Essence of Style Magazine Issue 10 - August 2010

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Content

August

Internal interview with Essence of Style Magazine 3 leading ladies.

Agatha Klees, Ohren Beck and Bliss Windlow on Coverpage.

Cover page photo taken by Cherie Parker for EOS Magazine.

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89 Publisher’s letter Hit the Playa... by Ohren Beck SPECIAL Interview with Colemarie Soleil

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A & A fashion

Designer spotlight with

Nardcotix

Inside the new sim

Streets of Fashion

Who wore it better?

USIVE

The EOS Team

Interview with the three leading women of Essence of Style Magazine

191 LIFEST YLE 89

Kamala Animations

101

Top 5 travel destinations

147 163

Interview with Sheena Kamala Our selection of sims to visit

Home of SLebrities

Inside Angie Mornington’s home

What’s trend?

Dress for less!

SOCIET Y 181

Paisley Beebe

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Quirky Torok

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In an Exclusive interview Our Groovesta of the month

Society pages

Recaps on event that marked us

REDACTION EOS Magazine HQ INXX Mansions 121, 56, 27 mail: eos@inxx-lifestyle.com PUBLISHER Ohren Beck Editor in Chief: Bliss Windlow PA to the Editor: Agatha Klees MARKETING MARKETING PR & PRESS Agatha Klees ART DIRECTION AND COPY Ohren Beck CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Bliss Windlow, Agatha Klees, Lizzyox Allen, Madonna Nowles, Leona Jayaram CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Cherie Parker, Agatha Klees, Bliss Windlow, Lizzyox Allen, Leona Jayaram ADVERTISEMENT For Ad space placements or enquiries contact Commercial Director Luthia Carter Ad Space Booking Ohren Beck

Š2007 - 2010 INXX HOLDINGS

SUBSCRIBE TO THE EOS GROUP VIA ANY OF OUR KIOSK INWORLD Essence of Style is monthly read by INXX Publications in SL. Printed by Ohren Beck using the Intellibook system. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

PUBLISHER'S letter

Summer Vibe hit the playa...

The past months in both world Second Life. I have had the plea of the fine talented residents of S since I got to learn a lot from the my will, had the misfortune of de but drama, and for the most unus consider as «Painful». It is not un months old in SL playing the role how to unbox a package, or how a resident with 4 years under thi something admissible.

I cannot help but wonder at this things have to be this complicat complicity ? We all came to SL for to make someone else pay for ou FOR FACTS be judged, but then, what do we see from the outside or what we « Just because you read it in the magazine, the insides of a person unless o see it on the tv screen don’t make it fac- speak with them later. tual »...Michael Jackson (RIP) Now it’s summer and many of us travelling. This is the period for fu My citation of the month: and discovery. Most of all, it’s the while looking one’s best. Instead «La vie est un long fleuve tranquille. Encore dent did or did not do, simply pac faut-il savoir nager...» ticket and head on to the nearest outside of your country! With the world as of today, not everyone is residents who will not be travelli of the best destinations to visit a

es

6 August 2010

This issue of EOS Magazine is rather indepth, exploring the very essence of what makes people what and who they are; in other words, telling thier story the way it should be told. I feel honored and privileged having a team I can count on, day and night and I could never thank them enough for their devotion. This special issue is dedicated to them, their hard work, their principles.

ds have been crazy ones; particularly in asure of meeting and working with some SL, moments I consider as ÂŤpleasurableÂť em. On another hand, I also have, against ealing with residents that sought nothing sual and silly reasons, moments I seriously nusual to see a resident who is barely 12 of a fool simply because they do not know to use a rez box; but worse when you see ier virtual belts acting as if bad attitude is In other words, if you have nothing else to do than listen to what certain people say or think about you, I s stage, what some people want? Why do suggest you shut down your computed when real life already has its dose of ter and/or laptops and hit the beach r various reasons, but most definately not with your friends RL, in style!

ur misfortunes. It is so easy to judge and e know about people other than what we Happy reading! e are told? For facts, one can never know one gets to actually know them first, and Ohren Beck Publisher & CEO EOS

s are already away on vacation or intend un, sun, fashion, cocktails, travelling, sex e perfect occasion to hit the beach in style of wasting time fussing over what a resick up a small suitcase, get a train or plane t fun city you know, or even better, travel e current ongoing financial situation in the s able to afford a trip; so just for you fine ing, the EOS Team have picked out some and explore inworld.

EDITORS LETTER Ready

for my close-up...

T

hat famous line comes from a movie called Sunset Boulevard and depicts a fading movie actress who, in a desperate attempt to make a big come back to find love and meaning in her life, murders a man. Her ensuing delusions lead her to believe that the police who come to arrest her are actually part of a movie and so, finally exposed and about to be arrested, she descends the staircase to her awaiting audience and delivers the famous line , «All right, Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up.»

Could one line ever say more?

The shades of meaning within those few words are profound. Are our words ever that revealing?

As a journalist in real life you learn to listen to people. It is a must. You will discover that the things people say when they are NOT being asked about themselves,

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tell you even more.

You learn to listen with every faculty you possess.

I find the process of interviewing people to be fascinating. Often times the interview is an introduction to someone and as the story unfolds, it is usually in the spaces in between the questions and the answers, where the story forms. This is where you gain the real sense of a person’s character, or their intent, their integrity, the quality and the substance.

We are always telling our stories.

Every action we take, every thing left undone, every word we speak, every thing left unsaid…these are shaded further with tone, volume, timing and movement. People will always read the words on the page and use that as a compass direction to find the person … from there it will be the follow through that finishes the chapter. The sense of betrayal when the story told and the reality, are miles apart often make it worse than if the truth was told in the first place.

Second Life is a unique space in which to write and conduct interviews because on one hand you have an avatar which is a visual representation of some aspect of a real human being – to what degree you can only guess - and on the other hand you have a world that is built on social interaction, so people must type or speak words to connect to one another. Watching a movie in real life often necessitates you both are quiet and paying attention to the movie – or the other theatre goers

might object. Watching a movie in SL requires discussion as the movie plays or the other person might assume you have gone AFK. There are different dynamics at work. The question then is … how real are we, as we share ourselves in here?

As we describe ourselves, in our profiles, our chat, our interviews …. the “avatar” us .. the one we created so we must know and own our avatar selves correct? ….how honest are we? If we are not honest, then it begs the question .. why create another illusion self? Why not be just who you are and own that? Where do you fit on that scale? How well do you read people?

At any rate, this month’s interviews are sojourns into some fascinating personalities . We obviously have neither the time nor the space to tell the whole story but hopefully you, the reader, will be captivated enough to want to find out more!

Bliss Windlow Editor in Chief of EOS Magazine

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DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT

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A&A Fashion

Interview by Bliss Windlow

Agnieszka Allstar is the fabulous designer for A&A Fashions and part of the new “Dressing Room.” She is known for her designs that are so hot and attention grabbing, everyone asks “where did you get that?” Although not new to SL, her newer store, A&A, burst onto the scene in a whirlwind of activity. She does it well, with great products, super prices, generous availability to the bloggers and superb customer service. On top of all of that. .. she is just a wonderful, amazing person. I sat down to interview her...

BW: How did you get to A&A? What were you doing before A&A and how did you come up with the idea for the style of clothes?

is not enough for me :) The style of my clothes is that what I feel. The kind of fashion I like. Sometimes my design is colorful, funny, sometimes more elegant - the style depends on AA: AA fashion is not my first shop, my mood.

I started with B&C Shop but it was long time ago. When I closed my first BW: What is the soundtrack for shop, I ran a few clubs. After some your life? What music plays in time SL clubbing made me bored, your head, inspires you, drives so I opened AA Fashion, coz I must the creative force? have something to do in Second Life. Talking to people and shopping AA: I like different kinds of music.

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When I am working I especially love to listen to «New Age». I also listen to the music made by my friend Linka Demina - she is a musician in RL. BW: Whose fashions do you follow in real life? Which designers inspire you and why?

AA: I am not inspired too much

by RL fashion. I try to make here something by myself. Most of the ideas for outfits come just straight from my head. Sometimes I take inspiration from music videoclips.

That’s why I created, for example, Lady Gaga outfit.

BW: Does an outfit inspire a piece of jewellery or do you just design in a specific genre?

AA: Items I create don’t have any hidden meaning. I am a workaholic, for some time my only pleasure is sitting in my studio... My ideas come to my mind suddenly - without any need for a great inspiration. Maybe it’s weird, but that’s how it is. Sometimes I notice a lovely texture, and I instantly see that it could be used to make beautiful earrings, bracelet or trousers.

BW: The one thing I was struck with when I first came into your store is that there is such energy and life there .. That is carried through in everything you do … your blog, your designs, your pictures, talking with you. You have this sense of what I call «owning the space you are in» right now. I sometimes see it in performers especially - when they are on stage - you know 24 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | AUGUST 2010

this is what they were meant to do. I get that feeling around you and your designs .. Did you know that coming into this or did you discover it coming into this?

AA: Haha, nice to hear it! Thank you.

I think I am really full of energy. I like to be in the focus of everything :P. I am the same person in reality and in Second Life - and my design lets you know what kind of person I am. I love extremes. Only black or white!

BW: I have not hidden that I am a huge fan of your work. I think the fact you are so trendy and cutting edge and yet there is this hidden elegance in the details ‌ I love your Chemise .. I think they are beautiful .. You have such talent in your sparkly and see through materials .. And I have used your things in very elegant settings. Any chance you might venture a bit more into that side of things as well as all the trendy and sexy offerings?

SKIN: Exodi LASHES: Ema’s Secret and Flugeln HAIR: .Marlys OUTFIT: A&A Fashion Swan Dress NAILS: A&A Dangerous Nails Silver EARRINGS: A&ANA Silver Precious Earrings SHOES: Bella e Scema

AA: Wow, you surprised me. I am glad you like my designs. Chemise tops are also among my fav things I made. As I said, everything depends on my mood, no-one feels sexy everyday :) BW: You have been really smart in the way you have promoted your work, unbelievably generous with the bloggers which has not always been the norm. It has been, and sometimes is still, very difficult to get the designers to allow for demo copies of their works for bloggers to consider.

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Fashion Pants set worn and modeled

by Bliss Windlow SKIN: League HAIR: ETD LASHES: TB SHIRT: A&A Fashion Short Tank Gold Brown JACKET: A&A Fashion Jacket Red PANTS: A&A Fashion Pants Red NAILS: A&A Dangerous Nails Red EARRINGS: A&A Dangle Earrings Gold SHOES: Nardcotix 26 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | AUGUST 2010

SKIN: Candy Doll HAIR: Beautiful Dirty Rich LASHES: Wasabi PNATS OUTFIT: A&A Fashion Pants#4 Netz Shirt JEWELLERY: Chuculet NAILS: A&A Dangerous Nails Silver SHOES: N-Core

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Complete Riha fashion outfit worn by Bliss Windlow SKIN: paper.doll HAIR: Exile LASHES: The Abyss DRESS: A&A Riha BOOTS: Vassnia GLOVES: SD

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Empire complete dress set worn and modeled

by Bliss Windlow SKIN: Exodi HAIR: !!Wild LASHES: E’Dior FACE JEWELS: JD DRESS: A&A Fashion Empire Dress EARRINGS: A&ANA Silver Posh Earrings NAILS: A&A Dangerous Nails Silver SHOES: Bella e Scema

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Could you share your thoughts on why you went this direction and how it has, if it has, benefited you?

AA: Well, I am lucky because for a long time I am a close friend of a really great SL blogger, Linka Demina. She is also a shop owner ([ glow ] studio). She showed me the way to promote my clothes and she was doing this herself as well.

I also got names of other bloggers which helped me a lot. And they still do! Then I started my own blog. I am not bad in Photoshop so i could make the pictures by myself. Being honest - many friends helped me. I see results because every day more and more customers visit my shop.

BW: I would say another signature of your pieces would have to be the fit. You are amazing, your dresses that hug the butt and the details in the material as it stretches over the body .. Your nails are fantastic and so easy‌ they are the first nails I have been able to effectively wear ..

All the rest look like I have some kind of bugs hovering over my hands ..are you just naturally careful with details or did you find some amazing trick to doing it when so many others fail?

AA: I think I just care about my items. That’s the only answer I can give you. Some things I made could be better, I know. The important thing is I really try to make it the best way I can. Good details mean a lot of time.

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A&A Sexy Office outfit modeled

by Bliss Windlow SKIN: Bellexa HAIR: Truth LASHES: UK & Ema PANT SET: A&A Fashion Sexy Office EARRINGS: A&ANA Silver Precious Earrings NAILS: A&A Dangerous Nails Silver SHOES: N-Core

.. What are you working on that we can watch for?

AA: I never know what will be my next project. My main rule is that when I start creating I can’t stop till I finish the thing. When an idea comes to my head, I will not go to sleep before I finish.

Agnieszka is constantly coming out with new and exciting things that I know you will just love.

You can visit her store at: http://slurl. com/secondlife/Feel%20Beautiful/51/88/23.

Her blog is here: http://agnieszka-allstar.blogspot. com/ and her flickr is here: http:// www.flickr.com/photos/10669857@ N03/with/4733202687/ .

