they are, which isn’t too different from a fine dress.

Wool asks: What's your favorite griffin tribe and why?

Rarity: I don’t like to play favorites, but I suppose I’d have to answer the Aquila. While I’m still trying to understand the nuances of griffin culture, it seems that the Aquila are the most willing to discuss and explain matters of their society and art. The other prides still are still adjusting to talking with outsiders, which is fine considering how long they’ve chosen isolation, but still makes it harder to make new friends. They just need a bit more time.

I must say though that Kaleb is a fine fellow and an excellent conversationalist once you get past his harsh exterior. I just wish we had first met under better circumstances.

NSS: These last three all come from the same user, who wishes to remain anonymous.

Rarity: Aww, how adorable! So there are shy humans out there. Perhaps I have a secret admirer.

NSS: I’m…pretty sure that any comment I might make about that would just land me back in hot water with the princesses.

Rarity: I know, darling. That’s what makes it fun.

Anon asks: What's your opinion on griffin fashion?

Rarity: I…I try not to dwell on the matter too much dear. While they’ve found some marvelous feather paints to use as accents, it seems the griffin tribes are less than willing to don any garment unless some poor creature sacrificed its life for it. While I can certainly understand the tradition of the practice, it is something I simply cannot be involved with.

Anon asks: Did you take your chaise longue with you during the war?

Rarity: You know, I almost did try to bring it along, but thought better of it at the last moment. Even though I had already cut corners on my usual packing, it occurred to me that without Twilight’s spell, I would have no way to rest it on any of the clouds! I don’t dare imagine what fate may have befallen it had I brought my precious comfort longue.

And of course, I don’t think dear Thunderlane would have been up to the task, fine stallion that he is.

Anon asks: How did (or does) the war affect your career as a fashionista?

Rarity: Oh, um, I suppose I have to admit the personal exposure didn’t hurt, and I did meet a number of ponies that became contacts afterward. And I…may or may not have been involved in a fashion related project after the war ended. Of course all of those things have had an impact on the business side of things.

Mostly though, I found myself in danger and surrounded by ponies who I otherwise may never have met any other way. Fashion is an art of expression as much as beauty, and I think getting to know so many varied ponies in such hard times has had an impact on my designs. When I meet a pony, I can’t help but consider new pieces with their spirit in mind. And yet, some of those ponies will never see those designs now.

A pony’s personality has always been my inspiration, but the war showed many ponies just how frail the body can be at times. I hope I’ve learned to treasure each pony I meet even more, now that I’ve seen that frailty firsthoof.

NSS: Wow, that last answer was…

Rarity: [Blushes] Ha ha, yes, I suppose even a fashionista can learn a few things from—Wait, you don’t think I too that answer too far, do you?

NSS: No, not at all. In fact, thank you Rarity.

Rarity: It was my pleasure.