Radar Magazine February Issue # 2

Fashions by Stitch by Stitch Trubble Shiki Nardcotix Lionskins

MAGAZINE February 2010 Issue#2

Why You Need To Attend The SL Pro Conference With Glenn and Pink Linden

AND SO MUCH MORE.....

AlienBear Gupte

Don’t miss two of Second Life’s hottest new landscape photographers. Look at our world in a whole new way through the eyes of Kyle Sabra and Hayduke Loxely. You can find their work on display from now until March 31st at the Rose Theatre’s Main Art Gallery.

They create limited edition art pieces--custom framed, signed and numbered. Only 24 copies of any piece will ever be sold. They will retain the original for possible auction at a later date.

Sabra Art Gallery At The Rose Theatre Main Art Gallery February 4 - March 31, 2010

Hello Radar Readers, We have been a couple for over 2 years in Second Life and the journey hasn’t always been easy.

But with all our hearts and minds we know being together is what was meant to be. We also love and respect each other.

Valentines Day is a day where we not only show appreciation to each other but also to everyone who love and support us.

Love in Second Life can be with a person, place or thing. Although most of us love our friends, a lot of our virtual love is creating, exploring and gaining knowledge to further our purpose on this grid.

We have incorporated this into our February issue. Radar is also proud to sponsor the Second Life Pro Conference featuring the owner of Stiletto Moody, Jonty Glaser. This Conference will have many speakers and topics important to both old and new content creators.

We have some great features as well our Cover Interview with Alienbear Gupte, owner and creator of Alienbear Design. We also talk with Zeebster, owner of Dreamseekers Estates and we preview the upcoming Linden homes. Included is an interview with Glenn and Pink Linden about the upcoming conference. Finally, we bring you fashion spreads featuring the likes of Lionskins and Shiki, as well as the latest news on entertainment and design.

We wish you a Happy Valentines Day! Love UncleSlappy Wylie & Labella Farella

RADAR MAGAZINE staff CEO & Publishers Labella Farella UncleSlappy Wylie Executives: Arielle Millet Ateryu Lorefield dancer Dallagio Donnatella Couturier Rory Haiku Writers: Amerique Silverspar Belladonna OHare Dani Hanly Devante Zeplin Kylie Sabra Petia Dieffenbach Siward Glendevon Tracy Rubble Photographers: Amerique Silverspar Amy Reggiane Bernie Decosta Clyde Saunders Emy Aker Erioxa Sosa Meyda Bekkers Mikey Batriani Pam Astonia Valeria Endrizzi Valeria Pienaar

Fashion Director Amerique Silverspar Fashion Assistant & Stylist Ella Quinsette Models: Amber Quinzet Amerique Silverspar Annette Himmel Arkaine Cazalet Blair Roxley Branden2279 Runner Carley Benazzi Clyde Saunders DANCER DALLAGIO Dani Hanly Donald Feld Ella Quinsette Imani Enzo Jennaa Loire Jessica Gelbhard Krystanna Wycliffe Leisha Nitely Mangosio Lohner Naiya Kazyanenko Raine McCellan Seph Ishelwood Seth Diabolito Tonya Coppola Valeria Endrizzi

For Kiosk Placement or Advertisement Information Please Contact : Labella Farella, Dancer Dallagio or Executive Assistant Babygrl3730 Zapatero

Table of Contents

18. L’Atelier 26. The Rose Theatre 33. Cover Interview: Alienbear Gupte 46. Lionskins 54. RP Review: Dead End 64. Tracy’s Causing Trubble Featuring designs from Trubble 76. Suicide Centerfolds Model Spotlights 82. The Box of Secrets With Kylie Sabra 86.Behind the Stitch With SevenStar Amat Owner of Stitch by Stitch

98. Shiki 108. Radar’s Artist of the Month Harry Frychester 116. Second Life PRO Conference, Interview with Pink and Glenn Linden 122. Dream Seekers Estates , Interview with Owner Zeebster Colasanti Preview of the Upcoming Linden Homes 128. Moda Fashion Spotlight Celabrating 100 Episodes 136. Nardcodix Fashion Spread

L’Atelier - Symmetry, Elegance, Modernity Written by Tracy Rubble

Photographed by Erioxa Sosa Furniture is possibly one of the biggest purchases of a residents Second Life, with exception of the land they’ll set up home on. Everyone owns at least one piece, and the majority will furnish a full home at some point.

