MISS SL Magazine - Special Edition - December 2018 by MISS SL Magazine

MISS SL Magazine

TABLE OF CONTENTS Interview with MR SL ♛ 2018

Tony Lee Heron-Rossi

Interview with

MISS SL ♛ 2018 Sienna Bellios

Interviews with

all MR SL ♛ 2019 Candidates

Interviews with

MISS & MR SL ♛ YoungStar Winners

MISS SL Magazine

Special Edition December 2018

Editor-in-Chief

Marcus Lefevre-Enimo

Photographer

Hikaru Enimo-Lefevre

Writer

Kat Carter

MISS SL Magazine is not responsible for eventual expressed opinions and content by third parties. MISS SL Magazine is not affiliated with or sponsored by Linden Research, Inc.

MISS SL Magazine

4 Years MISS SL Organization

Photography: Hikaru Enimo-Lefevre 6

MISS SL Magazine

We created MISS SL Organization four years ago, out of a wild and rather naive idea. It was meant to be a community to preserve standards, which have been developed by the modeling community for years and were about to be forgotten. The lesson we were taught, is that the big steps do not bring us any close to a goal. It are the small steps, which will stand the test of the time. The first two years have been challenging for everyone involved, but there have been great lessons. Soon after the first rounds of the MISS SL and MR SL competitions have been concluded, we had to stop publishing MISS SL Magazine, to focus our energies. It is with delight, that we are able to publish a special edition of MISS SL Magazine today, marking the revivial of MISS SL Magazine in the very near future. We are concluding today the tenth pageant by MISS SL Organization, MR SL â&#x2122;&#x203A; 2019, which has been a tremendous pleasure for our team to produce. This group of candidates are not only bringing a whole new generation of

male models into our community, they are also leaving an imprint, on how we understand our continuing work with MISS SL Organization. When we started the pageants, with the MISS SL â&#x2122;&#x203A; 2015 competition, in December 2014, it merely was an attempt to maintain the standards we have set to preserve. As a result we faced a decline of interest in pageantry, which did hurt the modeling industry indirectly. The only conclusion we could draw from the development, was to end all kind of exclusiveness and open the pageants, to anyone, who could be interested. A great many, and some quite controversial, questions have been asked since, and surely not all have been answered. But it is undeniable, that the concept of including individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, has a much more positive effect on everyone and everything. Being models, candidates, pageant winners, agency owners, magazine publishers, CEOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, designers or entrepreneurs does not set us above anyone, nor does it make us better. It demands from us a public service, to serve as role models. MISS SL Magazine

While everyone has a right to claim to be the best, the biggest, the most glorious in something, we believe we serve our community better, by admitting our failures, by trying to find and fix the errors and to do it better next time. The positive feedback we have received with our journeys in the MISS SL and MR SL, and more recently the YoungStar pageants, were and are greatly appreciated, but it does not tempt us to lean back and to pat each others backs. But it motivates us for a new journey, taking the negative feedback into consideration. As a result, the MISS SL and MR SL pageants have evolved into highly complex events of a scale, we have not guessed to achieve. It are the candidatesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs during a competition, which allow us to search and find ways to make the experience of our competitions and events enjoyable and memorable in all good ways and means. We are confident, that no candidate since 2015 has regret their participation in our competitions. If that counts as a goal we have achieved, then it is more, than we ever could have asked or hoped for. 8

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There have been quite a few plans, which have not been realized in the time we wanted. In fact, there always will be ideas and plans, we would like to realize, and simply cannot do it, for several reasons. MISS SL Organization is lead and run by human beings, in a virtual world. All members maintain a real life and perhaps have their own ideas and plans, they want to realize, too. In this virtual world, which we call Second Life, come people to enjoy their time and to be creative. It does usually end, when they leave for their dinner, for a TV show, for their families and loved ones in their lifes. Every project in a virtual world like this, depends on real humans committments, but it will experience people joining and leaving, coming back and leaving again, too. Even then, if we have not and will not be able to reach all of our goals, it is still our very intention to remain the beacon at the horizon, for those who seek for an experience, to learn, to grow and to evolve and for those, who want to impart the knowledge needed, to others, who want to become assets to our community, in any thinkable way.

MISS SL Organization has become more than a modeling and pageant organization, it has become a community of like-minded friends from all parts of our world, who are looking for the better in themselves and to share their dreams and knowledge. We wish to continue our dream and are looking forward to invite you all for the upcoming MISS SL â&#x2122;&#x203A; 2019 competition. The application is scheduled to open on December 15th. In January and February we will invite to the auditions and are happy to learn the new group of candidates we may guide through the upcoming competition. We are looking forward to continue our celebration of beauty, creativity and talent, serving humbly for the

greater good of our community. For this special edition of MISS SL Magazine, we have asked the current finalists to MR SL â&#x2122;&#x203A; 2019 a few questions, which they all answered very individually, allowing an insight in their backgrounds, perspectives and goals. We have also interviewed the recent winners of the MISS SL, MR SL and YoungStar pageants, in which they describe their emotions and experience, with the competitions and the organization, and their plans for the future. The new MISS SL Magazine will publish in the new year, with a comprehensive concept, improved layout and design, and opportunities for everyone interested.

On behalf of the MISS SL Organization team

Marcus Lefevre-Enimo

MISS SL Organization

MISS SL Magazine

Tony Lee Heron-Rossi

MR SL â&#x2122;&#x203A; 2018

Photography: Hikaru Enimo-Lefevre Interview: Kat Carter 12

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KC: What has been going on for you since you were announced as MR SL â&#x2122;&#x203A; 2018?

open an agency for young and adult models. How do you feel about?

Tony: After the announcement I felt overwhelmed for the first few days, but then I settled and I carried on to work normally, doing my work as model and blogger.

Tony: Last year my family and I decided to open a new agency and we had a few successful shows already. I do enjoy to work as runway director in shows, to keep myself busy so we are really excited for the upcoming shows in 2018 with the young and adult models.

KC: Have things for you changed any since winning the title? Tony: Yes, I decided to open a pose store for male models and my family and I have plans for a new agency for both, young and adult models, we I have opened last year. KC: A lot of people struggle finding good poses, did you have the same issues and is that what is influencing your desire to start the new store? Tony: For the formal outfit in the finale I had to take my hat off, and I had issues to find a pose, which does that, so I asked pose creators, if they can help me. Unfortunately no one had time, so I decided to try my best and make the pose by myself, to take the hat off. I was stunned, when I noticed I can do this very easily by myself! KC: You mentioned you want to

KC: So you are enjoying the backstage direction more than being on the runway? Tony: Yes, I really enjoy to help and cue the models. KC: How many shows have you guys done already? Tony: We had two shows. KC: A new agency by you essentially would be direct competition for the MISS SL Agency. Do you feel that you cater enough to a different market, that it would not mean a conflict of interests? Tony: Honestly, I am proud to work as model for MISS SL Agency. I do not think my agency will be a competition to MISS SL Agency and MISS SL Magazine

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I will be happy to help Marcus and his team for future shows. KC: If I remember correctly you participated in MR SL â&#x2122;&#x203A; 2017, too? Tony: Yes, correct. KC: What do you feel was different about your performance for the MR SL â&#x2122;&#x203A; 2018 pageant, versus the year before? Tony: I have worked harder and improved my skills with the styling challenges much better than in the year before. KC: Was there anything you took from your experience from 2017, that you put towards your participation last year? Tony: Actually, it were some of my friends, who are also modeling, who told me to remember, to think outside of the box is important and to think creative, while styling an outfit.

KC: What do you feel was your most creative outfit in the whole competition? Tony: The National Costume was my most favourite creative outfit. KC: Where exactly did you get the Inspiration for your National Costume? Tony: I had to research so many elements and the cultures from my home country, to reflect these in the national outfit. KC: Do you have anything you would like to say, to any of our readers who may be thinking about the next MISS SL or MR SL competition? Tony: I would like to say, that if you want to enter the MISS SL or MR SL competition, that you can take on the challenges, be creative and be fabulous!

