This weekend, I got the answers to all my burning questions about Numeria when my book arrived. And, as always, more questions were raised than answered. I’m only about 20 pages in (as of this writing), so I may have to eat my words later.

Answer to the Most important Question:

Ruffian Spring 2011 Ready to Wear

YES (with caveat):  There is polyester!  I feel foolish for even asking.  The android on page 57 is rocking a mauve and white, belted, sleeveless, double breasted, flared pantsuit.  It is exactly as glorious as it sounds.  With that description, how could it be anything other than polyester?  It looks a lot like this white suit from Ruffian’s Spring 2011 Ready to Wear collection.  Also, since she’s an android described as having “synthetic skin”, she essentially is polyester.

Louise Goldin Fall 2008 Ready to Wear

The Numerian Gunslinger  on pg 55 is wearing a standard issue superhero/speed-skater suit.  The kind that requires an amount of stretch which is unattainable with natural fibres alone.  This piece from Louise Goldin’s 2008 Fall collection displays similar amounts of stretch and contrasting seam inserts. (ETA:  The artist posted the Gunslinger image on deviant art)

From these facts, I am cautiously optimistic that there is polyester, despite no actual mention of petroleum-based fabric.

Speaking of synthetic materials:  Am I the only one hoping the Technology Guide includes recipes for making polymers, like the formulas in the Alchemist’s Handbook?