Photography by Bliss Windlow

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A DECOUVRIR

Nardcotix

A new shopping Era...

Nardya Rousellot is at it

again! The new NX Headquarters is not just a shopping venue, but another rare piece by this talented lady.

By Bliss Windlow

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H A U T E C O U T U R E

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ardya Rouselot of Nardcotix has just released a whole new line of shoes called Mana. She used the line to open the doors to her new location, and while she is still in the process of moving everything over, and still has not set a specific end date for when it will all be done, let me tell you how worth the wait this has been.

First of all, Nardya’s stores are beautiful. She puts so much thought into the set up and presentation that it is always a pleasure to visit and shop, and this new location does not deviate from that plan. As I mentioned in a recent focus article we did on Nardya, she has carried a bit of the old with her to the new location, just enough so you will recognize the place as hers and the store will feel a bit familiar and comfortable.

I love the new look of the store, the

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style, the building etc. It has great character.

You have got to check out the spa room. It is just too cute for words … beautiful spa chairs with candles and incense and water running … white fluffy towels .. all animated. You can sit back and relax and have a tea or get a facial. Fantastic! Nardya has created a total feeling in this one wing of her store. The chairs are decadent but the art and layout is really well done. I could not help but sit myself down and just relax in one of the many chairs that line the walls. What a great space!

This room is also where she has launched her new nail art. The nail art goes with the new shoes and they all come together in one easy and beautiful hud. Nardya does not miss a single detail. Let me explain.

We all know Nardya makes fantastic shoes. Well she has done that - great shoes with both old viewer and new viewer capabilities. These of course are fabulous shoes for summer and we all know how important a great pedicure is to making the most of that look. You buy the shoes, and then you discover a gorgeous hud that sits on your desktop and looks more like art than a hud. It closes up to a beautiful little decal, easy to leave up and not at all annoying or bothersome. The hud does all the usual things you might expect, but in such a simple unique interface it is actually enjoyable to play with and to make minor adjustments. You can adjust the shoe size without another menu coming up, you can fix your skin colour and customize it to your

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The new NX shoe collection Specially designed for the most exiging ladies in SL, these are a MUST have for every occasion. Now available inworld at Nardcotix

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needs and save those changes. BUT the best part comes with the nails.

You have your normal standard nail colours and the ability to choose and create your own colours as well as tints and shading with sliders for bling, and shininess etc , and then there is an extra tab for Nail Art. In the store, in the spa - to be exact you will find exquisite little tables with nail collections and believe me .. they are art. You choose which set you like, buy it, and it loads into your hud. There is an update button on the hud that you can click to make sure you have all your recent purchases and that pulls it for each pair of shoes you have bought and the hud that goes with those shoes.

So you simply put your shoes on and look at the beautiful art and choose!!

But there is even more! Nardya has done it so that you can do each toe differently if you wanted to. Can you imagine the fun you will have with this - and the versatility?

What a great idea!! Mana …. You have to check it out...

BW

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The new NARDCOTIX mainstore..

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FEATURE STORY

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

The Devil

The Virgin

The Nun, the Virgin, and the Devil. This is what they are known as amon how to get work done. Each of these ladies excel in thier respective dom earth and blunt when required. I do know one thing for sure, rare are m issues as far as SL is concerned, and especially when it concerns three readers, here is the Essence of Style Magazine team in an exclusive inte

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The Nun...

ngst friends. But when it comes to being professional, they surely know mains, giving the best of themselves when possible, but staying down to moments a team stays together for more than 8 months without major e women with totally different personalities. Due to requests from our erview... Presenting Agatha Klees, Bliss Windlow and Ohren Beck.

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FEATURE STORY

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

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Bliss Windlow Title: EOS Editor in Chief Style: Fashionista Main activity: Blogger (Pro) Traits: Fun going, observant Nickname: The Nun

B

liss Windlow is one of those people who have the ability to see more than is really there. She can see SL and recreate it with class, humor, spice and sarcasm. With many activities ongoing in SL, the Editor in Chief of Essence of Style Magazine tells her truth.

styles, many ideas, but how can you define yourself? The real Bliss BW: Haha - I would say the «real Bliss» is undefined-able. I have never fit well into any box. If the quiz is to find out what «season» you are then I always ended up being able to wear all of it and people would go … «no that is not right.» My grandparents who raised me always complained .. «why can’t you just be like everyone else?» Tell me I have to do something or do it a certain way … and I won’t, I can’t.

AK: You are a workaholic, do you spend all the time only writing or doing photography in SL? I doubt so. What is your secret pleasure in SL?

When I had the chance to interview Bliss when she applied to Essence of Style Magazine, I knew she would be perfect and would fit with the BW: Not a workaholic. I do what I “culture” of the magazine. She is love - both in RL and SL. I really do fresh, dynamic and a pain in the ass have a wonderful life and the support when she needs to get things done. and the means to be exactly who I am and do what I want to do. I love She also is part of the staff of Perfect being busy, and challenging myself.

World Productions, and she doesn’t I do have people I enjoy talking to, stop there. Bliss is a quiet blogger I do get out for a dance or to listen and she is owner of 5 blogs where SL to some good music and I enjoy all is part of her inspiration. To work for aspects that SL has to offer. I find her blogs she learned SL photograit interesting to really take the time phy and now she is the proud owner to see and understand what other of a photo studio “Blissou”. Bliss is people like and enjoy. I do have always trying to improve herself and friends that I am just insane with ... she is hungry for new experiences of we go all over the grid and explore learning. and have some great adventures and I like alone time to just think …

This interview tries to explore all the whether it is on my land and worfaces of Bliss, pushing to her to give king on pics or going to other sims. to us a part of her essence and her sense.

Ak: Your jobs in SL mostly involve writing. What do you want to AK: You have many faces, many express, to say, to expose?

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FEATURE STORY

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

BW: Anything and everything about life fascinates me … I could write about anything. If my writing moves people in any way, then I have done my job - whether that is laughter, tears, anger … just to be human and feel something and say something in response .. even if it is just in your head.

AK: Doing your job, blogs, articles, interviews, reviews, photographies, how do you see Second Life? Tell us your opinion about it, the good and bad parts.

BW: Second Life fascinates me to no end because it is so like RL but not like RL at all - for one thing .. I fly in here .. Lol. I was not prepared, when I came in, to find out that SL was such a life line for people ..

And it is. To me, this is better than therapy and way better than drugs.

When people are able to connect and interact in meaningful ways, some of them whom would have no other opportunity to do so, were it not for SL, that is amazing. That people allow themselves to dream again and to do things that they have never tried, or forgot they wanted to, or that the world has told them «you can’t», inspires me. To think that we are taking down the barriers of fears, limits, beliefs, prejudices … and experimenting … I can’t wait to see what someone does next. We are limitless as human beings and this environment reinforces that like no other. SL believed in our potential long before we did :).

What I dislike is our need to erect the same damaging social structure

we have in RL. We put up rules and walls and we judge one another. We are intolerant and unkind. We are afraid that others might also be successful, or more successful, and so instead of celebrating our success and inviting others to do the same we become hoarders …. and it can make us bitter and nasty.

AK: Where you get your inspiration for writing your blogs?

BW: Everything and everybody … my family has always laughed that everything gets written about … and now in here people I know and work with say the same thing. Life inspires me. I spend a lot of time observing things and people.

AK: Talking about the fashion blog, define the trend you prefer do your reviews. What is your criteria to pick a designer, an outfit, accessories?

BW: I love elegant. I am not much into casual and jeans .. I enjoy the sexy stuff now and then, but elegant has my heart. I also love new designers … I hope always that I will be seen as approachable and that I am open to different ways of doing things. Sometimes I know I can’t do a design justice and so I won’t …. I admire many many designers and their talent but it is just not my chosen style. I cannot be all things to all people and feel it is better that someone with passion for the design represent that genre. I have turned down jobs for the same reason. I can’t do it if I don’t feel it.

AK: Pick your favorite blog, the

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FEATURE STORY

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

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one you enjoy more. Why? What lars in flickr who give me feedback make it special? … I absolutely depend on all that support to grow and learn. I love BW: You mean of mine or someone taking photos. I love the creations elses? I will answer both - pick of clothes, the avatar, the locations, the one you wanted :). My blogs - the technology in here …. I mean can’t pick because they are part of NONE of that is my doing. All I am me. For different reasons …. When doing is taking the beautiful matesomeone takes the time to say rials and arranging them in a way thanks, I laughed today, or those that says something to me. For were words I needed to hear, or each photographer that is unique. loved your outfit etc … that tells me I do serious photos and absolutely I did my job. I don’t have counters amateurish-on-purpose photos …. on my blogs, just a joiner on Blisse But I love it all. The focus for me? for the blogzine. I don’t care about Is the intangible behind the avatar. the numbers … I never want to write Have you noticed how you can tell it for numbers .. I want to write for me is someone even when they change and for «you.» skins and shapes? Why is that? I

want THAT to come through in the Other people’s blogs … don’t have picture. a favourite .. I read voraciously humour, social commentary, political AK: You are part of the staff developments, world events, sports of Perfect World Productions, ….it changes every day. There are funny, not writing in this job. some talented bloggers out there I Tell us your experience in this enjoy, some great writers in SL. different approach.

AK: Let’s talk about your pho- BW: That has been an interesting for tography studio, what makes me. In real life I have done a lot of you different of other photo- media work as the one being intergraphers? In what do you focus viewed. In real life, I am the one when you are taking a picture? with the support staff. I liked the

challenge of this for me, applying BW: Hmmm…. I have soooooo far to what I know to the other side of the go yet. WOW, I am just learning. fence. It has made me much more This is all new to me and I am well appreciative and aware in RL and has aware that I am in a big big pond of taught me about my own need for very talented people. When I look a bit more «team» attitude. Some at some of the work out there I am of those lessons have been painful amazed and so excited that one day but it is all good. I have tremendous I might know how to do that. I have respect for Paisley, her talents and to say groups like PhotoLife that are how hard she works. There are lots so generous with helping one ano- of details to be worked out but I am ther, and people like Cherie Parker very organized. Meeting the guests and AtomicSparkle Skytower who has been fascinating and the rest, in encourage you, and even the regu- the end is all about sorting people AUGUST 2010 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | 51

FEATURE STORY

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

and personalities - not so different that exact moment…or it would from real life. It is good … it has be at the ocean, the mountains or in the rain forest. I love Canada made me grow. and the Mountains there .. but AK: You have a vision of SL and a Australia got under my skin the particular way to see the world. moment I set foot on it. I love What is your concept of SL frien- the earth here. I love the trees.

I walked into a huge rain forest dship? for the first time and I wept .. I BW: SL Friendship is like any other was so overwhelmed with the friendships in life ... you have to work ... life force .. the feelings of all at them. People seem to have this that has been in that space ... expectation that someone comes I did not want to go. Nature along and they should be perfect, always puts life into perspective and when they aren’t - they bail. for me. And of course .. any time Working through problems is what with my hubby is bliss. bonds people and where you really find out where their hearts are and AK: You had been tagged like who you are. I tend to have more a nun. It’s because you are too male friends, I always have AND I shy, too naive? Tell me the story have some wonderful friends on behind that nickname. here that I love completely. They make my day when we spend time BW: HAhahahaha. Well YOU TWO together. I have some wonderful (Ohren and You Agatha) have comwomen friends, including someone pletely corrupted me. I mean I came very special who cannot be on here on here a wide eyed innocent. right now, who is going through hell, that I try to write to often in RL - AK: Your are part of the 3 fab even though she is half way around women of this interview. What the world and we have never met. is your opinion about Ohren and I met her here. Unexpected frien- me? Don’t be shy and share your dships with people you work for and truth. admire and respect .... and then find out that you love them and you are BW: HAHAHAHA. Good question so glad for the opportunity to share Agatha. I think that working with a small part of your life .. those are both of you has been the best. We pretty amazing. I am very fortu- share the same work ethic in that we all work hard and independently. nate.

Ohren doesn’t babysit you when you AK: Share with us the bliss do a job. She hires you and she lets you do your work. That is sooo resmoment of Bliss Windlow. pectful to have that kind of employer.

BW: For me that would be lis- When there is a problem, personalitening to a piece of music that ties are left at the door, and we deal speaks to my soul - music and with the problem. The work is the words .. totally lost in it and living work and it comes first. I like that 52 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | AUGUST 2010

there is no drama, both of your call it the way you see it . There are no games. BUT on the other hand I have never laughed so hard and had so much fun …. I think the three of us just should not be allowed out together in public unattended .. for public safety and all ….

The goal to capture the essence of Bliss was accomplished. Her devotion for life, her professionalism to work, her point of view of things and her sense of humor is revealed in this interview. A first approach to Bliss Windlow, because this lady is like a ball of fire, full of energy and leaving her trade mark where she goes.

Agatha Klees reporting for EOS

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Agatha Klees Title: EXEC PA & EOS Journalist Mode: Fashionista Main activity: DJ Traits: Fun going, observant Nickname: The Virgin Agatha Klees arrived in SL in March of 2007 only by curiosity. After 6 months of camping, gambling and shopping for mostly freebies, she decided start to work to improve her SL experience. A British man decided give to her a chance and hired her as a host/manager in his jazz club (Midnight Jazz). She learned a lot and she knew she wanted more.