MISS SL Magazine

Sienna Bellios

MISS SL â&#x2122;&#x203A; 2018

Photography: Hikaru Enimo-Lefevre Interview: Kat Carter 16

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KC: The MISS SL pageant took more than 3 months. How do you feel now, that there is a little bit of break? Sienna: Things have pretty much returned to normal, but I am thinking ahead more. I am looking forward to work on the events, that are coming up for my charities, and also to work with the MISS SL Organization. KC: How did you feel, when you were announced in the top 7? Sienna: It was a good feeling, almost a sense of relief, until I realized I had to answer a question! Seriously though, to be considered in the top 7 with all those amazing talents was humbling, and it still is. KC: How did you feel about your question? Sienna: I thought the questions to all be very fair and insightful, and I tried very hard to return the consideration they had into formulating the questions. While they were fair, I still stared at the screen for a moment with my mind going totally blank! KC: So after the questions, they made the announcement of the top 3, how did you feel then?

Sienna: I was blown away upon making the top 3. I was bouncing in my chair yelling to my husband. He laughed, cause I was talking a mile a minute. KC: How did you feel once the final announcement was announced, you being selected as the new MISS SL ♛ 2018? Sienna: We have all seen pageants on TV, where the winner is crying and flapping their hands? I always wondered why they do that, but that is exactly what I did then. I was saying “OMG” over and over and crying and flapping with my hands. I was also frozen in place, I couldn’t move, of course that’s hard when you cannot keep your hands still. I do remember asking my husband, if he could believe it, and he said he could, that I had worked so hard. I thought that was so very sweet of him. KC: What do you feel now, that things have settled down and you are getting ready to start on your work as MISS SL, with your charities and with the organization itself Sienna: Oh, I am excited! I have to admit I am a bit nervous too though, because I have produced shows MISS SL Magazine

before already, but producing an event is a whole other ballgame. Though I know that I am surrounded by caring talented people, who will keep me going in the right direction and when I am lost they will teach me, so it will be a positive experience all the way around, I am sure. KC: Speaking of your event, do you have any ideas for what and how you plan to pull that off? Sienna: I am hoping to do two different events, and the first one will be smaller and I want to make it stress free and fun for the designers and of course raise money for the charity. The second event will be more 18

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intimidating but with everybodies help I truly think it will be a success. After this year is up, that is how I want to look back at this journey, and know that in being MISS SL, I was able to make a difference KC: How does it feel when you know that quite a lot of the people were rooting for you? Sienna: Truly, I am humbled by that. There were quite a few candidates that I felt could have won, so to know that is an honor. KC: Can you compare the MISS SL Pageant with other competitions?

Sienna: I have not been in many competitions. I can only think of three and one way back, when I first started modeling and somehow came in the top 5 of that one. Since then, I did two others only. One of the things that strikes me about MISS SL is the team. The team of the MISS SL pageants is the best, bar none. They were there for every one of my silly questions, for every concern, for absolutely everything. Also, I had a level of confidence in my abilities that I did not have before. When I would waver, I had friends that were there, to let me know they would have no negativity and that was so valuable! KC: What was your favorite part of the competition? Sienna: Well, there were positives to everything, but some of the challenges were a lot of fun and I enjoyed trying to think of ways to do them, that were â&#x20AC;&#x153;outside the boxâ&#x20AC;?. KC: Which one was your favorite challenge? Sienna: I think the Pierrot challenge. I knew immediately, what I wanted to do, and Systi Cisse sent me the dress in the color that I needed, and then everything fell into place.

KC: Which challenge was actually the hardest for you? Sienna: That was the Neo Japan challenge. I tried to go outside the box and while I did that, I picked the wrong box - for me. The idea wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bad, I just did not execute it well, and my poses were not that great. KC: You made it through the hardest competition, do you think it has changed you? Sienna: In some respects it has. I am a pretty quiet person, and stay at home a lot. I think it has made me more social, more outgoing..and that is truly a good thing. Also, it is a huge confidence boost to have my efforts validated. KC: Do you have anything you want to say to the readers? Sienna: I would like to say to anyone considering entering MISS SL or any competition for that matter, to jump in and do the best you can and remember one thing: It is not the end of your SL modeling career when the competition finishes, it is just the beginning!

MISS SL Magazine

MR SL ♛ Canada 2019 loves music. He has been a DJ in Second Life for quite a few years now. He loves to help people in Second Life. He work as a nursing assistant in real life and his job brings his great joy and satisfaction. MR SL ♛ Canada decided early in his Second Life experience, that he wants to make the effort to look good. He did find himself bored and the best way to pass time is to work one’s avatar. He wants to see, where this can take him in the future of his Second Life. MR SL ♛ Canada saw an advertising posted in one of his groups, which led him to decide to try his luck by entering the MR SL ♛ 2019 competition. MR SL ♛ Canada has met some great people in this competition and they have all been very helpful to him. He has never used a pose before the contest, that was not built into his AO. He has learned a lot about how a pose can help express himself.

MISS SL Magazine

“I feel that I have worked hard, if not harder than everyone else. When a challenge is posted it becomes my main focus, until I am comfortable with my choices. I feel my look is unique and I stand out from most of the candidates. However, I also feel, they all have done a great job.”

Radcula

MR SL ♛ Canada 2019

MISS SL Magazine

MR SL ♛ Colombia 2019 is young and passionate about fashion. He works as a model, blogger and DJ. Taking responsibility, working hard and stress is a fundamental part of his life in Second Life. He also loves photography, blogging, having a good conversation and plays skippo. MR SL ♛ Colombia’s real life is based on fashion and discovering that he could do what he loves in Second Life, he decided to be part of it. At the beginning it was not easy for him, but with some effort he became, what he is now. He is model since almost two years now and it has been the most beautiful job he has ever had. He will continue to learn, because his goal is to be a good stylist, to evolve and to provide a good job for the agencies. MR SL ♛ Colombia has already participated in the MR SL ♛ 2018 pageant. As he knows, that each year will be a new pageant round, he finds it a very interesting opportunity, to discover more about his skills and the country that he represents.

MISS SL Magazine

MR SL ♛ Colombia has been quite energetic since the audition until now, that we are going to the end of this competition. He has discovered skills, which he did not know he had. He is happy that this competition provides this platform to learn and to grow experience. “The reason I should be the winner of this competition is, because I have everything that the winner requires, like everyone else. But what makes me different from others is, that we must represent the country we chose, and that is what I have done in all my challenges, uniting the culture where I come from, with the style that it imposes to carry.”

Israel Amedeo Casati Gant

MR SL ♛ Colombia 2019

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MR SL ♛ Egypt 2019 has been in SL for over 10 years. He has tried his hand in various professions like building, landscaping, curating an art gallery, publishing his own magazine, teaching psychology and now modeling and running for MR SL ♛ 2019. His hobbies include photography, which is a real life passion as well, architecture which influenced the execution of his magazine, and shopping, of course! He is very passionate about many things, but most of all equality. He believes that everyone in Second Life and real life should be considered equal and have the same rights as the next person; not one person is better or should be elevated over others. Also the acceptance of LGTBQ people in all countries should be top priority, as we bear witness the torture, suffering and deaths of those, who are considered deviants and hope they can be free of laws, regulations and persecutions against them. MR SL ♛ Egypt wants LGTBQ people to be able to live their lives, loving and being loved by those of their choosing. MR SL ♛ Egypt did not have connections to modeling or fashion other than the fact, that he likes shopping and to style comfortably. He does not dress pretentious, but rather unassuming and simple like something he would

MISS SL Magazine

want to see in a men’s fashion magazine. He entered the pageant with the assumption of winning but never contemplated anything further beyond. He would hope, that having the title of MR SL ♛ 2019 might open some doors for him. MR SL ♛ Egypt has found the pageant to be harder work than he anticipated. It is a choreography of things put together, for the final outcome. It has opened his eyes to look beyond the clothes and into what they can represent. It takes dedication and commitment to be in a pageant and it is not to be taken lightly, but he also remembers that his participation is meant to make his Second Life fun and more enjoyable. MR SL ♛ Egypt did not join the competition, believing he would be a top model. He joined the pageant oblivious of the attitudes, that could be associated with modeling and he feels, that as a person with no background in the modeling world, that he has just as much of a chance at winning the title, as the person next to him. “I believe it is this innocence, that may give me the edge needed, to win this pageant.”

