ICON Lifestyle Magazine Vol 1 Issue 7 Sept 2009 by Potvin Tigerpaw

ICON of the Month Zaara Kohime

Dressed for Success GOLden Shopping

Tyr Rozenblum Tyranny Designs

Alternative Clothing

The Future of these Designs

Issue 7

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Publisher’s Note

Publishers Notes

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Greetings to all our faithful helping us establish ourselves readers. What a fast and crazy when we began back in March. month August was. Thank you Ando for all your contributions and we wish you We are already into September all the best. When you lose someone, it seems others step and we are so excited about up or step in and we are very this month’s issue of ICON happy to welcome back Jordan - our very first “Fashion” Whitt to the ICON family as our edition. We have completely new Managing Editor. remodelled the ICON lifestyle sim, providing you an even better shopping experience with some of the best and brightest designers in Second Life. Starlight Exclusives and Novi now call ICON lifestyle home, having their main stores located on the sim. RubyStarlight Writer has been working night and day on her new store and now brings you a very select and exclusive brand of clothing, featuring items from your favorite designers.

I would like to say a very special thank you to Ruby for being apart of ICON lifestyle and for all the hard work she puts into making ICON lifestyle a place we can all be proud of. This past month we say goodbye to a special friend and comrade, Ando Joubert, who was instrumental in

I am really excited and cannot wait to see what we are able to accomplish going forward. I hope you take the time to read through this month’s issue and please take a moment to let our writers know if you enjoy their contributions and be sure to visit the designers we have featured in this addition. Our ICON for September is Zaara Kohime, and it is sure to be one of our best interviews yet. I love her clothes. Thank you for taking the time to read my little blurb, now go read some real writing on the following pages.

Wil Dreadlow CEO & Publisher, ICON

Lifestyle Magazine

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ICON CEO

and

Publisher - Wil Dreadlow

Managing Editor - Jordan Whitt Creative Director - Rhiann Ahn Fashion Editor - Daija Arida Photography Editor - ShannonCharlize GossipGirl On the cover: ICON of the Month Zaara Kohime Cover Photography: Elysium Eilde

Senior Writers

Ruin Quan Moonshade Pastorelli

ICON Staff Writers Aradia Eberhardt Beyonce Kuhn Bryn Ellisson Delphine Ellisson EmeraldEyes Honi Kathy Nikolaidis Lisamari Writer Lizzyox Allen

Photography Creation

and

Lorelei Larsson Lucy Eberhart

Brie Pinazzo

Pet Karu Romie Serrao

Contributors

Vanessa Knoller RubyStarlight Writer Persia Bravin

PR & Marketing RubyStarlight Writer

ICON CONTE N T 0

Radar

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ICON of the Month: Zaara Kohime

49 55 61 65 71

ROB1977 MOONITES - Designer and Builder Extraordinaire Dressed for Success GOLden Shopping Designer Watch: Elysium Eilde of elymode In Their Closet: Celebrity Trollop Tyranny Designs Musashi-Do Press Release

Style 77 85 93 95 101 107 121 127 133 147 141 153 157

Fashion Forward Pure XTC in Leather! Diary of a Model Big Style on a Little Budget Dress for Less The Future of Alternative Clothing in SL Samsara Fashion ICON: Strawberry Singh

Zaara Kohime

Forty minutes with Spirit Soulstar and Heart Crystal Nyte ‘N Day Of Fashion Back to School It’s a Kind of Magika Runway Rundown

Lifestyle 171

Love in SL Salvo Waydelich & Mimmi Boa

Elysium Eilde

cover credits: Colleen Desmoulins Photography by Miabella Foxley

ICON CONTE N T 0

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Art and Entertainment ICONIC ENTERTAINMENT Pine Phone

Viewpoint 193 199

The Women of SL- Part 2 OUR Fashion Evolution

Pure XTC in Leather!

ROB1977 MOONITES

Forty minutes with Spirit Soulstar and Heart Crystal

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ICON of the Month: Zaara Kohime RubyStarlight Writer

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When you think about fashion in Second Life, many great names come to mind, and it’s far too difficult to say who the “best” is or which ones truly define SL fashion. We wanted to put someone in the spotlight this month for our fashion issue who encompassed everything that SL fashion is about;

Individuality, freedom, beauty and quality. We also of course had to find the perfect designer that encompassed everything a true icon should be; Original, innovative, admired and respected. It’s arguable that many designers fit the mold for this description, but perhaps none as much as Zaara Kohime. Since 2007, Zaara has been bringing her design skills to Second Life in the form of what most call “Indian Couture”, and it has made a splash amongst fashionistas and other residents across the grid. Her flawless , colorful textures and her detailed, perfected seams mixed in with her flair for creative concepts has made Zaara one of the most desired clothing lines in Second Life, and has made her one of the most respected designers

amongst the fashion community. It’s rare that I will mention Zaara’s name to anyone, whether it be another designer, a photographer, or a model, without commentary on how positively amazing she is. Enter any fashion group chat and ask where to find the best jewelry in SL, and I guarantee you’ll get at least one person responding with “Zaara”.

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RubyStarlight Writer: Your success in SL has been based on your beautiful and unique creations. Your designs step outside of the box of typical mainstream fashion, but in a hugely desirable way. Why have you chosen to do Indian Couture, where did that inspiration come from? Zaara Kohime: Well, I am Indian... so I guess that explains why more or less. And India, the way it is so varied... you can draw inspiration from a lot. I am from Bombay (Mumbai now) and it’s a melting pot of several cultures

Her incredible success has warranted many feature articles on her clothing line and on herself, so to make sure we didn’t bore you (or her) with the same questions we’ve already seen, I asked several models and shoppers what they would like to know about Zaara. Zaara was excited for a fresh approach to the interview and I did my best to not disappoint. 35 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

RubyStarlight Writer: Is there a strong fashion culture in India? Zaara Kohime: mmm... I guess it would depend, like in any city you have your ‘circle’ of fashion conscious and those busy running the rat race. But Bombay as a whole has people who are more rooted and bothered about the way they dress. RubyStarlight Writer: That’s actually really interesting. So are the designs that you create here in Second Life reflective of

real life Indian high-fashion? Zaara Kohime: No, not at all. What I create is essentially a fusion, of using some amount of cultural inspiration with more global forms. I wouldn’t say that you would find people wearing stuff I make on a normal Indian street.

designing your SL clothing in RL? Or have you at all already? Zaara Kohime: I have actually done that. I received an order for the Indian bridal outfit from someone in RL. And I get that sort of stuff all the time, which I ignore. But this girl was persistent so I decided to give it RubyStarlight Writer: It’s such a shot. a beautiful combination though! Have you considered actually

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RubyStarlight Writer: That’s amazing, how did it work out? Zaara Kohime: Really well, she got married in the outfit I made.

which of your designs would YOU most want for yourself in RL? Zaara Kohime: mmmm tough one… I am a jeans person... :P. I would say I would like to RubyStarlight Writer: And this make my jewelry. was a girl who discovered you in SL and asked you to create RubyStarlight Writer: Well her RL dress? your jewelry is fantastic, so I Zaara Kohime: No she is an can’t blame you there! So tell RL person, who just happened me about Zaara the “noob”. What were your days like when to find this dress on the internet and she emailed me, you started, before you became and was really persistent. I told a clothing designer? her I haven’t designed such Zaara Kohime: Terrible... lol I was a camper... and all I could a detailed dress before, and afford was freebie c***. In she was just so supportive. That girl really had some nerve those days there weren’t as many nice freebies. But I made to get a dress made over the some friends and after I told internet. them I am a graphic designer in RL they said I could try my RubyStarlight Writer: She hand at clothing. So I would definitely took a leap of faith! make stuff... camp... upload… You must have been really 30L a day. That’s how I put proud of that. Do you see up some of my realllly early yourself continuing to design in pieces. I guess about 6-8 RL? Indian outfits. I had a lil store in Zaara Kohime: Yes, I would. I an Indian sim, a 10x10 with 30 have just been caught up with prims stuff. But I would like to pursue it. RubyStarlight Writer: Wow... a RubyStarlight Writer: So true “rags to riches” story! How 37 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

long were you in SL before you started creating? Zaara Kohime: I started creating pretty soon, in a few weeks. But it was all offline because you need money to upload. But I set up my 1st lil store about 5-6 months after my rezz date. I didn’t really know what I was doing back then. I just wanted to make a few outfits. Sell them and have a lil money to spend in game. But it grew quickly and of course it’s a different story now lol RubyStarlight Writer: Yeah completely! Your hard work seems to have definitely paid off. So here’s a question from a model/fan that I found to be an interesting one... If you could take credit for being the creator of any other clothing line instead of your own, who’s would you want to switch up with? Zaara Kohime: That’s a toughie... I would say I have always <3ed Fallingwater Cellardoor (Shiny Things) and Onyx LeShelle (Maitreya). I have immense respect for most skinners and shoe makers on the grid... so switch me with

RubyStarlight Writer: I think any of those :P it’s amazing when designers come together like that, it RubyStarlight Writer: Those makes for some really amazing are greatand designers for sure. designs creations. On the Now you’ve collaborated with flip side of that, how do you Onyx before, correct? and feel about competition Zaara I have... conflictKohime: amongstYes designers? for Jewelry. It was Dothe youNizam feel that you are great, because we exchanged affected by it yourself? ideas I lovedI the hair Zaaraand Kohime: think if you [Amber and and Aisha] she created are mature confident for the your headsets. You also push about own product you yourself a lilfind more than usual will always something and results in to a great newitand fresh createproduct. and | 38

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not be bothered about what other people are doing. I think collaborations push the bar on quality... and it’s a good thing. RubyStarlight Writer: I agree 1000%. Alright, that’s all the “normal” questions I have for you... Thank you so much for sitting and talking with me today.

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To close out the interview I like to do a final, fun “Hot or Not” series of questions about how you feel on certain subjects. I’ll say a word or phrase, and you respond with “Hot” or “Not” about it. Ready? Zaara Kohime gets on the edge of her seat

made her the perfect choice to represent SL fashion. You can RubyStarlight Writer: lol find all the beautiful creations Zaara Kohime: shoot you see here and more inRubyStarlight Writer: Attachment Inspector Shields? world on her own sim. Zaara Kohime: not XD Visit Zaara at Zaara (136, 132, 25) RubyStarlight Writer: SL mixes with RL? Zaara Kohime: hot RubyStarlight Writer: Prim babies? Zaara Kohime: NOT RubyStarlight Writer: SLove? Zaara Kohime: depends RubyStarlight Writer: for you personally? Zaara Kohime: dunno yet ^^

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Designer Watch - Menswear

ROB1977 MOONITES - DESIGNER AND BUILDER EXTRAORDINAIRE by Janina Scarmon

Rob1977 Moonites describes himself as “SL’s resident friendly Irishman”. He, along with the love of his life, Lexie Jansma, are dynamos of 41 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

building and clothing design. In April of 2008, Rob came to Second Life with his gift for designing and building. His search for “upscale mens clothing” led to the idea of designing his own clothing line. Since then his desire to create translated into the building of his own sim, several unique photography and runway sets, and the awesome men’s clothing line and shop called *FIR* (pronounced feeeeaaaarrrrr), which is the Irish word for “men”. I had the pleasure of sitting down and chatting with Rob and the woman behind the man, Lexie Jansma. Janina: So Rob, tell us about your start in Second Life and men’s fashion designing? Rob: Well I always had a whole

lot of respect for designers because I couldn’t really wrap my head around how it was done. A friend of mine, who is also a designer [Wavie Haller of the famed men’s fashion line, Valiant], started filling me in on some tricks. I read up on it a lot, looked at stuff I liked, and decided to give it a try. I failed and tried many many times, but I always had other projects going on so I never had the time to devote to it seriously.

and came across some great blogs. I read through their postings, saw stuff I liked and checked out the stores; Places like Shai, Muism or Valiant that have always impressed me. I guess in the same way that I loved their stuff, it made me very reluctant to design, seeing the competition. Janina: What would you say is your inspiration for your clothing designs? Rob: I definitely like the hip hop style, a mix of casual with formal When I sold my sim back in in a creative kinda way, but one April, I was looking for other thing that was a huge motivation avenues to explore. I spent time for me was really clothing layers. building and doing a few other It would frustrate me to no end things, then decided to come when I’d wanna wear something back to the clothing. I stuck with and realise it only came on the it a bit, and Lexie has been a jacket layer, or undershirt with HUGE motivation encouraging no tucked in versions. I include me to work harder at it. all layers in my designs as I like to mix and match, so I’d like my customers to have that freedom Janina: What do you feel are also. the major influences in mens fashions in SL? Janina: What was the very first Rob: I guess when I rezzed piece you designed for your I had no clue where to get collection? good clothing, at all. So I paid my good friend Google a visit Rob: That’s the argyle vest | 42

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over to my right... the blue one specifically... it gave me plenty of headaches, I have no idea why I didn’t go with a t shirt first... but when it was finished, it was definitely rewarding, and it also gave me a big motivation,

thinking “well, if I managed to wrap my head around that one... maybe I can really give this a serious try” Lexie is pretty tough on me, but honestly, it’s fantastic because I know if I can get something by her, it’s good. Janina: Sounds like her being tough makes you work to make it better too Rob: Yes... it really does... plus she’s the one with the great ideas... I just know how to put them together! Janina: Rob, when you begin a new project what do you think about? Rob: A theme... something that will tie it all together. I guess with the current one I went with the plaid accents. When I begin a new design, specifically, I guess I’m thinking “oh god, I hope I can get these seams to match.” Janina: Can you tell us a little about what we wil be seeing in the future for *FIR* Men’s Clothing and Accessories?

