Style
Issue #28
second
The best of Second Life clothing, hair, skins, accessories and more
Interview Digit Darkes
HALLOWEEN PARTY Style Icon Mourna Biziou BED TIME STORIES
contents
issue 28
Cover Feature pg 20
BED TIME STORIES By James Schwarz Fresh Faces 6 Bleeding Edge 8 Architect Square 14 Postcards 28 Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves 36 Through the Mirror 52 Dia de los Muertos 58
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20 Bed Time Stories 32 Style Icon: Mourna Biziou 42 Halloween Party 50 Second Style Interview: Digit Darkes
editor’s note The best of Second Life clothing, hair, skins, accessories, and more
Issue #28 Publisher, Editor-in-Chief Senior Layout Designer HeatherDawn Cohen Managing Editor Iris Seale Assistant Editor Iris Ophelia Advertising and Sales Felicity Blumenthal Senior Staff Writers Ana Lutetia Staff Writers Graciana McMillan Amika Jewell James Schwarz Dancien Graves Vivianne Draper Lordfly Digeridoo Brigitte Belgar Leah McCullough Juana Manue Gabby Panacek Guest Columnists Darkley Aeon Founder Josie Hamilton http://www.secondstyle.com
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It’s that time again! Witches, ghosts, pumpkins and spooks of all kind have taken over Second Style. The issue is practically crawling with creepy crawlies! Also, it’s crawling with some of the best costumes I’ve seen so far in SL. I’ve always looked forward to the Halloween issue of Second Style and it was a real honor to get to have a hand in it this year. We here at Second Style love Halloween so much and this was a joy to produce. I hope you have as much fun reading it as we did making it. This month all of our regular features are Halloweenthemed. Dancien Graves gives us some true Goth-witha-capital-G looks for your autumnal pleasure and Ana Lutetia finds the coolest new designers for the chilly season. James Schwarz brings us some fantasy-themed costumes as well as a fairytale-inspired photo spread. Darkley Aeon invites us all to her Halloween party and Juana Manuel teaches us about the Mexican holiday of Day Of The Dead. Lordfly has a historic haunted house for us to explore, while Gidge and Gabby tackle the fine art of seasonal shoes and accessories. We’re also welcoming Gabby Panacek to the magazine this month. She’s coming to us with a regular feature on accessories called To Top It Off, so make sure to check that out. Have a spooky Halloween,
fresh faces | [Whippet & Buck] By Ana Lutetia
[Whippet & Buck] | http://slurl.com/secondlife/Imogen/63/231/25 The blog where Twiggy Whippet and Dakota Buck present their clothing line is entitled of deers and dogs and intends to be also a rambling spot: http://deeranddogs.wordpress.com. While Dakota Buck is no stranger to the SL fashion scene, Twiggy Whippet is the new face in town and now the main designer of the Whippet & Buck attire. This small store offers not many creations (yet) but has well-crafted clothing for girls and boys. To show you their creations, I made some combinations within the selection of products to be found at the mainstore. [W&B] Haver Tiered Frock This vintage dress is available in an array of colour combos and can be worn as is or some jeans or leggings to create a more casual look. The all layers included adds versatility and the frills are a great final touch to a simple mini dress. [W&B] Bardot Tartan Tube Dress + [W&B] Cole Boatneck Top The Barbot Tartan Tube Dress is available in more colours as well as the Cole Botaneck Top. Actually, the Cole Boatneck Tops are available in a huge array of colours. Again these are available with all layers and together they create a chic look. [W&B] Grazia Frilly Tartan Top + [W&B] Stein Tailored Shorts By combining the Grazia Frilly Tartan Top with the Stein Tailored Shorts creates a very cool and casual look. They are both available in more colours and they also come with layer options that adds them versatility to combine with more pieces of any SL wardrobe. [W&B] Victoria High-Waisted Pencil Skirt + [W&B] Sgt. Pepper Cropped Jacket The Victoria High-Waisted Pencil Skirt paired with the Sgt. Pepper Cropped Jacket creates a classy look. Note that mastering pencil skirts in SL is not easy and here’s another fine example of a great pencil skirt. Again they are available in more colours with layer options.