Nico Sorbet

MR SL ♛ Egypt 2019

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MR SL ♛ France 2019 just celebrated his tenth rezz day. He has seen the many changes of Second Life and is still in awe of the many creators and their amazing work. His hobbies in are landscaping, interior design, fashion and shopping. He enjoys a bare piece of land, which he can use as a canvas to create magical and inspiring places to live and play. He loves taking pieces from his favorite designers to create outfits or, just to just spend the day shopping, visiting the many events, to find those perfect pieces, he has been searching for. When it comes to passions, there is none greater to MR SL ♛ France than his family, his beautiful wife Lauren and their wonderful daughters. MR SL ♛ France says his previous experience to modeling has been very limited. His only experience is what he learned during the MR SL ♛ 2019 competition and the opportunities, which have been provided to him through his time in the pageant. He feels, he has always had an eye for color, the cosmetics of fashion and what makes a great outfit. MR SL ♛ France hopes to continue to expand on his knowledge and to grow within the modeling industry. He would ultimately love to find a place somewhere within the MISS SL Organization.

MISS SL Magazine

MR SL ♛ France learned about the MR SL pageant last year when Tony Lee Heron-Rossi won. MR SL ♛ France watched with great interest, but did not think, that someone with no modeling experience even had a chance of making it into the pageant well enough, to the point that he has achieved today. He is overjoyed and happy to be a candidate and MR SL ♛ France.. MR SL ♛ France’s experience in this pageant has been a whirlwind of emotion, trepidation and elation. He has taken, what he has learned and only hopes to grow from here and build upon this knowledge. The challenges have been difficult for him. There is a lot of pressure to put together, what feels to be the perfect outfit for the challenge, then to pose it properly and perfectly, then presenting it to the judges. It has been a lot of stress, but he has happily faced everything and learned from each week of the competition. “I am just a normal guy, who was not a model, did not know how to pose, how to present the perfect outfit, or walk a runway. I am taking my time in this pageant to learn. It has been a wonderful experience for me, to learn everything that I could and take it, to grow. I am not understanding this pageant as just a means to a title, but more as a means to a new beginning. I want to help myself with everything that I have learned, and to hopefully help and influence others, too.”

Basil Moonites

MR SL ♛ France 2019

MISS SL Magazine

MR SL ♛ Germany’s passions are cats and Second Life. Since he is full time at home, he finds the time to be online, often up to 12 hours. He works as a dancer at Spurt Beach and sells shapes on marketplace. He says about himself to be addicted to gachas and sells the items he does not need, too. He loves reading and has a collection of approximately 300 books. He also enjoys silk painting, to watch animes and to play computer games. MR SL ♛ Germany holds dear to his friends. He has close friends, who work hard as models. He has the opportunity to watch them walking in shows and thought about, he wanted to be on the runway one day too. At the time he felt to shy to do first steps and he has not really followed the fashion trends either. MR SL ♛ Germany had no experience in modeling or fashion until this year, it was only a dream for him. He is proud of his achievements this year, to get experience and to show everyone, that even shy people can do it! MR SL ♛ Germany’s interest for the pageant was sparked, when his Second Life father, MR SL ♛ USA joined the competition and asked him about.

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It was at the begin very nice. Everyone tried to help each other and it was rather easy. But then the excitement rise and with each new challenge the bars were set higher. He started as beginner in modeling and still feels to be new to all, but with much more knowledge and experience. First there is not much a candidate needs to pay attention to. The outfit have to meet the requirements, the poses need to be appropriate. But with each new challenge there was something new to discover. “We all do our best to show what we can achieve. In each challenge, I try to incorporate the slogan from the MR SL ♛ 2019 advertising “The gentleman of the year”. I do always my best. I think long about each challenge and try to find the quintessence from it and fit it with my own style.”

Micah Michael Vale

MR SL ♛ Germany 2019

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MR SL ♛ Greece 2019 is a curious explorer. He always has been storyteller and being in Second Life allows him to express himself in many different ways.He works as a DJ regularly, builds and writes scripts and also runs a tattoo shop. He also loves a good roleplay, to make ideas real is a powerful drug and to have the chance to share them with people and see their reactions, is the greatest feeling for MR SL ♛ Greece. MR SL ♛ Greece loves to go through new experiences, to visit a new place, to discover new music or reading a good book. The feeling of constant learning is a driving passion to him. The world is huge and filled with surprises that he loves to discover. MR SL ♛ Greece loves the idea of expressing oneself through a styling. Second Life gives him the chance, to have amazingly crafted attire at the reach of his hand. One of his greatest motivations in Second Life has always been, to make a statement through his avatar and outfits. Watching a model’s mind go wild, taking risks, discovering new ways in the styling possibilities has always been an inspiration to MR SL ♛ Greece. He always admired the fierceness and determination he saw on models, when they are on the runway, but he never gave them too much credit, until he was to join that world.

MISS SL Magazine

MR SL ♛ Greece is new to modeling and was not quite sure about all, but when he saw one of the instructors showing an outfit and his poses, to tell a story and showcase the attire, he knew he wanted to be able to do that, too. The magic of the choreography of outfit and posing captivated him. When he had the chance to assist in one of the L’HOMME Magazine SL fashion shows and see all the professionals performing on the stage, his only thought was “Someday I want to be up there”. The MR SL ♛ 2019 competition has been an amazing rollercoaster for MR SL ♛ Greece. Having to deal with real life and the pageant has been very demanding for him, but it has been well worth it, he thinks. Many ideas came to his mind, he went for endless shopping tours, discovered blogs and Flickr galleries. All in all, it has been an exhausting pleasure for MR SL ♛ Greece. He has met a lot of wonderful people. It has been a pleasure for him, to work with the organizers and a real blast, to meet the other contestants and share this experience with them all. This competition has been a real highlight in MR SL ♛ Greece’s year. An experience he will always carry gratefully in his heart and it is not even over yet! “I want to win this competition, because I can help. I want my outfits and modelling capabilities to be able to move people’s soul. I want to tell stories to the audience, through posing and styling and bring them fresh and joyful ideas, so they can all share them with their loving ones.”

Perseo Nikolaidis

MR SL ♛ Greece 2019

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MR SL ♛ India 2019 likes to think of himself as a simple man, who likes the beach and a nice sunset, who likes to to keep things easy. His hobbies are to watch news and to play soccer. He loves to listen to Music. In Second Life he spends his time with his family and friends. He is passionate to become a better man and a role model for others to follow. MR SL ♛ India is fairly new to the fashion world and he has been enlightened about the vast possibilities in modeling by the instructors in the pageant team. He would love to be a model, to showcase the outfits of the designers. He also would like to be a model for L’HOMME Magazine SL, if he is been given the opportunity. MR SL ♛ India’s experience from the audition and the challenges has been awesome and great lessons for him. He never thought he would be able make it through all challenges, if he wasn’t instructed and guided by the pageant team. Never once he felt been not being attended or being answered about his queries. Overall he thinks it is a great platform to achieve your dream of becoming a model and to interact with great people, to learn and excel to its best.