She added a new job to her time at a model store where the designer enrolled all the models in a model academy. That is how she graduated as a model with the group of store models, some of them are currently very recognized in fashion industry.

In 2008 she left the store to focus more on runway shows. Through her work here she was accepted into many agencies but the most prestigious was EVANE. She was focussing her time in a management role in 2 jazz clubs and also a new jobs like hostess/bartender, passing for many different clubs: Midnight Jazz, Bogart’s, September Rain, Phat Cats, Seven Ultra Lounge and private parties.

2009 was a strange year. She decided come back to fashion and she started to be model trainer in many academies with success and good references. She left the management/ hosting/tendering role in clubs and started with DJing. Also she became AUGUST 2010 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | 55

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co-owner of Midnight Jazz and a new venture of rental business. Also that year she was part of management staff of the exhibition of OrbeSL Magazine at SLB6. With her needs to learn more and more, she was hired

by Ohren Beck to be her personal assistant.

In 2010, she became mentor and teacher for the hispanic community and started to create poses and animations under the brand AK Poses associated to Cumbia Team designs.

MN: How long have you been DJing in Second Life? What’s your musical style

AK: I started in 2008, but since 2009 I’m doing it in a professional way.

I’ve played many different styles, passing between smooth jazz to latin music. But the style I do enjoy most is trash-pop because I adore when people sings those embarrassing pop songs no one wants to admit they enjoy, like Rick Astley, New Kids on the Block, Roxette, Ricky Martin.

MN: Looking into your back- People just get so excited with it ground, it is pretty obvious you and all of them can sing at least the are a full time business woman, chorus.

DJ, model trainer and executive PA for INXX. How do you manage MN: With all of your ongoing to pull this whole thing off wit- activities in SL will you continue hout losing sleep? performing in SL during the next months to come?

AK: In fact I’m sleeping more than before. I’m very active and when AK: Playing music relaxes me and I got my first job in SL (in 2007) I for now I only work in one club one realized how much I enjoy be busy time per week and that’s enough to and I tried to do all what I can recharge my batteries for the rest of because I spend great time doing the week. The environment it’s awedifferent and new stuff. I’m blessed some and the people there are very with this activities than let me enjoy friendly and that feed my heart. my SL experience without too much stress. But this isn’t free; I worked MN: Outside of the music scene, very hard to get this level, I started you recently took on a new working from zero, first like hostess adventure and started up your for long time, model store, barten- own animations & pose store, der, manager of some club, RP in a Congratulations :) magazine, etc etc. These jobs helped me to get more experience in SL and AK: Thank you! Like you say, it’s anoalso helped to pay my wishes (every ther of my adventures of the moment. girl needs go to shopping). I have to I’m so active and I always wanted confess I had periods where I didn’t create something but construction sleep too much, mostly in 2008 when isn’t my skills also photoshop. I took I was hostess full time, and believe some lessons of animations and I me, I won’t come back to work like tried some, and I realize I can do it that anymore. and not feel frustrated or demanded of time.

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MN: With animations store like Abranimations, Vista, or even Body Behaviour, how do you intend standing out of the crowd while avoiding competition?

sky and with an idyllic environment in a lost island. Sadly we closed last month. It was my first job in SL and I fell there when a friend invited me to a private place to dance and I get the group. After couple of weeks, a guy of that group called for a manager, and I thought I can do it, so I applied. After a year and for my dedication to the club I was invited to be co-owner. Midnight Jazz was and still is my home, my fetish and my passion. I gave too much for it and it gave me my best reward: my best friends. In Midnight Jazz I met almost all my closest friends or we hang out there a lot. Was hard took the decision to close the club, but was time, were 3 years non-stop and the club needed to rest for a while.

AK: Not at all. I’m not intending to compete with huge established companies. I still have too much to learn to improve my animations and I’m not rush, for now it’s a hobby and I’m grateful I can sell my poses. Of course I would love be able to work full time in my animations, but I miss people. I like be rounded of people and I like spend time chatting and talking with my friends, of course I like my quiet moment but when I work hard in my poses I don’t talk with people and I feel like a oyster, I need breath.

MN: Are there any future plans of expansion or continuation of MN: Where do you see AK Poses Midnight Jazz? in 12 months?

AK: With Quirky Torok (my partner AK: I’m not having too many expec- in crime in Midnight Jazz) we spoke tations for my store now. It’s a tiny to re-open it, but I don’t know in business for now. Of course I want what terms we will do it or when. make it bigger. My goal is try to do People say second parts aren’t good realistic animations for fashion shows and I’m afraid the club will never compatible with walks animations be like was before. Maybe we will and realistic transitions between open a new club with a completely animations to make look the designs different concept but Midnight Jazz in a perfect way on models. It’s a won’t come back. challenge and a dream, but if I don’t have a goal, I won’t do anything.

MN: You also own and run a private room rental agency for MN: According to my sources, couples; can you tell us more you have a club, Midnight Jazz, about it? you’ve been running the past three years. Can you tell us about AK: That was a risk I took in the this place? finals of 2008. I met an extreme funny guy who has rental rooms in AK: Midnight Jazz was planned to be SL. I was intrigued and amazed how a private and intimate place, open sex sells in SL like it does in RL. I AUGUST 2010 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | 59

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don’t know how, but he invited me to open a new venture: Sexy Ventures. We calculated budget and we put a date to start with 4 rental rooms. I worked and save all my money doing efforts to not spend it.

When we get the money we needed, we opened the rooms in Feb 2009.

What I most enjoyed was designing the room, shopping for the furniture and trying beds. The concept was create luxury hotel rooms with a lot of romance and classy environment to spend time with your partner, not the “doggy style”, so we picked carefully every tiny detail to decorate the room, starting on textures to the floor, trough sex engines and finishing with the curtains. Everything must be romantic and with exquisite class. Sex sells… and I’m not a nun to forbid it.

poses at the runway and she was telling me about the hud she was working on to change poses during a show and not wait until AO do it, I can’t believe it!. Photo contest were the most common fashion icon, now its pageants. Fashion is evolving and growing to be more professional, but keeps the same level of importance. Agencies are coming and leaving, same like stores. It’s the same with other industries in SL, building, music, sex, roleplaying, everything keeps the same importance and everything is evolving to be better, if you stay quiet you will die. SL moves so fast and all the industries are growing and becoming bigger.

MN: You are a model trainer, but you don’t describe yourself like a model. What made you decide to be involved in modeling? What MN: Fashion seems to be the are your goals? keyword on everyone’s lips inworld. Over the past months AK: I’m a graduated model and I won we’ve seen new fashion agencies some contests in the past. I tried and stores emerging. What do to be a model hardly in 2007-2008 you think of the Fashion indus- but let’s face it, Fashion runs mostly try in Second life? Do you think in European time and I am lost if fashion is going to be an indus- I can’t be online on those times. I try that will eventually monopo- enjoyed so much my training when I lize the grid? was in the modeling school and I felt so sad when I saw I was unable to AK: I think fashion is present like a be part of the industry and some of big industry in SL since the begin- my classmates where going higher ning. The structure is changing but in and higher. I quit modeling idea for fact it’s almost the same. I remem- a long time meanwhile I was focuber in 2007 the high icon of fashion sing in hosting and managing clubs. was being a model store and fashion But suddenly I could come back like shows were just starting to appear, I trainer in the same academy I stuhad the privilege to share classroom died. I was nervous to dead and with Sequoia Nightfire and Monica every weekend I went to all the Balut and you see how those ladies fashions shows I could. I started to are very well known now. I remem- follow the program of the academy ber I was helping Monica to use the and meanwhile I was teaching I was AUGUST 2010 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | 61

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trying figure it out how to make my students be perfect. In some way I started to create my own implements to teach my students tricks I found out to explain how to deal with runway. Catwalk got my attention for the day 1 and I focused in improve my technique to teach how to walk. My goals? See my students getting the top. Honesty, that’s my goal and my reward. The best thing is see my students in the list of the best models on runway. If they are the best it’s because I did my job quite well.

almost do pee in front of a screen is when a group of friends we get an empty place and start to play with our launchers. I had the watermelon launcher but other friends had a teddybear or a cow one, hilarious and makes a day.

AK: Philip Linden: Please, can you get more slots for groups? Can I organize my friend list by categories? Can I stop to have lag? Can I not crash anymore?. And also, thank you for create such a marvelous world and let us, too residents, creates and makes SL what it is.

MN: What would you do differently now?

MN: Is there a particular moment in your SL life that you regret the most?

AK: I had in 2008 a painful moment.

I got involved in a lie and calumny, I was tagged and someone hated me.

Was a full drama and cost me a lot MN: If you could meet anyone and that happened because I keep a in the world dead or alive who friendship hidden to not make suffer would it be and what would you to someone, but finally the secrets hurts more than the truth. say to them?

MN: What are the best moments you have had in Second Life?

Most memorable moments?

AK: I helped to increase drama, I was part of the drama instead of be away knowing all what people said was a lie. What I would do different now it’s not hide anymore. I learned to be away of drama and I can spend time in SL with more happiness and less stress. How to do that? isn’t a good reason to hide, maybe you will hurt with truth, but truth is painful for some minutes, secrets can hurt for life.

AK: Pfffff. I have so many stories to tell, many achievements and failures. I think I’m a bible in SL. But if I have to pick some I have 2 in my Madonna Knowles reporting for EOS Magazine mind: 1. camping on a bench. I spent incredible moments in SL camping, camping was a social activity in 2007, I spent hours camping and laughing with friends.

2. fighting with watermelon launcher.

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Ohren Beck Title: EOS CEO & Founder Mode: Hum...

Main activity: +++ Traits: Solitaire, Creative Nickname: The Deville Ohren Beck originally started SL with the sole target of learning how to make animations. But after spending almost a month on a plot rented from Feel at home’s owner, Clara Young, she decided to start off her own real estate business inworld using a mere 3096sq m plot of land.

On the second month she made her first sim aquisition, one she called fondly «Ohrenisia», hereby expanding her real estate activities.

Later on the same year she started a dance club with her partner as of then, that was originally called «Club O». A club that was animated by the popular DJ Improlibra Silverstar.

The name of the club was later on changed to Jazzie’s Jazz Club, which became a popular hang out for jazz lovers gridwide.

In october 2007 Ohren Beck started making shapes and building furnitures, items she eventually made available for sale to public at STYLES Body Shop and Luxuria Designs respectively.

In the middle of August 2008 Ohren beck made aquisition of a fashion agency name uniquely, InStyle Fashion & Modeling Agency. An agency name she had a hard time acquiring due to the non validation from previous owner. Ohren Beck finally decided to build up a brand AUGUST 2010 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | 65

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new agency using some of the previously existing team members on board. The fashion agency held it’s first fashion show late august, then in september, Essence of Style Magazine was born.

Up till date Ohren Beck is still devoted and commited to her activities in Second Life, continuously providing services and products of haute gamme.

BW: Ohren, lets cut straight to the chase. You have earned the name of «bitch.»

You freely admit it in your bio. Why do you think that is and what do you have to say about it?

OB: Actually there is not much to say about this in the sense that one cannot always please everyone. Not everyone is happy being told the truth to their face, it even destroys friendships between two people at times.

But then personally, I feel the truth is better said than a lie. I have a big problem with ego trippers or people with attitude problems, so there are days I tend to tell that kind of person off, politely. I stop being polite when it turns into drama because I think one has enough of that in the real world. Trust is not a gift, it is earned.

So when I see people abuse trust or tag me a bitch because I am fighting for what I think is just or right, so be it. Like one of my favorite sayings goes... «take it or leave it, I come like hard pure uncut diamond.»

BW: Why do you think there is so much drama in SL? I mean yes, there is drama in all of life, but much of it in here is really petty, junior high quality drama, what 66 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | AUGUST 2010

is that about?

OB: I think most of the drama that happens in here happens mostly because certain people think SL is just another virtual game where no one cares. Although I know there is no smoke without fire, but then, I strongly believe most drama’s are provoked because of misunderstandings basically. I’ve unfortunately assisted to some dramas inworld, mainly the kind of drama that makes no sense in the first place. Now I know better I steer clear of drama while brandishing my «NO Drama» pan card in the air hoping it’s visible to those who only seek drama for free.

BW: You had the very successful UVogue and there was all that mess, then you shut it down completely. Now you are back with INXX – talk to me about that a bit. What is it about that the gossipers and haters left out completely?