Haver Tierd Frock 6 | Second Style Magazine
Bardot Tartan Tube Dress & Cole Boatneck Top
Grazia Frilly Tartan Top
Victoria High-Waisted Pencil Skirt
& Stein Tailored Shorts
& Sgt. Pepper Cropped Jacket Second Style Magazine | 7
A Dream Within a Dream Costumes inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s work
T
hy soul shall find itself alone ‘mid dark thoughts of the grey tomb-stone; not one, of all the crowd, to pry into thine hour of secrecy.” – Spirits of the Dead
Hair: Uncle Web Studios, Mask: Paper Couture, Jacket – Barerose, Pants – Zaara, Boots: Exile.
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“A
nd travelers, now, within that valley, through the redlitten windows see vast forms, that move fantastically to a discordant melody, while, like a ghastly rapid river, through the pale door a hideous throng rush out forever and laugh- but smile no more.” – The Haunted Palace 10 | Second Style Magazine
Hair: Mad Designs, Jacket: Michami, Coat: Barerose, Pants: Whippet & Buck, Boots: Exile.
“And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting on the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door; and his eyes have all the seeming of a demon’s that is dreaming, and the lamplight o’er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor; and my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor Shall be lifted- nevermore!” – The Raven
Hair: Bryce Designs, Jacket & Pants: Paper Couture, Gloves: Luck Inc, Boots: Exile.
ARCHITECT SQUARE
Lordfly Digeridoo
In a forgotten corner of the second oldest continent on the Second Life grid, across the riverbank from one of my oldest custom jobs in Noyo, there is a completely ordinary building. Rather rectangular, it sits atop a deck jutting out into the riverbed. Inspecting this ordinary building reveals it was first constructed in October of 2003. Suddenly it is no longer so ordinary. This is the legendary Spook House built by Sinatra Cartier, one of Second Life’s oldest residents. This is not its first home; it resided originally somewhere in the chaotic mess of the introductory SL landmass, all 40 sims worth. It has no sculpties. It does not include any baked shadows. It is not havok4 compliant. It doesn’t know what a custom animation is. Megaprims were not even in the wildest dreams of any builder on the grid at the time. The only voice chat heard on this parcel emanate from the spawned ghoul prims that trigger once you hop onto the ride cart and pay the $L10 entry fee. 14 | Second Style Magazine
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Sinatra’s Spook House is designed to simulate those corny carnival rides once so prevalent across America, a dying tradition following in the footsteps of the Midwest State Fairs in their long march to obsolescence. Who has time for these rickety rides of yesteryear when you can watch Saw V in high-definition on your iPod Touch? Indeed, why ride any ride when you can get all of your thrills and chills in video games and virtual worlds? The Spook House certainly relies on interesting parlor tricks to screw with your head; spooky sound effects, twirling visions of skulls, creepy girls holding dismembered heads, sudden flashes of a zombie taking over your screen while she screams as loud as your speakers allow. Your cart rocking back and forth along it’s pre-determined path of scariness, prims popping in and out of existence in a darkened shell of a hollowed cube. It’s not so much what Sinatra does, it is how he does it. This building was designed before, well, almost anything you take for granted, when SL was teetering on complete bankruptcy. It was built in a different time, nearly six years ago, when you couldn’t cash out your Linden dollar for real money. You technically didn’t own any of your creations (that wasn’t until January of 2004). The concurrency rate of Second Life had hit a staggering 100 people only once. Mono was a disease, not a development environment. Heck, you still had Lindens announcing events, manually, every hour. Was it a better time? That’s debatable. We’ve gone from rickety testbed to commercial 16 | Second Style Magazine
mainstream, where thousands of people have made tons of money. We’ve all gained friends from this place, even lost some and attended memorial services in-world. Some of us have gotten married, had kids, named them Linden. 2003 was completely different than 2009. The grid has changed too, of course; going from less than 40 sims to more than 19,000, filled with petabytes of content that no human being could ever fully experience in multiple lifetimes. Weekly, fortunes come and go, drama flares up and dies down, buildings are erected and then smashed against the virtual terrain. And yet, through all of this chaos, this impermanence, this endless drive towards more/better/faster/profitable, Sinatra’s Spook House endures, unchanged from it’s original form, save for a relocation. It still costs $L10. You still have to right-click and “sit” (no left click interactions here). You still have to type SPOOKY in all caps to get the thing to even work. And you still have to view it in first-person view. But it’s still here! The ride that Philip has shown endless times as a wonderful example of what’s possible in virtual worlds. The build that New World Notes has written about at least once to a teeming audience. It endures, seemingly forever, in a world constantly beset by change, impermanence, and uncertainty. Perhaps the scariest thing about the Spook House is how unique it is. How often are artists driven to simply create anymore, to merely work their craft for the benefit of all, or to just work off a creative bender? How many times in the last year have you made something in SL just for friends, or just for your neighbors? What if the House’s scariest lesson is that we have all lost the spontaneity of virtual worlds that once defined them, that drive lost in a sea of consumerism and profit motives? If your only thought after riding the Spook House is simply, “at least I got a free t-shirt”, perhaps this scary ride is already not going to end well.