MISS SL Magazine

MR SL ♛ India has always been humble in terms of learning throughout the whole process, how to get through every challenges and he did give his best. He thinks his fellow candidates have put in an enormous amount of effort, too. “I will not deny, there was a tremendous pressure, but the best part is, that due to the excellent guidance and instructions given by the organization, even the most difficult task turned out to be manageable. What makes me to stand out compared to others, is that I chose my outfits after a great deal of efforts and research, mixed and matched all to its best and used different pose sets for each challenges, never repeated one. I have followed each instruction given by the management and gave my best. I would hope, that effort would be acknowledged.”

Blue Carter

MR SL ♛ India 2019

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MR SL ♛ Indonesia 2019 likes 3D modeling. He owns a store together with a friend and he enjoys creating. He loves to roleplay in Second Life, even though he is still a beginner. MR SL ♛ Indonesia loves fashion, of course! MR SL ♛ Indonesia is still new to modeling and fashion in Second Life. He wanted to get experience by joining the MR SL competition and to learn about fashion in Second Life. MR SL ♛ Indonesia has learned a lot through the competition. Some of his fellow candidates helped him to use his viewer more efficiently. He learned how to pose and to style an outfit with each runway and photo challenge. MR SL ♛ Indonesia thinks, the MR SL competition is an amazing experience, to learn and to grow. He hopes, he can continue to be a learning member of the MISS SL Organization.

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“I should be the winner, because I will never give up, even with the hardest problems I may face. I believe respect for process is very important, to reach a goal. Also, I feel I stand out with my asian look!”

Djohar

MR SL ♛ Indonesia 2019

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In real life, MR SL ♛ Ireland 2019 works in biotechnology, where he creates DNA designs, helping to improve the crops that feed the world. He is relatively new to Second Life. In his short time here, he has developed a passion for landscaping sims and styling avatars. He is very proud of his two islands in the New England Islands community off the Blake Sea. He is usually there, moving rocks, planting trees and counting prims. As far as fashion is concerned, it is through his partner Yuu, who introduced him to the fashion community in Second Life and if he is not working on his Island, he is slowly learning the complexities of the fashion world, with a fledgling fashion blog and slow but steady progress on photography. MR SL ♛ Ireland was in the audience for the MR SL ♛ 2018 competition, but to that time he never even imagined, he would be participating this year. It was just a year ago, when he started his first fashion blog, and heI really enjoys improving his photography skills. He has a weakness for landscape photography and is trying to improve his fashion and portrait skills, too. As a good friend once told him, he takes picture of landscapes and sometimes he is even in them, too! MR SL ♛ Ireland’s primary goal of participating in the MR SL ♛ 2019 pageant is to learn as much as he can and see it through to completion with his best effort, while meeting some

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amazing people who make the fashion world this fascinating. He would very much like to be involved in the MISS SL Organization in any capacity. The dedication and enthusiasm of everyone involved is addicting, he says. The entire process entails each week more than I ever imagined and the time commitment of the candidates is nothing compared to that of the organizers and team. MR SL ♛ Ireland learns every day, how much he still have to learn, but that is my motivation! It is very difficult to stand out in a group of such talented candidates and even more, the candidates have become all very close over the past few weeks. MR SL ♛ Ireland would be happy to see any one of them win and if he were to be the one chosen, he will bring a very well rounded set of attributes. “From an already distinctive fashion style which is ever improving under guidance to a strong connection to the fashion community, designers, event organizers and bloggers I commit myself to promoting and supporting the SL fashion community with a strong commitment to character and personal integrity.”

Cedric

MR SL ♛ Ireland 2019

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MR SL ♛ Israel 2019’s passion in Second Life is the fashion world. It is what really moved him here. His hobbies are to hang out with his friends, shopping, and to go to hear singers in live concerts. He owns a pose store called PosESioN and four different themed events. He also plans to open a live lounge club soon, as he always thinks of something new to do.. MR SL ♛ Israel’s experience in the fashion world goes back to 2011, when he started modeling. He has graduated at two modeling academies and has worked for a number of agencies, including MISS SL Agency and L’HOMME Magazine SL. He wants to help and to inspire all men who like fashion, but do not know to much about it. He would like to be an inspiration for people, who see him and perhaps want to be like him or like to have, what he is wearing. In general, he likes to help, with anything. MR SL ♛ Israel has during the course of the MR SL ♛ 2019 competition learned, that it does not matter, how much time you have in something to do, you always you learn each day, and from everybody. He loves to learn.

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The months and week of the MR SL ♛ 2019 competition have been stressful for MR SL ♛ Israel, especially with the tight deadlines, together his real life work and his work in Second Life, but it has been very exciting for him. He is really happy to be part of this pageant this year, and he had a lot of fun creating the outfits and everything he has been asked.. “I think I have character, talent, elegance, and I am a hard worker. I think MR SL ♛ 2019 needs to have those qualities. I am open to update myself, I do not like to live in the past, fashion is changing continually and I change with fashion.”

Dahriel

MR SL ♛ Israel 2019

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MR SL â&#x2122;&#x203A; Japan 2019 always liked the arts in painting, installations and performances. He also participated in some group exhibitions himself. He is very passionate about reading and writing and several years ago he started to be interested in manga and anime, which have so much interesting forms of symbolism in the stories. In his youth he traveled a lot and one of the places he went to, was Japan, where his love for this country comes from. He has studied graphic design, which gave him a new perspective of the arts. He applies that knowledge in Second Life with his photography. He also works as a runway model and blogger, and in plans to sell his own poses and to get more involved in modeling. MR SL â&#x2122;&#x203A; Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first approach to the fashion industry was by a magazine he and friends published. Last year he accompanied a friend to a modeling class, and got attracted by the styling assignments. He decided to take classes too, and attend several modeling academies since. He has worked with several agencies and designers and thinks it is an exciting world. For his future plans, he hopes to improve as a model, but he also would like to find new ways for show production. One of the things his journey in the fashion and modeling world has taught him, is to constantly improve the way you style and edit your photographies.

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MR SL ♛ Japan learned about the MR SL pageant through groups. He then attended one of the challenges two years ago, to support a friend, who was competing as a candidate. He had not thought of applying himself until recently. Two days before the application closed this year, he saw one of the ads again and applied then finally, as he felt he needed a new challenge in his life. The challenges were what MR SL ♛ Japan was looking for. You learn from the challenges, even if it means you also have to accept criticism. He met interesting people. He has hoped for more solidarity among the candidates, but that is how contests are. Interestingly, people who he did not expect, have help him through the competition, and is a great way for him to discover how people really are. The organization of the MR SL pageant has positively surprised him. The love the team members put into the whole event, the desire for everyone to participate in the workshops and feedbacks, and the detailed care in preparing each show. “We are many participants and each one would contribute different things. Personally, I can provide a projection to the Hispanic community, which is so separated from SL’s general activities. I have worked with magazines, blogs and events ...and in general I consider myself a good stylist. I like to teach and hope that everyone finds a purpose and enjoys Second Life. All this makes me a good candidate to represent MR SL.”

Richard de Grataine Suoh

MR SL ♛ Japan 2019

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MR SL ♛ Kenya 2019 is a very happy father, husband, business owner, and a classically evolved artist. His art takes him to his Zen place daily, which is an imperative part of him in our linear lifes. He is a devoted environmentalist and conservationist, both in his small island gardens and the wildlife there and as far reaching as he can make a difference. He is sailor from the Northeast coast of the United States, though he has also raced in Denmark. He enjoys the headspace, calculations, strenuous exercise that comes with racing and the comradery. In Second Life his creativity shows in his landscaping, with an eye for décor as though one peeks in at everyday life frozen in time. He spends a lot of his free time on a bridge, between his two homes, messing with his outfits! MR SL ♛ Kenya had no experience in modeling, when he auditioned for the MR SL ♛ 2019 competition. He has acquired a great deal of knowledge since. He is looking at it as an extension of his creativity. He told a friend, that he has not stopped being unique from the start and that the risk to lose points prevents him from offering his best. He enjoys telling a story with his poses, as he demonstrated in the “Men in Leather” challenge.