OB: Laughs... Before I elaborate I would like to clarify one thing though; I am not «Back» with INXX. INXX has been existed since 2007 under the name STYLES, and still remains a very active part of my business in Second Life. UVogue came much later after INXX and yes, it did have its share of success indeed before it closed. Personally I would not care to know what the gossipers and haters left out while narrating their version of the story, but I do know that when something begins to get out of control due to uncommitment from one or two of one’sstaff/team members, one has got to make the wisest AUGUST 2010 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | 67

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decision, which is not always the most pleasant. I originally wanted one of my team members to run UVogue, but after an incident of which I had one of my instructors say to me, «I m glad you are no longer CEO of UVogue;» ;then seeing the person I leagued the agency to not doing anything to calm the situation, I was rather bitter. Bitter because I spent months defending each of them everytime it was necessary, making sure they got the maximum respect from clients or students likewise. At this stage it did not feel right at all handing an agency I had to rebuild from scratch down to people who were not ready to portray the basics or ethics of the company. Finally, I guess the gossipers and haters forgot to mention that I was being kicked by certain of the people in my entourage while the hand over of UVogue was in course, but then, I guess everyone has a right to their own ideas and thoughts... non? :) All I can say as far as UVogue is concerned is that I had to do what was best for me and my principles. If i ended up hurting someone invonlutarily, i apologise, but i strongly believe it is always good to take a step back and think things over, no matter the time it takes.

BW: What is your passion? You are obviously incredibly creative and talented, but what drives you behind all of that?

OB: Why thank you Bliss:) this is an indepth question. I am passioned by a lot of things, but mostly driven by people. People influence and inspire me in my work. Whether they are the people that I have worked with 68 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | AUGUST 2010

in the past, people that I work with on a daily basis, or people that have done incredible work whom I’ve never met. When even I am in the process of building or landscaping, I try to vision the end result in my mind so i can bring it to life. Nothing beats the feel of satisfaction one has afterwards.

BW: Why Second Life? You left at one point for awhile, shut everything down and then came back. Why did you come back.

What is it that wasn’t finished?

Photo by Zeb & Sly Studios

OB: Oh now that’s a long story.

Before Second Life i was in the process of creating an online RPG Medieval themed game that required lots of contents and resources, as well as good fluid animations.

And at that period I was mostly on Active Worlds, the same place I met a friend that tried to get me to visit Second Life during two weeks.

I finally caved in then created my very first avatar, FunkyD Ferraris, one I used to explore Second Life and was pleasantly surprised to see all the creative opportunities made at one’s discretion. I discovered the way animations were made in/for Second Life was totally different and so realistic. That was where I fell for Second Life, with learning how to make animations my principal target and decided to start a virtual life in here. And since then (2007) I’ve been rather very active inworld.

I will not say I «left» Second Life for a while, since I had to leave due to the RL surgery I had last June 11th 2009. I had to take some time off SL to focus on myself as a first life person, above every other thing AUGUST 2010 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | 69

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while trying to heal faster. I think it is normally for one to take some distance and pull back after being in here the past 3 years.

I finally came back to SL to honor my engagements towards my clients, while keeping my other activities running smoothly. Absence too long has a knack for killing business :p

BW: Who do you see in the morning when you get up and look in the mirror?

OB: Lol I make it a habit not to look in the mirror when i get up in the morning because I think I might be scared by the truth of what I discover I’m is turning into. I’m the «wake up in the morning and run to the coffee machine» kind of woman.

BW: One of the things that I think really sets you apart from other designers is that you do your own textures now and it really shows. Is originality important to you … does every aspect of what you do have to have the Ohren stamp on it? Do you ever allow yourself to get to a place where you are happy and can just maintain status quo?

OB: Oh yes, there are days I try not to seek the ultimate perfection, simply because I believe perfection does not exist, even if we try to make things perfect. I believe the quality in a product matters a lot, be it a simple cup down to a complete bedroom set. Residents grid wide spend thier L$ hoping to buy products that suits their needs the most, low prim but oozing quality, class and style. I remember my noobie days 70 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | AUGUST 2010

when I had to shop around and found nothing that really suited my needs.

And when I did, they were majorly over priced and no mod. So yes, I do love knowing that once someone looks at an INXX made product they see my stamp and quality brand. Â BW: What sets INXX Fashion apart from other fashion design houses?

What is your vision for the company and where it is going? Will we see the modelling re-open and who will be teaching?

Any collaborations happening here?

OB: INXX was originally created for residents who like me, seeks extremity in product conception and quality, equally standing out of the crowd of what one tend to see these days in SL. It is sad to say that ever since sculpty maps were introduced in SL, 6 designers out of 10 use the same sculpt maps and most of the time, they do not bother to revamp them so they don’t look like OPP (other peoples property). INXX has for project the continuation of quality services while providing the very best of virtual luxury. After 3 years of running each of my business activities separately (OHRN Estates, Luxuria Designs, now INXX Designs, STYLES Body Institute now INXX Fashion & Lifestyle, coupled with the magazine) I finally recently merged all my activities inworld to use a single brand name, INXX, centralising all services proposed in an easy to find and use system. My target remains the same, providing quality services and products to discerning clients of SL that has trusted me over the past years. It is thanks AUGUST 2010 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | 71

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to them that I still have the courage and drive to continue, I could never thank them enough. The modelling agency is scheduled to be re-opened late September, in collaboration with Tempest Hennesy. We are not sure as of now if we will re-introduce the Modeling school because of time schedules on both sides. Though I am looking forward to collaborate with more European fashion designers this time.

BW: Ohren you have been around SL for some time and certainly know the designer/business side. Where do you see SL going

not consider it just a game for «Nolife’s», encouraging when it is seen from that perspective. Though I feel LL can do better as far as the protection of contents made by creators are concerned. Unfortunately the lack of indulgence on their part the past months has made some old time designers close their shops and leave, of which I do not blame them at all. This is certainly bad for business and as long as copy bots exist and/or thieving characters exist, content creation is SL remains a debate. I am hoping with Philip Linden’s return SL will find some of it’s old appeal.

BW: Describe your vision of fashion and beauty to me. Define it.

OB: My vision of Fashion and beauty is not based on what I think is trend or not. Fashion is more about art and the creativity in anything one creates. I can find beauty in almost anything cliché, but realist. Even if it’s not our conventional idea of beauty I can always find something and evoke an element or idea of fashion or beauty from it. We as individuals set fashion, we do not follow it. and is it anywhere close where your ideal hope would be that it BW: How do you know when something is enough? A relagoes? tionship, a business, a situaOB: Outside of the new viewer 2 I tion… where is the line for you? think Second Life has evolved in a positive way since 2007. At least we OB: Simple! The instant you begin don’t have to log in and find shoes to anticipate the moments you log stuck up behind, or get kicked out inworld or dread it, even... that is of the grid because of unexpected the exact moment you realise. maintenance or server issues. SL is taking a rather positive turn world- BW: If you could hand pick wide and it is great to see people do the perfect team to take on SL 72 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | AUGUST 2010

Design, Modelling, Magazine, vision and commitment. When you and Events … who would you know her …. the real woman …. you pull on that team? cannot help but be impacted by her example, and when you have made OB: Now that is a hard one to crack. her a friend …. your life is blessed.

I have had the privilege of meeting some very talented and respectable people in Second Life over the past years, and have even had the pleasure of working with many. It would be hard to give names on the fly because I love to learn, and i know working with people on the same creative level is always fun and fulfilling as an experience.

BW: Tell us about the new sim .. What is there and when is the grand opening?

OB: Aha! Curious now arn’t you :).

All I can say for now is that the new INXX Fashion & Lifestyle sim will be officially opened to everyone from 3rd of September if all goes well in both worlds. That will be the main store location where of course, I will continue displaying unisex shapes, eyes, clothes, and a new game of fashion products (surprise for now).

The current body shop sim will be closed from the 10th of August up until then.

Ohren Beck is one of those rare women who see the big picture and pays attention to the details. She works hard, keeps focussed on the work, and simply refuses to put her foot in the crap many choose to wallow in daily. She has never claimed to be perfect, in fact, she is honest to admit much she has learned from the mistakes she her- Bliss windlow reporting for EOS self has made .. but the woman is simply extraordinary in talent, AUGUST 2010 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | 73

MODE

DRESSER

STREETS OF

FASHION With Bliss Wind

T

his Issue we look at a hot little cocktail dress in our quest for who wore it better.

Our two lovely “volunteers” – ok I begged and promised they could remain nameless and it was not a pretty site and I think they actually gave in just so I would go away :) – actually were at the same party in the same outfit!!

How easy was that? Now usually this is a disaster and cat fights would ensue but both ladies handled it with grace and decorum.

Lets have our 3 panelists weigh in on their thoughts: Jude Highfield: Wow both are very sexy. There are things I like and don’t like about both of them. The one on the left is a bit too bar girl for me. I think the dress rides too high up on the hip and there is something about the style with her curves that makes it look like that. I don’t like the strap on her leg but her necklace

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dlow

Who wore

it better!

Article & photos by Bliss Windlow AUGUST 2010 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | 75

MODE

DRESSER

is ok and her skin looks fantastic against the black dress. Her hair is messy which I think adds to the kind of “trying too hard” look. I would give her a 7 out of 10. I do like it but not nuts about it.

The one on the right is sexy but it tones it down. The dress is enough without all the bling and I like the leggings with the straps and then the basic heel. It sort of says more with less if that makes any sense.

I would give this one 9 out of 10.

Whinter Paine: Hmmm. I love the one on the left completely. I like the curves. I like the colour of the skin against the black, I love the accessories but am not crazy about the necklace and her bangles could have been bigger and chunkier. I love the hair, I love the attitude. She is rocking it. 10 out of 10 for me.

The one on the right is ok but nothing pops. She could be going to the gym. Safe and boring. Hate the leggings and the shoes are just too dull for words. I would give this one a 5 out of 10.

Bliss Windlow: Wow this is hard for me because there are things I like about both of them and not a whole lot that I really do not like.

I love the colour of the skin on the one on the left with the black. Love the way it hugs her curves and she does really own the dress … you can see the attitude in all her accessories etc. I like the hair and 76 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | AUGUST 2010

her make-up and think yes, she could have gone with even more wow with the accessories. If you are going to do that the chunkier bigger pieces would have been really great. I would give it an 8 out of 10.

I like the one on the right for many of the same reasons Jude said. I really like her look but then I look at the dress and think maybe the leggings - as great as they are – just are with the wrong dress.

The hemline of the dress seems to cry out for a bit more pizzazz so I would have to say perhaps she missed the boat a bit on that one area. Love the look though but would have to give this one a 7 out of 10.

Ok .. that wraps up another issue of Who Wore it Better but what do YOU think?

Remember we want YOUR vote on these two on the website. After you read this – go to our Lifestyle page to find this issues picture – and register your comments and vote.

And listen .. if you and your friend (s) want to get dressed up one night and compete against each other in a vote off here in the pages of our fabulous magazine … just give me a shout and I will take the photographs!! If you would like to be a panelist to review the outfits in one of our issues, again, drop me a line! blisswindlow@ hotmail.com AUGUST 2010 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | 77

SPECIAL

Musician/Machinimist/Desig

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ColeMarie Soleil

gner/Photographer/Artist

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SPECIAL

ColeMarie Soleil Exclusive interview by Bliss Windlow

ColeMarie is one of those people who crawls up inside your heart and finds a place that was always meant just for her. There is something so pure about her vision and approach to the world that you know immediately you are touching greatness in her presence. This is a young woman who has the ability to do just about anything … and she probably will.

BW: ColeMarie I felt at times, watching some of your work, listening to your music that I was in almost a scared place .. .a place that exposes your soul .... is it difficult for you to touch that place within yourself over and over again and expose it, or is it simply the only way you can create?

CS: I’m not sure it’s really a «scared» place. I think that I have lived an unusually intense life. At a very young age I had to learn to use my voice to survive. I think I knew instinctively back then that, I needed to learn how to project that I needed help and was in trouble through my music, because I have a hard time speaking to people. Communication is not really my strong point. I think I developed the ability to project how I felt into not so much what I sang but how I sang it. The inflection in my tone, the notes I sang, how I sang them. I felt it was important to speak without speaking.

I think art is a big factor in me still being around. I guess I didn’t realize it so much really until SL. I don’t think my creation comes from one specific place or thing. I create when I am overfilled with thoughts and emotions and need to purge in order to be able to function, whatever mood that may be.

BW: Talk to me about rockerfaerie where did she come from, what does she represent within you?

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SPECIAL

CS: My bestfriend Jesse Vaughn nicknamed me «The Water Faerie» when I was younger and, over time as I played music more, his petname for me evolved into «RockerFaerie». He drew a picture of me as a faerie and I sort of based my avatar around that.

He passed away a few years ago and I found SL a few years after that. I guess my whole faerie thing comes from my actual personal obsession with faeries.

Ever since I was a little girl I’d been writing faerie tales and talking and learning about them, collecting artwork, anything I could get my hands on.

He used to tell me that I was the most faerie-like person he knew and it sort of stuck with me even after he passed on. He was a big influence in my life and I miss him everyday, so, I guess, RockerFaerie is my way of remembering him. Corny but true.

BW: So much of your work plays with light, in visuals, in metaphors. You can’t fully express and understand light without also expressing and knowing the dark. Is this a spiritual theme for you, a struggle you feel, an understanding of life and death? What does it mean to you?

CS: Um. Haha. Not sure how to answer this question. I learned a lot about how life really is very early. Put it this way, there are just some things people never should see and I 84 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | AUGUST 2010

was subjected to them at a very young age. I’ve just lived a very strange life and seen a lot of very gritty harsh truths about the world and what it means to be human. I’ve been to the brink of death a few times and I think that might be where a lot of my more painful stuff comes from. I am very piscean in the face that, I can be sunshine one minute and a black hole the next. It really depends on what’s going on around me. I’m like a mirror, I reflect the things around me. I think most artists are that way.