Bed Time Stories by James Schwarz
Model: Ambrosia Thespian.
Little Red Riding Hood
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Models: Stein Shilova, Autumn Hykova, Olivia Connaught. 22 | Second Style Magazine
Cinderalla
Goldilocks
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Model: Ambrosia Thespian. 24 | Second Style Magazine
Sleeping Beauty
Snow White
Models: Lauryn Arado, Emleigh Westland Second Style Magazine | 25
Jack and the Beanstalk
Izzy Berenyak, James Schwarz
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POSTCARDS
Brigitte Belgar Dear Brig, Stunning socialite that I am, I’ve already been invited to a number of Halloween gatherings this season. Over the years I’ve developed a reputation among my circle of followers-- I mean friends-- as having the most noteworthy and downright extraordinary costumes. That said, I have a dark secret; though I’ve taken credit for my glitzy innovativeness in the past, in actuality, I have scrambled last minute-every year-- to throw an ensemble together. This obviously causes a great heap of pre-party stress which, traditionally, hasn’t been a problem; I research costumes nearly a month in advance, chat up all my friends to make sure I outdo their getups, and visit TMZ’s site to make sure I’m on the cutting edge of current A-list trends. This year, though, I have a new job and don’t have any time for my usual prep activities. I’m begging you to help me with my time deficit-- tell me what costumes I need to avoid this Halloween so I don’t show up, shamed, to my holiday escapades. Dear Perilous Planner, I hardly know where to start with this one-- I could obviously use this entire column to elaborate on the various shoddy, tasteless costumes I have had the displeasure of seeing every Halloween, but I suspect that you’ve seen those every year, too, perhaps even on your followers-- I mean friends. Instead, let me toss out a few costumes that seem like good ideas but just aren’t. First, don’t dress up as Sarah Palin-- or any politician 28 | Second Style Magazine
for that matter. I don’t care if you think you’re the spitting image of her, Elliot Spitzer, John McCain, or Barack Obama; I’d bet my inventory that you’re not. Sporting political garb in a election off-year is not only stale, but especially risky this year unless you’re hoping to strike up conversation about death panels over a cauldron of spiked punch. Second, don’t-- and I repeat, DON’T-- decide it’s a clever or thoughtful idea to dress in tribute to Michael Jackson. Don’t dress like him, don’t dress in a theme related to any of his music or music videos-- just don’t think about it. Period. I’m already cringing at the thought of how many MJ’s, big and small, will be knocking at my door begging for candies this Halloween. Dressing like him this season, while guaranteed to be popular, is tacky, kooky, and just plain creepy. Finally, don’t dress like a vampire. Though a safe bet in the past-- and ripe for remixing-- thanks to ‘Twilight,’ ‘True Blood,’ and ‘The Vampire Diaries,’ there is going to be a surge in the faux-vampire population so large you’ll just be another (pale) face in the crowd. I know popular culture strongly suggests otherwise, but dressing like a vampire isn’t going to score you points. With anyone. Don’t be tricky and go dressing like Bella, either-no vampires or characters from vampire plots. End of story. Dear Brig, Every year I’m giddy with glee for Halloween. The joy of gallivanting around in festive attire, the thrill
of being spooked by ghouls and ghosts-- it’s so joyous it’s overwhelming. To say it’s my favorite holiday would be a gross understatement; the sight of a frightening jack-o-lantern and wicked witch is every bit as merry to me as Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny. I simply adore visiting the welcoming doorsteps of my neighbors and pleading for mini chocolate bars and lollipops like a hungry puppy begs for food. I spend all year perfecting my signature version of, “Trick of Treat.” The only problem (and, for the record, I don’t think it’s a problem), is that my family and friends insist that I’m too