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He loved the Junya Watanabe challenge too, and enjoyed to watch the models in Watanabe’s Fall 2015 presentation, especially the Congolese models dancing along the runway. MR SL ♛ Kenya does not know, where modeling is going to take him, but.he appreciates the tutelage, the laughs, and the wonderful new friends from around the world. MR SL ♛ Kenya smiles, when he thinks about the entire process of the MR SL ♛ 2019 competition, from the first meeting, where he did not know anyone, to the finale. He wants to find a group hug animation for 25 or more people, to express his gratitude. The challenges have been phenomenal for his love of honed focus and artistry. “From the start I have said to many people, “I absolutely do not want to win this, I will get a “trip-and-fall-off-the-runway” animation, if I have to.” This has been a true walk of learning and friendship. The highlights have been sharing in mutual assisting and mutual kindness. For some, winning the MR SL ♛ 2019 title, for whatever their reasons are, is far more important to them, than myself. I do not want to impede on their journey. Very fond memories of backstage banter and nerves and laughs are what I’m happy to take from this. Thank you all.”

Robert Rae

MR SL ♛ Kenya 2019

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MR SL ♛ Lebanon 2019 has been modeling in Second Life since 2014, participating in a number of productions with several agencies. He loves photography, both in Second Life and RL, and has recently served as a show photographer for magazines and production companies. He is passionate about the arts in all forms, especially music and film, and loves to cook and feed, spoil and heal the people in his life with delicious and sometimes healthy meals. After MR SL ♛ Lebanon joined Second Life in 2013, and got tired of simply flying around, he became aware of the eclectic and fascinating Second Life fashion scene. He worked hard to obtain his modeling certificate so that he could participate in bringing the work of Second Life’s most talented digital fashion artists to its residents. Through his work and friendships with other SL fashionistas, he has come to appreciate the work of many RL fashion designers. He would like to see more couture level offerings in SL for men, inspired by the brilliance and creativity of the menswear collections, that many cannot afford in real life but could enjoy here in Second Life. MR SL ♛ Lebanon wishes to continue to work with and learn from his colleagues in the fashion industry, and hopefully assist new models in developing their skills, and a love and respect for wearable art.

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MR SL ♛ Lebanon became aware of the MISS SL Organization through his friend MISS SL ♛ 2016, Ivyana Szondi. Although he previously had no desire to do pageants, the challenges intrigued him, as well as the opportunity to work with and learn from the pageant team and the other candidates. MR SL ♛ Lebanon has been delighted with his experience in this pageant so far. From the beginning, there was warm and helpful support from all members of the team, excellent, thorough and patient communication of all aspects of the pageant, and mostly completely enjoyable, and challenging challenges. While the challenges have a not trivial level of difficulty, they have been manageable and satisfying to complete. Without a doubt, his fellow candidates have been a source of great joy for MR SL ♛ Lebanon. They are a group of awesome gentlemen who all have been supportive and kind, making the pageant especially enjoyable and fun. “Should I win the competition, I believe it will be because of my attention to detail, my desire to delight and entertain with my stylings, and my commitment to beauty and quality. I have endeavored never to be lazy with my choices and never settle for less than everything I could accomplish in the time given. If I win, it will be because I did my very best, and my best was enough to win.”

Luka Benton

MR SL ♛ Lebanon 2019

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MR SL ♛ Mexico 2019 is since four and a half years in Second Life. He works as model, blogger, stylist and photographer, the things he enjoys so much. He considers himself a creative, positive and friendly guy, who likes to raise awareness about equality and human rights. One of his passions is to work hard and to set a positive example for dedication, commitment and strength. He wants to be a positive change agent in favor of the world, he wants to make history, to stand out. He loves a phrase from Ralph Waldo Emerson, which has defined who he is today: “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” MR SL ♛ Mexico works within the fashion industry in real life, which is allowing him, to have a closer connection with the fashion world in Second Life, too. He participated and won in a LGBTQ orientated competition this year. It was a new experience, which allowed him to grow as person and model. The title he won, allows him to be a spokesperson and representative with respect, dignity and honorability for the LGBTQ community in Second Life. MR SL ♛ Mexico hopes to be an inspiration for many, to be someone who will be remembered, who is unique and worthy to follow.

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The participation in the MR SL ♛ 2019 competition has been a process of growth to MR SL ♛ Mexico. He thinks there is no growth without challenges, and if one wants to grow in life, they must face the challenges. He had to prepare himself in all possible ways, because the level of demand within the MR SL ♛ 2019 competition was high. A model must know, how to pose, how to walk, how to style, and as a pageant candidate, one needs to know, what to say and when to say it, to communicate one’s ideas and to be polite at all times. Intelligence and education are enormously sexy, because not only the outer beauty counts, but also the way one represents the organization. “I believe in the potential of all my colleagues, and although I do not know them all, each one of them like me, is here for something. What I have clear on my mind and on heart is, that if I become MR ♛ SL 2019 and I would not do, what I am supposed to do as MR SL, to be a worthy example, to follow and help those who need it, then I am not worthy to be MR SL. If you put your trust in me and my job, I will be a positive change agent, using all the possibilities the organization gives me, to make history in Second Life and not just being one of the bunch.”

Daniel Salvatore-Salvetti

MR SL ♛ Mexico 2019

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MR SL ♛ Norway 2019’s passions include a plethora of topics, ranging from singing to reorganizing his house and office spaces. One would say he has a flair for interior design, especially around the holidays, as he goes from house to house, consulting with family and friends with ideas on Christmas décor and functions. His education in real life is most special to him. The best feeling a professor can give their students is the gratification of “that light bulb going off”-moment, when they finally understand the concept and come back years later, to tell you what kind of imprint you left on their lives. His Second Life has taken form in different ways, from being a real estate sales agent, to technical support, and a live singer/dj performances in different parts of the grid, of which the Titanic ship is his most favorite. He has kept his interest for fashion private until the MR SL competition. He was intrigued, when he saw that MISS SL Organization was taking applications for aspirants. I know, I could never be a model in real life and yet, always had a good sense of fashion in both worlds, but just not an avenue to pursue his interests. He could could never wear half of what he wants to wear in real life but knows what works well together. Numerous fashion shows on television also helped to keep the desire alive and well inside his mind. Being an active participant in MR SL, he has this opportunities, including being a model for a some well known pose-, jewelry and clothing creators. The competition is not even over yet, and he has already been given a chance to be a model! This is super exciting to him and he is proud to work with this designers and future ones!

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MR SL ♛ Norway learned about the MR SL Pageant with a group notice in the L’Homme Magazine SL group. First he hesitated, thinking he would not have a chance to even get in the door, assuming that established bloggers and models with more experience would overshadow him. From the begin with the auditions, the competition started out with the concept of picking own outfits, poses and walks with only one necessary component of the requirements to having very structured themes, colors and requirements as the challenges progressed. Starting this competition in this way has the candidates looking back, being proud the long way they have came and what they have accomplished since. The friendships and people MR SL ♛ Norway has met along this journey, have left an imprint on him, as he hopes to do with his own students, too. MR SL ♛ Norway thinks that probably everyone feels, that they should be the winner of this competition. What makes him to stand out to the others, is his consistency, candor, and tenacity to want to do well, to learn from his mistakes, and to grow continually. “You have to not only want this, but a lot of time, effort and money goes into this pageant and you can become easily distracted if you do not remain focused. I am sure we can all share a story about our journey so far in this competition; some good and some bad perhaps. I learned to stand up, to not change who I am and what I do, but instead to examine what is the perception people have about me? It is that perception I refer regarding my standing out to others.”