It can be a nightmare moving from store to store looking for an exact style, or perfect colors for the room that you are trying to decorate. You want something that says something about who you are, and something that looks good when somebody visits.

L’Atelier, by Agatha Szpringer gives you all of this and more.

Agatha started building pretty early in her Second Life, and found that furniture creation was a natural way to be creative.

Influenced by RL designers such as Le Corbusier, Arne Jacobsen and Eearnio Aarnio, she prefers to create designs that are a blend between modern and retro.

This sense of style lends itself to the creation of many pieces that are full of the finer details. The careful blend between new and old makes each item stand out, yet allows it to fit almost any room.

Every set of furniture is set out in it’s own area and includes the options to buy just one piece or the whole set. Both options are priced reasonably, and are easily affordable to most shoppers.

Especially when you look at the options available with each.

The beds come with a whopping 220 poses, are xcite compatible and fully animated including facial gestures. The living room furniture has amazing solo and sometimes even couple

poses, that look real and fit with the build perfectly.

Not to mention the color change options on most pieces. You’ll no longer have to go purchase a new living room setup when you redecorate. Just touch the tag on each piece and use a menu to get a whole new look.

Agatha told us, “I’ve been working hard on each of my furniture and I really wanted to offer my customers the best, in terms of quality but also of price.

That’s why each sofa is color changeable and includes 6 colors. I also wanted to offer the choice of buying the basic version of the sofa or the love one which includes lots of couple animations so that you don’t have to pay for what you don’t need.”

She’s determined to keep on improving her skills, and at Radar we are excited to see how she moves forward.

Photographed by

“New creators need to have creativity and patience.” Agatha explained to us. “But none of that matters if you don’t have the passion and desire to keep learning. Have faith in yourself and always do your very best.”

Whilst you’re at the store., don’t forget to check out the amazing selection of coffee tables, including some gorgeous water feature tables.

Pair one of these with a couple of the impressive loungers and you’ve got a fabulous patio set.

Agatha Szpringer is a very talented furniture builder. It’s easy to see, after just 20 minutes in L’Atelier, why she’s going to be the name on everyone’s lips when that hunt for the perfect sofa begins.

Erioxa Sosa

The Rose Theatre Written by Kylie Sabra

Many entertainment venues offer musical performances, movies and even live productions. However, the real star of The Rose Theatre is the Grande Dame herself. She beckons with the grace and elegance of an aristocrat, without the haughty pretention.

No detail misses the sharp eye of Kaya Angel, the theatre’s owner and passionate creator. Angel’s foray into immersive design in virtual buildings leaves us in stunned awe. It takes some effort to pull you from the entry hall.

Ornate, but comfortable furnishings bid you to slow down and digest the visual feast.

Too often, large buildings in Second Life defy the laws of physics. On an instinctual level we know this and immediately perceive that we are in a virtual building, a knowledge that leaves us detached from our surroundings.

Immersing design refuses to set aside the rules of architecture. Massive pillars, appropriately spaced, lend not only beauty to The Rose, but a supreme sense of solidity. Angel’s design, loosely based in 16th century French architecture, is colored in a palette of cream and red, and gilded with gold.

Angel clearly understands the importance of scale in fine design. Every chandelier, sofa and plant is carefully created to fit his vision of the era and nothing ever feels out of place. Yes, created. Angel

designed and built nearly everything that greets your eye.

Besides the Grand Hall, The Rose houses a ballroom, cinema, opera house and art gallery. The Opera House, watched over by a frescoed ceiling, is home to concerts and live productions. Past offerings include Les Miserables and The King and I, with Rocky Horror Picture Show now in rehearsal.

Angel brings his experience in theatre set design to life on the Opera House and Ballroom stages. Sets don’t merely rez on the stage, they fly in from the top, bottom and sides—adding realism to the audiences’ enjoyment. Once again Angel’s attention to detail shines through in his treatment of guest performers. Performers relax in elegantly appointed dressing rooms prior to show time.

The Grand Hall is home for weddings, banquets, parties and corporate events.

Occasionally it serves as a more intimate live performance venue.

The Rose Theatre is more than an entertainment venue. Possibly one of the more ornate and architecturally accurate structures in Second Life, she is a beauty in and of herself. Wander each hall, study each detail and never forget to look up.

