Devilishly Delightful Dead Dollz
Haunted Couture
Bliss Beningborough: Bringing Elegance, Class and Couture to Second Life
Queen Magazine Staff Publisher/CEO Kinji Lockjaw Editor and Chief Lixena Lamourfou Art Director Kinji Lockjaw General Manager Mimi Westminster Advertising Manager Shermora Starsider Contributing Writers Lixena Lamourfou ReRe Sandalwood Sensuous Soulstar Mimi Westminster
Queenbanker Lexico
Cant get enough? Visit us online @ www.queenmagazinesl.com or http://moolto.ning.com/group/queenmagazinesl 3 OCTOBER 2009
EDITOR’S LETTER and the Corpse Bride. He dresses models in Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Jean Paul Gaultier Atelier, and Yves Saint Laurent; my favorite was the “Corpse Bride” in a brilliant red gown by Nina Ricci. You must see! I am still in elation after seeing this shoot I was reminiscent of what I have seen in many SL designer’s and their accomplishments here. The creativity and macabre elegance displayed was stunningly similar in context. I think on how this clearly demonstrates on how fashion is a vital aspect of one’s self-expression. It mirrors our true selves. It can be used as an extension of our personality and with Halloween fast approaching I am excited to shop for the perfect costume. To represent ME. Although Halloween is only celebrated once a year, let us remember that fashion in itself allows you to be whoever you want the whole year-round. From the hip-hop urbanista, to the CoCo inspired fashion icon. What you wear says who you are, Lixena Lamourfou and fashion is a language which tells a story about the you. Clothes create a wordQueen SL, Editor less means of communication that we all can understand. Fashion is about change which is necessary to keep life interesting and Halloween celebrates that as well. It’s a way of measuring a mood that can be useful in many aspects, culturally, socially et me start out mentioning someeven psychologically. At the same time, thing that I am excited about, Tim fashion shouldn’t be taken too seriously or Burton, the filmmaker is to showyou lose the fun of it. So as you look our case his career of work in retrospective at New York’s Museum of Haunted Issue and ponder your special Modern Art , Nov 22, 2009 through Halloween look be inspired by Tim Burton 2010. Gearing up to this Tim did a as I have. Stay playful and stylish for a Halloween photo-shoot [http://www.harpersbazaar. Haute Halloween. com/fashion/fashion-articles/tim-burton-halloweenLixena Lamourfou fashion-1009 ] for Harper’s Bazaar bringing back Editor-in-Chief to life some of his well-known characters such as October 1st, 2009 Lydia Deetz, Edward Scissorhands, the Mad Hatter,
Happy Halloween!
L
OCTOBER 2009 4
9
Devili Dead
Bliss Beningborough: Bringing Elegance, Class and Couture to Second Life If you are interested in submitting articles are advertising for Queen Magazine or queenmagazinesl.com contact the following: Kinji Lockjaw or Lixena Lamourfou
15
5 OCTOBER 2009
S 2
ishly Delightful d Dollz
Scream 2009
17 39
19
OCTOBER 2009 6
Bliss Beningborough Class and Co
I
By: Sensuous Soulstar
Photography: Lixena Lamourfou
n the article “Will the Real Couture Please Stand Out,” from the previous issue, we showcased designs illustrating what true couture should look like. Many of those designs were created by an outstanding Couture designer by the name of Bliss Beningborough. She has an amazing collection of Couture, with an amazing story behind that collection. Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ms. Beningborough, and I now bring you her story… Sensuous Soulstar: I’m always curious to find out what brings people to Second Life. How did you find out about this place, and what was your first impression? Bliss Beningborough: Well I’m from England and I first heard of SL on the news one night. An American woman had come to England to marry her SL husband. They did a big feature on it and it piqued my interest so I visited the website and created an account. I missed going through Help Island and
9 OCTOBER 2009
just used the map to jump straight in. I learned on my feet, so to speak, how to get around and work on my avatar. SS: Once you finally got the hang of this place, what was your first impression of the fashion here? BB: Well I was instantly hooked, that says it all really, lol! I immediately had to find out how to improve my avatar and find the best clothes, animations and dances. I’ve always been a perfectionist and very competitive, so whatever I do I have to strive to be the best. SS: Was fashion your first venture here, or did you try your hand at another skill first? BB: Well Bliss is my second account. I previously became a top model, winning JCNY Model Search and opening my own Agency and Model Academy. I have in the past held shows for all the top designers of SL. I was going through a hard time in real life, and was nursing my mother until she died of cancer, plus having to go through chemotheraphy myself. The
h: Bringing Elegance, outure to Second Life
Mimi Westminster
OCTOBER 2009 10
whole thing culminated in me pretty awful, lol, but I thought suffering with severe depres- it was wonderful at the time. sion and I was finding the SS: Once you finally stress of real life and Second opened to the community, Life too much, so I decided to how did they receive you? leave SL. I felt I had achieved What was that feedback like all I wanted to achieve in the originally? modeling world and needed a BB: People seemed to new challenge. love my designs right from SS: How did you get your the start. I am quite creative start designing in SL? in real life too. I come from a BB: After a break from SL family with artistic genes. I decided to return and try SS: How big was your first my hand at designing. First, store and how long did it take I needed to learn Photoyou to expand? shop and took classes at the BB: Well my first store was Photography: DrJames SOMA Design school here on my own bit of land.Exonar It was in SL with Katya Koolhaus. very small. But in a short I was taught the basics of span of time, it was absoPS and then continued onto lutely packed. Within the first the designer’s course, which month of opening the store, I gave me a good basic start. moved to a bigger main store. SS: Do you remember the I had to do something to get first piece that you ever demyself noticed in the fashion signed? What was it and how world, so I started my own did it turn out that first try at it? photo contest. Things happen BB: My first dress was fast here if you know how to called “Boston.” I had just market yourself properly. My mastered how to do flexi specialty is statement gowns, skirts, and was so excited. so I became very popular When I look back now it was with the all the models in SL