BW: The sadness that permeates your work, does it define you?

You obviously have tremendous ability to empath .. how do you deal with that? How do you cope?

CS: I think that my reality defines me. The things I experience. The things I go through.

I guess I just don’t do happy well. It’s not an emotion I am very familiar with. I think that sadness just sort of runs through everything I do because there is this weight I carry around. My friend AM Radio once said something very wise on this subject. He said to me: «you know... and I know that we see the world with a much wider eye than most people. it’s the source of talent and our ability to communicate through creation, like your music. But it’s also a burden, there’s the bigger picture, a stack of baggage we carry around, we hurt AUGUST 2010 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | 85

SPECIAL simply because someone else does. we get angry because we recognize ignorance when no one else does» I think that I cope through my art and the amazing network of people I have who reach out to me and love me despite me being difficult. I have some amazing support here, I have to say. I have some really good friends that stick by me.

BW: I get a great sense of the significance of your friends. You seem to experience them as family, allowing them to mother you, you mother them, and always there is this sense of having each others back ... can you talk about what these relationships, specifically those you have found in SL, mean to you?

CS: Hm. I think my close bonds with my friends come from the bonds we’ve created here through music and art we’ve done together or around one another. I think that SL has the ability to reveal a layer about people that we don’t see so easily in day to day non-virtual life. I’ve experienced this first hand after having friends I knew outside of SL come in. I saw things about them I knew were there but, I was surprised how FAST I had seen them about them here, versus how long it had taken me to realize those aspects to them even though I’d known them for years and years and have very deep friendships with them. SL is strange in that way. I tend to be very maternal. When I care about people I tend to look after them and want what’s best for them and they do for me. I have found family in SL through amazing people like Kriss Lehmann and Shai Delacroix who have taken me under their wing and adopted me not only here in SL but they treat me very much like real family. They have been very supportive for me and I owe them so much. Also there is AM Radio who is one of the best friends I’ve made in my whole life. He’s been sort of a guardian angel as cheesy as that sounds. Always really supportive of everything I do, and always reminded me how special my talent was. He really pushed me when I would want to stop. Then there’s Bryn Oh. Bryn Oh is like my other half artistically speaking. She’s been pretty much my backbone. She does so much for me. I don’t think I could ever pay her back if I tried. She’s been a huge inspiration to me and one of the most influential people in my whole life. Bryn is just special and I am glad she’s my friend. She’s very unique and empathic herself and she’s able to look at the world a lot differently than most people. She always reminds me of why I still try and create when I don’t always remember myself.

BW: You often sit in amongst the crowd when you perform.

I found that really an interesting experience. I almost felt like 86 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | AUGUST 2010

you created this sense for me that I was alone with my emotions.

I listened to your music and I found myself exploring me. Do you think about things like that when you make those decisions or is it simply what feels right?

CS: I like to make the audience comfortable. It’s a conscious decision. For me... music is about the shared experience. I think that music culture sometimes gets too wrapped up in the «who» and not the «what». I think that it’s important that the audience feels a part of the music and not disconnected apart from it. I think it’s a symbiotic relationship. The listener and the performer. I don’t think one is more important that the other. I guess that is why I loathe the whole idea of a stage.

BW: I know your life has been full of ups and downs .... can you share the most important thing life was taught you and tell us why that lesson is so valuable to you?

CS: I think the most important thing I’ve learned is nothing. It is important to realize that life goes without one person or another. I think that teaches

BW: Is there anything else you would like to say or

that I know on with or humility. share?

CS: I’m not very good at these things but I guess if I could add something I’d just add, you define your own success. Not other people. What works for other people might not work for you. Be you. Even if that makes it hard. At least you’re not a zombie.

BW: What can we look forward to? What are you working on now?

CS: I have an EP in the works. I also am working on a new SL Couture line. I am always creating new machinima. There are some projects in the works for that as a collaboration with another musician here in SL. I do a lot. It changes everyday really. Who knows? We’ll see.

Colemarie soleil now has her Couture line up. You can find out more about ColeMarie but visiting her website at: http://www. wix.com/ColeMarieSoleil/The-RockerFaerie

By Bliss Windlow

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DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT

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Sheena Kamala Kamala Animations

Sheena Kamala, owner of Kamala Animations, is an interesting woman. Originally attracted to SL out of curiosity when she read about Anshe Chung becoming a millionaire through land sales in SL, she found, like the rest of us ‌ it is just not that easy. Up until that point she had only used a PC as a word processor so there was a big learning curve, but, once she started speaking to people, she found work as a dancer, and then a hostess .. and she was hooked...

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DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT being wheelchair bound or other health issues, SL is an amazing way of making contact to the real world and to other people. It’s also a good way to make a bit of pocket money if you have the skill and discipline, BUT above all, second life can be a lot of FUN. LJ: Do you think you, personally, and your avi are similar people or are you really living a Second Life? What are your major differences if there are any?

LJ: What do you like about SL? Would you recommend it to anyone and what would you tell them?

SK: SL can definitely become an allconsuming hobby, whether you are here just for fun, to make money, wish to make new friends, or find a partner for the real world, or just for SL fun and a SL relationship. If you are a creative person, SL offers so many avenues to learn new things, such as learning to communicate with people, building, making your own textures, sculpting, scripting, creating your real life fantasies in a virtual world and of course animating avatars and prims. In real life you may not get this opportunity, but what SL definitely offers is so much support, through friend s, through groups and through learning ways of being able to find out how to do things. If you have time on your hands or even if you are in a situation of being stuck indoors, as many people I have met are, like

SK: Hmm.. a good question. I am personally very much like the character I am in SL, although in SL I am more good natured. I care about what people think and I care about whether my customers are happy or not, so [I] always try to give that added extra when dealing with people, particularly with my custom animations. So yes.. pretty similar in character. Avatar-wise.. nothing like.. I am not Japanese, (although I am small), and I don’t go around wearing flip-flops with socks all day long :-) LJ : You have opened a very successful business in custom animations, I was curious and checked it out and your animations are amazing. So many people chose «occupations» in the fashion and music/entertainment world, is there a specific reason for why you chose to deal with animations?

SK: I should add first, that although my main business is custom animation, I also have a full sim shop of thousands of animations copy/trans-

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Warming hand animation pose

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DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT

Playing guitar animation

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Shooting arrows animation

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fer for builders, but the majority of vendors also have transfer only or copy only pose balls for personal use, so the business is twofold. Getting back to the question of why I now do animating as a business.... I have tried just about everything, starting with dancing, hostessing, recruitment agent, advisor on club builds, then I learned to build and started teaching others how to as well, I learned how to make textures and how to sculpt, but then I discovered animation and was smitten.

I love to animate avatars, to make them ‘live’ and I enjoy seeing how happy other people are when they try out my animations. I cover just about all animation needed in SL ( apart from dances), animating toddler, child, adult, furries, or beast avatars going about their everyday business, from bathing or showering, to doing the household chores, weapons, sex, AO’s, having fun or even having a trade. I changed my avatar when I discovered how to animate, I love it and it’s what makes me stay in SL, and animating is what I want to be known for.

LJ: Do you have a fountain of inspiration for these animations, or is it done just for profit?

SK: I never really thought I would make a profit from animation to be honest. I did it because I enjoyed it. I am naturally creative and enjoy putting my ideas

into fruition. I am constantly thinking of new ways to animate avatars and my customers are amazing with the ideas they come up with. Trust me, I am never stuck for inspiration.

LJ: What are you goals for SL, have they changed since you entered SL? SK: I never had a goal when I joined SL. I think through my curiosity and through my chattiness, I met the right people and learned what SL is all about. I think everyone has their own forte in SL, some choose building, some scripting, some having fun, some animating or some just doing what they would like to do in real life and probably can’t. I have a goal now and that is to be good at what I do. Animation is constantly evolving and I try to evolve with it and do the best that I can to achieve what is required by people.

LJ: You are partnered in SL, is your relationship professional or romantic?

SK: *chuckle*.. I started to build for my partner in my last avi and had no intention of any relations forming, other than working together. But we clicked pretty fast and now we have been together in real life for over 3 years. I moved [cross] country to be with him and [to] have a good relationship. He tends not to get involved in SL much anymore, so I have built up the business and my customer relations and surprised myself with what I have managed to achieve in one and a half years.

LJ: At this moment, are you able

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Reading book animation

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DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT and sometimes cannot be available for all their “urgent” animations or at least have them made within a click of the finger. I love SL, I love my work in SL, but sometimes I actually also love my real life. Schizophrenic?

Yeah.. probably lol :-P If you are interested in seeing some fantastic animations, make sure you check out Kamala Animations or contact her for custom work.

LAID BACK ANIMATION Smooth animated pose to shut your computer off and say that you’ve done all you could in SL and don’t wish to come back?

If no, why not?

SK: No I can’t! SL is a part of my existence now. I am trying to survive on what I make here. I am still without my own home and would love to get my own place. I have no other means of income. I am in a foreign country, with foreign laws and no support, so it is a constant battle to survive. My partner has an extremely sick mother which also weighs heavily on our daily lives. So in essence I would say that SL is a component of my real life, one works hand in hand with the other, so to switch off SL would be like switching off part or my real life. There are of course times I would just like to be myself in real life without the pressure of SL, because it can be very stressful sometimes and very, very busy, always. What some people don’t realize is that I am not on line 24 hours a day, I do exist in real life 98 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | AUGUST 2010

Sheena Kamala CEO KAMALA ANIMATIONS

Couples animation

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Travel Destinations

TOP 5 DESTINATIONS By popular request, this months selection of top travel destinations are carefully chosen for the best virtual experience; featuring beautifully landscaped sims with realistic ambiance and feel. To visit each of these sims simply click the link tabs.

ERIE ISLAND

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TITANIC

GOT PAS

SSPORT?

Take a walk on the wild side...

TEMPURA

INTIMATE MOMENTS

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Virtual Harlem a recreation build in Second Life, based on the real life borough of Manhattan. The name “Harlem” taken from “Haralem” a Dutch village in the Netherlands. THAT city was organized in 1658. Harlem of Manhattan, was annexed to NYC in 1873 and came into its legendary status during

By Bliss Windlow

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VIRTUAL

Harlem

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the 1920s during prohibition and the infamous reign of organized crime that punctuate that part of American History. It is also a city of tremendous social and cultural significance with some of t he greatest musical talent ever known having performed at the venues of The Cotton Club and the Apollo Theatre. Both of these historical tributes to African American history are recreated here in SL. The Cotton Club has many of the pictures and memorabilia of the famous performers in its heyday during prohibition. While the likes of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, etc performed at the club, the club itself denied admission to “blacks” as patrons and audience members. It became a social hotspot and Bryan Mneumonic and his group here in SL have done a great job in trying to recreate the space and also pay hommage to the historical significance.

The Apollo Theatre can be visited and one can almost hear the ghosts whispering back stage. One of the most famous music halls in the US, the real life site is actually listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Again, this was THE showcase for some of the best of African American talent. Buddy Holly was perhpas the first white to ever play the hall in the late 50’s. Since then, while still mainly a celebration of African Americans, white music acts have made prominent appearances throughout its history.

As you wander the sim you are 106 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | AUGUST 2010

struck with the charm and the history. Many of the buildings can be entered, there are further museums and tributes to the period and even the opportunity to buy some clothes and totally slip into the period feel. Older model cars, the old trams ... all lends to the ambiance of the incredible NYC. Obviously some creative license was taken in the recreation but this site is really worth it.

The sim is used for classes and productions and musical performances. Both The Cotton Club and the Apollo Theatre as useable and the ambiance at the Cotton Club would make for a lovely night dancing or listening to one of the many great SL performers. There is a great feel to the whole place and I think the designers have done a good solid tribute to the era, to the buildings and the social significance of prohibition and the history of the African American Culture. I particularly liked the parks with the tributes to Martin Luther King and I just sat there for awhile and reflected on some of the many things that man did for us all.

Virtual Harlem is well worth a visit – you will want to leave yourself a bit of time, the sim itself will not take much time to visit, but you will want to stay and just immerse yourself in the whole experience.

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TEMPURA

Island

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TEMPURA ISLAND by Lizzyox Allen Tempura Island, made by Kikunosuke Eel, is one of the most famous sims on the grid. It was featured on the second life main website in a short video showcasing some of second life’s grand locations. Tempura Island also has a great blog, http:// japan-tempura.blogspot.com which shows all the great snapshots of all the different faces of Tempura along with new and future additions to the island.

When I teleported into tempura, I found myself in a sort of hub atmosphere. There were many people around and it was quite laggy. Once I left that area however, the lag lightened up. There were two, very detailed, forests on either side and a very royal bridge straight ahead. I ventured into the forest to the right because it was more autumn and looked exciting. There are so many small details and perks that it was such a treat to explore. All the different trees and “areas” really pulled you in and made you keep going to see what you might find next. I finished exploring there, returned to the hub and this time went across the bridge.

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I put my sun setting to midnight. It was gorgeous! It was such a romantic setting with the subtle lights and the water below. There was a giant castle in the distance which added to the excitement. As I made my way down I discovered a cute little midway rest spot where some people were sitting about and chatting before heading to the dance area set up on the water.

up. A small apartment that I would have no problem living in!