Kylie Sabra Check The Rose Theatre’s web site for information on coming events. http://www.impl.org.uk/HomePage/Home.htm

Radar Cover Interview:

Owner of Alienbear’s Designs Alienbear Gupte

By Dancer Dallagio

Today I have the great honour to present an interview with Alienbear Gupte. She is widely regarded as the best jewelry designer in SL, and she is a delight to speak with. What follows will provide an insight into the mind and heart of this wonderful designer.

Hello, Alienbear, it’s so wonderful to have the pleasure to interview you! You have created so many lovely pieces of art here in Second Life. Will you please tell our readers how you got started in Second Life and what was the first thing that you made?

Thank you dancer, I feel honor to be interviewed by Radar and you. Well, I knew Second life from my “The Sim Online” game’s friends in early 2005. I was too lazy to join until September 2005. When I started playing SL, I just explored around; camping in money chairs, hunting for money trees...etc. “Shelter” is the first place I ‘ve visited. Helpers there were really helpful and showed me what I can do in SL. Though it was fun to visit around, I am someone who is very impatient & easy to get bored. So I started to make something on my 512sq.m land. I think no one can imagine what was the first thing I made in sl ......It was... WATERFALL!!

During making waterfall, when there were no sculpties but just SL regular prims, I found that the prims are so fun to play with. You can shrink, cut, chop, tint... in order to make whatever you want. I love details & this waterfall used up all the prims in my place. Haha that was when I get my nick name “Prims eater� from. lol You certainly have made some very lovely prims, even if they do use a lot in one piece! What was the first piece of jewelry that you made in SL? Good Question... I forget lol I just remember I opened my shop in early Oct 2005. But really forget which piece was my first design . That is something already deleted long time ago lol but I do find this picture in my inventory. Maybe there is one of my first RUBBISH lol Your jewelry designs are the most intricate, realistic, and beautifully executed in SL. Where do you get your inspirations from when creating a piece of jewelry?

Thank you so much for your compliment Dancer :) Well, I get inspirations from nature, everything around

me...I even designed a sperm and egg jewelry collections in 2005 lol. Sometimes I get inspirations from an outfit created by SL clothes’ creators. Sometimes get from special seasons like Christmas, Easter, V-days etc. Some tailor made designs mostly get inspirations from cultures of different countries, the SL events and from my dreams/ my travel experience. Sometimes I get inspirations from decorations in the restaurants, or the clouds outside the window... everything around me gives me inspirations.

You have made so many lovely jewelry sets for various awards, from crowns for RFL, jewelry sets for MVW and for My Precious Queen. How long does it take you to make a piece of jewelry from conception to finished product?

Well, It is really depending on my mood, my understanding of that event/ countries, what story I want to tell from my design...etc. Oh yes, if you know my jewelry, you must know nearly every one of my design has its own story. I tried to design everything that is representing the events/ representing the one who is going to wear that pieces of jewelry. For me, design really needs

“Feel”. And time in “Crafting out the design” really depends on my prim modeling skills & experience. If counting 14 working hours per day, sometimes the whole process just cost me 2 weeks but sometimes it took me over 2 months. Let me select few pieces from my well-known tailored made series as an example:Just like the Crown & Jewelries of first year of Miss Costa Rica pageant, I spent around 3-4 weeks from doing research, then design to crafting out when it was in 2007. Most of my time went to the crafting process since my prim modeling skills wasn’t good enough comparing to now.

In the same period, I designed another Crown & Jewelries for the first year of Miss Virtual World (was call Miss SL Universe) and the finalists. It took me over a month. SL has too many limitations expecially for me who just use regular prims without any scuplties to craft out every one of my designs. The prims limit, the prims shape, the prims size, the prims texture applying...etc always keep me changing my design and all of these always extend the time I spent.

I designed many jewelries for different charity events but I think these one of the kind auction King & Queen Crowns were the pieces I really feel worth to make. Before, I never think that my design which is just virtual pieces... can help raising that much real money for a charity event in helping real people. These pieces spent me over two months to design & craft out but it is really so worth even though the money earned from these 2 crowns did not go to my account. This pair of crowns helped raise $335k lindens that was around 1300 US dollars. Though this is not a big amount of money but

I am so happy really really so happy that my design can help others.