by: Sensuous Soulstar
11 OCTOBER 2009
who are always looking for a gown to stand out in on the runway. SS: What influences you? Where do you find inspiration for your designs? BB: When I first started, I was influenced by textures. I love rich, expensive looking textures. Now I find shapes influence me a great deal. I love to work with sculpted prims; creating unusual shapes and playing with them until I create something that inspires the rest of the gown or outfit. I’m now enjoying finding ways of creating my own unique textures, which is particularly inspiring me to create my Fantasy Collection. SS: What statement are you/were you trying to make with your clothing and on the fashion community? BB: What I don’t want to do is just imitate real life fashion. This is Second Life, where all things are possible, and it is my aim to create truly unique SL fashion. I love to
make statement gowns that the most beautiful women of SL will proudly wear on the runway or on the dance floor; gowns to host an event or receive an award with. Of course I try to create a variety of styles, from casual to couture, but I am not a jeans and t shirt kind of gal, so if I create casual, it must be in a luxurious fabric! I spend a lot of time in my skybox designing and don’t get to hear about the impact I’m having. But the thing I love the most is that people actually love to wear my designs. It’s a very emotional thing for me actually. SS: Tell me about your first fashion show. How long was it and how do you feel it turned out? Were you nervous, anxious, and even excited? If you could go back and change things, would you change anything at all? BB: I have a history of modeling and marketing in SL, so my first major fashion show was one that I organized
myself called “Clockwork Dolls and Pixel Puppets.” I wanted to do something different, not your usual run of the mill fashion show. I created different looks for each model. There were fairies, Goth dolls, vampires, ghosts, headless zombies, jilted brides, demon brides, ventriloquist dolls, ragdolls, clowns, ballerinas, Mardi Gras festival dolls, Barbie dolls and Geisha and Japanese dolls.. Each model had a stunning wind up key that they wore in their back created especially for me by Wenadrenia Soderstrom, who also opened the show. Lion Jonesford of Lion Skins specially created the doll skins for the show and released the skins
as her Dollhouse range afterwards.
Each model had their own special AO or poses. The flower fairies floated, as did the ghosts. The zombie had an AO that made her carry her head under her arm and the
OCTOBER 2009 12
vampire rose from a coffin and floated about. The clockwork dolls all had special doll AO’s that made them walk and pose like dolls. It was a truly amazing show and many said the best show they had seen in SL. There were so many people there that the sim crashed, but once restarted, it went smoothly and I was so proud of all the models. They worked really hard to bring the show together, and it really was an amazing spectacle. SS: Tell me about your favorites: skin, hair, clothes, shoes, jewelry, etc. Are there any designers that you just really admire in Second Life? BB: My favorite skins at the moment are made by Glance. I always look for skin quality first, and they are by far the best at the moment. It’s hard to be truly unique in SL, but I like to
13 OCTOBER 2009
find little hair shops and find a hairstyle others aren’t wearing. Needless to say I’m constantly getting notes from customers asking where I got my hair from!
I don’t really go shopping much now. I’m not influenced by any other designer here. I
prefer to create my own designs and if people like them, all the better. SS: What should we expect next from House of Beningborough? Is there a specific focus this fall season? A theme? A color? BB: Well, I have just created my new Fantasy Line to coincide with the Fantasy theme for my model awards for September through October. I don’t really do seasonal collections. I am constantly designing, so there is always something new in the shop. SS: Finally, is there any advice that you would give to up and coming/aspiring/struggling designers trying to make a footprint in the SL fashion community? BB: Well improve your Photoshop skills to start, and then try to create your own designs rather than copying others. Market yourself well. Marketing is the key to getting yourself
noticed. Pick the right locations for your shops, especially in areas with high traffic. There are many tutorials on the Second Life website, and others too that will guide you on how to use the various programs to create all sorts of things. Couture, the art of high fashion designing and dressmaking. Bliss shares with us how succinctly she coincides with that definition with each new release. Haute Couture which refers to exclusive customfitted clothing made for a specific customer of from high quality fabrics and usually sewn by hand is also a term that could be applied to Bliss’ work as well. In France, the fashion capital of the world the term haute couture is protected by law and governed by the Chamber of Commerce in Paris. The rules state that only those companies mentioned on a list drawn up each year by a commission are allowed to carry that title. Note that of course Chanel, Armani, Christian Dior and Valentino are on the list. If Second Life had such a governing body House of Beningborough would top the list.