old for trick-or-treating. Is it really that terrible to want to experience the joys of Halloween well into your twenties? Please advise. Dear Halloween Honey, Your sincere enjoyment of Halloween is, to say the least, interesting. You forgot, though, to mention the tumultuous (and glorious) emotions associated with eating all of the treasure you collect while peddling door to door. I wonder, is the sight of a plastic pumpkin or pillowcase full of colorful candy as extraordinary to you as wrapped presents under a Christmas tree? Do you derive the same pleasure unwrapping a petit chocolate morsel as unwrapping a new ipod? You know what, don’t answer any of that. In my humble opinion, I think you ought to enjoy the heck out of your favorite holiday. Why not? Do you really care that the person handing you treats at the door is the same age as you? Does it matter all that much that you’re being scolded by your peers for elbowing their children off of doorsteps as you jockey for candy? Personally, I wouldn’t care all that much as long as I ended up sitting in bed surrounded by tasty treats. Plus-and you didn’t hear this from me-- it’s easier to snatch candy from other trick-or-treaters as an adult than it ever was as a kid. No kidding. Dear Brig, I’m completely unashamed to admit that I enjoy Halloween to the fullest-- every year. I doll myself up, bob for apples, carve pumpkins, and romp through my fair share of corn mazes. The problem is that I come out the other side of the holiday a bit disheveled and worse for the wear. One need only look at the post-holiday photos that pop up on facebook to begin to understand the consequences that come with partying like a
rock star. As if my smeared makeup and frizzy hair weren’t bad enough, the ghastly stories of my party behavior haunt me more than the ghosts I encounter on the eve of ghouls. The tales are so horrific I don’t dare relate them here-- they’re more appropriate for a horror flick. What, if any advice, can you share that would help me partake in the delicious festivities of the season without the sour aftertaste? Dear Sloppy Slag, Living the high life comes at a cost, doesn’t it? Certainly the balance you’re looking to strike is a delicate one. Unlike the tasty brew you’re gulping down at your gatherings, there’s no exact recipe for appropriate party behavior. I think if you sprinkle a few of the following tips into your pot of fun, though, you’ll emerge without so much of a hangover. First, it might help if you refrained from being completely trashed at every gathering. You seemed to express surprise at the emerging tales of your trials and tribulations-- was it because you were blacked out for part of the evening? Knowing where you are, what you’re doing, and who you are is step one to enjoying a non-confusing night out. Second, you might want to put some creative thought into your wardrobe choices as you prep for your night(s) out. If your post-party facebook persona portrays an unkempt mess, maybe you need to invest in some pieces with more complicated closures. Opt for the sweater with the buttons instead of the one with the easy access zipper; snatch the non-slip on shoes instead of the ones you tend to shed and lose; toss on enough layers so that if you (or your comrades) pull any off, there’s two or three more before you’re completely bare and out of luck. Your hair might look regal straightened out and laying over your shoulders at the beginning of your evening, but by night’s end perhaps a tight ponytail would have made you look more fit to clean your own boots? Third, I suggest you adopt a party buddy. I’m not talking about the individual you set your eyes on and hope to drag home with you for the evening-- I’m talking about a trusted friend/confidante who will agree to babysit you for the night. Pay them in compliments, presents, or whatever form of currency you choose to use-- just do what you must beforehand to ensure that they agree to stick by your side and keep you from engaging in tomfoolery. Let me know how things go-- and hit me up on facebook in the meantime so I can check out all of your pictures.