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really cool! All mix and match separates? Rob: Yeah... the rocker style I’m pretty excited about, I feel after spending so much time with texturing on builds of late I can do it justice now, not to mention, I’m a sculptie whore... and yes... all mix and match... definitely. Lots of skulls and diamonds and I’m sure the lucky shamrock will make its appearance again. Lexie: I think one of my favorite things is a triple layer shirt....you can combine all three pieces together to create one look and wear each layer seperate. So it’s a tank with a t-shirt and ripped open crew neck. Rob: yes... that’s pretty much completed... so you get three shirts in one pack, can wear Lexie: Well, now that we are not them by themselves, or all so busy. We are going to work together as intended :) on the Rockin’ Roll Collection. Then after that we have a Janina: Do you see that type collection in the works based of thing in men’s fashions very on Gypsies. I am pretty excited much in SL? about that one. Rob: nope... not at all... there’s Rob: yes... to be released in layered style clothing avaiable... September... but all on one layer... which Janina: Wow that sounds | 44

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Rob describes his collection as being “basic and essential, casual and versatile.” That is very evident when looking at the pictures on the walls of the shop. They give glimpses of how the pieces can be worn. Each piece is designed to be Rob’s fascination with sculpties worn with several other pieces has lead him to start designing in the shop. A customer can various accessories to complete basically buy several pieces the look of each outfit. These and then put together his pieces would include hats, outfits the way he want them. chains, sunglasses, and men’s Also, these pieces “will be very shoes. I saw one hat being much at home with the other displayed in the shop and he is pieces from the collection.” definitely on the right track in his according to Rob. designs. kinda defeats the purpose to me... Lexie: I see people layer pieces...but usually they arent designed that way. These were designed for that.

Rob and Lexie also took me Janina Scarmon: What is the over to an area where they one thing that you would want store their sets for the fashion to share with someone who is shows from Latex Fetish just starting out in SL fashion Fashion Week (LFFW). If you design? were able to catch any or all Rob: Don’t give up! It’s hard, of those shows, the sets you but if it was easy then everyone experienced were a result of would do it. So just stick with it Lexie’s ingenious ideas and and keep trying, research, talk to Rob’s gift for making those people. Many, many designers ideas come to life. Lexie and are happy to help. Eventually, Rob created and produced you’ll have something you’re 21 shows in 8 days with 43 proud of. designers and 100 models 45 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

for LFFW. They had custom seating and seperate stages for each designer, which meant a different color, lighting, and logo for each one. The 7 Deadly Sins set was definitely remarkable in how it was designed. The set had 7 different stages put together and 360 degree stadium seating so that the audience could see each stage without having to wait for set changes. There was even a copy of ICON Magazine in the Envy set (with a knife through it)! This one took a lot of time to prepare, and was a favorite amongst the couple.

pair, each complimenting the other. I know we will see much more awesome clothing designs and amazing fashion events produced by this dynamo pair.

My interview with Rob1977 Moonites, and his partner, Lexie Jansma, was a fabulous experience. It allowed me a glimpse into Robâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world of design and building that was definitely enhanced by the creative ideas and motivation of Lexie. They are a fantastic â&#x20AC;&#x192; | 46

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Dressed For Success Written by Persia Bravin Photos provided by Dakota Neumann

across the grid and enjoying If there are three, magic words that will set any womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pulse racing, it the delicious thrill of finding has to be these. Major shopping a new place offering high quality and realistic fashions. spree. Even in Second Life, Now-imagine an entire sim most of us females love nothing better than spending filled with some of the most exclusive designer labels; a few hours seeking out bijou shops selling the finest the latest, chic styles from 49 |â&#x20AC;&#x192; ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

lingerie, designer hair stores and a selection of quirky gadget outlets. It seems that this retail paradise has finally been realized at ‘GOLden Shopping’-a stylish and ultra modern shopping centre which is part of the ever expanding collection of GOL businesses. Just like all other GOL enterprises, Dakota Neumann the owner and visionary behind this fashion Mecca, has once again applied his immense design expertise to create a sleek, contemporary,

urban themed commercial district- attracting some of SL’s finest fashion designers who all have a presence here. On arrival, you see that influential design names such as Damiani, Akeyo and Boudoir all have stores at GOL, enabling the visitor to get a fast fix of the latest trends. For Dakota, collaboration with other businesses is a key element to building a successful brand and he welcomes any chance to work with other creative people as

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he says, “Creating GOLden shopping has meant I have got to know and work with so many other creators within SL and I see many opportunities for everyone involved. GOL is constantly evolving and working with others has helped to strengthen GOL and all its activities.” This business model has certainly proved mutually beneficial and there is now a waiting list for new 51 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

shop rentals, plus a careful selection procedure to ensure that the ambient of the centre remains exclusive-attracting style conscious customers from all over Second Life. Vixie Rayna, Manager of GOLden Shopping explains, “It’s about finding the right fit for the designer too, making their store here successful. Each designer defines that differently, whether that is through sales or exposure

on the sim. Renting at a shopping center offers the designer to expand their brand to customers who may have never stumbled upon the main store.”

seems to appeal both men and women. Linear in design, the whole centre is built using softly weathered stone with expanses of glass and rich wood; creating a feeling of space and light. At its heart, the arrival point and socializing area is Inspiring fashion labels softened with silvery birch aside, what really captures trees and swaying grasses, the imagination about this with wildflowers adding an shopping centre is the accent of vivid color, giving faultless design and use of the impression of a distinctly natural textures, creating a European retail environment. relaxed shopping experience Connected by an illuminated that judging from the constant bridge to GOL’s hugely traffic of stylish avatars,

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successful nightclub ‘Element the 7th’, this is a holistic experience for the visitor, with shops, club and the GOL range of villas all within easy reach-clever planning indeed. Vixie Rayna describes the ethos behind GOL “GOL is about lifestyle, whether that

show, in the best sense of the word. Our patrons define their own unique style. No one is straight offthe-rack. People are mixing and matching their looks, hot new designs from stores like Luck, Inc. and Naith Smit. At GOLden, you can find

be residential, design, parties or shopping. The original concept of GOL centered around the club, and over time has built to incorporate more. The club is a fashion

the designers to fit your own personal style.” But there is another huge draw to these shops- the music stream. All too often, retail sims in Second Life forget this key

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aspect, but here, the stream pumps out the latest dance and house tracks, carefully selected by the many resident DJ’s that make up part of the GOL team. Music is such an integral part of the shopping experience here that there are even daily DJ sets from 10am - 12pm Noon SLT , adding to the social vibe that GOL excels at.

for the centre and GOL as a whole “ We will have a lot to offer in the future-many variations, just like any other SL company. For the moment, GOLden shopping gives us chance to forge new business relations with many other content creators, but also to make itself known to a wider audience.”

With such determination and As I leave-inventory weighed proven business credentials, down with all my latest GOL looks set to break new purchases, I ask Dakota horizons here in virtual worlds what future plans he has for a long time to come.

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Designer Watch: Elysium Eilde of elymode

Ely has taken her mastered graphic arts skills and went outside her comfort zone in the photography world to bring a truly beautiful, colorful and carefully designed selection of clothing that would have even the most seasoned RubyStarlight Writer designer tipping their hat to her. I Most know her as one of Second sat down with Ely to pick her brain a Life’s most sought after and bit about herself, her views, and of talented fashion photographers and course, her clothes. blogger of Photographing SL, but these days you will more likely hear RubyStarlight Writer: You are a Elysium Eilde’s name when people very accomplished SL photographer are gushing over her brand new and have made quite a name for casual clothing collection, elymode. yourself as such, what made you 55 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

want to make the leap into becoming a designer? Elysium Eilde: There were a few things really... one reason is that I found myself looking for some specific items that I just could not find. Like the long simple skirt; I wanted a long skirt I could wear with long tops, and I thought to myself “With my Photoshop skill, I should be able to do that”. RubyStarlight Writer: Your collection greatly reflects your photography style; Colorful and vibrant. Now I have an advantage

here because I know you personally, but for those who don’t know you, how well do you think this style reflects your personality? Elysium Eilde: lol tricky question.... I think the vibrant colors and style reflects the me that I am when I am at my best, the me that I would like to be: colorful, fun, bold, enthusiastic. It’s true that a lot of the time, this does not reflect the Ely that people see, but it’s the Ely I am when I can let go of the things in my life that bring me down. By expressing that through my art, I think it helps me remember that that is who I am. | 56

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RubyStarlight Writer: What is your inspiration for your collection? Do you come up with ideas on your own or do you feel that real life fashion influences what you decide to create? Elysium Eilde: One of my very first items, the short zip cardi, was inspired by a RL item that I owned, a thin, 3/4 sleeve sweater that I wore over everything for a while. After that, my items have been a product of what I’d want to wear as opposed to what I’ve seen in RL. To be honest... I pay almost no attention to RL fashion at all lol… do I want to admit that? I don’t know, but it’s the truth so there you have it! RubyStarlight Writer: You’ve had a very popular fashion blog for some time, and you’ve shown yourself to be a pretty tough critic. Do you feel that your own experience with designing has softened your critique of others now that you know firsthand what is involved? Or do you think it’s made you an even tougher critic? Elysium Eilde: Mostly, it’s made me tougher, because I KNOW what can be done. For example, great seams and edges that look well finished. I know it is because I have a very strong Photoshop background but, in my opinion, even if you have not mastered the tools well enough to 57 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

produce an exceptional product, that is no excuse for not giving it your best effort. RubyStarlight Writer: Who are your SL design heroes? What do you love about their work? Elysium Eilde: Ok this one’s gonna be easy! I remember putting on clothing from Solange! for the first time and thinking that THIS was the way clothing in SL should be made, the textures were amazing, the shading was fantastic, there was so much detail. Another huge influence is Annette Voight of Decoy. Maybe one day, if I practice hard, I will be able to create wrinkles and textures like her! When I tried on her first clothing creation I noticed the depth and detail; from then on I expected that from other casual wear designers in SL. I think my style and my color pallet have a bit in common with hers... we joked the other day that my items are “Decoy Compatible” and how I was going to put that on my marketing materials. RubyStarlight Writer: lol Elysium Eilde: As picky as I may have sounded before, I really do think there are so many amazing talented designers in SL, and I’ve certainly been influenced by a lot of them. I’ve always loved Tuli’s | 58

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clothing, and the new lingerie releases from Annyka of Blowpop are pretty fantastic too. I’ll stop now before I just end up making a list! RubyStarlight Writer: Do you see yourself ever giving up photography and blogging to make elymode your full-time focus? Elysium Eilde: It’s a question that has been on the edge of my mind a lot lately. I did almost no blogging in the weeks leading up to the elymode launch, and I missed it SO much. I gave up even looking at the feeds or browsing Flickr or randomly TPing around looking for new things because I knew that I just didn’t have the time or the energy to photograph and blog anything. I think it’s because I was so determined to have a full line to launch with, not just a few items, and that now I can slow that pace down a bit and still have some time for my non-commercial projects. The photography work that I do with models, I don’t think I will ever give that up. I have met so many of my good friends that way, they have had a photography session with me and we hit it off and it becomes a friendship. I am not a social creature, I don’t go out and meet people, photography is an activity where I can spend time getting to know others, and I cherish that.

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RubyStarlight Writer: What can we expect to see from elymode in the coming months? Elysium Eilde: Hmmm what can we expect... good question! Stylistically, my RL art, (both commercial graphic design and personal), has always had a clean simple look much like you see with elymode and I suspect that will be a consistent characteristic of my clothing. I like that I have created a line full of items that can be mixed and matched and I am going to keep that as a major theme in my collection. From a technical perspective, more sophisticated texturing and shading, and working with sculpts definitely. I do have a stack of sketches for items I plan to create in world, but you will just have to wait and see! Elysium’s collection is all about quality and not quantity. While her start is small, I think we can expect BIG things from this dedicated artist.

Visit elymode : The Shops at Crush Row, Doll City (126, 203, 22) ICON Lifestyle Shopping, ICON Lifestyle (208, 151, 27) Find Elysium Eilde’s photography on Flickr: http:// www.flickr.com/photos/ely_eilde/ Visit her blog, Photographing SL: http://photographingsl.com/ | 60

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In Their Closet: Celebrity Trollop Celebrity Trollop is one of the splashiest, spunkiest, funkiest and fabulous fashionistas in Second Life. As former owner of Second Style Magazine, her moniker is more than just a name. A true SLebrity in the purest form, Miss Trollop shares with us three of her favorite outfits, and I should have known she wouldn’t disappoint me by coming up with anything predictable… or attainable for that matter! However, her overview of this little bit of fashion history was a fun ride to the past. Most of these items aren’t available anymore but it’s fabulous to see where fashion really started to make its mark. So let’s take a little trip down memory lane and dig deep into the closet of a living SL fashion legend, Celebrity Trollop. (She’ll smack me for calling her that.) Celebrity Trollop: So I chose this outfit because I wanted to show off how far some of the 2006 crop of designers has come since then,

like Tuli Asturias. In 2006, the best skin on the grid in my opinion was Starley Thereian’s Charmed series. So that’s what I’m wearing. Pretty much every model in 2006 wore Charmed skins and ETD hair and Fallingwater shoes. Charmed was available in 10 skin tones and like 12 makeup families. This is the “neutral” family, makeup #4, tone 70 - still one of my favorites to this day. The dress is by Tuli Asturias. It’s one of her first outfits, called “Pinstriped.” The thing that Tuli did insanely well was lace detail. Rounding out the 2006 look is hair by Lash Xevious, jewelry by Fallingwater Cellardoor and shoes by WRONG. The eyes I’m wearing were freebies by Canimal Zephyr. Flexiprims weren’t even in SL until like June 2006. So everything until then was all static unmoving prims just like this skirt and hair. Celebrity Trollop: So in January 2007, Starley released her new skin line called “Vogue” - totally new body, totally new makeups. Vogue you can still see around on the grid from time to time. Some models still wear it all the time. Mui Mukerji comes to mind immediately. Kind of like her signature skin. Hair by Lost Thereian [Influence by Naughty | 62

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Designs], called Winsome. Best hair name ever. The roller skates are by Moopf Murray - he’s been quoted in a bunch of RL media stories back when SL was the next new, new thing. And the outfit [with legwarmers] is by Shai Delacroix; It came out about 3 weeks after Vogue. Celebrity Trollop: This dress is “Sans” this is the late, great Ginny Talamasca’s 1st limited edition. She only made 50 copies; First come, first serve. She sold them for L$2500 a pop I think. It was released in August 2006 and it was one of the first outfits I can remember that was targeted by copy botters who would make copies of it and then sell it as their own outfit for like L$5000 a pop. The demand for this outfit was insane. 63 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

So I was at WORK when Ginny released the inventory to the grid, but I had already paid Ginny in advance for a copy, so that’s how I got this one. The important thing about this outfit is that it’s by the late great Ginny Talamasca who I still miss a lot. It’s like 3 years old this August. Hair by ETD, shoes by Fallingwater, eyes by Miriel, jewelry by Jackal Ennui and skin by Starley Thereian (Charmed/Tone 30 (redhead edition)/ Greatest Hits makeup family)

photography: Elysium Eilde

RubyStarlight Writer: Now I have just one key question for you Miss Trollop to tie up this lesson in fashion history. If you could only wear one designer for the rest of your SL days... who would it be? You can pick a different one for hair, skin, clothes and shoes Celebrity Trollop: I guess at the moment it would be: Truth, Exodi, Malt, and Maitreya [respectively]

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65 |â&#x20AC;&#x192; ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

appealed to the rainbow loving people.” With a fascinating line of colorful track-jackets, flourishing gowns Aradia Eberhardt with intricate paint-brushes and shin attachments and enough It’s been a year since Tyr prim-laden clothing to keep the Rozenblum started with extravagant happy; she keeps our the designer line of fruiteyes awake. To talk to people who colored, quirky fashions soak themselves in the outrageous known Meta-world-wide. colors and patterns that Tyr throws together, you’ll find they’re fans for Having her heels dug all the right reasons. She’s made in thanks to the Gorean a warm, welcome place where community she was people can wander around and roleplaying in, she found that the fashions were just study the sharp and fruit-flavored too stereotypical and chose palette with ease and that’s just what they do. However, even to make a difference. though she’s finding success with her core audience.. the worst of On the sudden emergence it seems to come from the fellow into design: designers.