Nisa Constantine
OCTOBER 2009 14
Devilishly Delightful Dead Dollz
F
By Lixena Lamourfou
or me window shopping inworld has lost its magnetism. I prefer to shop at XstreetSL. com instead of visting the stores in-world to browse, as lag and uninteresting malls have zapped out all the allure. Why visit a store virtually physically when store after store you see the same standards being used: dull prim box vendors, square modern chromed structures and the promise that perfect outfit that caught your eye, will come in every color imaginable diluting its unique charm. I mean where is the excitement in that? Thankfully, I have found that there are some shop owners who still have vision for their wares beyond the plain commercial. Kiddo Oh, is such a designer. Her store, .::Dead Dollz::. is the fashionably macabre. Located at Mystics Breeze [196, 110, 505] it is a devilishly delightful place to haunt. 17 OCTOBER 2009
OCTOBER 2009 18
I stumbled into this store on a hunt last month and it is the type of place where you get lost in all its deadly chic aesthetics. I was caught up in the rainstorm of hidden treasures. Upon entering the front doors of this seemingly haunted boutique, I was confronted with some adorable ensembles. What piqued my interest right away was a fantastic handbag.
The “Lilith Classy Handbag” is a fabulous treat. I was possessed to buy. The bag is menu driven changing the size, the texture and the color. You can choose among 9 textures and 9 colors for the body, and pockets (which work separately). There are additionally, 3 textures and 9 colors for the handles and the details (again which work separately as well) and 9 colors for the zipper. I was charmed to see cute little
trinkets stuck in the pockets such as a lip gloss and a compact. My favorite is the burberry texture with pink accents and black handles. As I continue upstairs, near the eerie intently gazing bunny I found a cute sassy look, “Pink Ladies.” Capri jeans and vibrant pink jacket are what every Tuscadero must have in their closets. Nothing says “I am in charge and taking names” like a pink jacket.
The feeling I have in the store is one of curious caution, I am scared to proceed but compelled to do so. What other murderous styles are to be had? Am I in danger? Will the shop’s assistant turn out to be Jason, Michael Meyer or the infamous Freddy Krueger. Well, Freddy is somewhat a style icon for that notoriously striped black and red sweater so his help might be appreciated. I muster my nerve and move on to find “Artemis.” A glorious fat pack of the sexiest bra and panty set, something you imagine that Elvira would wear in her illicit boudoir. This lingerie set comes in
colors such as blue, purple and red a set that is wonderfully suitable to be caught dead in. With my purchases in-hand, and a smile on my face I proceed to leave this malevolent shop of fashion phantasm. I recall that Kiddo posted that “Dead Dollz disclaims any responsibility for any harm incurred whilst shopping in this store. Included but not limited to: injuries or death resulting by robberies gone wrong, unforecast hurricanes, acts of God, acts of Satan, acts of any deity or superhuman being, alien invasions, sharks attacks, meteorite showers and plagues of locusts.” And I begin to run. OCTOBER 2009 20
...::+<+>~NOCTURNAL SOULS~<+>+::... A unique club high in the clouds above SugarHill Island a gothic atmosphere filled with * ROCK * HIPHOP * FUNK * CHILL MIXES and more! A true musical fusion to nourish every soul.
SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/sugarhill/17/130/881
Interview with a Mic Checker, Shackboys Bomze on the Rise
A
by: Mimi Westminister
s many of you know, SL is jumping and thriving-and music seems to be its pulse. Yet behind this music are up and coming DJ’s. DJ’s like Shackboys Bomze (SL Radio : ShacKBoys And Barack underground http://rock.neostreams.info:10446} have owned many SL clubs--the most recent being Club 3f(i)fty7. Along with DJ’ing, Shackboys has also ventured into the real estate game, creating an avatar accomodating resort for all to enjoy. With all these credentials and more, it is only fitting that introduce the Queen audience to one of sl’s hottest dj’s and real estate owners!