For many people, 2007 or 2008 maybe a real long past tense or even not yet in SL. Lets talk about something fresh. My crafting skills keep improving but these didn’t deduct the time I spent on designing & crafting. All because of I start forcusing on more details; more exquisite & complicated designs. In late 2009, two of the Miss VW finalists representing Ireland & Singapore contacted me in designing something special for them.

It just spent me around 2 weeks to design & craft the Singapore pieces Natasja set. When I know I have to design something that represents Singapore, the picture of the Singapore’s national flower - Vanda Miss Joaquim showed in my mind quickly.

After checking the look of the Miss Singapore & her costume gown, “Feel” come & I just used few mins to draft the design out on my draft book and then started my process in crafting this pieces in SL. For me, “feel” & “mood” really are the main aspects in estimating the time in finishing the jewelry pieces.

But on the other side, it spent me over a month just doing research & designing Miss Ireland pieces & another 2 weeks in crafting. I was really worried that I can’t get it done before your show dancer lol. I’ve been to Ireland but all I know about Ireland was just Green, Shamrock, St Patrick, Bailey, coffee but nothing. I was thinking do I really need to make a coffee on dancer’s head?

Or a large bottle of Bailey on her neck?! Thanks god in the last moment I finally know that there is a culture of Celtic in Ireland. So I use the idea of Celtic knot, Shamrock and the St Patrick hat to design this series. It was the most challenging work for me since I started my design’s life in SL. Well for my precious Queen series. I know Agnes Finney the owner of My Precious well. She likes butterfly, hearts, flowers and girly stuff.

When she asked me to design something for her queen contest, the own picture of the jewelries & crowns designs showed in my mind quickly. And I don’t need to do any research on this. So these whole sponsoring pieces including all 3 crowns & matching jewelries just spent me 3 weeks to get them done.

You really do put a lot of attention to detail not just in your pieces, but in your research as well! Thank you for not making me wear coffee or a bottle! What is your favourite piece of jewelry that you’ve ever made?

I love all my designs. *giggles* But if you really need me to select one... Umm.. If you count the design only but not count the prim work on crafting, the pieces I love most are my Azucena collections.

The Azucena are lovely in all 3 of the metals that you offer them in, too: the platinum, gold, and antique gold.

Which creations have been the most challenging? the most fun? the most rewarding to you personally?

Most challenging.. as I said above. It is your Miss Ireland Costume jewelry pieces the Dancer Irish Celtic Head Pieces, necklace & earrings set which make me headache in designing. lol Most Rewarding... one of the kind 2008 auction King & Queen Crowns which raised $335k lindens to help real life people.

I’ve heard you have been approached by someone who wants to take some of your designs into RL. Will

you tell me a bit about that and how you feel about this?

Omg where did you get this news? I trust my CMO Mui Mukerji didn’t tell anyone! You must be read the message that the approacher posted in my Flickr. Well yes, there has been few people approaching me through email, facebook, Flickr or even blog about asking permission in making my designs in real life or asking if I sell my designs in real life. The one you saw is the most aggressive one I think lol. This lady left messages to me at my blog, my flickr & my facebook in the same time asking if I can sell my designs or be a jewelry partner with her as a designer in her jewelry shop. Well, for me this is still an internet world that means a very unsafe world. But her aggressive messages touch me so I contacted her through email about this to see what was it about. We are still in a very preliminary stage. Still discussing. Will let all of you know if my designs really can bring into real life in the future.

Just keep checking my status at http://alienbearjewel.blogspot.com/ if you interested.

My feeling? umm.. Well ..

First .. LAUGH & think is it a JOKE? Then.. feel happy & think if this is real, that will be prefect since this is my dream, an untouchable dream ever.

Final.... Feel grateful there is someone in other corner of this world like my designs even these designs are just virtual pieces.

I will be lining up to buy your first RL piece when that happens! Speaking of RL, who are your favourite RL designers?

Honestly... Please don’t laugh at me in this. I live in my own planet. I never check any so called large brand or famous designer in RL. So I don’t have any specific designer I love. I just love special designs, fashions, products, artworks etc. If you ask me which artist I like, I can tell you Michael Wilkinson (http://www.michaelwilkinson.com/I.htm). For fashion, at this moment I love the gown designs from this HK designer Jeff Mui of Dark Art & Anti.co. For jewelry... umm everything simple with diamonds/

colourless crystals & teardrops designs. But if you ask me my favourite jewelry designers.. nope I don’t have any in my mind.