Tyranny Designs

TYR: “So.. It started with a big poofy dress with colorful patches, it wasn’t even meant to be a store, but people started going “Hey Tyr, where did you get that?”. So, a week later my “main store” was a 10 prim stall in an RP sim market. I wanted to bring something new to a stale scene, and I think I was pretty successful and giving a new way of thinking to the community I was in, to Fashion and to Roleplaying. Or, you know, I just

AE: “Do you think that with the whole movement of ‘Art Creating Art’, that people are finding more community appreciation for independant designers like yourself? Do you see this season as being a revival over corporate workshops that are more about quotas than accessible fashion?” TYR: “I think people are opening up more often with the options becoming available to creative design. It’s rewarding to see | 66

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people who enjoy my vision fo art but there are still a lot of closed doors to smaller indie designers. We’ve talked about this some before, but you see sims popping up like Cupcake or even the older iconic sims like Tableau and Starlust that have some of the most amazing and untapped artistry out there. As more options become available to creators and designers, you see more of these quirky shops showing up. It’s definitely growing as the social community of Second Life is craving something fresh.” 67 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

AE: “I think, it’s the independent designers and some of the amazing fashion coming out of the Japanese and Korean designers.. that seem to set the trends around here. It seems the corporate fashion giants grab onto the trends and since they’re well-known, they corner the market.” TYR: “But, with that said, I think there needs to be a bigger support system for the small independent designers to make their way into the bigger circle of fashion. You see that (The larger companies latching onto trends before

independents do.) happen a lot. I don’t want to come off as antibig labels, two of my biggest supporters are Nena Janus of League and Ivey Deschanel of Sn@tch. Those two have kept me sane, kept me organized and always helped me with new ways to market or get things done. Or, at the very least, they’ve been my support system when I’ve needed to vent.”

glitter to the normalcy that runs through the fashion gamut. When we talked about the seemingly paranoid and disastrous subject of creating a fresh and trendy skin that tops the last, a few names came to mind on the subject. Designers nowadays protect their skins and textures to very strong degrees, as their hard work and passion for beauty in Second Life -- can sometimes be at the detriment of successful Copybotting. Just a few keystrokes AE: “See, I like to think that League is one of those labels that and you lose the compensation doesn’t put themselves out there for what you’ve put into work, but should that make all designers to be admired Metaworld-wide, scared of each other? No, of they just do their thing.”. course not. Tyr is steadfast in her TYR: “Not all big names are desire that there be a more united supportive and helpful as those front for designers of Second two though and the “designer” Life to come together, corporate families they are surrounded by. and independent and protect one I think the Second Life economy another. With that wish in mind, could really benefit by designers she talks about the lack of true working a little more together and communication between consumer less like cliques. Less paranoid.” and designer and how easy it is to As well as the well-leveled really lose your connection. and constantly updated line of clothing and accessories that Tyranny releases almost at a rapid rate of Bi-weekly, she’s also TYR: “I hear a lot of stories about refreshing a line of skins. Colorful, ‘Wicked Designers’ on here, who have lost touch with the people flashy skins that don’t take the they create for. I think it’s a shame, route of the more mainstream because without the people who designers but that dabble in come to shop, we don’t have a the crayon box and give some | 68

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store, but, just a bunch of cute items that aren’t being shared with the rest of the world. If everyone would just settle for a minute, take a breather and strike up a conversation, you’d be amazed at the friends you can make! Connections or even a muse or two that can flood a dried up imagination that’s worked too hard, you know? Second Life is a community based on being unique and expressing one’s self. We lose ourselves, so often, when trying to obtain our SLebrity.. and forget who got us here.”

pleasures with fashion and whom she can’t seemingly stay away from here in Second Life.

AE: “What are your.. must-haves here in Second Life, fashion-wise? What are places you can’t avoid?” TYR: “I’m a sucker for hair! One place in the past few months that I’ve gone back to and preach about like the Lord himself; Clawtooth by Clawtooth. I am ‘ADDICTED’ to Clawtooth hair. He does all these hand-painted sculpts. Also.. Tableau sim. If you don’t know it, you need to! Lamb is another hair designer I wear quite While talking to Tyr, I sat and a bit and anything on Starlust. The watched as she compiled a new entire community is condensed blouse for a “50 Linden Friday” awesome with so many amazing promotion and she was so at ease artists and creators of anything with it all. Her house was lovely, you could imagine.” she playfully modeled her new blouse and gave the impression With the upswing of New of someone real within a world of Bohemia moving into Second Life make-believe. It’s hard nowadays these days, the Independent drive to go through our little Metaverse for people who crave something and not feel like sometimes we’re different, jagged and opinionated just aimless fashion consumers, in their fashion -- Tyranny Designs but with designers who seem have put a staple in the fun and to have their thumb directly on fresh market. Taking up the the pulse of the community.. it’s shadows of our electronic universe easier to feel like we’re altogether and giving some light and color again. The serious nature to our to the corners, you can’t ask for conversations seemed to melt much more. away as she divulged her guilty 69 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

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Musashi-Do Press Release 71 |â&#x20AC;&#x192; ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

After a long hiatus the Italian fashion brand Musashi-Do is making a comeback in Second Life.

Their main designer took a break to attend a real life fashion academy, so production of new items at Musashi-Do came to

a halt. Now that his studies are finished, Shiryu Musashi is back, bringing with him a wealth of expertise that he acquired

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in the world of real fashion. He recently graduated with top marks in Fashion Brand Management at the Accademia 73 |â&#x20AC;&#x192; ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

Montenapoleone 5 in Milano. Shiryu Musashi, who is approaching his fifth rez-day, is one of the oldest surviving

designers of Second Life, belonging to that first generation that laid the foundations for the chaotic and sprawling fashion market that we see now. Known for his unforgiving perfectionism (and for being quite slow due to that) and for being a HandPainting Activist, he’s not afraid to upload a texture again and again until every single pixel is in the right place. He has also worked/works as a builder and consultant for several real world brands in Second Life and is often invited to give speeches about the Metaverse at several events in Italy and Europe. The winds of change are already blowing at MusashiDo. Specializing in 100% handpainted patterns and in the study of color variations and trends, Shiryu is already working on applying these techniques to refresh and renew the MusashiDo catalogue.

His comeback is marked by the opening of a new collection: Musashi-Do Orange Label Bikini and Beachwear. This will work side by side with the original two labels. To give life to the new label, Shiryu has already designed and released the TAN\Lines collection. The collection includes nine bikini sets that are the fruit of an in-depth research on the style, pattern and color trends for the Spring/Summer 2009 and 2010 seasons. Every single line and pixel of the textures has been hand-painted with manical perfectionism. After all, “Quality” is Musashi-Do’s one and only creed. The TAN\Lines collection also hides a little twist. Each set includes a set of the matching titular tanlines to let our ladies show off their bikini even when they’re not actually wearing them. | 74

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75 |â&#x20AC;&#x192; ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

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I happen to stumble upon this store and I was hooked. Dangerous Lace is the name. The clothes are trendy and sexy. Every woman needs good jeans. And let me tell you, this is the place to get them. Kaysha Piers has been busy. She is not holding anything back. Not only does she have beautiful clothes, but this chick just came out with a new skin line. Flawless and beautiful. They come in 4 different skin tones; Light, Tan, Bronze, and Dark. The makeup comes in 5 different shades. Bare, Blush, Peach, Smokey, and Tropical. I decided to highlight the Smokey versions of them all skin tones. That’s my favorite style out of makeup’s. A must see and a must have. Go check her store out. She’s knows what she’s doing and what a woman needs.

Photographer Moose Moomintoog Outfit: DL-Orchid-Magenta Hair: Bish-Sweet-Browns Accessories: Total Betty-Silver Hoops w/ Diamond bangle Skin: Sawode-Diva SunTan makeup4 Shoes: Stiletto Moody-Silver Stud Pump

Here’s the slurl http://slurl. com/secondlife/Jaguar%20 Isle/81/65/27 Model Lovena Allen 77 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

Outfit: DL-Phoenix Maxi Dress-

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Peach/Wine Hair: Tukinowaguma-Jelena SHEbony Accessories: Relic-Bronze Spyraea set Skin: Sawode-Diva SunTan makeup5 Shoes: Stiletto Moody Bare JayneCoral

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Au- Naturale Skins

Skin tone: Light in Smokey

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Skin tone: Tan in Smokey

Skin tone: Bronze in Smokey

Skin tone: Dark in Smokey

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Outfit: DL-Soree & Indigo Jeans Hair: Bish-Brown Accessories: ExodiAubrey Bangle, Total Betty-Gold Hoops Skin: Sawode-Diva SunTan makeup5 Shoes: Stiletto Moody Bare Ingrid-Gold

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Outfit: DL-Limon Hair: Bish-Gina-Brownzeta Accessories: Total BettyGold Hoops, FAB PONYGold Bangle Skin: Sawode-Diva SunTan makeup5 Shoes: Stiletto Moody Bare Lauren-White

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I get such a thrill from taking an idea… and creating something someone will enjoy wearing.

Pure XTC in Leather!

check out this new store she had just found. Knowing my friend and her taste in clothing, I knew it had to be something special or she wouldn’t have been so adamant that I drop Written by Jordan Whitt Photos by Shannoncharlize GossipGirl everything and go there immediately. It was something I It was just another quiet night do not regret one bit...although in SL. I was sorting through my my linden balance will. inventory, something I seem to The store is Xaviar Thunders need to do daily, when one of my oldest and dearest friends Clothing, or as it is better known, XTC. IMed me telling me I HAD to go 85 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

My jaw literally dropped when I looked around. There was not one item I did not instantly want to buy and wear and I was in joygasms when I stumbled across the range of corsets hidden away in a corner of the store. If I had to admit to a fashion weakness, its corsets! How could I have been in SL for all these years and not know this store? I just knew I had to track down the amazing man behind the designs and get to know him a bit better and to share the fabulousness with you all. It took a bit of time due to the fact there is a Xavier Thunders in SL, who apparently is on the receiving end of a lot of IMs and notecards intended for Xaviar. Add to that several from me as well. In the end we managed to catch up with each other and chat a bit about his designing and fashions.

and watch since I did them start to finish. I wanted to look really put-together as I built so I made a leather outfit after searching in SL for days. The leather I found was neither good enough nor worth the crazy amount of money the creators were selling them for. I spent a week and made something perfect. I gave about twelve away for free to people that would compliment me on it. Then I met Tabby VanAlten (owner of !Hot Stuff! *Couture Fashion*) completely by chance. She gave me the push I needed and let me hang a few displays in one of her stores. I have vowed to pay that favor forward because

Jordan : How did you get into designing? Xaviar : I used to build houses in public sandboxes in 2006. There would be inspiring builders there who would sit â&#x20AC;&#x192; | 86

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it was such a major turning point in my life. Jordan : What would you say your main inspiration is? Xaviar : I get such a thrill from taking an idea that’s no more than a sketch on a white piece of paper and creating something someone will enjoy wearing. Every stage of that process is still exciting for me and is so enjoyable. Jordan : What would you say your design niche? Xaviar : Very realistic leather. Jordan : Does your XTC style reflect your RL style? Xaviar : The style of the stuff I make must pass one litmus test before I invest the time to create it. I draw in out on paper and ask myself, “Would I wear that in RL?” After looking through my inventory, it was clear that the items I wore most (from other designers) were not the wild costumes but rather the high87 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

quality simple things that don’t tend to have twenty flexi prim attachments. My female line must pass a similar test, “Would I want my significant other to wear that?”. Jordan : You have recently started designing for women. What was the inspiration behind that? Xaviar : I saw Kate Beckensale wearing a corset in the movie “Underworld” and I was blown away. I made that for a friend and we both nodded our heads saying, “Yeah... I need to make more”. Jordan : What is your favourite creation? Xaviar : Gemini. Its a catsuit that incorporates all of what I want in my outfits. Simplicty: only an undershirt, jacket (with build in belt) and pants. Texture: the ribbed leather creates such dramatic 3D effect. Attitude: I swear people act differently as soon as they wear it out.

out a lot of money for all thats required to make it and get it on Jordan : What is the one you the showroom floor, and I am out wish had stayed in your head? Xaviar : I once spent over a week ZERO time, because I enjoy the trying to make leather boots only Photoshop work as relaxation. to throw them away at the end. What a giant waste of time. A Jordan : Where do you see good friend said, “Dance with yourself and XTC this time next the girl you brought to the ball” year? (meaning stick with clothes not Xaviar : I will probably hire footwear) so I let it go. I’ll just a marketing manager and a refer people to Melanie Zhao for customer service manager to good footwear. haha lighten my load by then, but all-inall I don’t see a lot changing. Jordan : What is the biggest challenge facing designers Jordan : Where do you like to today? shop? Xaviar : Well I *could* say... copy Xaviar : Chaospire and cats that use your name (or a Nanogunk - but I don’t really ever variation of it) to get your traffic, buy. I just kinda look around. or worse those who replicate Devyn Grimm and Robin Lobo your designs because they lack a are amazing. Both don’t have a creative bone in their body. But huge men’s line, so I am hoping in reality, the designers I know to fill the void and one day be all agree that balancing work named in the same breath as and friends is VERY difficult in them. SL. We’re always “set to busy” or logged in as invisible because Jordan : What is your biggest there always so much to do. fashion weakness? Xaviar : I refuse to accessorize Jordan : Whats the biggest my outfits. I believe that each person will add boots, jewelry, benefit for designers in SL? bling... whatever - to personalize Xaviar : FREEDOM! If I make their XTC outfits, and I firmly something and no one ever believe they will do better than I buys it, I don’t care. I am not | 88

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89 |â&#x20AC;&#x192; ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

can ever hope to. Jordan : What do you do in SL when you’re not designing? Xaviar : Please don’t think I am all anti-social, but all I do is design. I have a great real-life with my two young sons- I get my social needs filled there with them and my RL friends and family.