23 OCTOBER 2009
MW: I see that you have been on SL since 4/25/09. So how did you make that move from just saying I want to Dj, to actually making moves as a DJ? SB: I use to go to parties and ask who was djing and to let me have a set .... and that’s when the house parties started, because I did not know music by singing or rapping it but only by feeling it. I use to sit at the radio and mic check the song until I got a true story out of it. MW: Was djing ever a dream for you and if so are you living out your dream in sl and rl? SB: Yes, I am making moves thatis why I am doing this magazine ,,,,,,,,,,,momma I LoveYouu ,,,,,hahaha but yes I like to see peopel have fun so its more for the people
and the big crowds. MW: Where can you be heard at and what type if music do you enjoy playing SB: I like play anything and everything ...I tell you Mimi ...I caught my self tearing up to a indian song and I know I am not a indian lol but hip hop, r&b,pop ,rock and indian lol I can be heard on http://rock.neostreams. info:10446 ,Various Clubs, Club 3F(i)fty7, Paltalk, Itunes and Myspace and the list continues to grow MW: Who are some of your influences in and outside of the hip hop scene? SB: My influences is a dude name pooh dog and the neighbor hoods and my 3f(i)fty7 aka new age mafia. MW: You prefer to be called a mic checkere instead of a dJ why? SB: I do not consider myself a dj, but it has a interface like a dj--though its diffferent because I am more intercative with the music and the crowd...so that why you will always here me say I am not a DJ...lets go MW: You have been djing for sometime in your own clubs what made you decide to take your show on the road? SB: I wanted to let the people hear the down south side of Miami Dade MIC CHECK! MW: What was it like to touch your first virtual set and rock a crowd? SB: It was more like, “Man, lets party for me because I party by myself...lol” ....one person can be in the room and if I get her to rock them hips and have fun, I did my job you hurred me MW: Are there any rituals you perform before going on stage? SB: I dont believe in luck but I do pray before I grab that mic... because that’s where the transition takes place. MW: Who, or what, motivates you to keep doing what you’re doing now? SB: My messengers because people can spot your talent for you and if they like it and
having fun lets go you hurred MW: So are you Single, taken, looking? SB: hahahaha only the 1 that knows [can answer that question--]you hurred lol MW: If you weren’t DJing, what do you think you’d be doing now? SB: Giving good advice to the president ,,,,,KEEP YOUR HEAD UP BRUH! *MW: What sets you apart from you other Djays?*you know how a bomb blows up and you dont know whats gonna happen when every thing simmers down but you know the iimpact was real and something you never heard b4 but u just love it ...that sets me apart for other dj’s bcuz i go hard ...so so hard SB: MAN ALL I KNOW IS THAT I DONT REMEMBER HALF THE STUFF I DO WHEN I’M ON THE MIC---THAT BE SOMEBODY ELSE ,,,,,,because people make me try to remember these things. Of course, I will say Did I said that? or did I do that? MW: Has Myspace been a great marketing tool for you to get people to come listen to you in sl and party in the clubs that you play in? SB: Yes yes yes myspace , facebook, iphone ,blackberry,yahoo ANY THING WITH A URL IN IT BUT MYSPACE IS THE PLACE TO GET IT POPPING Any final thoughts or words for those reading this? Aye keep your BOY LOCK BCUZ I HAVE YOU LOCKED IN YOU HURRED #1$HACKBOY ALL IN YOUR SL ,RL,YOUR CUBIC , YOU KNOW WHAT IM TALKING BOUT GET IN Shouts out go to: Queen MAGAZINE, you of course for sitting in a room with a man Like me LOL, THE 357 SHAWTIES, TRISHA MATHY ONE OF THE BEST BUILDERS ON SL Ya hurred, KISS CAPELO,ANNUNUNZIATA QUINTESSA AKA #1 , NEW AGE MAFIA , AND My boy DJ AKA THE PRESIDENT BARACK.
2009 OCTOBER 24
Haunted Couture Photography: Lixena Lamourfou
25 OCTOBER 2009
Model Elyna Carver
OCTOBER 2009 26
27 OCTOBER 2009
Model Mimi Westminster
OCTOBER 2009 28
29 OCTOBER SEPTEMBER 2009 29 2009
Model Roku2 Hallard
OCTOBER 2009 30
31 OCTOBER 2009
Model Nisa Constantine
OCTOBER 2009 32
33 OCTOBER 2009
Model Kala Balut
OCTOBER 2009 34
35 OCTOBER 2009
N e h T : 9 0 0 2 m a e Scr
S
Written By: Sensuous Soulstar Photos By: Lixena Lamourfou
cream 2009! You read the notecard and now you are intrigued. You hurry to make sure to pick out your weaponry and your fiery torch as directed. You can not click on that “Teleport” button quick enough as you prepare for what you hope to be a very interesting, maybe even chilling, search for the missing. As you teleport in, you rez and when you do…you almost stumble over your feet trying to run into the darkness to get started. Welcome to Scream 2009 on Silver Night Island. [http://slurl.com/secondlife/Silver%20 Night/72/198/49]. This mysterious adventure will have you screaming for more! Yes, that was a bit cheesy, but you will wish the adventure didn’t have to end after you’ve found all the clues. So what is Scream 2009? Well, there have been reports of people mysteriously vanishing off of Silver Night Island, including a few Linden Lab employees. Your task is to find clues as to their disappearance, or at the least, find out how they perished. You’re given a list of ten items that you need to find, because each missing person had a unique identifying item with them. Find this item and you should find them, or a in the least a clue as to their demise But don’t think this is going to be an easy scavenger hunt. Throughout your journey you will be attacked by blood thirsty monsters that follow you and gnaw at your legs.