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Style Icon
Mourna Biziou
By Iris Seale
SS: How did you come across SL?
impressed with and why?
MB: I had heard the buzz in a few places, but I didn’t actually feel compelled to sign up until I found out that an old friend of mine was in SL, and was enjoying the hell out of it. The irony is that, while I signed up to check out what she had been up to in the years since we had spoken, I ended up taking on a SLife of my own and running with it.
MB: Wow, so many! It seems like every day in SL brings a new find and a new treasure trove of talent. Just to name a few: Rotten Toe, Violent Seduction, Gauze, SLink... all of these show a combination of creativity, style, and talent that cannot be ignored!
SS: What led you to develop your signature, dark style? MB: It’s the same aesthetic I’ve had for a long time, before I ever even heard the term “gothic.” I’ve always harbored an attraction for the darker, the twisted, the more complicated, and the offbeat. SS: Where do you draw inspiration from? MB: I can’t say that I draw it from any one place. The beautiful and unique creations, and the talented creators themselves inspire me. SS: What three pieces in your inventory could you never do without? MB: As far as clothing or accessories go, I’d have to say my (self-created) shape, my Illusions elf ears, and my favorite Nomine skin which Munchflower named after me. SS: What new designers are you really
SS: What’s the first thing you look for when shopping at a new place? MB: The very first thing I look for is a straightforward, easy-to-navigate, quickly loading store build. Patience is not among my chief virtues. If I can’t see what you’re selling, or understand your merchandising system, my enthusiasm for your products begins to waver. Ad posters have a huge impact with me. Artsy product photos that don’t clearly show the item can drive me from a store without spending nary a linden, even if they look pretty. SS: Do you have any style tips for our readers? MB: Don’t be afraid to indulge any fanciful whim. Dress in costumes. Wear something that couldn’t exist in RL. Have fun! SS: Thanks so much for being our Style Icon! MB: Thank you! pleasure.
It’s been an honor and a
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Gypsies, Tram by Gabby Panacek
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mps & Thieves
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By Gabby Panacek And witches run amuck. The swamps of Oubliette are dark and mysterious, where gypsies make their home, witches perfect their spells and ghostly spirits rise from the mist. Just beyond the trees, behind ivy-covered walls that may have once been a proud antebellum manse, Saiyge Lotus practices her sorcery on intricate bead work, delicate chains of silver and gold and earthy, light-infused gems. Step inside Balderdash Bagatelle and Trinkets and you will find Ms. Lotus’ handiwork. But, Beware! You might also find some Restless Spirits watching over the bubbling cauldrons.
Credits: First Page: Balderdash - Camille- Blue Skies Necklace and Earrings Balderdash - Whiskey On The Rocks Necklace and Earrings and Whiskey On The Rocks II Headpiece Balderdash - Rosary and Rosary on the Hand Seaspray
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In The Swamp: Balderdash – Jazz Funeral Necklace and Bracelet Balderdash – Restless Spirit – Seaspray and Shakespeare Balderdash – AmuckAmuckAmuck! Witch’s Hat Dress: Evie’s Closet Cariad Gown in Night Skin: Rockberry Character Skin – Mia Hair: Laqroki – Volcano – 01 Poses: Del May Eyes: Exodi Vetro Eyes – Grey Large Veins Manicure: Nevermore Studios – Super Nova SLURLS: Balderdash – http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Oubliette/138/50/28 Evie’s Closet – http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Oubliette/179/181/37 Laqroki – http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Laqroki/154/67/23 Del May – http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Terravia%20Island/76/158/8 Exodi – http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Zion/143/163/22 Nevermore Studios – http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Sovereign%20Crux/64/190/602 Rockberry – http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Fusion/205/57/24
