Frills

In the neon-streaked expanses of Hethereau, frills offer a welcome visual release from the bulked-up tech-wear and tactical gear of so many Espers. The delicate, gathered strips of fabric are a staple of Neverness to Everness urban-pop fashion. Frills add a layer of ornate detailing, whether to trim a gothic-inspired blouse, edge a casual jacket, or soften a heavy streetwear silhouette. This intentional dichotomy between the fine details of clothing and the brutal anomaly-ridden world of the city is the trademark stylistic dissonance that makes NTE character designs stick in your mind.

The frills tag is often used by digital artists seeking high resolution references for fabric physics and lighting. Fanart creators find it a popular task to accurately illustrate the complex ruffled textures created by Hethereau’s moody streetlights casting shadows. Meanwhile, players gather these images for phone wallpapers, because the aesthetic is just so striking. A moody high-contrast background is a perfect projection of the rebellious energy of the game onto a vertical screen, in a contrast of a character wearing frilly, delicate streetwear standing in a grimy urban alleyway.