Is there anything that you would like people to know about you and your amazing jewelry collections?

Me? My name “Alienbear” tells all. This is my internet name since there was internet. You can say “I am ugly like an ALIEN and fat like a BEAR” or “I am mysterious like an ALIEN but cute like a BEAR” lol ** Giggles** “Alien” & “Bear” are something I like. I can be very “man” Or very “lady”. That’s me.

Another word to express me - “ DREAM”.

My jewelry? If you know my brand, you must know my jewelry not only a virtual object/content but also my very original design. Each piece contains my spirit, my dream, my thought, my story or story about somebody. I don’t talk much but my jewelry designs talk about me. You can know more about me through my designs & you can know the story behind every of my designs from my blog @ http://alienbearjewel.blogspot.com/. Or come to my shop at . Even now, I still keep myself just using regular prims to present my designs. Just because I feel ‘regular prims” are something origin something represent SL culture.

Lion Jonesford of Lionskins roared onto the scene of skin fashion, not only with versatile and creative styles for the Fashionista, but skins that speak to a myriad of Second Life Residents. The skins allow you to not just blend in with the crowd, but to express your personality.

With the release of her Cyberpunk skins in December, Lion brought sci-fi skins into the mainstream and continuing the innovation of the Lionskins brand.

Lionskins is always searching for new ways to meet the various needs of SL people, and so, in a collaboration with LeeZu Baxter of [LeeZu!] Designs, Inanna was born. A realistic skin, with the subtle flaws and nuances that real people have...the laugh lines that reveal the personality within.

There is no doubt that Lion will continue to revolutionise the world of design and with the recent release of her male Cyber skins and the promise of further steps into the male market, she continues to be a force to be reckoned with.

The following pages show some of Lion’s work photographed by Boe Cortes and featuring the Lionskins models.

Special thanks go to Boe Cortes for all of his work on this spread and to CheerNo Destiny who allowed the use of his sim for the CANA desert image.

Nekki Lovenkraft wears: CANA SUN 32 (Hair- Black Maria- TiaraBlack)

Tempest Rosca wears: Yin Midnight 11 (Hair- Maitreya Piper II- Coffee) Accacia Brissot wears: Yang Sunkiss 3 (Hair- Laqroki ~ Volcano - 14)

Petitelittlegirl Pinklady wears: Cyberpunk 1c skin

Role PLAY review DEAD END with Petia Dieffenbach

With settings, time eras and rules of their own, role-play sims have evolved in Second Life over the years to the point where some of them became not only popular destinations and even primary ‘Second Homes’ to many residents, but in some cases, entire universes with their own set of slang, fashion trends, and even inventions brought around by resident’s and player’s needs. Indeed, many active role-play sims and communities in Second Life have transcended the limits of ‘Virtual Reality’, to the point where every detail is so perfectly crafted, to give residents the best, most realistic experience in every possible way.

Whether or not it works, we’ll have to take a look at individual sims, one at a time, to see about that. And for that purpose, I will be spending a minimum of a week in every role-play sim I review, in order to give the most accurate account of the observations that have led to my opinion.

For this issue, we’ll be taking a closer look at Dead End, a contemporary, dark urban/kidnap role-play sim, currently managed by the same group that brought about the renounced Crack Den, among other well-known sims…

Setting and Atmosphere: ★★★★★ Stunning, is my first word of choice.

Understandably, a sim that is dedicated to dark urban role-play, with kidnap and crime being the predominant themes, is built to create an atmo-

sphere suitable to its themes.

Dark, dingy and foreboding, the architecture was brilliantly constructed to convey those concepts; the apparently commonplace, occasionally battered buildings are brilliantly textured, with an eye-catching play at shadows and lights in the surrounding, narrow streets and alleys. The attention to detail is quite staggering, and can be found even in those fine, subtle touches that might be completely missed out at first glance, but which, in reality, contribute to the unkempt appearance and gritty nature of the city of Dead End; the cracked sidewalks, with wild grass sprouting among the pieces. The unfinished construction works, bare trees and barren gardens, abandoned shacks and buildings, graffiti, soot and dirt are all details many people wouldn’t think over, but they are a part of what makes the city so‌charmingly grunge and stunningly real.