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HALLOWEEN PARTY By Darkley Aeon 42 | Second Style Magazine
Nurse outfit - NDN | Cowgirl - Outfit - Bare@Rose, Hair/hat - ETD, Boots - Adam and Eve, Skin - *Staged | School Girl Outfit The Sweetest Goodbye, Hair - Katat0nik, Boots - Spider Productions, Skin - League Second Style Magazine | 43
Angel Skin - Nomine ,Hair - AVZ, Outfit - Little Heaven, Wings - Illusions, Tears - Glow studio | Boudicca Hair - Exile, Skin - RQ, Outfit - Avillion Mist 44 | Second Style Magazine
Bunnygirl, Skin- *Staged, Hair - Maitreya, Outfit - Deviance, Boots - Adam and eve | Pirate, , Skin - League, Hair - Maitreya, Hat - Illusions, Outfit - Bare@Rose, Boots - Dark Eden Second Style Magazine | 45
Catwoman, , Outfit - Graves, Boots - Bax Coen, Hair - Philotic Energy, Skin - Detour | Skin - Rockberry. Hair - Katat0nik. Outfit - Coconut Ice 46 | Second Style Magazine
Ghost, , Curio Obscura ghostly avatar | Mafia, , Hair/hat - Torridwear, Skin - LAQ, Shirt - SFDesigns, Pants - Mako Magellan, Shoes - Tesla Second Style Magazine | 47
Skeleton, Neko Skeleton - < Stuff > | Gothic, Hair - House of Munster, Skin - Nomine, Dress - Blue Blood 48 | Second Style Magazine
Scientist, Skin - Abyss, Hair - Voidpit, outfit - Schadenfreude, Shoes - Shiny Things, Scar - Cruelful Cosmetics, Moustache - Undercarriage | Vampire - Hair - Here Comes Trouble, Skin - Nomine, Dress - Hugos, Boots - Spider Productions Second Style Magazine | 49
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S E CO N D S T Y L E I N T E R V I E W
By Ir is S e a le
D ig it D a rke s SS: Have you always been into fashion and design?
head, or do you build it piece by piece as you go?
DD: Yes!
DD: First, I take everything that I know I want to do and write it all down & watch every single fashion show on YouTube for inspiration, taking notes all the while. Once that’s done, I start illustrating the ideas that inspired me. I don’t copy the designs, I sort of gather inspiration from many and “Digit-ize” it. I don’t allow myself to take pictures or anything off the internet because I don’t want to copy anything I’ve seen. Next, I start busting out the clothing textures, because that’s my least favorite part-and make as many as I can--then I come in-world and finish it up.
SS: What brought you to SL? DD: I’ve been in SL for 5 years, at this point I don’t even remember. SS: How did you get your start in clothing design? DD: Right after they came out with “flexi” I made the “Haiku” dress on SLX and so many people bought it, I thought I could do more clothes that people would like. And I kept on...and on... SS: I know you often work as part of a team. What’s that like? DD: Not really...I’ve created collections with people but it’s more of a collaboration...I love it! SS: Is there a particular person or place that inspires you? DD: Karl Lagerfeld, hands down. I absolutely believe he’s a genius and I love him and true Love Lasts Forever. SS: What kind of message do you want your collections to convey? DD: I don’t want them to convey any message. What they are, are visual representations of all of the ideas and creativity going around in my head. “Alice in Wonderland” was my influence for my most recent collection. SS: What’s your design process like? Do you start out with a whole picture in your
SS: Do you have any advice or tips for new designers? DD: Number one, don’t steal to get to the top. Put in your time to make it and don’t be a thief, because if you ever do steal and you’re ever caught-you’re done.