After they’ve had their fill of your blood, they vanish as quickly as they appeared. And what do you get for all of your troubles? Well, there is a the chance to win Lindens, which is always a good thing, but aside from being entered to win the Lindens, you also receive a mystery prize for just turning in all the clues. Although it sounds trivial, the hunt itself keeps you so engaged and entertained, that you will forget all about the reward. Search high, search low, search in the weirdest places; just make sure you cover every angle! You never know where you may find a clue. Aside from the hunt, the Island is a feature in itself. When not in Scream mode, the Island is a beautiful, secluded spot for lovers. The entire sim is gorgeously landscaped, with plenty of hidden spots for romantic moments. The Island was built by its owner, Catherine Night, and is sponsored by AlleyCat Studios and Passion Metrics, a real life matchmaking service. However it is now in Scream mode from September 5, 2009 to November 1, 2009, the place has been transformed from a place of romance to a place of romantic terror. There are still romantic spots for you and that special someone, but for your safety, it is recommended that you wait until after Scream 2009 to spend time smooching on the Island…you never know what may be lurking in the shadows, waiting for you to let your guard down.
l l A t I s y a S Name
OCTOBER 2009 40
Halloween 2009: Turning
R
emember those days of trick-ortreating as a kid? Can you remember dressing up in your favorite superhero, princess, monster, or even cartoon character? What about the excitement of getting out that basket, plastic pumpkin, or whatever you chose to hold your candy in? Can you remember the feelings of joy you had as you got home and poured that candy out onto the nearest surface and looked over your bounty? Well, it’s time to feel like a kid again! One of the perks of this virtual world we’ve come to know as Sec-
41 OCTOBER 2009
Written By: Sensuous Soulstar Photos By:Lixena Lamourfou ond Life, is that you can be anything you want to be, and you can make anything your mind can dream up. For those of us dying to let out our inner child, Halloween is the perfect excuse. You can dress your avatar up in your favorite costume, from the angelic princess, to the killing machine, Michael Myers, covered in blood and carrying around a dismembered head! You can also turn your perfect coordinated home into a place of terror. Here are just a few suggestions for giving your inner child a little freedom this Halloween. 1. Grimworx [http://slurl.com/secondlife/Amity%20Island/151/105/23] This should be your first stop for
trans night class can a of the time. box t a hor Find way daug sic “T a littl traps you i you, make can fi
Your Timid SL into Fright! 2. Deadworks’ Enterprises: Dead Noobs [http://slurl.com/secondlife/Frankfurt%20 Skyline/240/224/13] What’s better to scatter about your place of fright than dead, bloody noobs! Here, you will find dead noobs killed in so many sickening ways. And do not think they skimped on the blood! There’s plenty surrounding each noob, as well as some that are even menu controlled to squirt out even more blood than you can imagine. No matter whether you want them hung, shot, impaled, or even killed by a vampire, this store has got you covered.
sforming your home for fright t. Here, you will not only find the sic ghouls and goblins, but you also get the props from some e most classic horror films of all . Step inside the giant puzzle to find yourself in the middle of rrifying scene from Hellraiser 2. yourself walking into the hallscene greeted by the caretaker’s ghters from the terrifying clasThe Shining.” Need something le more gruesome? They’ve got s that impale, crush, or drown in acid or magma! If it can spook cause your skin to crawl, or e you hide under the covers, you find it here!
OCTOBER 2009 42
2. Deadworks’ Enterprises: Dead Noobs [http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Frankfurt%20Skyline/240/224/13] What’s better to scatter about your place of fright than dead, bloody noobs! Here, you will find dead noobs killed in so many sickening ways. And do not think they skimped on
the blood! There’s plenty surrounding each noob, as well as some that are even menu controlled to squirt out even more blood than you can imagine. No matter whether you want them hung, shot, impaled, or even killed by a vampire, this store has got you covered.
Honorable Mention: Horribaubles [http://slurl.com/secondlife/ Floyd/40/75/25] Although this store does not have huge selection, it gets honorable mention because of the flawless gore décor in each of its flagship stores. The small inventory that it does carry will help in completing your night of fright, such as a hanging noose for your avatar. But who can shop for the freakishly frightening without the perfect ambience of vintage walls and floors covered in blood, creaking stairs, and dim lighting. The store itself is just worth a good look.
