Recently a new style has been exploding across the Second Life scene. Necko is that fashion trend. The Necko style is essentially the addition of cat ears and a tail to one's avatar. Using Necko elements has not always been an element of mainstream fashion though.
Second life fashion veteran Tenshi Vielle says, “Nekos didn't really spring up until about 2007, and wes a deviation off of furries but had no bearing on the fashion community.” As Necko has recently become a very common sight around Second Life and many designers have been adding Necko elements to their designs it is safe to call Necko a new force in the design world.
Necko has roots all over the world. Indeed, Necko or Neckomimi means “cat” and “cat ear” respectively in Japanese. Japanese culture has many instances of specifically the catgirl in their manga and anime. Western examples of human/cat reverse anthropomorphism take the shape of the superhero Catwoman, various characters from Magic: the Gathering, Doctor Who, Star Trek and X-Men. The idea a human/cat chimera is extraordinarily prevalent across cultures both old and new. Even ancient Egyptian culture has left behind some examples of not only cat worship but the human/cat chimera. The Sphinx, both the massive Egyptian monument and the Greek mythological character show that Necko is really not a new concept.
In Second Life Necko sprang out of the furrie community. Some Necko avatars may mourn their community going “mainstream.” Feeling the loss of the close knit, more focused community and the independent identity of using a less well known style. These people need to get over themselves or at the very least, revel in the hipster-joy of being Neko “before it was cool.” Seriously, Neckos around the world should celebrate their culture and style being featured in mainstream media outlets such as the Alphaville Herald.
Necko is not just about adding ears and a tail to your avatar. Many Neckos add more feline characteristics such as whiskers, paws, tattoo stripes or even full on fur. Neckos who keep human form and skin can dress in many different styles. Casual, grunge, cyperpunk, steampunk, kawaii, and more dressed up (think Fancy Feast) styles are seen with Necko. Just as cats have unique personalities, so to Neckos. There are many Necko specific accessories that avatars can choose from. Items such as, backpacks, utility belts (with cat toys), leg warmers, arm warmers and collars (collars are huge).
It is important to note that Necko is not gender specific. Although most popular references to human/cat chimeras are female the population of Second Life has seen that for what it is, lame. Although not quite as prevalent there are mancats prowling the streets of Second Life as I write this. MeeeoooW!