Amereck Amerello

MR SL ♛ Norway 2019

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MR SL ♛ Spain 2019 is a SL father of two boys, the owner and founder of Bent poses, and a print and runway model. One of the things he keeps himself busy with, when he is not working in the shop or events, is photography. It is a great artistic outlet and very relaxing to him, allowing him to combine his two passions, fashion and art. MR SL ♛ Spain has been a print model for several magazines through the years, and no matter what he does in SL, it always revolves around fashion, which is one of my passions. His goal by running for MR SL ♛ 2019 and representing Spain is not only to grow and learn from the experience, which he believes will allow him to become a better designer and model, but also to incorporate runway modelling among the many things he does. Being high functioning autistic, he thinks his participation will serve as the perfect outlet to reach the many others in SL like him, who need a positive role model. MR SL ♛ Spain was familiar with the MR SL pageant before and eventually one of his sons encouraged him to apply this year. He is glad he applied, as he has found the experience very rewarding.

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It took MR SL ♛ Spain about a week after the audition, to adjust to the work schedule and deadlines, to make sure everything came together and worked well for him. He has learnt that the more he relaxes about the tight schedule, but enjoys what he is doing, like styling the outfits, working on the feedbacks and applying the knowledge he learned along the way, the easier and more satisfying it gets for him. It is very exciting to work from an original styling idea and see it come together. “I believe my sense of fashion and passion translates in the runway and the challenges. I feel my previous experience, my work ethics and my unique outlook has helped me be in a position where I think I will represent the organisation and the title to the best extent of my capabilities.”

Spike Clemenceau - Silent

MR SL ♛ Spain 2019

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There are many things MR SL â&#x2122;&#x203A; USA 2019 enjoys in Second Life. His family, friends, and to explore all the wonderful beauty Second Life has to offer. There is never a dull moment while exploring our virtual world. He manages bloggers, dancers, and even manages auctioneer houses for ABC horses. Modeling has been his passion for many years now. To design and create is a way one can express themselves best. MR SL â&#x2122;&#x203A; USA started modeling back in 2016, learning at academies, to jump right into pageants before having graduated his first school yet. He was amazed to have become a runner up, when he had really no experience at all yet. That was the moment, when he knew modeling was his calling. He would love to use what he has learned, to help aspiring models. He wants to help them, to achieve greatness with tips for styling and posing, and even have a few laughs along the way. Styling is all about who we are on the inside, and visualize this on the outside. Taking the creation of a designer and incorporate it into in unique styling, is a great feeling to have and causes pride one feels in themselves, once achieved. That is the feeling he wants to give and share with others, the experience he has felt great pride himself with.

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During the weeks of the competition MR SL ♛ USA had moments of stress, but also pure happiness and a feeling of accomplishment. The competition has given him more self confidence, challenging him in ways, he never even knew were possible. Some challenges pushed him to the break, where he wanted to give up. Others gave him joy, delight and a feeling of pride. MR SL ♛ USA says, the actual magic in pageants is the friends one can make. Candidates from all over the world coming together to realize a dream, to help each other, to support each other, to not to give up. It is the experience, the lessons learned and the new friends, he is so very grateful for. MR SL ♛ USA thinks what makes him stand out from the other candidates is that he thinks outside of the box at times. He can be very bold when creating a styling. The things some would never even dare to use, or think, the colors upon colors, the odd shapes. He is a very passion driven individual: Once the vision is in his head, the possibilities become endless, MR SL ♛ USA says. “I think I should become MR SL ♛ 2019, because I am passionate, driven, and hard working. I have a lot to offer to the fashion industry, and would love to show that. Not just to the establishment, but also to new, aspiring models and designers, as we all walk the road of growth and life together. Second Life always changes, and I adapt well to changes, pushing harder and stronger.”

Saddii Kristopher Michael Valle

MR SL ♛ USA 2019

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MR SL ♛ Venezuela 2019 has graduated and is professional model since 3 years and modeling is his real passion. He owns a company, called NimX, with which he creates tattoos and has a photo studio, too. He is engaged since six months with Rafaela, who is a live performer; and together together they produce and host their own Youtube show “Night With The Stars in SL” MR SL ♛ Venezuela has been co-director and instructor for a modeling agency and the co-owner of another modeling agency for about two years. He has been modeling for different agencies, and has represented Mexico in several pageants, also in the MR SL ♛ 2017 competition. With his participation in the MR ♛ SL 2019 competition, having some experience now, he would like to get crowned as MR SL ♛ Venezuela 2019! All the challenges in this competition have been real challenges for him. But he has set out to be a better model and a better candidate. He has learned a lot from the organization and from his fellow candidates, as well about his own capacities.

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“I am a mature man who knows why he is in Second Life, with professional training as a model, who can bring good things to MISS SL Organization. I am constant and an ethical person, with clear objectives. I love my profession and I put 100% of my effort and perseverance into my work, to achieve my goals.”

Lord Nimakx

MR SL ♛ Venezuela 2019

MISS SL Magazine

Thank you! We thank our sponsors and media Partner for their continued support to MISS SL Organization and the MR SL Pageants. Your contribution is tremendously important for the realization of our events and we hope you have enjoyed the MR SL â&#x2122;&#x203A; 2019 competition. The MISS SL Organization team

MISS SL Magazine

Kenzie

MR SL â&#x2122;&#x203A; YoungStar 2017 Photography: Hikaru Enimo-Lefevre Interview: Kat Carter 96

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KC: Why did you enter the Youngstar competition last year? Kenzie: I am usually always working while logged in, getting carried away with creating. Sometimes I tend to just keep to myself and my platform at home. I had to push myself to enter the pageant, but I love fashion and feel I have a good eye for what works and what does not. I do struggle to communicate well how I feel, so I normally would take a picture to show my emotions. I felt Youngstar was a great way for me to show, who I am and my creativity as kid in here. KC: The pageant is a good way of expressing yourself for sure. Did you expect to actually make it past the audition round? Kenzie: I did not know what I would have to expect, as I have never been to a pageant in Second Life. I was nervous people would not understand the story I tried to show in my first audition. I did not expect to get selected. KC: That is always a fear that everyone has for auditions or shows. How did you feel, when you learned you made it through the audition? Kenzie: Quite proud , as it meant

judges obviously saw something in me, that they felt I was good enough to pass. I felt everyone did well in that audition though. Then I had the opportunity to take part in the next audition, too, thinking I would be less nervous then, but that was not the case! KC: One of the things I love about the YoungStar competition is, that the candidates can choose fantasy cities for their titles. What made you to choose Gotham? Kenzie: I am obsessed with Joker, I have seen every movie hes been in, every show. I just love the character, how he expresses himself through his looks, his strength and humor. I knew instantly that I would have to choose Gotham. KC: So the Joker inspired everything you did in the competition? Kenzie: Surprisingly not, only the Gotham styling was. The styling in the auditions were telling my real life struggles and there was a lot of vulnerability in the stories I told. It was great I was able to be a crow warrior, crows hold a lot of symbol to my real life. I feel one can go through pain and struggles, but everyone can be strong and get through their MISS SL Magazine

struggles, so that is how this styles were created. KC: Which Joker is your favorite? Kenzie: Heath Ledger’s Joker in the movies, but my actual favorite, even though he hasn’t been named, being the Joker, is Cameron Monaghan’s portrayal of the Joker in the TV series Gotham. His characters Jerome and Jeremiah are a mixture of the Joker ideologies, both very different but obviously both are the Joker in the show. KC: Representing the Joker and Gotham gave you a bit more confidence for your participation in the competition? Kenzie: It did. I am fine when I am at my platform and style an outfit for a picture, but put me in front of people and my confidence and everything is gone. The Joker was just a reminder, how different I feel and to express it. Being who I am and to show who I am, the styling I do, when I am alone and then to show them in front of audience and be proud that I was able to step out of my comfort zone! KC: Where do you think, you started to feel comfortable with the competition? 98

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Kenzie: I was comfortable with my crow warrior styling already. When I did the final pose, I could see the comments in local chat. The people liked the style and accepted me. It was just a nice feeling, it is hard to explain. The competition was short in comparison to the MISS and MR SL pageants, but I understand why that is. KC: How did you feel in the finale, when you were announced the winner, MR SL ♛ YoungStar 2017? Kenzie: Disbelief! I really did not expect to be there at all. I was the only one wearing a child body. I was worried about with the limitations kid avatars have, that I would not stand out to the judges. Just to know, the the judges accepted me and listened to my stories, overwhelmed me. KC: How did your title effect your business and your wish to stay on your platform? Kenzie: After the competition I started to be more picky with my store ads, as I found more and more mistakes I did before, and simply could not accept anymore. I am still on my platform though, most of the time, unless I am in modeling in a show or even judging a challenge.