(save the long white hair).

Never one to let a challenge go unanswered, I did ask some of his friends. raphaella Nightfire - CEO Evane Model Agency and SW&MB Fashion Productions.

Xavier is passionate about his Jordan : What work. However, I believe that each is your most he is more than a embarrassing SL person will add great designer with moment to date? high level expertise boots, jewelry, Xaviar : I once in photoshop and bought a dance bling... whatever an eye for texture that was for to personalize and form. He dwarves or something because their XTC outfits. has a huge heart and is supportive it turned me two feet tall when I clicked the demo of many good in the store. It was so stupid, and ‘causes’ in SL. A loyal and I wasn’t even a newbie. nurturing friend who will take pause in his unbelievably hectic Jordan : And finally the one schedule when someone needs question I like to ask everyone a ‘sounding board’ or even a I interview...Who is Xaviar strong shoulder to lean on. Thunders? Thank heavens he is skilled at Xaviar : Actually.... I would like to multi-tasking. Apart from the see how my friends answer that privilege of being his friend I will because I am certain each would say this.. I probably wear more describe me a little differently. of the ‘Leather King’s’ clothing Ultimately, I am the same person than any other designer in SL. in real-life as I am in Second Life | 90

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Dauphiness Ceriaptrix - DJ and Owner of The Rabbit Hole Cabaret. Of course he wouldn’t want to answer that question...he’s far too modest. He is so many wonderful things wrapped into one person. First, he is kind and understanding. He never lets anything stand in the way of being there for a friend when he is needed. But he is also dedicated to his work both in SL and RL and talented beyond what even he will recognize. He is easy to like and fun to be around. He has a quick wit and a sharp mind. He is honest and generous. I remember when my friend’s studio, Azavi, was just starting out with their photography business and did not yet have the money for a full studio. He let them not only use his studio, but move their entire operation to his main store. All this after he had only met them once. I could never speak highly enough of Xaviar. His clothes might be absolutely amazing but they in all their glory, pale 91 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

in comparison to the man who makes them. Azlyn Shamrock - Co-owner of Azavi Photography and Event Planning. Xaviar is the most generous person I have ever met. Not only is he an extremely talented designer, but he also is humble, admirable and an all around good guy! His leather is of the upmost quality and yet it still pales in comparison to the quality of life

he brings to the people close to him! To be honest, their assessment of the Xaviar I have come to know over the past couple of weeks is right on the money. We’d had a couple of IM conversations, but I hadn’t yet met the man in the pixels, so to speak. I had a weak moment and ran into XTC with the intention of giving in and buying the corset I had had my eye on since I first saw it. Of course I needed leather pants to go with it, so I bought a pair of those as well. By now we all know things can happen when you’re shopping. Things don’t get delivered or designers forget to put the item into the product vendor, which is exactly what happened with my leather pants. Xaviar had been so busy reorganising the store to incorporate his new women’s line that some things slipped through the cracks, like putting a pair of pants into a vendor. So I tracked down my transaction record and popped off a little note to Xaviar explaining the situation. I didn’t expect him to leave a full sim where he was attending a major event to come sort out my little issue. But he did. Seriously... how many designers do you

know who would drop everything just cos someone didn’t receive a pair of pants? I can’t think of any off-hand, so shock me and drop some names! If you want the best leather clothing in Second Life, then XTC is where you need to be. The textures, designs, prices... mindblowingly awesome!!! The menswear is amazing, but its his new line of womenswear that is going to cement XTC as THE place for leather clothing in Second Life, and Xaviar Thunders as the Leather God! I would like to thank Xaviar for his time and for letting me share his amazing creations with you all. I would also like to thank Dauphiness Ceriaptrix for helping me with the photoshoot for this article whilst Xaviar was away on a well deserved vacation. She took me on trust, unable to double check with Xaviar, and rounded up the fabulous models who gave generously of their time to share some of their favourite XTC designs with us all. Thank you to our models - Tango Flux, Kavi Harcourt, Pilgrim Roecastle, Azlyn Shamrock and Dauphiness herself. | 92

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Diary of a Model By Imani Enzo

I’ve been modelling in SL for just about a year now and I’m happy to report that I am having a blast. I do have to say that my journey has not been an easy one. I’ve had as much adversity as I have enjoyed success. You see, I don’t quite fit neatly inside the SL Model box because I’m a little curvier and laid-back than most. Truth be told, I love walking around SL in my normal curvy shape and casual fashions. As a result, I have to work just a little bit harder to get noticed in the industry. That works just fine for me because it has allowed me an opportunity to build a reputation on my versatility, 93 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

attitude and professionalism. Most models look good but everyone is not easy to work with. I have agreed to share a glimpse into my life as a SL model and promise to offer an honest and uninhibited view of my experiences… good, bad, and ugly.

The Good… In retrospect, I think I may have just experienced my best month ever as a model. I was selected as a pre-finalist for Miss Virtual World and a finalist for Miss Costa Rica Sims 2010, chosen to shoot my first magazine ad and appear on Fabulous Fashions, and named spokesmodel for a SL video production company! While, I’m excited about my progress, trust me when I tell you that I was floored by

every bit of it. That is not to say that You can’t possibly be as committed I lack confidence, I simply didn’t to your career as you think you expect any of it. are if you spend most of your time complaining about other people and their accomplishments. Then, when The Bad it comes time for you to do some Ok, the bad news is that I wasn’t actual work to advance your own selected as a Finalist for Miss career, you quickly rebuke such a Virtual World. However, I can notion. I mean seriously, how far honestly say that I would not have do you expect to get if you refuse picked me either. My nerves were to take new pictures or get a Flickr bad and my laggy walk was pure account? How will people know comedy My audition was my first you even exist if you don’t attend and I felt like a fish out of water fashion shows and other industry in that I had no idea what to do events. or what to expect. In fact, there was nothing pretty or Miss Virtual Modelling in SL is extremely Worldesque about me that day. I competitive and requires some can laugh now because I’ve had diligence on your part if you time to really think about just how hard it is to even get a spot in those are going to be successful at it. auditions. The nervousness is out There are many different paths to of the way now and I still have two success but I guarantee you that more chances to audition this year. each one requires effort. Simply put, primo modelling jobs do not just fall out of the sky no matter The Ugly how pretty you think your avatar I recognize that using the word ugly is or how many contests you win. in a piece related to modelling is I suggest that you let go of the the controversial in and of itself. The complaints, cattiness, and negativity ugly I’m referring to would be those immediately. Instead, focus on individuals who have something demonstrating a willingness to bad to say about everything and promote yourself. The sky is the everybody but refuse to accept any limit if you work hard and maintain a responsibility for their own career or positive attitude. lack thereof.

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Big Style on a Little Budget Even in a great economy we always want a fabulous bargain, but tough times are no reason to sacrifice style! Model EmeraldEyes Honi went on a mission to find some fabulous finds, each piece under $100L!!! We also have model Tiara Calvert bringing you entire looks (skin Styled by EmeraldEyes Honi included!) for under $1000L! We hope this will help your closet AND your wallet this Fall.

Chic Pieces for $100L or Less:

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Lace Traces Tank - red L$60 Store Name - Phoenix Rising City Nights Black Pants L$ 100 Store Name - Phoenix Rising Slip on Clogs - scarlet L$20 Store Name - Duh! “Mickey” Hair - black L$40 Store Name - Ceriano Designs

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Dotty - plum - L$100 Store - RBZ Designs Amethyst Flat - L$10 Store - Doh! “June” Hair - black - L$40 Store - Ceriano Designs “Lilith” Sun-kissed Skin L$100 Store - Ceriano Designs

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CdC Nancy Dress - pecan - L$100 Store Name - SKG Shoes “Black Gator” pumps L$20 Store Name - Ceriano Designs “Mara” Hair - black - L$40 Store Name - Ceriano Designs “Milk Tea Zan” Skin - L$75 Store Name - .: mela’s:.

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Nicki 2-in-1 Top Black with Capris - L$100 Store Name - *Clover* Slip on Clogs - black L$20 Store Name - Duh! Swept Away” - black L$75 Store Name - Ravens Hair

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Sophie Gown - black L$100 Store - New Eden Designs “Seizure” Pumps - L$20 Store - Ceriano Designs “Brina” Earrings - L$100 Store - La Forgia Jewels “Sultry Updo” - brown L$75 Store - Ravens Hair

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Dress for Less Complete Looks for Under $1000L

Styled by Tiara Calvert

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CASUAL Skin - Rockberry UMA E Tan Dk Brows $450 TOP- *SL* Chemise Top Blue from Luck Inc. $150 PANTS - WRONG Black 3/4 Pants $99 Bangles - WRONG Beads and Bangles (Blue) $100 Shoes - [Coquette] Rock Starz - Plain $25 Hair - ETD Sofia - Black $25 Grand Total $849L

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BUSINESS Skin - Rockberry Mia D Natural $275 Outfit - SF Design Ms. Executive (Complete with Shoes) $350 Hair - Pocket Mirrors Jasmine Updo Midnight $200 Grand Total $825

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FORMAL SKIN - Rockberry UMA E Tan Dk Brows $450 GOWN - Rebel Hope Designs - FLIRT “The Red Collection” Complete with heels $300 Necklace and Earrings - Virtual Impressions, Theresa Gem Set in Pearls and Diamonds $ 220 Hair - ETD Xaria in Black $25

Total Cost: $975

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The Future of Alternative Clothing in SL Written by Ruin Quan Photos provided by the Designers

As those of you who may follow my articles know, I’m a devout Second Life fashionista. I have the greatest job in the world working for ICON and interviewing the people that make my particular 107 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

lifestyle here real and vibrant with their clothing, skins, hair, and god knows what else I’m pursuing this week. I dress according to my own personal preference and it can be quite varied from day to day. You will almost never see me in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt in SL, unlike real life where I typically dress like that at work. When the publisher told us that this issue of ICON would be dedicated to fashion, my eyes lit up, my mouth watered,

my hands went damp and if I Pennyfeather of RFyre and were neko, my tail would have Destany Laval of unzipped. gone into overtime. Ruin: When I mention the So what I did was approach word RP (role-play) some probably my personal five immediately get a picture of favorite designers in this warriors, goreans, combat, whole universe and get them and sims devoted to those to agree to contribute to an things. I, on the other hand, article about RP Clothing think more of style. For and its future in Second Life. instance in R/L I wear normal One of the first responses I clothing, jeans and polos, received was from blakopal Italian suits, clothing that is who told me in no uncertain socially normal in this day terms that they did not and age. In SL I wear an consider their clothing RP eclectic combination of Goth, clothing; they referred to it Steampunk, Celtic, Warrior as “period clothing”. So with and Victorian. Where do you that in mind I set out to find see your designs fit in? Who is out what these fabulous the typical customer that you designers felt about the topic attract? and what their positions were on some questions that I Darwin: That’s a very hard found interesting. You may or question to answer. Designing may not agree with me on the for me is really about carving interesting part, but here is a niche from within your what I learned. own internal obsessions and coming up with something The five companies are that will surprise yourself, represented here by: Darwin something that wasn’t there Mizser of Avid, blakopal before. Fitting in never enters Gallicia of blakopal, my mind. I have no idea what Bryce Randt of Eclipse or who a typical Avid customer Development, Raven is. Probably someone who has | 108

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a lot to do at home or work but would rather mess about on the computer instead, they probably have a cold cup of coffee on the desk with a cigarette in it I think.

T-shirt in SL when there are worlds of other styles you can choose from. We love to design for different periods, and often blur the lines a bit between genres. Our main design styles are Victorian, pirate, and steampunk. We often get requests from people who have specific needs in their SL role playing, but more often our customers are just people who enjoy having fun with their wardrobe. Maybe they have a fancy-dress ball to go to and want something special to wear to the event, or they just bought a new pirate ship and are looking for uniforms for their crew, blakopal: Our clothing is or maybe they just really designed for people who have love wearing Victorian-styled a fanciful outlook on their suits…who knows? That’s SL life and are looking for the beauty of SL, you can something out of the ordinary. be whatever you want to be It seems silly to wear the in any given moment. Our same RL styled jeans and a 109 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

customers are as varied as SL is. Bryce: It’s really hard to say, since we create such a varied line of products. Roleplayers come from all walks of life and choose all sorts of genres... whatever appeals to their imagination at the time. Raven: Our customers and their interests are as eclectic and varied as the styles we offer. With both the RFyre and now the RP Couture brands we cover a myriad of tastes and sensibilities. As a result, we attract a wide variety of people with one common desire: quality. Destany: Most of the customers we have that come to our store are role players. We offer steampunk classical, gothic, vampire, fantasy and futuristic clothing, accessories plus weapons geared towards most rp sim weapon systems. Our designs are primarily there for geared to different areas of role-play. We try to cover all aspect as much as we can.