Unlike many role-play communities, Dead End is limited to one sim, which would obviously limit the variation in terms of regions and landscaping. However, it

was cleverly constructed to provide more variation than could be said for many other multiple-sim role-play communities; The main ‘urban’ part of town is the down-town area; constructed uphill, it seems even more forbiddingly sinister to the onlooker from other, lower parts of town. Featuring a sort of a central square, housing the town’s most popular, most notorious hang-out, Lulu’s Bondage Grill and Bar. A moderately extensive network of narrow streets and alleys branch out of the square, spotted with everything from strip joints, diners and pizzerias, to gritty apartment buildings, a large, well-equipped hospital and a police department. The narrow alleys and streets provide a variety of shady corners and dark spots for the town’s criminals to lurk, and the variety of integrated buildings provide a variety of roles, for those interested in sleuth or medical RP, among others.

Downhill from town, lies two distinct parts that, albeit distinct from one another, are flowing into one another with clever cohesiveness.

The port area, with its cranes, docks and warehouses is conveniently abandoned and secluded, mostly unlit and quite dark, offering the perfect sanctuary for fugitives, and the perfect spot for shady deals and other escapades to take place, unnoticed, with the town’s shabby motel, fully furnished and equipped to meet all needs, right across the street!

Finally, there’s the place I like to call ‘The Middle of Nowhere’; A forest of bare trees, far-far away from everything, bordered by hills and cliffs with an abandoned gas-station and a bus-station, being the teleport-point from the tele-mall to the ground sim. And it is that secluded spot that establishes the apprehensive mood for the first-time visitors, right upon arrival, though a minute’s walk down the street leads to the docks.

Roleplay: ★★★ Despite being quite charmed with Dead End’s gritty perfection, I have to admit, I wasn’t quite as charmed with the majority of the role-play taking place.

For starters, the sim’s themes and adult-rating seem to attract demographics that have a minimal interest in role-play, in favor sexual encounters; BDSM, Rape and various fetishes are a few times as common as any other role-play themes pertinent to the sim’s urban nature, or it’s crime-harboring setting. Character development and storylines are largely ignored by players, in order to reach the sexual parts of role-play with minimal effort. And unfortunately, even when a story line is in the works, unless it involves a few sexual encounters of a certain nature, most players would

consider it to be ‘too boring’.

Result? Few storylines, flat characters, and lots and lots of sex. Posts are typically lacking in all creative aspects role-play usually demands, and interaction is limited to scenarios that lead to sex, otherwise ending abruptly as soon as the lack of interest in that area is detected. Or, sometimes, even before that, if someone’s profile lists other interests and purposes of being there, to the point where a certain player asked me, in an exclamation, exactly what I was doing in Dead End if I had no interest in BDSM. As though being there to develop interesting storylines with like-minded role-play partners is such a preposterous idea!

The upside, however, is the fact that it can be an otherwise-inclusive community. There are always a few people who are interested in impress role-play, with creative storylines and well-rounded characters. People whose posts are well constructed, cohesive, and descriptive, and who put time and effort to develop their characters beyond a raw, stick-figure like notion.

Plus, there’s a great integration between environment and certain roles; Doctors, nurses, police officers, bar-tenders, strippers, waiters and waitresses and hosts at Dead End’s largest club, Crave, are all available for the taking, offering a somewhat realistic dynamic, though again, it all

boils down to the quality of role-play provided by players occupying those roles. And, the grand prize, an underground, secret fight club, where the role-play quality is moderated, offering that extra kick in terms of shady dealings—bets and beatings are central themes, and combat role-play of a certain quality is enjoyed by the members of the club.

Perhaps the best thing about Dead End is the fact there is minimal out of character friction; meaning, no drama. Players are generally pleasant and quite civil, when not role-playing. And the adult-rating contributes to sifting through hordes of potential minors infesting many other sims and communities, which leads to a more stable environment in Dead End. My conclusion? It’s a suitable environment for beginner or even moderately-experienced role-players, as the more advanced roleplayers might be frustrated with the general lack of storylines and impressive plots, considering that it takes a bit of time to integrate into the community and find players of similar tastes and interests.