Through the Mirror by Dancien Graves 52 | Second Style Magazine
Skin - Seraph (Shaved) - Signature Hair - Ghost (Licorice) - Gritty Kitty Sunglasses - Vision - PrimOptic Piercings - Black Widow Collection1 - Goth1c0 Outfit - Horizon Red - Avid
Skin - Ash Vampire(Feeder) - Avid Hair - Disembodied (Black/Grape) - Gritty Kitty Bracers - Azazel - SiniStyle Arm Bands - Osiris - SiniStyle Rosary - Hail Mary - SiniStyle Belt - Oblivion Bondage Belt - Sn@tch Pants - Latex Pants (Black) - Sn@tch Boots - Gooshers Combat Boots(Black) - Sn@tch Second Style Magazine | 53
Hair - Sebastian (Black) - Gritty Kitty Sunglasses - Switchblade FNKY Skin - Gothica Bone BL Runny - Gothica Outfit - Cassock Male - Nomine 54 | Second Style Magazine
Skin - Seraph (Shaved) - Signature Hair - Comrad (black)- Gritty Kitty Necklace - Candy Cross Necklace - Primitive Design Shirt - Gypsy Tunic White - Nomine Vest - Gypsy Vest Male - Nomine Pants - Blacktop Suede Pants (Purple/Black) - Sn@tch Second Style Magazine | 55
Skin - Antonio Pale Gothic Tears - FNKY Tattoo - Neo - Garden of Ku Bracers - Azazel - SiniStyle Hair - Swoon (Black) - Cake Sunglasses - Switchblade - FNKY Necklace - Cutthroat - SiniStyle Outfit - BytterWynds II - Isle of Rfyre 56 | Second Style Magazine
Skin - Sylvan Male white - Goth Crow Hair - Edo (Tuxedo) - Bryce Pants - Ronin NRG Black EMo Jeans - WMD Hoodie and Gloves - Skelly Hoodie - SiniStyle Second Style Magazine | 57
Dia de los Muertos By Juana Manuel
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a death themed holiday associated with All Souls Day. It originated in Mexico, where elements ofa pre-Hispanic Aztec festival honoring the dead merged with Spanish Colonial influences to produce a unique holiday honoring the dead. It isgenerally celebrated from October 31st to November 2nd, with manyregional variations. There are other similar holidays observed in othercultures, even within Latin America, but the Day of the Dead is a verydistinctly Mexican holiday with strong cultural resonance, reflecting aunique cultural attitude toward death. The celebration of Dia de losMuertos and the practices associated with it have spread throughout theSouthwestern United States and other areas influenced by Mexican andMexican-American Culture. Many Latinos (not necessarily exclusively ofMexican descent) consider it symbolic of their cultural identity, and haveadopted this holiday as an expression of pride. It is also being increasingly adopted by other ethinic groups in the United States. Although it may have a surface similarity to North American observances of Halloween, the Day of the Dead is quite different in focus and mood. It is a very happy joyous holiday, as opposed to being scary or spooky. There is also a touch of carnivalesque satire and mockery of authority figures present. Dia de los Muertos is also a very family focused holiday, intended to commemorate and honor dead family members. The souls of the dead are believed to return to earth and visit their loved ones during the holiday, and a large part of holiday preparations involves the building and decorating of altars (ofrendas) which typically have images of the deceased, an offering of food, preferably the foods loved by the dead person while they were alive, alcohol, cigarettes, and marigold flowers. These altars can be very elaborate and carry other decorations like papel picado (cut paper decorations). A special bread (pan de muerto) is baked and often put on the altar, as well as little decorated sugar skulls, which are given to living family members. People often go to cemeteries to visit and decorate the graves of their loved ones. Images of skeletons dressed in everyday clothes Continued on page 60 > 58 | Second Style Magazine
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and interacting in everyday situations are also extremely common symbols for this holiday. La Catrina, a skeleton dressed like a female dandy in nineteenth century clothing (created by Jose Guadalupe Posada) is probably the most recognizable symbol of the Day of the Dead. There are plenty of opportunities to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in Second Life. A selection of themed items can be found below. It is not an exhaustive guide, but more or less some interesting finds I’ve collected throughout my time in Second Life. Dia de los Muertos Shopping Guide: Altars (ofrendas): 60 | Second Style Magazine
• Dia de Los Muertos Table by Papi Braveheart (on Xstreet https://www.xstreetsl.com/modules.php?na me=Marketplace&file=item&ItemID=1700755) It’s pretty and only 37 prims, and comes with everything you need. Or you can buy your own table and decorate as you please. Sugar Skulls: • Nebulosus Severine makes incredible replica sugar skulls. They come in packs of 5, and are scripted to display personalized text in various colors. At press time they hadn’t been put on sale yet. IM to Nebulosus Severine to enquire or check her picks and classified ads.