As I kept walking around the sim and exploring, I found another interesting area. It seemed to be some sort of forest.

I walked inside and it was pretty. Full of all different greens and earthy tones, grass and shrubbery. It was wonderful. I loved walking around inside. Then I stumbled upon a small stream. It was coming from

As I approached the castle I was blown away. It was something I would fantasize about visiting when I was a little girl. I eagerly went up the big red staircase and opened the door, inside was a luxury ballroom, perfectly put together. There were people dancing and having a grand time.

Along the sides were luxurious couches filled with those not up for a dance. The detail I was most interested in was the floor. It was extravagant and beautiful like the rest of the ballroom, but it had a realistic reflection similar to a real life ballroom. It was astonishing.

After I spent sometime with some brand new friends, I decided to continue my exploration of Tempura Island. I took one of the side doors and went down a hallway. Not an ordinary hallway, a hallway adorned with beautiful chandeliers. That was when I truly felt like a princess.

I noticed an area of grass and a mysterious glowing item. I took some steps downward and went for a closer look. It turned out to be a beautiful waterfall structure pouring out onto the land below. Surrounded by tall grass and mysterious glowing particle it was a miniature magical moment for me. I loved it. I noticed some “pier like” deeper within the forest. pathways besides the structure and took those. Several moments later, I ended up As I was following it I came upon another at a small hut. Inside was a gorgeous set AUGUST 2010 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | 115

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unexpected surprise. A gorgeous, detailed, waterfall. Waterfalls are one of my favourite things and I couldn’t help but playing around and exploring this one. I cammed upward and discovered all the water actually flowed from a fountain. The water tumbled over and went down all the rocks. I loved the idea.  That is one of the great things about visiting these sims and their talented designers, the many creative ideas that are so freely shared!

Tempura Island is full of fun and surprises, especially, for those who love exploring and finding secret hidden areas. There are so many different areas and themes to check out - forests to ballrooms - to flower meadow getaways. My favorite thing about the island has to be the palace. It was the castle I always dreamt of as a child, and the 116 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | AUGUST 2010

ballroom just completed the whole feel for the castle. Second life even featured it! If you are up for some fun exploring, Looking for someplace to spend some romantic time with a loved one, or just to have some good ol’ fun with the family then I would strongly suggest taking a visit to Tempura Island! Have fun with your second life adventures!

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Rms

TITANIC

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RMS TITANIC by Lizzyox Allen Have you ever heard the story of the Titanic? This famous ship was the largest passenger steamship in the world. She set off on her maiden voyage from Southampton, England on April 10th, 1912 and four days later on April 14th she struck an iceberg and sank. 1,517 people died in one of the biggest peacetime maritime disasters in history. The ship itself was incredibly elegant! With the help of Second life and Mara Menges, creator of the Titanic sim, I can now explore the Titanic in all its glory.

The teleport to the Titanic delivers you to the docks. Behind you is a fantastic shopping centre full of fabulous (and some 122 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | AUGUST 2010

of my favorite) dress designers. I was not prepared for the amazing shopping available at this sim. Through out the whole ship there are tons of great designers showcasing their items.

While I was on my way to the ballroom there were so many cute dresses that it was so difficult to resist buying every single one. Forget malls, cruise ships are the new shopping centres!

It also seemed that there was a full house of designers renting the space, and there is a lot of space on that ship. You might want to check it out for your shop!! Next time I need to go shopping for a gown im definitely paying a visit to Titanic instead of a simple dress shop.

Standing on that dock made me feel like I was back in the 1900’s awaiting to board, with all the excitement! The first place I wanted to check out was the one place the sim is known for - the romantic ballroom! After walking through some hallways, I finally arrived at my destination. It was pretty well done! There was a bar where I could imagine the adult passengers gathered together in groups enjoying some “juice,” and there was a stage with a classical piano on top. This would be great for a quiet intimate corner after the feet were sore and you wanted to wind down the evening and enjoy the great ambiance.

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The actual ballroom itself is gorgeous. I could imagine the guests dancing to the music and having a great time while out at sea. The chandelier is the showpiece and with the music and all the excitement of being on that ship, it must have been spectacular. I think about the movie The Titanic and how lavish everything was and this build takes you right there.

The ballroom is open for dancing, and it is a great date

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destination for any couple wanting something different. Join in the total atmosphere and dress to the nines, dress the period if you like and while the night away on the most famous ship in history but unlike its real life counterpart you are safe from icebergs as this one never sets sail!.

Right by the ballroom is another great location at the back of the ship. There is a lot of space where people could dance, just in case the ballroom was filled of course.

There is also a really cute moon and star setting complete with poses where a couple could cuddle and have a fabulous time and maybe grab some pics. The places for pictures for your blogs or special memories are really great. There is also a really nice overhang adorned with plants and that people could either sit or dance. That is the lovely aspect of all of this, you can be part of the crowd in the grand ballroom or find a quieter place to enjoy your special someone. Also the view of the water was just beautifuil!

Please consider the Titanic for your next evening out. And remember it is always nice to let the sim owner know you appreciate their work. Mara is wonderfully helpful!

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INTIMATE

Moments

Perfect place for lovers...

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INTIMATE MOMENTS

by Bliss Windlow This beautiful sim created by the group Dolce Vita is an oasis of romance.

Mountains and sea, waterfalls, reflecting pools, walkways, a light house, hidden places, intimate settings, even a shopping mall .. they did not miss a thing.

The dance floor is a simple but effective marbled floor with rounded columns .. .the ceiling is the sky and the stars of the sky and any setting you choose. It was packed when I tp’d in – clearly a very popular spot considering it was a Monday very early evening. Everywhere you turn the scenery is beautiful and detailed but not to the extent that you can’t move or that you cannot take pictures.

There is a whimsical moon on top of the mountains and lots of little unexpected places tucked in, complete with pose balls and a little privacy. The lighthouse and the windmill make lovely silhouettes and a couple were hugging as they watched the sunset on top of the lighthouse. Nice moments and I found the music to be really appropriate for the type of sim.

My favourite part of the whole thing has to be the garden room. I was happy just to sit by myself in the beautiful open room with semi transparent scenes on the walls that can see through to the garden. The lighting , the overlays creates such a soft textured effect, it is really quite lovely. Again, you can dance or cuddle and the whole thing is removed from the dance floor itself so it is very romantic and pretty. Outside there is a lily pond and more beauty .. and it I right 130 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | AUGUST 2010

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on the ocean.

Everything here is well signed, and easy to use. It is really one of the most lovely sims I have been to in terms of the connection between the design, layout, usage and effectiveness. You know how some of the builds are just so beautiful but you cannot move or take pictures and it is not practical for anything but standing and looking at even though it is soooo exquisite? You certainly cannot wander or dance. This is so practical – which is not a good word to combine with romantic but those of you who love these kinds of romantic places will know exactly what I mean.

I cannot wait to bring my special someone and to make the walk from the dance floor past the waterfalls, through the path into the mountain and arrive at the garden house for a little “us” time. Please do check this one out and enjoy. What a great job!!

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Erie iSLAND

Article by Lizzyox Allen

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D

o you have a fear? How about a nightmare? What would you do If I could tell you that there is a place where all your darkest fears and frightening nightmares are a reality? On the grid there is a haunted role play area named Erie Isle. There are other role play areas on the grid but nothing is as terrifying and scary as Erie Isle. Are you brave enough to pay a visit to this wretched area?

As soon as you walk into the Role Play zone you are waist high in eerie fog.

Walking on dark cobble stone streets I arrive at a coliseum looking building that was very dark and mysterious. Â There was a danger sign on one AUGUST 2010 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | 139

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of the door but I am no chicken and went right on in. The building is definitely a older one, there are cracks in the walls and the wood is dirty..

As I slowly walk up the creaking wood stairway, I quickly turn to see there are pieces of wall all over the floor. Maybe someone or something broke in? I ran throughout the halls, quickly turning, trying to find a way out. Then I suddenly ended up completely in a hallway of mist.

All the ways were covered in different colored graffiti. I didn’t mind it too much until my eyes caught on one of the sayings. “Die”… dripping down the wall in blond writing letters. With extreme caution I continued my exploration.

Thanks to a saying my mom used to tell me, I back tracked my steps and eventually got out of the creepy building. I continued on down the rode in hope of finding another… “interesting” area to explore. While I was walking down the main path there was a mysterious stone path going down the beach. With only optimistic thoughts in mind, I went down the path. Leading to a bride I went across and kept on following the path that was on a separate island. I was so alone something could happen and no one would know. Spotting a mutant of some sort attacking a innocent ship I quickly ran the rest of the way down the path, ending up in some sort of town.

Walking down the dark streets past the abandoned buildings I wasn’t sure where to go. I was just aimlessly walking around. I then came across some sort of yard. There was a abandoned circus tent and I have a huge 140 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | AUGUST 2010

fear of clowns, so I just crossed the bridge straight ahead. I was now in some sort of waste land and saw a bridge not so far in the distance. It was covered in fog but that never hurt anyone. Once I crossed I was in some sort of campground. There were parked trucks and a fire roaring. A big ship had a “no trespassing sign” but it looked abandoned so I just went inside.

Above deck there was the usual pirate ship stuff - canons, captions steering wheel, sails’ made out of fabric. The stairs to go below deck were open and I was growing curious so I went under. I was really surprised! There was a cute little kitchen set up and a pot on the stove.

Some one was definitely spending their days below deck and certainly made themselves feel right at home.

That wasn’t exactly a terrifying find so I went back above deck and left the ship.

Next to the ship was a bridge, with a quite funny candy cane colored pole.

I crossed the bridge and saw a mysterious building in the distance. There was a really detailed fountain with some sort of winged creature adorned on it. They looked armed and dangerous and the middle creature had a mysterious light in its hands. I was more interested in the building itself so I continued my journey up to it. While walking there was some sort of structure. I went inside and found a garden type area. It was actually really tranquil and nice.

All the colorful flowers everywhere, peaceful water, intricate stone structures. It was actually a nice place to hide from all the frightful things here AUGUST 2010 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | 141

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on Erie Island.

I continued on my way down the path. There were some sort of neighborhood area but I really wanted to keep following the path. I then passed some flower fields, kind of like the ones that serial killers hide inside waiting for a passing victim to pull inside and murder. With that in mind I quickly walked past the field until suddenly there was no more path - just an eerie forest in front of me and I wasn’t sure what to do.

I stopped my journey there. I don’t want to spoil the isle for you! There are so many secrets and surprises hiding inside Erie Isle, it is a great place to explore, especially if you are hunting for a scare or two. This is also a wonderful role play area. So what are you waiting for! Go face your fears and test your bravery alone or with friends and see who lasts the longest.

Happy adventuring!

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An

Angie Mornington of the successful television show Fabulous Fash (Taped Live Mondays at 6:00)

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ngie Mornington EOS’S TOUR IN ONE OF THE MOST GLAMOUS HOMES IN SL

hion with Angie Mornington.

By Bliss Windlow

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ngie Mornington, the host and producer of the highly successful Television Show Fabulous Fashion with Angie Mornington, is our first spotlight in a new feature for our magazine - Homes of Slebrities.

I chose Angie to launch this new section of Essence of Style because she has an incredible eye for details and quality, as well as a deep appreciation for creativity. It is indeed her signature that makes her weekly editorial on SL Fashion such a success.

Angie’s home is breath taking. Upon arrival I was immediately impressed with an overall sense of peace and calm. She calls her land «Serenity» and it is aptly named. I have seen a goodly number of houses and builds in SL but this house had such specific details and thought put into every placement, it took me only seconds to actually be there in my mind. I

could see this home in real life and I was visiting Angie.

Angie is quick to credit the talent behind everything.

Tya Fallingbridge did the house which Angie has modified. «She was responsible for my falling in love with home and garden. When I first came to SL her store was the first one I found that had everything in it, clothes, furniture, pre-fabs. I was hooked.»

The house itself is beautifully open and functional, inviting one in and flowing beautifully. The whole presentation created that sense of unity - whether you were outside on the patio, down by the beach, or in the bedroom .. It is all just one cohesive living space.

I found the contradiction interesting because on one hand Angie is incredibly private and yet her home is so open and inviting. She is quick to point out that her home is on a corner lot in a very private estate area of Reach Isles and she has intense security. «This is the one place I come to be quiet. I can be creative. I can think. I have to talk so much in the rest of SL with the show and everything. Here I don’t.»

Angie chose her land because it has the ocean view and a high number of prims. It is easy to see why she needs the prims. Her love of the details, her collection of art, her expression of who she is … it is all there in gorgeous detail. Again Angie credits the designers who think enough to put food into her fridge, which she can open and actually take something to eat.

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Textures are everything, and just as she modified the house, Angie will take a couch and change the pillows or redo a bed. I love the way she took what was to be a Jacuzzi and redid it so it became a beautiful lily pond complete with gentle butterflies… such a simple and pretty effect. «I am always on the look out for new stores and new designers. I like designers that grow and evolve and am disappointed when you see the same things and designs that were here in SL when I began. SL is always evolving and changing and there are so many new tools available.»