It’s also a suitable environment for people whose primary interests meet the norm common to the sim., I suppose, it’s also quite suitable for flexible players without many expectations, in which case, there wouldn’t be many disappointments, though not everybody is flexible enough for Dead End, where imagination may be stretched quite wildly, where carnal affairs are concerned.

Fashion: ★★ When people have more interest in getting naked than dressing up, let alone dressing up appropriately for their roles, or even fashionably, fashion tends to take a massive plunge. This leaves both the fashionista and the role-player in me quite disappointed, and even a little traumatized…

The aforementioned interest in BDSM and sexual Roleplay leads to a pattern among the female players, where the majority is clad scantily in a manner that would only be suitable to call girls. The majority is in favor of mini-skirts or dresses, where garters can be exposed, paired with knee or even thigh-high stiletto boots. Cleavage is in abundance, to go with the rest of the look.

The male demographic rarely fairs better as the majority wanders around bare-chested, in a random pair of pants. And while I understand that many people do not rely on their payment info as opposed to their reliance on jobs on Second Life to pay for their needs, I am still puzzled, considering the amount of quality freebies and dollarbies on XStreet, available at their fingertips.

For that matter, Dead End makes for one of the least interesting role-play sims on Second Life, where fashion is concerned; if we consider the fact that it’s an urban, contemporary environment, and a particularly gritty city, a wide hue of possible styles from grunge and punk, to chic, to casuals to even hobo come to mind.

But unfortunately, with the lack of the sense of style for the most part, paired with the general lack of creativity in role-play outside of certain theme, makes me think that‌everything in the sim is suffering due to excessive attention granted to sex, in general.

In conclusion, if you’re a fan of dark,

different scenery and amazing architecture and attention to details, Dead End is definitely a must see—from a place to hang out, to simply a place to pose and snap a few photos. However, if your interest is in fashion or role-play, it may not be the ideal sim for you, considering the kind of interest and the quality you’re looking for. However, rumor has it that the sim is undergoing a sort of an overhaul to improve the quality of role-play taking place, so we might be taking another look at it again, to see how that goes along.

Overall rating: 3 out of 5

Tracy’s Causing Trubble

by Amerique Silverspar

Trubble is set on the ICON Lifestyle sim and has everything from formal gowns to cute lingerie available. The store’s owner Tracy Rubble has tried her hand at a number of roles within Second Life including Photography, Designing and Blogging, among others.

With Trubble approaching it’s 2nd anniversary, what better time for a chat with the designer, Radar’s very own Tracy Rubble.

How did you first come to SL? I first joined in around 2005 but I didn’t understand it. My graphics card wouldn’t make the viewer run properly, so I left. I came back in 2006 and stayed about a month, playing with the tools and trying to make sense of things but again I couldn’t get my head around this strange world.

Tracy Rubble was born amid the CSI thing in 2007, and that time I stayed.

How did you first start designing?

I found a tutorial on a blog, and decided to take a closer look at the building tools. It wasn’t long before I’d made my first outfit, “Jessie”. I was so proud of it, although looking back I really did have a lot to learn.

What do you think is the best part of being a designer?

I love the whole thing. The process is fun and I love watching a design build from an idea into the finished product, which is usually a totally different thing. My most favorite though is the customers. Many of whom have become close friends.

What was your first design like?

It was a lace skirt and top, I think aimed at dancers/club goers. It was made solely in world using tools and textures I already had. I still have it.

You hold a number of different roles in Second Life... Which is your favorite?

All of the roles seem to roll into one. I’m not really a huge fashion follower in RL, so I was surprised to find myself totally at home in the fashion world in here. My most recent endeavor is my blog, and that is one thing I’m loving! Blogging is so different to anything else I’ve done because it gives me a chance to discover places and stores I’d have never seen otherwise.

Where do the ideas behind your designs come from?

They come from a variety of places. I take inspiration from things I see in RL, that vary from catalogues and magazines right down to old photographs of family and friends. I also get a lot of inspiration from friends, who make

suggestions that eventually turn into a design.

If you could collaborate with any designer in Second Life, who would you choose?

I do have a few collaborations in the pipeline. But if I could choose I have a few that I’d be equally honored to work with. Stiletto Moody is one because I’d love to learn more about how she works and it would be a huge learning curve. The same goes for Nyte Caligari, Sachi Vixen and Sabina Gully of Magika.

One designer I have always had a massive respect and admiration for is Ginny Talamasca, who in my eyes will always be a legend.