43 OCTOBER 2009
Fall/ Winte
By: Queenba Photography: Li
A
s hot summer breezes turn cooler, it is time to pull out all those heavier clothes that are just lurking in the back of the closet. As each season comes with both classic and new fashionable trends to follow it is time change up looks. This quick list is a summary of every whim and desire from the autumn fashion shows, and every element needed to toughen, or glam up an understated look. TOPS The shoulder line has widened and there are variations from fullon puffs to structured sleeves all best with skinny arms or pushed up sleeves for balance. SKIRTS Lampshade puffball, volume tulip, draped or slim skirts are what are hot. ASYMMETRIC DRESSES, BODICES Glam up with off-the-shoulder/ one-shoulder dresses, sleeveless/one-sleeved. FOOTWEAR
Fascinating footwear is a key fashion craze for the winter of 2010 - Slim Legs and over the knee skinny boots. Other variations of existing trends include: strapped biker boots, spike stilettos and carved high heels and flattest lace-up brogues, gladiator ankle straps, mid calf boots, rose accents, animal prints and lacing/ ribbon ties. TROUSERS Slimmer Line flat or peg top trousers, narrower legs balance wider top silhouettes. TREGGINGS is a key concept. INVESTMENT DRESSING Statement Coats in beautiful quality fabric. Clothes which are wearable time and again also repay their purchase price handsomely. ACCENTS Power chic, heavy metal, multiple zip additions and/or pyramid/ round stud decoration on many products especially footwear; proudly visible zips, rows of biker buckled belts. ANDROGYNOUS LOOKS You can do everything he can do but better with Boyfriend Blazers & Cardigans, distressed den-
im, be the militar COLOURS Regal berry ton and indigo blues. browns with copp tones, caramels, meets cafĂŠ-au-la palest blush pink Tones and shimm Molten liquid tone nished copper br Blue is a stand o sea green to acid chrome mixes of white smolter. MATERIALS ANIMAL PRIN natural patterns a trend. New brigh prints are still tak LEATHER & S colorful smooth/c pecially, suede w fur collars, cuffs, VELVET - rich inky indigoes/pur vet devore burno rics. LACE - See th areas, lace tights siery and opaque WOOLLENS tooth/Tweeds (Bl
er Trends
anker Lexico ixena Lamourfou
ry woman.
checks). The use of fine tweeds with a sharper jacket profile gives nes, purple, iris tweed a modern edge bringing it . A return of bang up to date for winter 2010. per olive bronze ROSES/FLOWERS - Flow, tans, camel ers in 3D forms on necklaces, as ait and chocolate, accessories for dress necklines, k to red. Gold waistlines and as shoe and hair mering metallics. decoration. Dress hems with roses, shining bures and bags with massive roses ronze. Majolica are in vogue this autumn. out, as well as LAYERED KNITS - Longer d green. Monocardigans, waterfall drape carf grays, black and digans - Lagenlook/Layering textured, fine knits, wispy lacy mohair, and chunky cables. Be NTS - Animal in trendy in oversized scarves worn a true naughties as or with cowls. Knit berets are a ht hues and digital hit. king notice. ACCESSORIES SUEDE - Black/ BAGS - There is a continued croc surfaces es- trend for smaller bags. Chain waterfall collars, braided ‘Chanel’ type handles. hems, cowls. Clutches. Colored bags smothh dark velvets in ered in frills, roses or pleats. Bags rples/black. Vel- carried as clutches. Metallic bags out contrast fabespecially burnished bronze/copper toned bags are popular. Anihrough sheer mal and fur bags abound. s, sheer dark hoBELTS - Belts with studs. e colored tights. Choose deep, wide and color- Dog/Hounds ful belts, alternatively, experilack/white/color ment with obi styles in leather, or
suede. Narrow belts are often a fabric knotted tie. JEWELRY - Oversized metal necklaces and massive cocktail dress rings are on trend for the autumn of 2009. Note bows and insect bugs in jewelry. As the fronts of colliers become more decorative and weightier even more necklaces have tie ribbon closures. Contrasting fine delicate chains - Bezel set gems or diamonds in gold chains enhance necklines. Even deeper wrist/forearm contoured cuff bangles. Colored gems rose gold tones and Pandora/Troll and similar charms all have our attention. KEY FASHION CONCEPT: ‘MOBAMABELTED’ - Wear your belt as Michelle Obama frequently does with her cardigans and coats to bring mixed outfits together. ‘Mobamabelt’ it: Thicker midriff waists are better supported with deeper 10cm belts and worn under a cardigan or coat. Small ribcage gals can take narrow belts. Make sure the look and position of the belt suits you.
Trends on t
47 OCTOBER 2009
the Runway
OCTOBER 2009 48
49 OCTOBER 2009
OCTOBER 2009 50
51 OCTOBER 2009
OCTOBER 2009 52
53 OCTOBER 2009
OCTOBER 2009 54
Journey
57 OCTOBER 2009
ying to the Darkside by Sensuous Soulstar Photography: Lixena Lamourfou
T
is the season for ghosts, ghouls and goblins! With the approach of All Hallows’ Eve, better known as Halloween, I decided to do something I would never do in real life: I put on my boots of courage and went out on a journey to find the scariest of the scary in Second Life. From haunted houses, to vampire/ghost killing sims. I journeyed through as many self proclaiming “places of horror” and put together a list of the scariest that I could find for you to enjoy this ghostly time of the year. This list is far from exhaustive, but it is a great starting point for you to pick up and fill in the blanks. And although this ‘friady cat summoned as much courage as she could to make this journey, I still couldn’t bring myself to journey some of the darker vampire/living dead sims. You will have to
check those out on your own. Now, on with the journey… 1. Mouse World’s “Haunted Mansion” [http://slurl. com/secondlife/Mouse%20 World/172/215/22] I needed to work my way up to the truly frightening, so I stopped off first at an old favorite, just to prepare myself. For those who are unfamiliar, Mouse World is the SL equivalent to Disney World. The ride itself is based off of the Disney movie bearing the same name starring Eddie Murphy, this ride takes you on a frighteningly fun ride through the “Haunted Mansion.” You start off on foot, following the direction of the invisible narrator who watches your every move, but yet you can never see him. I won’t give away the details, but the creators of this ride definitely get five stars. It’s not too scary, and fit for the kid in all of us. But, this was only the beginning.