Ruin: I know that some of you design clothing for specific sims which are dedicated to RP, do you do that? And if so, which sims and themes? Darwin: No. I know Avid is popular in many RP sims but I don’t make things specifically for them apart from weapons, although having said that I did recently make a goreanesc style dress but with a gothic twist. The vampire clans obviously if you know my work are a strong customer base for me and I do keep that in mind. We don’t design for a specific sim, although our home base in New Babbage does offer a lot of inspiration, and we occasionally design gowns around the themes of the monthly balls, which are held at the wonderful Piermont Landing. But we have shops in a lot of different locations, so there isn’t really a focus on any one sim. We enjoy steampunk, but our customer base isn’t centered in New Babbage, the bulk of our customers come from outside of the town. | 110

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blakopal: We think it’s the ability to be who ever, and however you want to be that makes creative dressing so much fun. You can be as fantastic and fanciful as you want. Wearing clothes in SL offers you an opportunity to try out new things, try on outfits you might not normally wear. The ability to express yourself in new ways is always fun. A good friend recently went to a serious business meeting in

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SL in his bunny avatar wearing one of our feather suits. It worked for him because it expressed his sense of style perfectly, and his clients really enjoyed his ability to express himself in a unique way. Bryce: No, we don’t cater to a particular sim. As far as themes go, we usually do anything from fantasy/ medieval outfits to futuristic/ hi-tech outfits to goth/vampiretype outfit. If there’s a theme

out there, we probably have something for it. Raven: We have designed clothing for ancient sims, Victorian, gothic, and urban. I don’t design for any specific theme--I have a love for all of it. Destany: Our main store is based around industrial steampunk although it is not a RP sim. A lot of our items are RP sim based items. A lot of people come to the sim and talk to us within the role-play style, which I totally love. It brings out more depth into the surrounding area and a better understanding to me. Ruin: What do you think makes Alternative Clothing so popular in SL? Darwin: Perhaps because secretly we admire the people who wear an extraordinary look in the real world. Fashion enables us to project our personality and speak directly without words and in SL we are free to do this without

whatever it is that constrains us in the real. Jeans and a T-shirt to me just say I have no imagination and even if I did I wouldn’t have the courage to do anything about it. blakopal: We really enjoy pushing ourselves to create new outfits. We’re always playing around with prim parts, and sculpting items to see how we can make an outfit just a little different. Pushing the technology, get the clothing to be just a bit more fabulous. We really love when people get excited to see us release new clothing. That means a lot to us. Not everything we come out with is a blockbuster, but now and then the design ideas will gel just right and something completely different will jump off the drawing board and start dancing around. Those are the moments we love. Bryce: SL is like no other medium for expression. The freedom available here allows individuals from all over the world to transcend the boring and embrace the fantastic. | 112

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to the store is because they want to look less mainstream. Ruin: All of you are designers of not only interesting clothing, but in my opinion, superior quality clothing. Tell us a bit about the passion that drives you to excel. Darwin: Probably a sense of guilt towards the customer. If I haven’t done the absolute best I can at that particular time I’d die of shame every time someone gave me a little Raven: Many people come of their hard earned money. into SL to play and to relax. Older outfits are an issue Part of this for many is in this regard because you envisioning another life, improve over time. I’m always creating another narrative that pushing forward to make new is markedly different from their clothes but feel like I want to day-to-day life. In SL you can go back and update the older wear the elaborate cape that ones and that’s a dilemma. you crave and feel on your shoulders in RL without the expense (or dry cleaning bills). blakopal: There aren’t enough hours in the day to get all of the ideas in our heads out Destany: Everyone wants to into the aethersphere. There be unique and best way show is never a time when there themselves as an extension isn’t something on a back of their personality within burner just waiting to become Second Life. If I ask any of my the next new thing. Plus we customers what attracts them 113 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

are fortunate to have great customers who come up with wonderful outfit suggestions. We keep a list of those suggestions, and they often make their way into the store eventually.

change so deeply. I end up making new things from that passion. LOL! No but really it’s a desire within that is driven purely from imagination and desire to create the artists curse.

Bryce: As a designer, the pair of eyes one cultivates become both a gift and a burden. Often, nothing looks good enough, but if something is off...it sticks out like a sore thumb. I guess we just don’t like for our thumbs to hurt?”

Ruin: You are all fairly prolific designers, where do the ideas come from? Do you ever find yourself staring at the wall going “I have no ideas?”

Raven: I simply have a burning desire in me to create. I have been drawing and envisioning clothing since I was a child, so this is “natural” for me. It’s a sort of drug for me, the process of creating and developing an outfit. I get downright giddy when I know I am coming to the end of a piece and I know it’s good. Destany: Well my clothes get dirty after a week of wearing them around all kinds of places and I feel the need to

Darwin: God these questions are hard. The ideas are born from the work, they don’t precede it, as you might imagine, at least not for me. It’s like evolution where complexity comes from simple beginnings and the “idea” changes and evolves with each step of the process becoming more than it was before until you reach a point where you can see it clearly, and then it’s just a question of polishing it off. I do sometimes start with a drawing but the drawing itself happens in the same way so it isn’t really about ideas, it’s about doing things and making | 114

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decisions along the way and recognizing what has worth. Yes sometimes I hit my head against that wall but then I’ll have a really good days sales and get all inspired, so if you want better clothes... buy more (winks) blakopal: We really enjoy pushing ourselves to create new outfits. We’re always playing around with prim parts, and sculpting items to see how we can make an outfit just a little different. Pushing the technology, getting the clothing to be just a bit more

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fabulous. We really love when people get excited to see us release new clothing. That means a lot to us. Not everything we come out with is a blockbuster, but now and then the design ideas will gel just right and something completely different will jump off the drawing board and start dancing around. Those are the moments we love. Bryce: All the time. We’re fortunate that there are two of us and brainstorming new outfits is a collaborative environment. Ideas that might

have otherwise died instead live...and vice versa. Most of our inspiration comes from having been role-players ourselves for over a decade and trying to make what would make our characters most awesome.” Raven: I derive ideas from many sources--often visual. I admire the work of fantasy artists and couture designers alike. It is not unusual to see a wall of inspirational photos in my studio. I also discover ideas from playing in Photoshop and with prims. It’s a complex process that leads me to the final product. Destany: Lots of times then I go to sleep and dream something and go oh yeah that’s what I should do. My ideas come from the depth of my imagination. It’s like painting a picture or a storyline in my mind then bringing out into Second Life. Ruin: Where do you see yourself in the ongoing universes of Second Life and other Open Source platforms?

Do you currently sell outside Second Life and if so where? Darwin: I have looked at a couple but they seemed like poor imitations to me and I haven’t pursued them. This may change in the future but for now I’m 100% committed to Second Life. blakopal: We are always keeping our eyes open for other opportunities, although SL is currently our only outlet for selling virtual fashions. We are very excited about the future of SL, and look forward to the possibilities within this world. If there are other fun places to show off our outfits, it’s something we could consider in the future. Bryce: We don’t currently sell outside of Second Life, but only because SL is really in a class of its own. If/When another metaverse is designed with passionate freedom of expression in mind, we’ll be there with black on.”

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Raven: Right now, I do not sell out of Second Life. That is because this is the most developed platform and has the best audience and safeguards for my business. I would entertain selling in other platforms if I felt the opportunity was right.

blakopal: Blak Opal designs actually started out in RL making outfits like pirate coats, opera gowns, furry costumes, and the like ... and occasionally we do still break out the sewing machine and fabrics, though not nearly as often as in the past. Virtual fashion design makes it Destany: I see myself growing possible to get unique outfits with Second Life but also have out to more people, MUCH concerns about the on going more affordably, and in far less problems of copybot and with time ... without the constraints of real world realities, like it also growing I am unsure acquiring materials, hardware, exactly where I will be in the ongoing universes of Second etc. The creative effort is the same no matter if the final Life. outfit is virtual or tangible. But there is something truly Ruin: Finally, and I ask this for wonderful about being able to purely selfish reasons, have you ever considered crossing these designs over into R/L? I often say that if I could find this in real I would wear it down the street and not care a bit what the gawkers say. Darwin: Yes I have thought about it and I love the idea of a little Avid in Soho. It would be a lot of work and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m too focused here atm but never say never. â&#x20AC;&#x192; | 118

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design without the constraints of budget, or gravity! Some of our RL designs have influenced a few of out SL designs, and vice versa. Bryce: We’ve joked about it, of course. A lot of issues come into play, like materials, employees and so on. I’ve little doubt that there are LARPers and such out there that would enjoy having something other than Styrofoam between them and their dark elven attackers. Unfortunately, I’m rather certain that production costs would prevent these sorts of clothing items from being very

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affordable.” Raven: I have spoken about making my Unorthodox into a real life piece of clothing several times. I would imagine the cost of making the lace would be quite expensive, however. Destany: I would love to do the cross over and in some areas I do already have the cross over existing. Thank all of you for your contributions to the article. You are all great designers and I know that my readers and I

look forward to seeing what is I love finding a new little new and exciting from all your slice of heaven, or a vision fertile minds. into someone else’s SL that amazes and delights me. To my readers, take the time to visit these companies if In the meantime, get out you aren’t familiar with them. there and shop. Share your Some of the best friendships discoveries. Build your own and most interesting places dreams. Second Life is that I’ve encountered in SL unlike any other venue on have been initiated on their line, discovering a Victorian showroom floors. A trick that clothing fan in South Africa I frequently use is checking or Thailand is fun and the profiles of others in the informative. Don’t let your life building, I’ve learned that be a cubicle, at least not this usually we have common Second Life you’ve been given interests not only in clothing an opportunity to create. Be but it places we like to visit well. and play. If you’re like me, | 120

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Romie Serrao

From the cities of Southern America to the cities of Asia, there are many designers out there, all with creative minds. Amongst the vast population of designers in SL, I have found a very hip, unique, and creative designer named Criandoasas Twine. Miss 121 |â&#x20AC;&#x192; ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

Twine is the creator/designer of Samsara. As she is from Brazil, it was a little hard for me to ask questions, but luckily Miss Twine has a friend, Susan Zanzibar, to help us translate some of the many questions I had for Miss Twine.

Romie: Please tell me how you became a designer in SL. Criandoasas: Nine months ago I joined Second Life. I am graphic designer in RL and make personalized prints. When I joined this enchanted world I met some people who worked with clothes and tattoos and they taught me that everything were just textures made in image editors. I started to try, but didn’t understand how a simple texture could become a beautiful design full of shadows and curves. With time I improved until I had my own clothes collection of high quality. I met my partner, who was already was a builder, and we bought some land and opened Samsara. For a while I taught in a Second Life school, but I had to stop to dedicate my time to my own designs.

be born, to die and be reborn. The successive reincarnations for the creature’s evolution. It also means the changes of the universe, the constants changes of the world. The name inspired us because we are always in change, reflection and looking for something. Romie: What sort of fashion would you categorize your clothing as? Criandoasas: My biggest inspirations are RL stylists. But as we want to design for people of the whole world, we tried not to follow seasons, so you will see summer clothes, winter clothes, bikinis among other mixes.

Romie: Is it hard for you to design and create something new almost every week? Criandoasas: That is a problem Romie: Where did the name (laughs). I have new ideas Samsara come from? Is there a everyday. I’ve had times where specific or special meaning to the I created clothes daily in SL and name? did new releases everyday. I Criandoasas: SAMSARA was had warnings in some fashion the idea of my partner. It comes groups for sending so many from the Buddhist philosophy to announcements. I LOVE | 122

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creating. I spend my time reading fashion magazines and fashion sites, amongst other inspirational sources. Photoshop and Blender are never closed on my computer. There are weeks when I create up to 20 new outfits and I have an eternal passion in 123 |â&#x20AC;&#x192; ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

creating dresses. Romie: Are you completely happy with your designs? Criandoasas: Yes, however as a professional, I always want to learn more and to perfect my creations. The first draft

clothes that I make are totally different from the ones that I release, different in a positive way. I’m always improving the quality, trying to understand what my customers are looking for and what I can offer them. I don’t produce extremely short clothes. However I have several customers asking for mini-skirts, so I created discreet mini-skirts and now it is our top seller.

However, we can’t teach how to have creativity and I believe that we are not born with it. It is acquired with practice and with observation of related materials amongst other things. So for all those that want to make clothes, don’t be afraid of taking a risk, of make mistakes. Research, observe, think... AND be patient. Perhaps the first ones don’t come

Romie: Do you have a special techniques you would like to share with the rest of the SL community? Criandoasas: Many people ask me “ is it difficult to make clothes? “ and I answer “no you just have to learn how to use photoshop, and be patient “. When I was a teacher at the School, I taught techniques of how to make clothes and how to detail clothes. | 124

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Criandoasas: Yes. This is for everyone who has some objective in SL or RL. Never give up on struggling for them, like we at Samsara didn’t give up. We began with a small store and after a lot of work and persistence, we are reaching all our goals. We know nothing falls of the sky and you always have to struggle to reach your goals. But without objectivity, you won’t go anywhere. We out the way you like, but with the still have a long road to go. A persistence you can be sure that store inword is like a child that you will succeed. needs cares, a lot of attention and affection. Everything that is Romie: Is there anything you in Samsara, from the small piece like to share with us before we of furniture to the construction conclude? of almost 50 thousand meters of 125 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

this store, was made with a lot of designs twice or more a week. Not only have her designs dedication, patience and love!

perked an unfamiliar taste of fashion in me, but her free gifts Romie: Thank you Miss Twine are really nice. If I was a critic, for your time and generosity. I I would give her a 10 out of 10, hope to part-take in more of your two thumbs up, or a handful of designs in the future. claps. In the words of Roger and Ebert, “It’s a must see!” Criandoasas: Thank you very much Ms Romie!

From the minute I walked in to Samsara till the minute I walked out, there was not a question nor unsatisfactory feeling I had in my body or mind. The first time I met Miss Twine, she was very hospitable and gave me oodles of free gifts. What kept coming back to my mind was the fact that she had new designs each and every week. Sometimes she has new | 126

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Fashion ICON’s of the Month

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Fashion ICON: Strawberry Singh By Canddy Khandr

I had the privilege of meeting and interviewing the notorious Strawberry Singh, manager for Zaara, Diesel Works, and Huz Tats. Strawberry, who likes to be called Berry, has been with Zaara Kohime, the creator of Zaara, since the shop was first opened. She quickly rose to the top of the fashion world, and is now known as a one of the most stylish people in SL with a reputation for her charm and wit. She has expanded her horizons to include being the PR Manager and Coordinator for Fashion and Style at LE.LOOK. Berry is bubbly, sweet and down to earth.