I feel comfortable enough now, to be involved in pageants, it has become a comfort zone. I leave the platform to go to DJ sets too, I am really a bit more social since. KC: How does it feel, not to be on the stage as a contestant, but to sit in the front row as a judge? Kenzie: I really enjoy it, though I miss being in shows. I have had a couple opportunities to be in some shows with MISS SL Agency, which was great, and I was just as nervous again! I feel I have a good eye for fashion and what models are trying to say with their poses. I like to think I am an objective judge and enjoy it very much. KC: How do you feel about being the first MR SL ♛ YoungStar? Kenzie: I feel very honored to have that title and am grateful to all the judges, who voted for me. I hope the judges have felt through the year as MR SL ♛ YoungStar 2017 I still deserved the title and have represented MR SL ♛ YoungStar as they expected. KC: You announced the Top 7 of the MISS SL ♛ 2018 Grand Finale.

How did you feel? Kenzie: I was asked to deliver the results for the MR SL pageant, too, which was an huge honor already. To be a Youngstar and then to go on the stage in the more challenging adult pageants, to give the results, was amazing. For MISS SL just to be a judge was already nice. The MISS SL ♛ 2018 competition was really amazing with the candidate’s level of creativity. It was very inspiring and so it was a great honor to be able to announce the Top 7 results. KC: What do you hope for the the Youngstar competition and your place within the MISS SL Organization? Kenzie: I hope to see more applying for the coming Youngstar rounds and hopefully more challenges and workshops, too. I really hope to stay being involved in pageants as much as possible and aim to continue being proudly part of the organization, to maybe inspire the upcoming Youngstar candidates to just be yourself and go out of your comfort zone. I hope I get to offer advice and support to all future candidates for pageants.

MISS SL Magazine

Ailytha

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KC: What have you been up to since the completion of the first YoungStar competition?

was only one girl left, out of the four of us who decided to join. So it was myself and her.

Aly: I wish I could tell you that I have been extremely involved in the modeling world. But aside from my YoungStar duties, like helping whenever they ask me to judge, I have not done much modeling. I have blogged a little here and there. I do not take sponsors, because I could not do them justice with my time constraints. I spend most of my time as a teen here on Second Life and I stay mostly involved with my school.

KC: You said it was a class at the school you attend can you tell me about the class?

KC: You seem to be interested in the roleplay aspect of Second Life, what made you to join the YoungStar competition? Aly: It was a class at school actually. We have a fashion class and a few of the girls there talked about joining the pageant. I love fashion in Second Life with a passion. It is one of the ways I can express myself here. So I felt it would be a good experience as well as fun, because it was going to be with friends.

Aly: It is called “Fashion Class” and it is taught by Miss Lexie, one of our teachers. She gives us outfit assignments, two a week. And then we come dressed in them at school, and present them in front of the class. We have our own little runway, and we each go up there in our outfit and talk about it. Where we got our inspiration, where the items are from. And just give each other feedback. I have been going to her class over a year now. KC: Does she give the students a subject or an actual outfit? Aly: She will ask for example for a “Summer Outfit” or “Sports Outfit” but tells us to give it our own spin, and use our imagination. Today it was “Sports”, so I created a competitive “Butterfly Catcher.”

KC: How many of the contestants were your friends?

KC: As a lover of fashion, how did you feel about your various looks for the YoungStar competition?

Aly: In the end at the Finale there

Aly: Looking back at them now, I MISS SL Magazine

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would have changed a few things. But back then, I was completely in love with those three outfits I put together. I think I have grown more now and so it makes me, to want to improve them. But it shows, who I was at that time, so I am still happy with my choices. KC: Where did you draw your inspiration for those looks? Aly: I was completely new to modeling, even though I have put a few outfits together in my Fashion Class before. The styling challenges in the YoungStar competition were a lot harder and it took me much more concentration and creativity. I have researched a lot on Google, but I also looked at videos of runway shows and magazines. Anything I could look at and learn from. KC: Which of your outfits did you find the hardest to figure out? Aly: I found the styling for our “Fictional Place” the hardest. I chose Westeros from ‘Game of Thrones’ as my fictional place.To find something, that looked like it belonged in that setting and time was difficult. It took me the longest to create that look. But I enjoyed the challenge and at the end, I was very happy with my choice. 102

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KC: What made you to choose Westeros? Aly: I chose Westeros because I am a big fan of the show. The strength they show, the loyalty and values of one particular family. But each character has something about them. KC: And who is your favorite character? Aly: My favorite character is Jon Snow. He has a great back story. One you do not get to know until the very end. He has always been an honorable man and courageous. He has a huge sense of family and loyalty. KC: So you have your title, your fictional place and you have your outfits. How did you feel during the final walk? Aly: I felt abnormally calm during my final walk. I remember feeling relieved that that part was over and now I could breathe a little. Of course it did not last long, because then the question part came. But it was a nice feeling while it lasted. KC: After the questions are asked, the winners get announced. How did you feel?

Aly: I relive that moment often. It is a funny story. As they were announcing the first runner up and the winner. I thought I was the runner up. When they said it, I started to congratulate the other girl. Suddenly, I got many messages congratulating me. I only realized I was the actual winner, when Marcus himself messaged me and gave me the crown. I asked: “I won?” He said: “Yes! You won!” One of my friends messaged me, to say something and all I could muster up was a thank you. I did not have a speech prepared at all. I did not know I needed one. KC: Looking back on everything, did the Youngstar competition actually affect your Second Life in any way? Aly: I am the same down-to-earth teen as before. My number one priority here on Second Life is school, my friends and my parents. The one thing that did change, is my love for fashion, it has grown. I love attending pageants and fashion shows. If I see one posted, I will go to it. I will support the MISS SL Organizations any way I can. It has opened my Second Life world up a bit more.

KC: What do you like the most about the MISS SL Organization? Aly: Everyone’s creativity. The models, I love to look at their styling. Marcus and Hikaru, when they build the show sets. And the feeling, that you are part of a family, not just an organization. KC: So this last May you got to walk on stage for the MISS SL competition to present the first run of finalists, how did that feel? Aly: I had butterflies in my stomach. I felt very happy to do it and wanted to say the names as fast as I could, so the candidates could know the results. But we did not get a list, instead we were being fed one name after the other, to announce them. So we were learning, who made it, along with everyone else. KC: Are there any suggestions for everyone entering the Youngstars competition next year? Aly: Be yourself, research and trust your first instinct.

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Xuro

MR SL â&#x2122;&#x203A; YoungStar 2018 Photography: Hikaru Enimo-Lefevre Interview: Kat Carter 104

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Xuro: Yes, it have been a few months since and I did have time to relax, meditate, and reflect on the pageant.

Xuro: I got the chance to participate in two shows by the MISS SL Agency, for the Neo Japan SL event and for L’Homme Magazine SL. It still does feel quite new, but also it feels nostalgic at the same time, the experiences I have made in the MISS & MR SL ♛ YoungStar Pageant.

KC: Was there something you did not like during the pageant?

KC: What caught your interest in the YoungStar competition?