OCTOBER 2009 58
2. “DarkDharma Haunted Manor” [http:// slurl.com/secondlife/ Benten/87/221/28] Keeping with the theme of “haunted houses,” I stumbled across this hidden gem. Although not much of a scare from the outside, once you enter 59 OCTOBER 2009
the front door, you’re immediately greeted with bloody horror. The manor itself is small in size, but not on fright. Here, you will find your basic fears, from creaking noises, to distant, deranged laughter, to the newest addition to the fright list, children in
monotone voic ing you to play You never kno lurks behind e or each closed somehow, you anxious to see more horror lie This is a rathe but definitely a
ces beckony with them. ow what every corner d door, but u push on, e how much es in store. er quick stop, a good one.
3. “The House of the Living Dead” [http://slurl. com/secondlife/Star%20 City/69/228/28] When I first selected this place, I thought it would be another haunted house that I would walk through and see a few frights…I was wrong! This house is interactive and eerily fun. However, to enjoy this one, you must have at least one group spot open, as you have to join the group to
enter. Yet, once inside, you will find it was well worth it! Make sure to purchase the weapons pack for a mere 100 Lindens. You will need it! Inside you will find the undead, or rather, living dead moaning and groaning around every corner. To survive, and to move throughout the area, you must shoot and kill all that you encounter. Not a difficult task with the weaponry provided, but a whole lot of fun.
OCTOBER 2009 60
4. “Haunting at Adora” [http://slurl.com/ secondlife/Adora%20 Island/66/200/23] There was no way I could pass up this place of terror after reading the tantalizing description. “No one really knows what happened to the founding family of Adora Island. It’s rumored that first win-
61 OCTOBER 2009
ter was hard and long. Whatever happened on that ice locked island, it wasn’t discovered until the bodies were found that next spring.” I was prepared for the worst, and that still wasn’t good enough! I have never been a fan of graveyards, so having to walk through one just to get to the house was
enough to have me on edge. Here, they play on fear of the unknown and the unexplainable. Reminiscent of the horror film “The Haunting,” expect to “hear dead people.” Be forewarned, this one is a bit Satanic, but not so much that it takes from the natural fear of hidden dead spirits haunting the living.
5. Bleed Designs Presents: “The Crypt Puzzle” [http://slurl.com/ secondlife/Bleed%20 Designs/159/143/3562] Needing a little break from the heavy spooking, I decided to stop by this little treasure to give my poor beating heart a rest. I thought I was in for
a fun time of riddles and other mind games… I found that, but unfortunately, my heart never got that break. Fear the things that go bump in the night! At this cleverly designed area, you must solve your way through this crypt maze, but it won’t be easy. You’re up
against riddles, tricks and traps, but if that wasn’t enough, the thumps, bumps, screams and horrifying sounds will make you lose focus as you try to run to safety all the while trying to solve the puzzle. Be afraid, be very afraid, but be wise and stay focused!
OCTOBER 2009 62
Honorable Mention: T&A Halloween Island [http://slurl.com/secondlife/Restless%20 Times/182/26/22] My last stop of the night was the perfect ending to a terror filled night. Unfortunately, with such high standards set by the others on my list, I was a bit numb when traveling around this Island. Although it looks like it could be the picture on the cover of your favorite horror film, it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have all the frills and
63 OCTOBER 2009
thrills to back up the look. However, it makes the list as an Honorable Mention because it provides the perfect photo op, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the perfect place to bring friends to just sit and tell ghost stories! With a bloody waterfall cascading eerily into a sea of bloody red, murky waters, you could not ask for a better setting. In the distance youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find a glowing, ghostly pirate ship greeting you, and if you look just hard enough, you can just
make out the silhouette of what appears to be a ghostly pirate captain perched upon his ship. Among other noteworthy features are the lonely house on the top of the hill (classic horror movie setting), as well as the haunting cathedral sitting in the mist. After traveling around the grid in search of horror, pull out your favorite ghost tales and find yourself ending the night here, surrounded by friends and a great ghastly setting.