Canddy Khandr: Well first of all, it is nice to meet you! You are considered a fashion icon in SL.... how do you feel about having that reputation? Strawberry Singh: LOL to be honest I didn’t realize I was and when Daija first approached me about it I was like, “Me?” “Are you sure you got the right Strawberry?” and then I coudln’t stop giggling at myself! So yeah, I think it’s funny. Canddy Khandr: Haha well that’s understandable! But you work for some great companies that have awesome designs! How would you describe your personal style or “look”? Strawberry Singh: I would definitely say I am really attracted to anything that has an ethnic look or flair to it. That’s actually how I started working for Zaara. She has the right amount of fusion mix in her clothes that tend to draw me. But also aside from saris or lehengas I love to lounge around in my jeans and sneakers, so it all really depends on my mood. I know I am kind of known for my “ethnic” look I guess. | 128

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Canddy Khandr: So seeing as you have such a diverse taste in clothing, what is the one fashion item you just CANNOT live without in SL? Strawberry Singh: I would have to say my Zaara jewels. I usually am wearing some sort of jewels from Zaara. And don’t make me pick just one cuz I love them all!!! Canddy Khandr: Lol no need to pick just one! The world of fashion in SL is sooo varied. What do you, personally, see as some of the biggest concerns with SL fashion at the moment? Strawberry Singh: Well I am not a designer, I’m just a shopaholic so to me sl fashion being varied is definitely a wonderful thing. The only thing that concerns me is when it is affected by people that do not respect intellectual property cuz that really affects the whole community in such a negative way. So I definitely see lack of respect of intellectual property as a major concern.

on together, and that should be a goal of the community as a whole, to get that under control. Speaking of goals, what are your goals for both the short and long term here in SL? Strawberry Singh: My one and only goal in SL is to have fun in whatever I am doing. I used SL as pure entertainment and I wouldn’t be here everyday if I wasn’t enjoying it! Canddy Khandr: Definitely! When SL gets to start being a chore, and no fun, that’s when we should step back and reevaluate! It’s great that you’re having so much fun! What have been your career highlights so far?

Strawberry Singh: Definitely working with Zaara Kohime. I’ve pretty much been with her since the day she opened and she has become one of my closest friends. I have learned a lot from her, in all aspects of life. I’m also very happy to be working for LE.LOOK! I’ve always had lotsa respect and admiration for the work that they Canddy Khandr: Lol I agree! I think do and it has become my most favorite place to shop at. I also that is something we can all work love working with new designers 129 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

like Huz Tats and Diesel Works. Watching Zaara grow and being with her along the way was a great experience and I’m happy to be doing the same with Hunain Bellic and Rogan Diesel now.

networking and getting to know everyone and just basically putting yourself out there will get you the attention. Just remember...positive attention, no drama!

Canddy Khandr: Good advice! I Canddy Khandr: Awww that is think that will be very helpful to a great! Lots of girls would die to be lot of people out there who read in your position! What advice would this :) you give to someone who wants to get to that position? Strawberry Singh: well good. :) Strawberry Singh: I honestly don’t know cuz I have no idea how I got it! LOL I’m just honest and try to be respectful of everyone. I love to help, if someone needs my advise or expertise (not that I have any :P LOL) I am always willing to give it. But I think what helps with the PR work is definitely networking, meeting people, being friendly. I’m definitely known as a friend whore, I love adding everyone to all my lists, inworld, flickr, plurk, etc... so | 130

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Accessorize

We want to share something beautiful and thoughtful and full of love with the wonderful people here.

Its not just jewelry, its jewelry with a SPIRIT and a HEART Pet Karu Photos Jordan Whitt 133 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

Forty minutes with Spirit Soulstar and Heart Crystal Spirit Soulstar: I see you’re wearing my necklace and earrings... I’m honored. Pet Karu: Indeed, its one of my favorite sets. Let’s get started, shall we? I promise this will be painless and maybe even fun. Spirit Soulstar: Oh we are excited about it. Pet Karu: How did you both come to SL? How long ago? And when

did you first start making jewellery? Spirit Soulstar: We both came to SL about 2 years ago. I came in with the concept of connecting spiritual people together. I met Adeptus Brenner early on, who also had the same goal. He and I created Spirit Mountain together. This place, over in Airtol Hill, has been in existence due to our funding, and now just Adeptus’ funding, for 2 years. I moved on due to life issues, but would always return to the mountain. Then one day last year I met Heart at Spirit Mountain. We found we enjoyed each other’s company and worked together in harmony to create an island paradise we called Heart. That was short-lived, but we felt more was needed in SL from us. We wanted to share the love we had for each other with everyone, so we came up with the idea of jewellery. Heart Crystal: I came in about two years ago with another partner, but things didn’t work out. I met Spirit on the mountain about a year ago. I was searching and was about to give up on SL altogether because was losing interest and not finding anything I was looking for until I stepped on Spirit Mountain. I didn’t even realize there was a spiritual

community in SL at the time. The first time I came here I met Spirit and we found we could work well together when we started an island called The Heart. It was short lived because of my old partner. Spirit Soulstar: We decided about 5 months ago to start making jewelry, and our first shop was at Spirit Mountain. Just last month we got this new store here in Vleet. Heart Crystal: Spirit built everything here. Pet Karu: Very good work. Great job Spirit. Spirit Soulstar: The aspect of both Love and Spirituality was keys to our creations. Pet Karu: I’m noticing the .... um.... atmosphere here. It’s not just a place to shop is it? Spirit Soulstar: Correct, we wanted to make a place for people to come and relax, just like Spirit Mountain is. It’s an extension of the mountain I would say, but it is our creation and our love showing in everything here. Heart Crystal: It’s a place you can even propose on the roof top should you wish. We hope not only that but that the spiritual community can | 134

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come, sit, even meditate on or near so this means ongoing deals, not the water feature. just short - term ones. Pet Karu: Beautiful. Pet Karu: Let’s see how the shop is Pet Karu: So it’s a meeting place, progressing? romantic place and shop (just in Spirit Soulstar: We have this land case the mood strikes) here, and we have another shop at Spirit Mountain, and will have Heart Crystal: We have tried to another at Poseidon’s Adventure, appeal to every part of the SL and a small kiosk at Avian Retreat community but also reaching shortly as well. People are asking back to our roots with the spiritual us to sell on their land and we community. haven’t even been open yet. Spirit Soulstar: That would be a Pet Karu: Wow, 4 in total? That is good way to put it. Without even amazing. being in the search as yet we are already getting passers-by just Spirit Soulstar: Word of mouth and dropping in for a look. We are some good friends helps. planning to have an opening Sept Heart Crystal: We feel honored 1st. by the people like Mya Shalala of Poseidon Adventure Island, Ladydi and Zoezoe of Avian Retreat Pet Karu: How do you see the and of course Adeptus of Spirit grand opening event? Will it be a one day only or week long affair or Mountain for wanting to sell our month long celebration, with freebie items and giving us a wonderful opportunity of a head start. Without gifts and such? these people’s love and support it Spirit Soulstar: We have the 31 piece massive birthstone collection wouldn’t be at all possible. at a very reasonable price; we think Pet Karu: I know this is almost too we will have an opening celebration easy to even ask, but how did you come up with the name of your on the following weekend when I shop? can be here during the day. Our goal is to provide beautiful jewelry Heart Crystal: Our motto is: “It’s at reasonable prices, rather than not just jewellery, it’s jewellery with single pieces at expensive prices, a SPIRIT and a HEART”. Both 135 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

Heart and I are very spiritually oriented beings... so it is a reflection of our unity. Spirit Soulstar: The sculpture was Heart’s concept - to enhance the name as well as the fact I am Spirit, he is Heart - which is also true in RL. Pet Karu: I love that motto.

wonderful way it makes work together in RL as well SL as great team a great partnership with love, laughter and enjoyment. Pet Karu: Awwww, how sweet. Spirit Soulstar: How can you resist a romantic man such as Heart? I ask you!

Pet Karu: Besides the birthstones, Pet Karu: Now on a personal note. do you have any other pieces which You two are not just an SL couple are your pride and joy? are you? You’re also a couple in Spirit Soulstar: The one you are RL? wearing definitely was fun to make, Spirit Soulstar: Yes we are and the Heart necklaces are always together in RL. We met in SL. close to my heart. But the ones we have planned are going to blow Heart Crystal: We balance in a | 136

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these away. So Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m very excited about getting these completed. Pet Karu: How so? Spirit Soulstar: Heart has come up with some amazing concepts ... highly decorative, spiritually oriented and high fashion.

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Heart Crystal: We also have many spiritual orientated designs coming up in the future weeks and months ahead so we will have some reaching out not just for the romantics in all of us but also the spiritual community so will be for the SL community as a whole.

Pet Karu: How are you fairing on competition? Do you see items out there that look like yours or copies of your designs? Spirit Soulstar: I would like to mention we are not using scripts in our jewellery. We will do that but for an extra charge depending on the set requested. This is important to us, because we have experienced lag issues and so many people are telling us that bling is not welcome in their jewellery now. Heart Crystal: We have researched and asked many people questions in past five months about our jewelry concept without bling script to change colors etc. Spirit Soulstar: We have not seen copies of our designs as yet. In fact I welcome the competition to create what I have made, because it’s likely they won’t be able to beat our prices. Bling is out, style is in. Pet Karu: Yes and your pieces are elegant, exquisitely done, fashionable and suitable for many occasions. Spirit Soulstar: Thank you, I appreciate that. I’ve had compliments about my textures which are primarily my own. There are some great textures out there but the best ones I have found that

give the right color are the ones I make. Call me picky, if you like. Pet Karu: Be picky. It’s working for you girl. Spirit Soulstar: We are not trying to beat any competitors actually. It’s more that we want to share something beautiful and thoughtful and full of love with the wonderful people here. Heart Crystal: Spirit is a joy to work with she reads my mind on many of the creations I come up with, but she needs to take the most credit because she comes up with a lot of designs too and its always designs done from the heart with joy and love and the spirit we have in us both. We are even going to design special things in the future for a few friends and also letting them name it. Spirit Soulstar: Yes, the idea of creating jewelry for friends based on their favorite themes is something I think will be popular as well. Heart Crystal: And of course Spirit does all the building because it’s something I can’t do very well. I’m not even good at building a simple thing like a star; so I need to work with Spirit’s mind all the time because I can’t even draw my | 138

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creations in real world. Spirit Soulstar: But we work together so closely it’s like he is building through me. Pet Karu: Anything extra you can think of to share with your readers (soon to be customers)? Spirit Soulstar: I would like people to know that when they come here they are welcomed with open arms, and an open heart. We hope people will come and spend some time here and enjoy what we have created too. Heart Crystal: All I can say is its not just spiritual but also love! It’s deep true honest caring loving of all people, animals and things of the world not SL but RL and the things I have learned and I’m speak for Spirit to its about helping others and giving them a glimmer of hope because life, whether in SL or RL, is never easy. Pet Karu: I love it. Heart & Spirit is certainly the element I feel here. It’s not imposing, but warmly inviting. In my opinion, you offer more than a jewellery store, you offer a love experience.

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Nyte ‘N Day Of Fashion Romie Serrao

Whether it is fashionably inspired, envisioned, or pure creativity, these three things draw me to one shop and it is Nyte ‘N Day. All the clothes are uniquely designed and made by Nyte Caligari. Without any fashion knowledge or experience, I find myself drawn to Miss Nyte’s fashion simply because her unique designs fit my taste in clothing, which is between promiscuous and somewhat conservative. With pleasure, Miss Nyte has agreed to have a small interview with me.

Romie: What do you think about the fashion frenzy in SL? Nyte: I think it’s simply awesome that the possibility exists. In our little world, you are able to let your creativity out unrestricted! And on top of that if you’re lucky/ have enough time/dedication... make a real life income out of it! However, I think it’s significantly harder than when I started to get established and become successful. Although success is trivial depending on what your goals are. On the flip side it means the consumer has, literally, a world of choice for fashion. And it also means that content theft is pretty much rampant and there’s not a whole Romie: Miss Nyte, please tell us lot to be done to stop it besides a little about yourself. filing a DMCA. Nyte: I started SL in May or June of 2005. I actually stumbled upon Romie: What made you join SL’s it about 6 months before that but fashion world? my computer was too crappy. Nyte: I just thought it would be I was excited when I re-found such a cool thing to to do. I knew it later, equipped with a better photoshop coming into SL, so computer! I pretty much started clothes would be my “thing” to do. designing straight away, after I It was great fun and just... such a figured out it was possible at all. different way to spend my time. It :) was bizarre and amazing to me | 142

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at first, to think that people would Romie: Where does your buy my clothing! inspiration come from? Nyte: Sometimes my own Romie: What style of clothing closet, sometimes from thin air, would you say you design/make? sometimes from what I’ve seen Nyte: I mostly make casual other people wearing in RL, clothing and hoochie stuff but sometimes from fashion pictures, really, I have dabbled in most and sometimes from things I’ve types from lingerie, to swimwear, created that could have gone to formal, etc. another way.

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Romie: How much time does it take you to make these beautifully unique designs? Nyte: Tough question. Some things could take a few hours, others I “fight” with and they end up taking a few days or more. I guess it really depends on what it is. Romie: Are you satisfied with each and every design you created?

Nyte: Pretty much. Some of my old stuff (like the discounted stuff) I look at and kinda go, ‘wow, I’ve gotten a lot better’ but overall... yep! Romie: What is your favorite piece of design that you have produced and why? Nyte: If I must choose just one, I’d have to say my jeans. I remember how slow the progress was on them, how much care | 144

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Nyte: Well, the majority of my things are under 200L. I just try to put myself in the place of the customer and what they’d want/think is a fair price. It’s much more fun to be able to get lots of clothes for little cost then have to stand there arguing with yourself over one high priced item to choose! Romie: Are there any tips that you might want went into them, and how proud I to share with the rest of the SL was along the way. audience who are interested in Romie: How often do you come clothes, fashion, or designing? Nyte: Hmmm. If you’re totally out with new designs? new to it: read lots of tutorials Nyte: Lately (aside from a before jumping in headfirst. vacation), I’ve been trying to do Frustration is a huge part once weekly. Since I’ve been of the beginning stages of back, I’ve decided to try to do designing and tutorials will twice weekly. We’ll see how that help a ton! Excellent places goes. lol. to go for tutorials: http://www. mermaiddiaries.com/2006/11/ Romie: I find your clothes to be build.html and the official SL both unique and pretty, but what forums http://forums.secondlife. makes me like them even more com/forumdisplay.php?f=109. If is that it is so affordable. How do you’ve already started: get a blog, you come up with pricing? post new releases and make sure 145 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

offer designs for all tastes in fashion/clothing needs. Ranging from business outfits to clubbing outfits, Miss Nyte also designs sexy lingerie for those evenings of love. Being Romie: I would like to thank you for your time Miss Nyte. Is there unique isn’t the only thing in stock in Nyte ‘N Day anything else you want to add/ clothing, I find it very share before we conclude? affordable. Without a doubt, Nyte: Thanks to everyone who has supported Nyte’N’Day over Nyte ‘N Day is already the years! a well-known fashion hotspot. Don’t hesitate to Romie: Thank you again, for this check it! it’s listed on the fashion feeds such as http://fashionplanet. worldofsl.com/. This ensures a lot more eye’s are seeing your new releases rather than just your regular audience.

opportunity, and a little insight to the fashion world of SL.