Xuro: No, it was just a time of unknotting from the stress that is build up during the pageant. It was also a chance to reflect, what I have done and how I could do it differently and grow to be a better model.

Xuro: It was actually a friend, who recommended me to join the 2nd audition. I did not know there is a YoungStar pageant at all. All I knew was, that there is a MISS SL and MR SL pageant, since I knew someone close to me, who previously joined the MR SL a few years ago.

KC: It has been several months since MISS & MR SL ♛ YoungStar has finished, did you have some time to relax after your win?

KC: How do you feel now that everything is actually over and you had the time to destress? How do you feel about being the winner? Xuro: I feel very grateful to have participated and even have won the pageant, but it does not stop there though. I have to keep improving myself and still have a lot to learn in this industry, as it is all new to me. KC: How does it feel now that you had some months, does it still feel so new or does it feel like you have been missing something?

KC: Who was the friend, who suggested you to join? Xuro: It was the Djembe Dragonfire, who hosts the shows for MISS SL Organization. He was really encouraging during the whole process. It was thanks to him, that i have joined the MISS & MR SL Youngstar ♛ competition. KC: How did you feel when you found out, that you were selected as a candidate?

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Xuro: When I found out I have made it into the competition, I was ecstatic but also petrified, because I really did not know what I was getting into. Of course it came hitting hard with the stress! KC: I know that Marcus offered workshops for those, who have no experience in modeling, have you attended? Xuro: I think they were held on Wednesdays and sometimes I get busy or had to really home in on the syling, poses and styling cards before the end of the week. But I did get a really quick crash course, right at the beginning with Marcus and Hikaru. KC: What about the challenges, what was your favorite? Xuro: There were a few I liked, one was the Anime theme, another the City challenge and the Title challenge. But if I had to pick one. I would have to say the Title challenge. I was able to get more creative with it and use cards from my title challenge place and a script and put them together to make the card jacket flip through at least 100 different cards. KC: What anime did you choose and why? 106

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Xuro: I chose Berserk and for the person I went with Griffith, the villain to the protagonist Guts. I chose him, because of his androgynous style and how poise he was in the anime and manga. There is an elegant but strong leadership inside him that was appealing. I would have to add that the anime, especially the manga, is not for the faint hearted because of its gore and theme. KC: How did you feel about the final of the competition, your stylings and winning? Xuro: I would say my styling for the finale have been more creative than the styling from the auditions and challenges before. But as I look back now, I think I could always do something differently, and improve. I feel like I worked just as hard, as everyone in that pageant, to deserve the title. KC: What did you feel you could do different in the competition, that would make you feel better? Xuro: I feel I could do better poses, especially the ones in the audition and first challenge. Also for my styling choices I would pick something different, also in the audition and first challenge. The past is always the past though, but what helped

me grow is by learning from my mistakes. KC: How do you plan to move forward with your reign as MR SL ♛ Youngstar? Xuro: I plan to help and be part of the MISS SL Organization, being a junior executive assistant in MISS SL Agency is already the first step I took, thanks to Marcus. I also hope to raise awareness in plus-size modeling, which I have brought up to Marcus and is still in the talk. KC: Can you describe what you mean by plus-size? Xuro: There is many different views in the meaning of plus-size, but I do not think I can say anything about the topic at the moment, as it’s still being in discussion with Marcus. KC: What else do you have planned for your time as current reigning MR SL ♛ Youngstar? Xuro: As of part of being the MISS SL Agency management I have been invited by Marcus, to help to pick out outfits for the models in future fashion shows. It is also in progress, as a designer has asked Marcus to help him with a fashion show, and

I have been invited to help Marcus in his task of picking and choosing the outfits that will be shown in this designer’s show. KC: Are you enjoying working in the background of the show? Xuro: Yes, I have enjoyed to be a model in the previous fashion shows and also do enjoy working in the background of the MISS SL Organization. KC: Which do you like more? Xuro: Honestly, I enjoy both the same, being able to show my creativity in the forefront, by walking in the shows, but also working in the background and helping things come to fruition. KC: Is there anything you would like to say to the readers? Xuro: I would have to add a quote from someone close to me, which I still believe in to this day. “Creativity is endless. When you find that creativity, if you don’t put it forward, it will get lost. It is easier said than done, but it is like a motivation that keeps you going.”

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Carolina Omena

MISS SL â&#x2122;&#x203A; YoungStar 2018 Photography: Hikaru Enimo-Lefevre Interview: Kat Carter 108

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KC: Were you surprised to be announced the winner?

teenagers on a fashion runway, so I had to be a part of it.

Carol: When I entered the contest, I did not imagine I could win. It was the first time I participated, I did not know much about all. I learned in every challenge something new, but I never felt safe at all. I always thought something was missing, that I could do better.

KC: As a teenage model in Second Life do you feel that you are faced with different challenges than the adult models in Second Life?

KC: What made you to enter the competition? Carol: I live as a teenager in Second Life from the beginning and always liked fashion. I would have liked to participate in several events, but I never did, because for that I would have to change, who I chose to be. The MISS & MR SL â&#x2122;&#x203A; YoungStar competition was the only event, that gave me the opportunity to participate, being who I am and so this is very important for me. KC: What about fashion caught your attention, and what caught your attention about modeling? Carol: What caught my attention, is that fashion in SL is something great and the importance of a competition like YoungStars, which gives the opportunity to a new generation of models. I loved the idea of seeing

Carol: Yes, the challenges are more difficult, especially in relation to fashion. Before I have never seen any runway shows with teen models, the fashion industry still turns much more around the adults. KC: How do you plan to bring more attention to the younger generation of models? Carol: I will work to bring more opportunities of inclusion of our community to the fashion industry in SL. Marcus has already taken a big step, creating this wonderful competition. It opened great doors for all of us, but I would like to see more acceptance of teenagers in the fashion world. To start with events, which have teenage models on the runways, is already causing a change in the view of the designers. KC: How do you feel it is making a change with the designers? Carol: Showing that the adolescent appearing models also know how to MISS SL Magazine

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style, that we are also able to take responsibility, to dedicate ourselves and mainly that adolescence sells, no less than adult fashion. KC: How did the competition help you, to see yourself? Carol: The competition taught me, to be what I am today, as a model and also as a person, giving me the opportunity to try to be better with each challenge. I see myself as a better person, but still have a lot to learn and improve more. KC: What were some of the things that you struggled with the most during the competition, that you feel you have improved upon, now that the competition is over? Carol: There were a lot of things, but mostly it made me wanting to do better with each challenge, learning from the mistakes made, what I should not do next time. One of the very important points for this is, that MISS SL Organization gives us feedback on everything we do, and so we could analyze and improve each challenge. Today I apply this advices to everything. I learn from my mistakes, to improve more and more.

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KC: What was your favorite part of the competition? Carol: My favorite moment was the City Challenge, I did a lot of research on my styling and about Rome, and I really feel like I know the places I have written about in my styling description. Being able to find the items to create the styling as I had it in my mind, was not easy, I created a first styling and was not happy with the outcome, so I changed, and I think it was better then. KC: What was the best about your outfit for that challenge? Carol: I had to use for the clothing the colors of Romeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s city arms, red and yellow. They were strong colors, while I usually like the pastels more. I was not sure, if I would find the right combination, but with good research I surprised myself with the result. I loved it, really worked hard and I was very happy about it at the end. KC: What do you plan to do with your title? Carol: I really do not know how my future will be. I am going to work, to be a good representative of the

teenagers in MISS SL Organization. I hope I can be a good example and do not disappoint. It is a very big responsibility, and I will always do my best. KC: Do you have any advice for of the other teens out there, who think about joining the modeling community?

Carol: Well, I would say, do not give up, trust yourself, ask for help, never think you know everything already. We are students, this is an area, that changes every day. We always have more to learn, and always have to improve. There is a place for all of us in the modeling community, do not let them say the opposite!

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