Tired of searching everywhere for a new home or store? Want to find properties owned by people who are legit? Then join the bbrl (Better Business Real Estate Listings). We connect potential renters and land owners with real estate agents and landlords they can trust. The basic memebership of this group is free of charge. However if u are a property owner or landlord who want to post your listings the fee is 250L. Please IM Lixena Lamourfou or Kinji Lockjaw for a realtor application.
A Man and
A Closer look at the V
V
itolo Rossini a traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor in real life, has has dedicated his first and second life to the creation of virtual reality dogs. He is affectionately known as the “SL Dog Whisperer” and he as the owner and creator of Dogland Park Vitolo’s Canis Beach [Rhoda 152, 159, 27]. Dogland Park - Vitolo’s Canis Beach is such a unique experience, initially you see a stunning beach scape and a grouping of highly detailed virtual canines. The dogs may first appear motionless, but like a phoenix that rises from the ashes, they quickly move towards a prospective customer once detected in a determined frenzy. This frenzy is heartwarming because like first life dogs, VKC dogs want your attention. They are playful, protective and furry. Rossini’s VKC dog creations came about as a consequence of a personal tragedy. In first life, Rossini was involved in a terrible accident that left him in a coma for five years. “…after my coma…” he explains, “I was blessed with an ability to easily learn how to understand the dogs scripted vocabu-
65 OCTOBER 2009
by: ReRe S Photography: D
lary, and then to envision, as a cartoon, choreographed moves, sounds and timing to create fun illusions with the VKC dogs.” From there, Rossini began to pursue his goal of creating VKC dogs in the summer of 2006. In addition to creating VKC dogs, Rossini has also created a Veterinary Clinic to better assist VKC dog owners. While one may dismiss the importance of this clinic, Rossini asserts,
“[The Veterinary Clinic] is important because [it relies on] this marvelous
His Dogs:
VKC Dogland Park
Sandalwood DrJames Exonar
record keeping system [called] technological Vet. [The technological Vet keeps a] record of all dogs and all dog owners, as well as transfer[s] histories on all dogs. People can go to the Vet Clinic, and reclaim a lost dog, or update a dog that may not function perfectly. Of course, a reclaimed dog retains all the learning that was provided to them prior to their ‘Vet visit.’” According to Rossini, other uses of the Veterinary Clinic in-
their dogs back to Dogland Park. According to Rossini, this not only acts as positive reinforcement for virtual canine owners, it also maintains an environment free from consumer pressure. Yet while Rossini’s business places no financial pressure on the customers served, it does reflect the personal, fashion oriented taste of its consumers. Opal Edman, VKC employee, reiterates this claim by stating, “…the celebs are all carrying little
clude keeping a system to analyze the dogs’ chain of custody, as well as preventing security breaches, and regulating various ownership disputes. With the help of a dozen Dogland ParkVitolo’s Canis Beach employees, Rossini is able to welcome returning owners and
dogs, [and] the little ones we sale can be carried [too].” Yet no matter what motivations you have in visiting this fascinating dog park, remember that the Dogland Park/Vitolo’s Canis Beach is a wonderful place for second lifers who look to dogs for companionship.
OCTOBER 2009 66
Origins of H
by Queenba
H
alloweenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in). The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31, they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. In addition to causing
69 OCTOBER 2009
trouble and damaging crops, Celts thought that the presence of the otherworldly spirits made it easier for the Druids, or Celtic priests, to make predictions about the future. For a people entirely dependent on the volatile natural world, these prophecies were an important source of comfort and direction during the long, dark winter. To commemorate the event, Druids built huge sacred bonfires, where the people gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities. During the celebration, the Celts wore costumes, typically consisting of animal heads and skins, and attempted to tell each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fortunes. When the celebration was over, they re-lit their hearth fires, which they had extinguished earlier that evening, from the sacred bonfire to help protect them
Halloween
anker Lexico
during the coming winter. By A.D. 43, Romans had conquered the majority of Celtic territory. In the course of the four hundred years that they ruled the Celtic lands, two festivals of Roman origin were combined with the traditional Celtic celebration of Samhain. The first was Feralia, a day in late October when the Romans traditionally commemorated the passing of the dead. The second was a day to honor Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona is the apple and the incorporation of this celebration into Samhain probably explains the tradition of “bobbing” for apples that is practiced today on Halloween. By the 800s, the influence of Christianity had spread into Celtic lands. In the seventh century, Pope Boniface IV designated
November 1 All Saints’ Day, a time to honor saints and martyrs. It is widely believed today that the pope was attempting to replace the Celtic festival of the dead with a related, but churchsanctioned holiday. The celebration was also called All-hallows or All-hallowmas (from Middle English Alholowmesse meaning All Saints’ Day) and the night before it, the night of Samhain, began to be called All-hallows Eve and, eventually, Halloween. Even later, in A.D. 1000, the church would make November 2 All Souls’ Day, a day to honor the dead. It was celebrated similarly to Samhain, with big bonfires, parades, and dressing up in costumes as saints, angels, and devils. Together, the three celebrations, the eve of All Saints’, All Saints’, and All Souls’, were called Hallowmas.
OCTOBER 2009 70