Angie admits to changing her style and her houses frequently. She collects pre-fabs and sees them like her canvas. She enjoys the process of creating. Colour, textures and collections, she mixes and strokes and the result is a beautiful environment that captures you and pulls you in , every little casual nuance adding to the overall feeling. A blanket tossed here, a pillow plumped there …. an unexpected hidden alcove to sit in and ponder.

I asked Angie how much of this home reflected her real life style and if her designing attempts in SL had influenced anything in RL. «All of this is my style…. except with an unlimited budget of course .. lol.» I don’t live near a beach in RL. I don’t do beaches in RL because they are just dirty. So I get to live on one here and it is perfect. As for influencing me in RL … I would actually paint my walls white in RL now and I would not have done that before.»

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«Just look at the talent of these people. They a lot more attention.»

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y deserve

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Angie commented that this was the year people woke up to the talents of the home and garden designers and she is glad it is happening. «Just look at the talent of these people. They deserve a lot more attention.» We at Essence of Style Magazine could not agree more with Angie and want to thank her for sharing her home with all of us and for the most fitting kick off to this series. The woman has style and class … and it is clearly evident in everything she turns her hand to.

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Yes!

What’s Trend Not! Article & photography by Leona Jayaram

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Model: Leona Jayaram Turban: Bohemian Glow in Gray by !_Ce Cubic Effect Hair: Ambrosia in Powder by !lamb Skin: Makeup2 In Eclat Light by Lelutka Jacket: Stigma Jacket in Black by Lelutka Top: Luciana Bodysuit in Neutral by R.icielli Bottom: Joanne High Waist Shorts in Teal by R.icielli Boots: Vintage Armada Boots by *kookie* Gloves: Glamour Gloves in White by *SL* (Shit Luck) Glasses: The Beat Glasses in Oxidized Silver by Paper Couture

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What’s Trendy...

This summer

By Leona Jayaram

D

epending who you talk to the trends for spring in 2010 are as varied as the many style which intrigue us. Essence of Style takes a look at some of the most common ideas in all the variations.

Furniture has one of two extreme looks at either end of the scale. Minimalistic is in but with a slight adjustment - gone are any hint of wood or metal framing on the couches and chairs and that is replaced with neutral colors, detructured shapes consisting only of the material and the stuffing. The setting is sparse yet inviting with a few pieces - all set lower to the floor making it easy for someone to pull up a pillow and use the floor. Experimental shapes for bookcases and tables also make a brief appearance.

This look is then met at the other end of the spectrum with classic romance and royal flamboyance. There is no holding back in detail and mixing of rich fabrics , florals, stripes, tapestries, lace … the more the better as long you commit to complete abandon and luxury.

The one theme that is repeated in 166 | ESSENCE OF STYLE |AUGUST 2010

Model: Leona Jayaram

Hair: LEA2 in Sweden by Lelutka Skin: Makeup 2 in Eclat Light by Lelutka Phone: Telephone! in Black by rbcg Jacket: Blazer in Red by (madsy) *closed* Top: Nude Mid-Drift Top by Wasted Youth Skirt: Ruffle Flower Skirt in White by mijn.t Heels: Baby T’s in Black by Pixel Mode Gloves: Glamour Gloves in White by *SL* (Shit luck

k)

both styles is the use of metallics expecially in the tables. Rich golds and silvers show up in both the details and bold pieces which take centre stage.

Our gardens are all about water conservation and native plants.

Reusing old things and making them beautiful by planting something in them is a common theme. Bright colours are everywhere.

As always there is a shift in lifestyle from indoors to out with cooking and activities. Green is on everyone’s mind and enjoying a healthy lifestyle with physical activities such as swimming, tennis and hiking are there.

Exploring and appreciating nature is one way to celebrate spring and get involved in the local area clean up along those wilderness areas and parks and rivers and lakes that everyone so enjoys. Plant a garden with the kids and be careful of too much sun and leaving behind any debris.

This year is all about stewardship and responsibility to self, to our communities and to the earth.

Hair and Make-up for spring takes us back to romance and ease with loose curls replacing the straightend dramatic shapes. Buns are loosely gathered such as seen in recent releases from someof the designers such as Fri.day, Lamb, and Maitreya which always seems to be one step ahead of the trends. Red lips are still in but a reintroduction of coral appears as seen in many of the skin designers offerings for spring. This coral should just kiss the lips, be sheer and look like you have just eaten fruit as opposed to being painAUGUST 2010 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | 167

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TREND ted on in thick layers that overpower.

All the make-ups for spring have a sheer quality to them even tans which are back are a light bronzing glow as opposed to sprayed on.

There is a shimmer with the translucence and for heaven sakes .. Lose the french manicure - especially for the toes - and opt again for coral which look great against a tan.

Clothing for men can be summed up in casual with the look of traveling. Loose fitting,roomy, comfortable, and slightly tossled sums it up nicely. Orange is big big big in mens fashion with many of the big designers providing bold offerings of this unusual colour in menswear. Funky throw one sneakers are still around as well as new wave boat shoes in bright and dramatic colours. Shades for both men and women should be wrap around or angular frames.

Women’s Clothes come in softer shapes like drapey mini dresses.

The maxi dress returns as does tailored vests. Look for a shortened military jacket. Prints of all kinds‌. graphics, abstract, tribal-infused patterns, polka dots, plaids, stripes, flora .. mixed and matched .. fill the runways. Yellow is a prominent colour.

Shoes for women are big with metallics , patterns and straps. Gladiator sandals from basic to sophisticated, open toed boots, sculptured architecture heels .. the unconventional.

Again, funky sneakers are the rage for a more casual look and contradicted with dressier, feminine clothing. Shoes are paired with other accessories such as bright textured

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Model: Leona Jayaram Right Hair: Part of Eclat Skin by Lelutka Skin: Makeup 2 In Eclat Light by Lelutka Hat: The Commander Cap in Black by CheerNo Glasses: The Player Sunglasses in Gold by Shade Throne Top: Racerback Tank in White by [COL] (Church of Luxe) Bottom: Darda Skirt in North by Lelutka Boots: Vintage Armada Boots by *kookie* Left Hair: Principe in Platnium by CheerNo Skin: Makeup 2 in Eclat Light by Lelutka Jacket: Stigma Jacket in Black by Lelutka Body: Meshington Body Suit in Silver by Royal Blue Heels: Armadillo Plateaus in Mamba by Pacadi Jasha

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Model: Leona Jayaram Hair: Cricket in Sand by Kin Skin: Makeup 2 In Eclat Light by Lelutka Glasses: {The Blues} in Teal by Mustache Bodysuit: Darling Baby in Seal Maedb by Pig Belt: Wide Waist.Belt in Grey by fri.day Heels: Armadillo Plateaus in Vivid II by Pacadi Jasha

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tote bags and wide material belts.

Fingerless gloves are another must have and retro cocktail hats and headscarves are all the look.

Jewellery is chunky and competes for attention with mixed materials all found in a single piece .. Materials like metal, wood and enamel.

African influence is found in chunky geometrically shaped bracelets and necklaces are bold statements neckpieces designed like art.

Electric Blue and metallics dominate. But remember, more important than anything we can recommend is that you be comfortable with your choices. Of all our fashion accessories and pieces we choose for our home, nothing is a sexy and beautiful as confidence so ALWAYS listen to that inner Diva because SHE knows best for YOU!!

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Model: Leona Jayaram Hair: Sour in Butterfinger by !lamb Skin: Makeup 2 In Eclat Light by Lelutka Dress: Floral Tulip Dress in Yellow by {SMS} (So Many Styles) Tights: Nishar Leggings in Dirty Black by Zaara Heels: Pow Pow Pumps in Tan by Lelutka Gloves: Glamour Gloves in White by *SL* (Shit Luck)

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Model: Leona Jayaram Hair: Cricket in Sand by Kin Skin: Makeup 2 In Eclat Light by Lelutka Glasses: {The Blues} in Teal by Mustache Bodysuit: Darling Baby in Seal Maedb by Pig Belt: Wide Waist.Belt in Grey by fri.day Heels: Armadillo Plateaus in Vivid II by Pacadi Jasha

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Model: Leona Jayaram Hair: Witch in Powder by !lamb Skin: Makeup 2 In Eclat Light by Lelutka Sunglasses: Tapered Shades in Neutral (Pack)/White by Epoque Shirt: Draped.Back Sweater in Gray by fri.day Undershirt: Part of Church of Luxe dress Pants: Dimia Pants in Diva by Lelutka Heels: Sluts in Skyscrapers in Yellow/Noir by Royal Blue

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Model: Leona Jayaram Hair: Ride in Platnium by ::69:: Skin: Makeup 2 in Eclat Light by Lelutka Top: Vintage Flower Top in Red Rose by Paparazzi Pants: Nishar Leggings in Dirty Black by Zaara Socks: Knitt Socks in Grey by {SMS} (So Many Styles) Heels: Saffron Pumps in Electric Red by Lelutka Purse: Retro Mini Bag in Red by {SMS}

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Model: Leona Jayaram Hair: Principe in Platnium by CheerNo Skin: Makeup2 In Eclat Light by Lelutka Top: Sophia Minitop in Seagreen by R.icielli Skirt: Ruffle Flower Skirt in White by mijn.t Shoes: Oxford Shoes in Patent Black by COCO

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Paisley Beebe

3rd year Anniversary...

June 25th Paisley Beebe of Perfect World Productions celebrated her 3 year anniversary in virtual television. A pioneer of great talent, she was honoured at a gala celebration held June 25th at the Treet Tv Club, attended by the who’s who of second life, her many fans and appreciative contemporaries.

Interview & Photos by Bliss Windlow

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SLBRITY OF THE MONTH

s the RSVP’s and accolades came flying in, so did the compliments. People commented on how she had influenced them, given them their big break, mentored them, advised, been a friend, an inspiration …. Even those who could not attend, declined with regrets and kind kind words. The woman’s impact on SL may be more than anyone could have realized.

know what some of those people are doing now...

The show of course has lasted this long due to pig headed determination from myself, my team and Treet.tv who are so supportive to us and determined to help us achieve something never done before! A successful virtual show with real life viewers!

So Happy Anniversary Tonight Live, you’ve taught me so much and I’m so I asked her about the anniversary glad to have been able to have met just days before the celebration and so many incredible people through it. what it all meant to her: 3 years in SL years is a bit like Dog BW: Lots of people think TV would years...3 years is like 10 years in be a cool thing to do. Many more think they have a great idea for a S.L, a long time! show. You have a real talent for I felt like a noobie in SL for at least recognizing a winning idea and a year...but now when I look around combination …. How does that and see the ghosts of others that work? were here before me, and have moved on to less greener pastures, PB: I have a very analytical mind I almost feel like a veteran! but by when it comes to entertainment. comparison to others, I’m no where I have always been a huge fan of television and movies.

When I near the 7 and 8 year-ers... attended drama school we used to Places I once used to frequent in do a «café clutch» every weekend 2007 have gone...past fiends and where we would talk about what we peers have moved on, I do some- had seen that week and what our times go back to the old Sims I used impressions were. We actually had to live in, and look up old friends to analyse what made a show or a on search and see if they are still movie work or not. We looked at here...I can look back now through the way it was directed, the acting, 3 years of video on Tonight Live and presentation, settings, etc. I had 3 revisit those old freinds, and many years of that and believe me if you of them I truly miss. In the early were not observant enough, you got days I asked every friend I had in SL hauled over the coals. We had to be who had a story to tell, just to fill the very precise about what we did. spots! The grid was so much smaller Part of the production in Second Life, then, even though it was right smack in figuring out if someone has that bang in the Hype cycle...I’d love to raw talent, comes from that class184 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | AUGUST 2010

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room experience.

I also have studied good interviews by people like Michael Parkinson, Oprah, Ellen, and Andrew Denton. I have analysed why some interviews are interesting to watch. .

As for a good show, you have to look at how workable an idea is. You can pick a great subject matter but it may not have sustainability over time. You also have to pair a good idea with someone who knows how to put it all together. If you don’t have that combination, you won’t go anywhere.

Why would the average person in SL want to watch any of your shows?

What does SL TV offer?

It is a window and a mirror to Second Life. One of my guests commented that Second Life is made up of little tiny communities, and they are global communities. Some people wander the gird without a home but many find a place and stay there, within their own circle of friends. You miss seeing all that Second Life has to offer and we provide a unique, multi dimensional way to see much more.

One of your shows, Live N Kickin focuses on Music. Fabulous Fashion obviously focuses on fashion and YOUR show looks at people from all walks of SL as well as musical talent … can you share the advice, from your observation, of what it takes to be a success in all these fields .. the common grounds? What is absolutely needed and what must absolutely be avoided?

Common Sense. You cannot get too carried away with your own self importance and success. Word of mouth is very important in Second Life. Know your own limitation and hire someone who has those qualities you lack. No-one can micromanage everything on their own. Be moral and honourable in all your dealings because if you aren’t it will come back to bite you in the bum.

Be considerate. If you make a mistake learn from it, admit it, apologize and move on. Don’t cover it up.

Be honest.

With such a wealth of experiences, background and knowledge any chance you might consider writing a book, or do more speaking/mentoring? What is next for you?