• Divivity http://slurl.com/secondlife/Minna/73/133/29 sells a basket of sugar skulls that dispenses them when clicked. Papel Picado: • Little Boy Blue (at Elliott) http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Elliott/202/175/47 Has low prim papel picado as well as nice accessories though it seems to be mostly a jewelry store. • Sissi Decor also sells papel picado on Xstreet here. https://www.xstreetsl.com/modules.php?name=Mar ketplace&file=item&ItemID=1378020 • Halfpint Pennell also sells a Papel Picado kit on Xstreet https://www.xstreetsl.com/modules.php?na
me=Marketplace&file=item&ItemID=1250167 Housing/Decoration/Furniture: • Without a doubt Isolahara Catteneo of +mudshake designs makes the most adorable houses and themed furniture and housewares imaginable. Check her sim or her listings on xstreet to see the multitude of lovely things she has available. Recommended: the Skull in Love, Frida, and Frida’s Blue Mood houses. • Little Boy Blue (see above) has cute mirrors and rugs. • Although not strictly Dia de los Muertos themed, BaContinued onMagazine page 62 > Second Style | 61
kersfield Kidd’s Gasoline Burn Gallery (http://slurl. com/secondlife/Vagabonds/94/136/2) has fabulous images that have a kind of violent Latin Pulp Fiction vibe.
• Kunstkammer http://slurl.com/secondlife/Emmelia/242/140/67 makes a fabulous Sugar Skull Necklace set, with several different textures to choose from, and also other color and metal choices.
Bread and other Comestibles:
• Violet Voltaire’s Dia de los Muertos jewelry set and Katatonik’s Dia
• Mexico Chichen Itza site http://slurl.com/secondlife/Visit%20Mexico/205/201/22 has a market place where you can buyauthentic dishes like corn smut tamales. • Divivity http://slurl.com/secondlife/Minna/73/133/29 sells pan de muerto and atole. Complete Avatars: • Recommended: Dia de los Muertos Bride and Groom avatar sets (sold on Xstreet https://www. xstreetsl.com/modules.php?name=Marketplace&fil e=item&ItemID=979339) • House of Burtesque http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Vidaca/52/145/401 has a male and female complete themed avatar. Tattoos: • Recommended: To Live and To Die by Bakersfield Kidd are incredibly made gorgeous tattoos. At present Bakersfield doesn’t sell them anymore, but they are brilliant and are worth seeking out. • Recommended: Sugar Skulls and Roses Tattoos (comes in Black and White and Color versions) by Otaku Designs • Calavera no llora Tattoos by Garden of Kuu http:// slurl.com/secondlife/Mercedes/29/36/404 Skins: • Skeleton skins (various colors and choices) and Zombie Skins by Nomine http://slurl.com/secondlife/Nomine/209/52/49 . Virtually anything by Nomine is appropriate, but these skins have so many choices and are so perfectly made. • Candy skull skin line by Amplify http://slurl.com/ secondlife/Haven%20Shire/248/211/22 • The Dia de los Muertos Bride and Groom avatar sets by Gerstley Quinnell (check Xstreet) come with excellent Calavera skins and eyes. Clothing/Jewelry: • Otaku designs http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Hodgepodge/61/228/21also has jewelry and other items. Recommended: Sugar Skull Legwarmers 62 | Second Style Magazine
de los Muertos dresses http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Katat0nik/92/123/26 are sold together at Katatonik’s store. • Any clothing from Nomine is perfect! http://slurl. com/secondlife/Nomine/209/52/49 Recommended: Bone collector jewelry set, Steampunkt Corset, and Aztec Trenchcoat • Los Muertos Neko set by Subtle Submissions http://slurl.com/secondlife/Geomort/230/61/62 Credits: Special Thanks to Isolahara Catteneo of +mudshake designs for permission to photograph in her lovely show homes. and Special Thanks to: Rev Eponym, Dancien Graves, Sabriel Lorefield, and Troy Vogel for playing dead with me.