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Back to School Photo shoot Daija/Shannon

Mean Girls On the models from left to right Shannoncharlize Gossipgirl Skin...Curio Sundust [dark] June-Pure 2 Hair...Truth..Marianne-pumpkin Shoes...Maitreya ChiChi Pumps-Yellow Dress…[HD] Pinstripe Belted Dress Necklace...Artilleri...Fancy Dice Necklace Bracelet… Mess Metal Right by ZIPZ Laya Felisimo Skin… Damiani - Skye (TruBlu Coral ) Hair… Truth - Valena (Mocha) Glasses… Steinwerk - Fee Dress… Surf Couture - Colleen (Brown) Bangles… Zaara - Ramya Wood Bangle (Gold) Shoes… Maitreya Gold - Shanti (Champagne)

Locker Love

Laya Felisimo Skin.. Damiani - Skye (Smoky Melon Tan) Hair…Truth - Giselle (Mirage) Shirt…Niniko - Chiffon Cutsew Bangles… Shiny Things - Hippie Deluxe Ring…(NS) Diamond Flower Ring Pants…Niniko - Holiday Pants (Black) Shoes… UBU Pornstar Lo-Tops

Dimitri Shinn Hair… Uncleweb Studio Ilias Cool Black Daija Arida Skin …Damiani Neo V2 Normal Shaved Skin…Dangerous Lace- Au Naturale Bronze Eyeliner Shirt …Young Urban Green Sweatervest in Smokey Pants… Young Urban Blue Jeans With Gold Hair… Maitreya Bo in Hazel Belt Shirtdress… Modd.G Proper Amy Shirtdress Shoes … Soreal Superstars (Yellow) Watch …Steinwek X Metal Earrings… FAB.PONY Leaf Earrings in Bag… Kal Rau Backpack Brushed Silver Lunch Bag… END supsup? Shoes… Maitreya Billow Boots – Black Lollipop… Calypso Giano | 148

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Teacher’s Pet

Shannoncharlize Gossipgirl Shirt....Total Betty....Satin Ruffle Top Blue Skirt...Shit Luck..Low Mini Jeans Skirt black stripes high Skin..Curio sundust June-Allium 2 Hair..Truth..Marianne-pumpkin Shoes...SM.. Pinup ..Blue Patent Python 149 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

Ando Joubert Skin… Belleza Ewan Hair… MADesigns Bernard Shirt… Naima White Dress Shirt Tie… Blaze Geos Red Pants…Redgrave Glasses… PrimOptic Steam

Principal’s Office

Laya Felisimo Skin… Damiani - Skye (Smoky Melon Tan) Hair…Dernier Cri - Audrey (Brown Shades) Glasses… Steinwerk - Poe Shirt… Surf Couture - Tieback Polo (Pink)

Books… ~(RD)~ Carry-Along Shakespear Books Bangles… (R Hand) TOSL - Adamas Bangle (Purple Laquer )(L Hand) - {Kari} Scribble Bracelet Pants…Surf Couture - The Classy Blue Jeans (Medium) Shoes…Zanzo - Highz (Sprinkled Love) | 150

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Principal’s Office 2

Nicholas Patrono Skin…Aleksandar by MADesigns Models from left to right Hair…Scott by Uw.St Dimitri Shinn Earrings…FNKY Hair … Mikan CapsCall-black Skin …Damiani Neo V2 Normal Shaved Eyeliner Shirt… ..::: GaGa StyLE :::..Vintage DEEJAY Black Shirt …WoE GTO-02f Men’s Graphic Shorts… ..::: GaGa StyLE :::.. Bermuda Blue Pants… WoE GRJ M6e Kole Jeans Steel Plaid Shoes… :::LiNe::: NW Chucks TaZ Sneakers… Black -stripped by Redgrave Bag… Arai Rucksack Backpack…by Kalrau Bubble Gum… Blowing Gum from Kero’s Toy Box 151 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

Class Flirt

Laya Felisimo Skin…Damiani - Skye (Smoky Melon Tan) Hair…Truth - Stephanie (Mocha) Eyes…MADesigns - Promise (Green Intense 13) Glasses… Steinwerk - Etienne

Dress… *Linc* - Chemise Dress (Taupe) Bracelets… (L Hand) - {Kari} Scribble Bracelet (R Hand) - [skream!] Ritual Goth Leggings…*Linc* - Lowcut Mesh Legging Short Black Sheer Shoes… Minx - Sugar Baby (Black)

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I always have so many ideas in my head, the problem is getting them built. The prims aren’t keeping up with my imagination really.

It’s a Kind of Magika

Magika ! Magika is wellknown for their beautiful and creative prim hair and has been in Secondlife for quite a while. Her Lizzyox Allen Photos provided by Sabina Gully experience and talents were recognised when she On the grid of Second Life, won the “ Best Hair in 08” there are a lot of talented Award! I can not wait to hair designers. One of see what else she comes the best is Sabina Gully, out with and I’m sure all designer for you readers can’t either. 153 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

Lizzyox: Thank you SO much for your time today, its greatly appreciated. Sabina: Oh no problem at all, my pleasure

used to using the old hair textures for a while? Sabina: I have gone through the painful process of upgrading my hair textures four times now. It gets worse for each time as I have more hair by that point. After each time I Lizzyox: How did you come up with tell myself “never again”. But if I see the name “Magika”? room for improvement, I shouldn’t Sabina: Well, the co-founder of let the painful part of it stop me. Magika, Niennra Kitsune, and I Lizzyox: Yes you do have a lot of were throwing ideas around when hair styles, and changing all them we decided to merge our separate must be a workout. stores. The first thing that flew out of her mouth was Magika. We both thought it was pretty much perfect but tried anyway to find something else. Sadly everything else sucked so we stuck with our first idea. Just like when you get dressed in the moring, you always end up with what you started. Lizzyox: Do you remember any of the other possible names for Magika you two came up with? Sabina: Not really, but we where trying to merge the two names Sabix and Foxdemon. Lets just not go there. It was pretty bad. Lizzyox: I noticed you have remade your hair textures! How was that for you since you were | 154

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Lizzyox: With all those different hairstyles, is it hard to come up with fresh and new ones each time? Sabina: Actually, no. I always have so many ideas in my head, the problem is getting them built. The prims aren’t keeping up with my imagination really. Of course I have periods when nothing come to me, but then I just step away from it for a while until I feel like I have a good idea.

that I was up there on the list with the really big hair creators I earlier didn’t even

Lizzyox: I wonder what crazy ideas you have in your head that the prims can’t handle then? Sabina: If you’re going to start asking those kind of questions, this will end with me on a posestand building the hairs I can’t explain in words. We could be here for hours. Lizzyox: Uh oh. Sabina: All I can say is that there will be ALOT of releases in the near future. Lizzyox: Oh goodie! Lizzyox: Last year you got an award for Magika hair! Can you tell us a little about that? Sabina: That was a crazy period in my real life where so much was going on. I remember being at my mother’s house when I got the news and we celebrated with cookies. There was a huge vote going on for weeks. It was mind blowing to me 155 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

compare myself to. Sadly I could not be around to try to get myself extra votes, nor be at the award ceremony. Lizzyox: Oh that’s so cute! Eating cookies with mom for a SL Award. It’s such a shame you couldn’t go to the ACUAL Awards though.

Sabina: Yes, I would have loved to be there. My mother’s computer can’t really handle Second Life.

Lizzyox: What do you have in store for the shoppers of Magika in the future?! Sabina: I would say... party hair. natural styles with a hint of glamour. Lizzyox: Sounds fabulous! I cant wait to see them, and I’m sure everyone else cant wait either. Sabina: Hopefully it will be as, or more, fabulous as it sounds.

Lizzyox: So would you consider yourself a big hair creator now that you’ve won the award?! Sabina: Well, at some point after that award I realised my hair was everywhere. I couldn’t go to a store without seeing my hair on someone. I think that’s what made me realise Lizzyox: Well thank you so much for that, wow, maybe Magika is kind of your time today Sabina! It was a lot big. of fun to learn just a little more about Magika itself. Lizzyox: Yes I see your hair a lot, but can’t blame them. The hair is just so cute and well made that I can’t help myself sometimes. Sabina: Thank you so much! I really do try to always do my very best, and try to see room for improvement. Lizzyox: You’re so welcome. Lizzyox : On the runway and in photos, hair plays a major part of it all. My question for you is, would you consider hair to be a accessory? Sabina: Both yes and no. I would consider it an accessory as much as skins are. Even though its a “body part”, you can still spice it up. You can apply crazy makeups to a skin and you can also wear a crazy hairstyle with lots of insane colors and things in it.

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R U N WAY R U N D O W N

This months runway rundown ICON brings you fashions from Geryn Sloane, Seldom Blue, and ORAGE Creations. Presented by EIMA, EFA, and ModelX. Our first show from Elegance International Models Agency we have the Geryn Sloane Fashion Show. Photos by Donald Feld.

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Third is the gorgeous creations of ORAGE Creations, show presented by ModelX. Photos by ModelX.

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And that’s a wrap for Runway Rundown. Thanks for reading. If you have a show you want featured in the column send an IM to Beyonce Kuhn. Credits: Photos by...Donald Feld, Sharron Schuman, and ModelX. Column by Beyonce Kuhn. Writer - Beyonce Kuhn Photography - Donald Feld

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Love in SL -

Salvo Waydelich & Mimmi Boa Jordan Whitt Photos by Brie Pinazzo

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It was January 14th 2008 and he was a Moldavia Supermodel at the Miss Italia contest supporting a friend. She was a finalist in the contest, saw him in the audience and jumped him with an IM. The rest is, how they say, history! Thats how Salvo Waydelich and Mimmi Boa met.

Salvo : I was single and when a girl one of the top male models IMs you, you always have to reply. in Second Life and either is working for, or has worked for, Especially if she is pretty cute.. at least 14 modelling agencies and stores, as well as taking out But they both knew instantly the title of Mr SL World 2008 and that they were meant to be being a finalist for Mr Virtual together. World 2009 for Italy. Mimmi is not only Miss Virtual World Mimmi : I realised immediately. 2009, but is also a top model We partnered after one week and who has also worked for some a month after meeting, we had our of the top modelling agencies, first wedding. magazines and stores around Second Life. She now owns Salvo : We married three times. the Evane Model Agency and Mimmi : The first wedding was on February 14th 2008. It was a private ceremony in a castle with only five guests. The day after that we had a big wedding. Then February 15th 2009, we renewed our vows.

Both Salvo and Mimmi are incredibly busy people in the Second Life fashion scene. Salvo is

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MB Modelling Academy, which is keeping her very busy as the new round of fashion shows is about to start in September, some of which she will be walking in them alongside her hunky husband.

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All these commitments do make time for each other hard to find, but its something they both manage to do. They live close to each other, so do talk by phone as well.

Its hard enough having a relationship in Second Life, but when you both live in the spotlight, its even harder. So how do they deal with it?

Salvo : Are too much lol. Mimmi : We ignore them. I don’t receive bad IMs, but I was attacked in other ways. But I don’t care. I’m ignoring it.

Salvo : Our private life is just the two of us. So when we argue or laugh or whatever we do, it doesn’t matter if she is well known or not. I don’t care what others say.

A mutual friend recently directed me to a page on flickr where the official Miss Virtual World picture of Mimmi had been defaced, posted and a free for all of abuse had started. After reading all the comments, I still am at a loss as to what prompted the mudslinging. But as Miss Virtual World and owner of a successful agency, not to mention being a model and married to one, it seems

Mimmi : We decided to close all access to our house because we don’t want uninvited guests. And unwanted IMs?

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there will always be a target on her back and no reason needed to attack her. Forgotten is all the good work she does - the Maseno Project for example, which has raised over a million lindens for the Nest Rescue Centre Orphanage in Kenya.

Salvo : Its a secret! Mimmi : Feelings, passion, respect, and yes, some secrets. One secret is a sense of humour. Second, patience. Salvo has tons! Jordan : Does he need tons?

Mimmi : Yes. Salvo has to wait for Mimmi : Some people are sick in me every time after shows and all I the head, so I usually laugh and do. But I’m patient with him too, so don’t care. As with real life, famous its a mutual feeling. But the biggest people are loved or hated, so this secret...is a secret. is all part of the game. We’re good people who never did anything bad I finally did get it out of to anyone. Mimmi though. The secret to a successful relationship in Jordan : Some people don’t need a Second Life? reason to attack others though. Mimmi : Jealousy, envy, and its absurd. This is a funny game. Salvo : And I know well too. So I learnt not to give importance to these people. Its the best way.

So the big question... What is the secret to a successful relationship in Second Life?

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Mimmi : I have an incredible collection of undies. Yes! I’m safe then because so do I!!! It also helps that they are both in the modelling industry here in Second Life, so they both know the demands, pressures and commitments that go along with it. They are currently working together to produce (as well as both walking in) the Evane September shows and will also be working together during

Moldavia Fashion Week, which is relationships last. They have found a way to combine both also coming up soon. business and personal and its working for them. Obviously the Mimmi : But with every relationship, couple that plays together really virtual or real, feelings and that does stay together. mysterious thing, call it attraction, love or whatever you want, it plays a big part. Its something you can’t Its either due to Mimmi’s incredible collection of undies, explain, you just feel it. or as she says...”he’s really cool and funny, so is not an annoying Its obvious that they do feel man.” Whatever it is, I only it strongly, because after one hope in 18 months time I am IM 18 months ago, they are still as happy and secure in my still together and going strong relationship as they are now. in a place where not many

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ICONIC ENTERTAINMENT Lucy Eberhart

When I was told that the entire issue was going to be devoted to fashion including the entertainment section, I needed to go home and ponder this for awhile. There seems to be a shortage of fashion related clubs, live artists in SL. I went back to my skyloft and threw on my jammies. I like to ponder while zoned out in front of the television. So there I am, curled up on the sofa in my nice warm PJs, remote in hand. I turned on my TV and lo and behold there was the answer staring me in the face. Why hadn’t I thought of this before? This show is both entertaining AND all about fashion! MODA Fashion Spotlight on treet.tv was on and one of the hosts, Harlee Lane, was definitely worth an interview. So I immediately sent her a notecard, and she agreed to meet me. After a brief chat I was intrigued. Not only is she the host of MODA Fashion Spotlight, she is also a fashion show emcee, a highly sought after DJ at some of the hottest clubs in SL, and a RL musician all rolled into one! 179 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

LUCY: You sport an impressive resume here in SL. Tell me a little bit about how you came to be where you are today. Tell us about yourself. HARLEE: Second Life is my first virtual world experience. It was a close friend actually who dragged me kicking and screaming into second life on July 9, 2007. Once rezzed, I was mesmerized and hooked by the beauty of everything that I saw. What really caught my attention were the adorable avatar fashions with so many different looks, and the packed clubs featuring live DJ’s spinning tunes and fulfilling requests for the patrons. With curiosity sparked, I was determined to learn how to get started as a DJ. And having heard about Second Life modeling, I was determined to learn everything I could about the industry. The music, the modeling and the amazing people I’ve met have made for a very fulfilling SL. I love what I do here every day. LUCY: How did you get your big break as a DJ?