Not sure about a book, sounds like a lot of work. Maybe someone could write one about me?

I have always done mentoring on some level. I like helping new talent, especially musically. I learned though that people have to walk their own journey. I can point them

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in the right direction but I have too let them go. So many truly talented people never make it and it is sad but I can’t take that on. Now, with my shows, I have a license to help without being told I am pushy. I can help them and let go. There is a natural process where that happens and I am freed from any further obligation and from getting too involved.

Paisley Beebe is a strong woman who works hard and laughs easily.

She keeps her head out of the drama going on around her and focussed on the task at hand, producing the best television on the grid. Her three shows, Tonight Live with Paisley Beebe, Fabulous Fashion with Angie Mornington and Live N Kickin, consistently pull in the most viewers in terms or numbers across SL and the internet, and nobody beats the attendance in studio on taping day.

Happy anniversary Paisley and all the staff at Tonight Live. Thanks for all you do to help make SL what it is!!

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GROOVESTAR

DJ Q

Interview by Agatha Klees

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Who’s hot!

Q. Torok

Quirky is a multi activity man. He is a DJ, a sailor, a manager, a coordinator, and he was more than that in the past. He flows with the wind and he goes where life and SL goes.

We can say he is a seasonal man, changing and reinvented himself according to the ambiance. All of this is obvious when you have the pleasure to be in his live shows.

He is very versatile, playing in very different venues, a jazz one like Bogart’s; a trendy one like Seven Ultra Lounge; a kinky one like XzoneX.

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Ak: What makes you took the decision to be a DJ in SL? How long have you beenDJing?

QT: Well I started working in SL (2007) as a male stripper.. lol couldn’t take that too seriously, especially when the wife was looking on! So, I took the decision to keep my clothes on and play tunes, At the time I partly owned a strip club the “XzoneX” and we had real problems getting DJ’s so to get over the problem of using radio streams I took the challenge of learning the DJ software and streaming my music myself to the club. I found this really enjoyable. The interaction with the guests made the job the most enjoyable I had done.

AK: I know you play different styles of music, which is the one you feel more comfortable with?

QT: Oh heck.. now that is a question... To say I have varied tastes in music would be an understatement.

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Bennet. I have a nice large library to choose from.. so any style.. I mean we are talking Country Blues Jazz Rock Dance and Industrial.. As long as the music gets the customers happy I’m happy. Especially if they request a song I haven’t heard for a while.. Love to be introduced to new music. Even had a banghra night once.. amazing How is your style to DJ? Do you think you have any trade mark in your style?

QT: Trademarks.. hmmmm never take myself seriously.. this is a game.

I love to get audience participation in the music.. I Love a challenge of finding a piece of music. OOOO just thought.. I love to juxtapose conflicting musical genres.. They mostly work.. a stomping industrial piece next to a thumping jazz set.. it just makes the listener take a step back and think.. love it!!!

AK: You do use voice during your gigs, is the interaction with people important to you? Why? QT: Yes I use my voice.. and yes its very important.. it adds to the ambiance of an event. Makes the performance more personal.. We all like to hear our names mentioned on air. Its only human :) AK: You are a man of fashion. Is the outfit important to you when you play? Describe what you wear.

QT: I am?? wow.. OK I will take your word for it.. I think any clothes of course should be in keeping with AUGUST 2010 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | 195

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the club and the music of course. I It did.. Thank you Trader1 Whiplash tend not to like to go over clothed.. for the experience... wouldn’t have maybe a set of cans round my neck. missed it for the world!!

AK: Which accessory is a must AK: In your own opinion and when you play in front of a experience, how has music crowd? Why? industry developed in in SL? What are, in your point of view, QT: OK a little secret.. I always wear the changes you have seen? a host HUD.. It’s really important to say hi to all the guests and make QT: Clubs aren’t in a good state at them feel welcome. It was a cheap the moment.. for one reason or anoHUD, but been soooo helpful. Don t ther. Its up to club owners to move you hate it to go to a club and this the game on a little.. how many fool DJ doesn’t even say hi?? want times have we seen the same old to go back there? Heck no.. The vanilla club with the same competiDJ is as important in club relations tions.. boring!!! I think the future for as the host. Maybe my club owning clubs has to be smaller clubs catering days coming to the front.. but the DJ for more individualized audiences.. really is just a conduit between the I can also see the rise of SL radio club the music and the customers stations. These stations will as time goes on move to RL audiences.. But AK: Thinking in all the clubs that’s way off. you played, which was the most rewarding experience you had? OK now for a controversial view... sit back and don’t be too offended.... I QT: Two experiences come to mind.. don’t how live performances have Firstly was the freedom to experi- worked. Most of the singers I have ment in music at Seven Ultra Under- heard that get a gig have been ground. I heard some awesome DJ’s awful!!! simply pub singers with an that just took the game to another ego.. Now don’t get me wrong there level. They introduced me to Indus- are some truly talented singers out trial music, set me free to expe- there... but he majority are just riment to play music that I hadn’t cripplingly bad!! What is more they been exposed to. charge the most ridiculous fees!!!! hells bells as a DJ I never charge Secondly, was earlier last month. I to turn up and play. I would much was very honored to have an hour rather get tips from the customers. on T1 radio during the Relay for Life.. But for some reason live singers For everyone there it was an emotio- seen to think they can charge Club nal 24 hours.. at the end of my two owners many thousands of dollars hour set I explained why I was hel- for them to wail and then put a tip ping with the relay.. For the first time cup out!!! how big are these guys I choked, tears began to well in my egos??? eye... This is a game, it shouldn’t be This is the main thing Killing clubs.. emotionally engaging to that level.. The owners don’t get people dona196 | ESSENCE OF STYLE |AUGUST 2010

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«Its up on a lit 198 | ESSENCE OF STYLE |AUGUST 2010

p to club owners to move the game ttle..»

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GROOVESTAR

he interacts with people, he can be in one minute a perfect gentleman and change to be a flirter and teaser.

Men laugh with his jokes. Ladies fall to his knees with his capability to say loving words with his British accent.

AK: Do you have an anecdote or We will keep our eyes wide open waiting for news about new perforfunny story to tell us? mances of Quirky Torok.

QT: Trying to think... If you,re a good dj every event should have something to make you laugh out By Agatha Klees loud in real life... When that goes you might as well hang up your cans.. I have been known to DJ in a room full of Afros during a disco set.. my mankini is a thing of wonder.. ummmm and a few more stories that I really should tell in this polite and august publication.... besides.. their husbands might be reading.. ting to the clubs.. They aren’t rich..

I suspect the reason some clubs are failing is the huge cost of propping up some X-Factor wanna be delusion of talent.. OK.. rant over

AK: How do you see yourself in the music industry in the next couple of month? What are your intentions to keep doing or developing?

QT: At the moment I am resting.. looking for a new club to play at..

No plans at the moment. I am helping launch a new sailing boat into SL. My sailing activities do take up a lot of my time in SL at the moment but I play a lot of sailing community gigs that I love they are so friendly and relaxing for a DJ to do!!! I guess I need to get back to a regular set of gigs ... got tiers to pay for!!!

It’s amazing how chameleonic Quirky is!, he can play smooth jazz and the next song can be a disco fever and everything sounds perfect and matches in a good way. Same when 200 | ESSENCE OF STYLE |AUGUST 2010

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Event Pages

Opening of the new Extravaganza main store

T

he summer of 2010 started off with a we consider some of the best events that 204 | ESSENCE OF STYLE |AUGUST 2010

SL’s 7th Birthday celebration

a good stride. Here are recaps of what t took place on the grid.

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Estravaganza

Traveller Bade

Estrelia Guisse

Owners of Estravaganza

T

he big opening and kick off to the new store Estravaganza late in June of this year was a great success. Estrelia Guisse and Traveller Bade/Soulstar launched the event with a well attended fashion show.

Emcee Andrew Laguna introduced the ladies to the runway and the show began. Almost every seat was taken in this highly anticipated opening. Red was certainly one of the eye catching colours of the evening as seen here in the two examples by models Payton Heron and July Raymaker. Dahlia Joubert closed the show with her beautiful Queen Bridal Gown in Pink. The pink is so completely subtle in this dress so that it provides only a blush of colour ‌ beautiful on any bride but on Dahlia it was stunning. The touches of vibrant red was carried over to the ending as it also happened to be the choice of colour for the dress of the very lovely Estrelia Guisse as she took her well deserved bows. Unfortunately lag got the better of her partner Traveller and he was relegated to a cloud of smoke beside her – albeit a very stylish cloud of smoke.

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EVENT PAGES On hand to enjoy the evening were many of SL’s prominent Social Elite such as Ellendir Khandr, Redevil Rhiadra , Salvo Waydelich and the talented Squinternet Larnia. The outfits off the runway were nearly as captivating as those presented.

There is no doubt that everyone was having a good time and enjoying the social event as people chatted and teased one another throughout the show. Estravaganza offers a little bit of everything with much more to come. Found at Velvet which is run by Black&White Management, the store is lovely and spacious done in wood and glass and very modern clean lines. Also found on the same sim are SARTORIA, Bianca F, Black&White Jazz Club and Black & White Agency .

Guests could hardly wait to tp to the newly opened store and load up on the many beautiful designs. From evening wear to casual .. this is a great store you will not want to miss.

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Dahlia

July Raymaker

Salvo Waydelich

Squinternet Larnia 210 | ESSENCE OF STYLE |AUGUST 2010

Joube

rt Que e

en Bri dal Go wn In Pink

The outfits as seen above can be purchased at the Extravaganza main store.

Click the landmark tab to visit directly.

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SLB7 SLB7 - Unexpected Collaborations

Second Life Birthday Seven, truly the event of the year! Second Life was celebrating its seventh birthday and all of the avatars on the grid were invited! The event was supposed to run from June 21 to June 27th but they extended it another week until July 3rd. There were musicians, speakers, artists, business leaders, media mavens, merchants, social organizers, and other second life residents like yourself!

The theme for this year birthday celebration was “Unexpected Collaborations.” Throughout everyones second life, people work together constantly, either at work or maybe just with a friend, the choices we make are a collaboration with people we meet here on second life. Of course we won’t know the choices we make with our future friends. In fact, in honour of the theme THIS article is a collaboration!

The Second Life Birthday Seven was held in 7 sims with incredible names according to the exhibition. Each exhibitor had a designated area and they were allowed to do whatever they wished with it, under certain rules that showcased what they spent their time doing here in Second Life.

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SLB7 Sim

SLB7 Sim

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There were so many exhibits throughout the sims, each of them stood out in their own way. One could be an object creator and another could be a photographer, the possibilities were simply endless.

«Unique,» the landing point, was a big panel with the teleporting route to each exhibitor parcel. Magnificent sculpt letters with the names of each sims provided the teleporting system to travel around all the exhibition.

The Imagination Sim, contained a splendid auditorium, were Philip Linden did the inauguration speak that marked the start of the fest. The auditorium was made in a futuristic style, with metal and clean lines, and in fact, almost all the buildings were made following this style.

Paradox and Astounding Sims hosted the many parties. Both sims had 2 fabulous dance and party areas for the 24/7 DJs. All the slots were covered with many kind of DJs, all the styles, all the music around the world in a non-stop party. There was something for everyone and no-one had to miss out because of time zones. It was fantastic. These buildings were made by residents, not Lindens, so let’s give applause to Kazuhiro Aradian and Hyper Mole who creared a stunning piece of art.

Upsidedown Sim contained another auditorium, this one made by Molly Linden, and in the middle was a scale model with the entire lindens home for premium members. They were placed in a pretty way like a tiny real world. Next to this sim was Linden Bear Island, a private island AUGUST 2010 | ESSENCE OF STYLE | 215

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with a collection of bears that gives a kitsch touch to this massive metal building all around.

In Phenomenal Sim I found one of my favorite areas; the SLB7 Cake Park!

After all that walking when looking at the exhibits, I needed a place to rest!

Cake Park was the place to go. There were autumn trees lining up next to the paths and simple sidewalk style pavement. Walking to the center of the park, a came to “Hat Stations”.

These dressed up stations had SLB7 Hats which the avatar could acquire for FREE and collect. There are different color stations through out the park and Dance/Party Areas where people could have a good time while celebrating Second Life’s Birthday.

When I was walking around I found a SL7B Tram, a personal bubble transportation to make a tour through all the sims and exhibitions. In this way I could see some of the magnificent stands, some associations, like Alcoholic Anonymous, Metaverse Shakespeare Company or SeconAbility Mentors placed informative stands.

Some of the best of SL contributed like Eshi Otawara, Zeus Club and Raul Crisom with produced spectacular buildings to express the creativity in SL. The tram moves around all the roads and you could stay more than 1 hour viewing all the stands, the buildings and the exhibitors working before the big opening. No lag for the Press Pass for us, but absolutely full sims during the week this showcase was held.

SLB7 was such a smash. Thanks to all of the fantastic exhibitors and our fabulous Linden staff of course. If 216 | ESSENCE OF STYLE |AUGUST 2010

you didn’t get to go to this year’s birthday celebration, you really missed out. There is always next years big bash! I wonder what it will be like…?

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