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HARLEE: I’m not sure that I can call it a big break. My life has always revolved around music and a love for all kinds. It sets a mood, sparks many types of feelings and emotions, and when I’m aware that I’ve made someone happy or brought back a special memory for them through a song, that’s the drive that keeps me going, makes my job worthwhile, and it just keeps going from there.

HARLEE: Opium Fashion Agency SuperElite IMAGE Models Agency ELITE LUCY: I’ve seen you on treet tv, and loved the show. What is it like doing that?

HARLEE: Thank you for watching! It’s intense, but with such a dedicated team working together, LUCY: Where do you currently DJ? the results are phenomenal and we have a lot of fun meeting the designers and getting their fashions HARLEE: THE GALAXY, Quasar on the air. Country Saloon, Moonlight I host the show with Nyte Vargas, Serenade, Black Horse Country, & and have the most amazing time Not Too Hot Blues Club working with her, the MODA Fashion Spotlight Team and treet. LUCY: How did DJing segue into a tv crew. A great deal of preparation modeling career? goes into a weekly production. It is an incredible way to find out about HARLEE: Modeling was actually designers I was not aware of and something I pursued outside of see interesting, fun and amazing DJ’ing, however, the DJ’ing has designs at the same time. I hope helped with my level of confidence. that you will keep watching with us for it is truly a unique, fun and large collaborative effort for everyone LUCY: Where are you currently involved, including our fans and signed? viewers. 181 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

LUCY: Describe the show for those LUCY: How often does the show air that have never seen it. and when can we see it? HARLEE: MODA Fashion Spotlight is a well rehearsed, fast paced fashion show produced weekly and filmed live to give its viewers a peek at the best and latest fashions from some of the best, wellknown, unique and up and coming designers on the fashion scene in Second Life.

HARLEE: The show airs every Monday night @ 7:30pm PST on http://archive.treet.tv/. Viewers can also watch past shows at their leisure by going to http://archive. treet.tv/programs/moda-fashion and selecting the episode they wish to view.

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Harlee is such a delight, her energy is contagious. While speaking to her you know she is doing what she loves and having a blast doing it. I was curious to see how she was DJing for a crowd, so I popped in on her at Quasar Country Saloon to see her live in action. Let me just say WOW! If you have never had the privilege of seeing one of her shows, you are really missing out. She has a smooth, sexy, southern voice that melts men’s hearts. I had never been to Quasar before, or any country western club in SL. If you like country music and a fun time, you have to check this place out. The room was filled with line dancing patrons all dressed in black for the contest. The energy was up, the conversation flowed and there was no lag!! I cammed around a bit and saw they have so much to offer there. They have bull riding, dancing, contests, romantic spots, 7 Seas Fishing, and best of all SHOPPING!! I would recommend that anyone listen to her shows, she doesn’t only DJ country, she has an impressive music library and 183 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

plays any request. Also, don’t forget to check out her show, either in person, on the web, or on your treet tv. You can pick one up for free if you do not already own one! As always I love exploring all that Second Life entertainment has to offer. I look forward to next month’s adventure. If you have a club, DJ or live artist you would like us to take a look at, just send me a notecard in world.

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Pine Phone Aradia Eberhardt

Last month, PineApple gave me the opportunity to come in and testdrive their PinePlay system which gave me the chance to see just what good scripting in Second Life was like. They didn’t disappoint and while I was there to take a look at the PinePlay, they introduced me to the PinePhone, a cellphone accessory and utility. What it boasted, was a large lineup of functions for Second Life that could actually be useful and I decided to give them a test-drive. First off and admittedly, the most important – did it look good? So many times, you see those ridiculous knock-off cell phones and PDAs for your avatar that might as well be a toaster with the shine turned way up. Sure, you click it and it rings.. but come on, in this day and age, we should have more function. The good people at PinePhone knew that we were probably going to want our pretty little phone to do something and so they gave us a bevvy of features within the PinePhone to do just that. Say your friend and yourself purchase a PinePhone and are in

the same region, you could easily “text-message” one another from your phones using a simplistic channel command. It will ring through on your phone and show you a message. Careful though, others can see the message! This is handy when shopping with friends in the same large sim and you don’t really feel like tapping out some more IMs. If you’re like me, those things are always full and cumbersome anyways – just tap out a text! Another feature that I was glad to see was the introduction of email. You can easily send out an email with the command from within Second Life. Sure, your email address will appear a bit garbled at times, but the message goes through despite that. I tried this out at least a dozen times, sending out messages somewhat anonymously to co-workers and such, whom were never the wiser. Quite fun. Landmarks and coordinatebased locations are another neat feature under “Maps”, which will document and “pin” your location down according to the coordinates you’re standing on. You can save locations, i.e; “home”, “work”, “mall”, “boyfriend’s flat”, etc. and everytime you click the pin – it will give you the location right back to you in a |

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handy and usable format. Nice, isn’t it? I tried this out and wanted to see if this would take the place of my usual landmarks and I found that one could easily rely on just using the PinePhone for seeking out locations you’re used to going. Also, it’s a handy tool if you work in Second Life and need to only save certain locations for your job! No more.. stupid folders for separate 189 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

appointments! The usual applications one would find in a First Life phone are here too, such as Calender – where you can track date, time and even set alarms if you need them. Also included is a Note-assistant which will let you take notes, like any other PDA type phone would on the market, a refreshing change from the shiny toasters you attach to

your hand, right? A few applications that were lacking and I would hope to see in the future would be online-indicators, close-distance radars, perhaps even a function to tell you when you had a new IM? Also, it would be awful nice if, like a lot of televisions and other items have, a way to drop in your own wallpapers for the phone. In the future, maybe adding some ways to make the phone more personalized via colors, wallpaper and even ringtones –

would be nice and I hope to see those soon. The PinePhone comes in two “flavors”, orange and kiwi, and can be purchased for L$499 at either the PineApple mainstore, or you can find their XStreet Page by visiting their website at: http://www. slpineapple.com. Either way, the PinePhone is a fantastic accessory for your avatar that actually serves a purpose to your everyday Second Life.

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The Women of SL – Part 2

all spending living a virtual life; all the good stuff. By: Delphine Ellisson

This time it’s about Based on what we gathered from marriage, kids, sex, money, last month’s issue, we are well on our way to knowing a little more and how much time we’re 193 | ICON lifestyle magazine |September 2009

about the women of SL, who they are, and what brought them here in the first place. We know that only 3% of woman avatars are actually males, not the supposed 60% many believe. We know that the players between the ages of 30-40 make up the largest percentage of our SL population, reaching 32%. We know that 59% of Second Life players use the game as a way to escape stress and a means of social interaction. And we know that many of our players (31%) have been active in this virtual world for approx. 2 years, although 25% of all account holders actually have a previous account as well. With that I think we can effectively say that we have a general idea about what kind of women are attracted to Second Life, and how they came to be here in the first place; yet we still don’t really know much about them, their home lives, and how SL has affected them. This issue we’re delving a little deeper into their personal lives to see what’s going on at home. This time it’s about marriage, kids, sex, money, and how much time we’re all spending living a virtual life; all the good stuff.

So let’s start with a little bit about family life, a prominent factor in SL as I’ve seen it, if you’re married in RL or not. Although there are hundreds of ways to define a relationship, lack thereof or a history of each, the basics are still the most prominent with 39% of SL women labelling themselves as either Married or Engaged in RL, and 27% of them considering themselves single. Even more surprising, considering worldwide divorce rates on the rise, only 19% of women said they were divorced. Although somewhat reassuring this also makes note that more and more women are holding off on marriage entirely and focusing more so on their professional careers. Now we’ve all heard the ever popular playground song ‘First comes love, them comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage’; well that was my next stop, and much to my own surprise the board is fairly even with 51% of SL women having no children, and 49% with. This not only says something about the age range of the women joining SL but also raising an interesting question: |

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What kind of statistics would the same question yield with the men of SL? Taking a quick look back over these numbers they sound well enough, but as we all know just because you’re married and have kids

cheating in my books, the latter amounting for an additional 15% of all SL women. With these statistics it’s not surprising that Unreality (an online magazine) ranked Second Life as the #1 site to ruin a marriage, and TV shows go on to document such instances.

doesn’t mean an SL relationship is out of the question and more than half the women interview supported this view in revealing that over half of them had been involved in an SL relationship while in a committed RL relationship. As a matter of fact 32%, just shy a third of all the women in SL, admitted to cheating on their RL partner through the use of SL, noting of course that your partner knowing about your actions doesn’t necessarily constitute as

Besides sex, however, our society also revolves around money, and with a down turn in the world wide economy, it’s natural that a few people who find their way into SL try to find a means to supplement their RL income through work in Second Life, if not replace their earlier source of income completely. I myself even tried to run my own club (which is admittedly hard work) and a friend

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currently owns rental apartments, and a Wedding planning business. But how many of us truly make any money out of SL whatsoever? Well, according to the women I randomly spoke to, only 11% of us actually own a running business, with an additional 5% (such as myself) who tried to get one up and running but

stopped due to individual reasons; my own being the amount of time involved. And how much time is too much? Obviously a number that varies from person to person, the majority of women can spend anywhere â&#x20AC;&#x192; | 196

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from 2-8 hours a day playing SL, that’s from as little as 14 hours a week, to a whooping 56! Although the largest percentage of women (22%) only play 14-21 hours a week, they are followed closely by another 21% playing 21-35, and 20% playing 35-56 hours per week. While I will admit to being one of those crazy people who’s on SL for up to 10 hours every weekday, I still

long, and in most cases cutting out a portion of your Visa, but it’s also preventing us from moving forward in Real Life. Just think of it, say we do only spend 2 hours a day in SL, that’s 14 hours a week, 56 hours a month. Doesn’t seem like a lot until you realize that the college course I’m currently taking in Massage Therapy requires roughly 1000 class hours until you’re certified, meaning in 18 months you could

find the amount of time being spent in a recreational game disturbing. Not only is it taking you from social relationships in RL, introducing potential health hazards from sitting in front of a screen typing for so

have taken all the time spent on a game, become a massage therapist and be making upwards of $100,000 (US) a year thereafter. Considering the amount of work people had to do a century ago to

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Drawing to an end, all I can really say for certain is that despite a constant attempt to understand SL and the people who join it, all we can really do is accept its appeal to those of countless different backgrounds and walks of life; to enjoy the simply get by, and our parents through the recession, I find it disturbing where our foresight and motivation has gone, and yet I hate to say it....but when I’m relaxing, playing at being a Mermaid, or dancing in that dress I’d never be able to pull

peace of mind it gives us in a hectic society that never slows; to be anything and everything we can be; and to embrace all that SL has come to offer - a world unto our own.

off (let alone afford) in Real Life, I don’t really care what my recreational time is spent doing as long as I’m having fun and talking with some friends. And isn’t that all SL is really for?

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OUR Fashion Evolution by Lisamari Writer

Ahhhh. Welcome Island. Remember the first day you rezzed into SL existence? You chose a gender and a basic “look”, and then logged in, 199 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

appearing first as a glistening white cloud. And seconds later, POOF! You were a Noob. That’s right, a Newbie, new avatar, Newbie-licious, the Noobster. Basically, a fashionless dork. And why do you think it is that the Lindens give us such goofylooking avatars at our birth? I believe, like real life, we have to evolve. Like man at the dawn of creation, noobs have a very, very long way to go. Noobs are like virtual cavemen, barely able to put an emote together. Recklessly running

into things. Full of questions. Un-civilized. And it’s a good thing we’re not born into haute couture. Being able to spot a noob is like a defense mechanism. I mean, let’s face it; we all know they’re the horniest people in the second world. I’m just sayin… if you see bad skin coming, cross the street! But after hours and hours of noob sex, we finally begin to walk upright. We realize there are other things in this world to explore. We start to actually notice other beings. Beings whose hair and skin are quite different than ours. We scratch our cavemen heads in wonder. Hmmmm…

Evolved skin, hair, makeup

But our SL brains are not developed enough at this point to really “get it”… we still act inappropriately, laughing at our own jokes, wearing our genitals outside our clothes, as if we were the first person to think of it. “Look at me! Aren’t I funny?! I have a 10 ft. appendage!”

Typical Noob hair, skin, makeup

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That actually reminds me of a noob I tried to help once. He had been in SL all of ten minutes, so of course, he was already shopping for a penis. He asked if I knew how to “put one on.” Laughing, I told him I’d never actually worn one, but that I would try to help him. So, he and I are in the dressing room, and I’m instructing him how to “wear” it… only when he tries, it attaches 201 | ICON lifestyle magazine | September 2009

to his face! I told him he was all cock-eyed, and without missing a beat, he said, “I’m such a dickhead”. We LOL’d till our bellies hurt. But, eventually, we reach what I like the call the homo sapien stage. As we experience more and more of the visual stimulus that is SL, our brains beginning to grow. We start communicating, forming groups and communities. We find better stores, copy trends from our new friends, subscribe to fashion magazines. We discover there are actually image consultants in Second Life.

Still, we experience the occasional faux pas with

Next, we reach Cro-Magnon stage. We become artistically and technologically innovative. We start to build. We find land and leave our cave dwellings for an island mansion. Our tastes become more sophisticated.

fashion, violating accepted social rules, like forgetting to remove our nipples when we go dancing. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t laugh â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you know this has happened to you!

We decorate our walls with painted masterpieces. We become more selfconsciousness, begin to acquire moral reasoning. No more bad hair days for us! We have mastered it all.

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Which brings us to the final stage of modern fashion. Now weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve reached our goal. Our hair is in place, we walk proudly with our head held high at social functions. We have a new attitude. We find jobs and earn income. Heck, we even have modeling jobs! And we can look back at our long journey of evolution and laugh at the memories of our silly noob selves.

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