What one thing that you haven’t done would you like to try in Second Life?

I’ve always considered modeling, but my avatar has two left feet. The one time I did try I must have fallen off the catwalk 20 times, and it had a barrier to stop me doing that!

What has been your proudest moment in SL to date?

It’s right now! Trubble is 2 years old this month and I am extremely proud to still be open. Every design makes me proud too, because I love to see myself developing new skills and improving from one to the next.

As it is Valentine’s day coming up... What would be your ideal Valentine’s date?

I’d love to spend it with friends, hanging out and boycotting the romance hehe.

What does the future hold for Trubble?

Only time will tell. I have a lot coming up including the I <3 Originals Fair, Car washes sale and a variety of other projects. I’m planning some great col-

laborations, and also some huge news at the end of the month that will take Trubble to a bigger and better place.

Quick Questions: Street Style or Haute Couture? Street style!

Shoes or Handbag? Handbags (I had over 100 in RL until my hubby threw some out, now I only have 20) Eyelashless or Bald? Eyelashless!!!!

Hot date or Night with the Girls? Night with the girls.

Flowers or Chocolate? Chocolate all the way xx For More Information visit Trubbles Blog http://trubbleinsl.wordpress.com/ The following pages show designs from Tracyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s store Trubble displayed by the lovely Radar models and photographed by Erioxa Sosa.

Photography By Erioxa Sosa

(Left to Right) ARIELLE MILLET wears: Ana (white) AMBER QUINZET wears: Briony Red diamante sleek gown DANI HANLY wears: Stitch

ARKAINE CAZALET wears: Swan- Pink Ruffled Gown

(Left to Right) RAINE MCCELLAN wears: Erin- Pink ANNETTE HIMMEL wears: Erin- Teal

(Left to Right) TONYA COPPOLA wears: Punky pants- lingerie set rainbow and skull DANCER DALLAGIO wears: Isis Bikini- Leopard Print bikini/lingerie LEISHA NITELY wears: Lucy- lingerie baby pink with flowers

The

Box

Kylie your

of

Secrets

Sabra

secret

unmasks

desires;

Love, Relationships, Sex

I sit at my desk and gaze outside, trees combing the sunlight into tendrils that brush across my thoughts.

I sigh contentedly and look at the empty sofa where at any moment by sweet love may appear and marvel once again at the depth of

human emotion Second Life held tucked away in her velvet box. I tentatively lift that lid and beams of fear, anger, hate, love, desire, longing, passion and dark curiosities assault my senses. Blinded by the intensity, I slammed the

lid shut, but my insatiable curiosity demands another look, releasing only as much of its volatile contents as I can bear. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s you, you see. You are the beautiful velvet box in which Second Life keeps

Most of you did not come to Second Life looking for sex, but you weren’t surprised to find it. Many had no preconceptions about Second Life at all. Others came to find a creative release, and many came to meet her brightest and darkest people. However, some were secrets. surprised to find out how much a part of their life it I’m a writer--naturally was destined to come. While curious, annoyingly nosey, many of us more prurient profoundly empathic. Your folk didn’t let too much pixel revelations alternately grass grow under our feet enthrall, shock, delight before we jumped into pixel and sadden me. My own sex, a surprising number feelings, a microcosm of the of us waited. Having been terrors and delights I find drawn in-world by other hidden in this SLandora’s inducements, they let sex Box; I can’t help but happen more naturally. whisper into the darkness, “I want more.” So I lift the What utter surprise did lid once more and asked the little velvet box yield? you pointed questions about your sex and love life. Apparently we are not as defined by our genitalia as Once more you released we might have assumed. your secrets to me and I People apparently aren’t am grateful that you have rushing the neighborhood allowed me to share them penis store to scope out here. the perfect fit. Indeed most

of you were happy with your freenis (free penis) until you actually needed to put it to work. Same was true for the women. Many didn’t buy this supposedly essential hardware for days, weeks or even months after becoming sexually active.

While making this acquisition was apparently not high on the priority list for the majority, when it came time to buy our tender vegetation we preferred to make that purchase alone. While not necessarily defined by our genitalia we are attached to it. Even when a partner purchased one for us, we tend to purchase upgrades— making it ours.

“I was a wedding photographer at a traditional Chinese wedding between a man, a female human and a female furry; whose matrimony was sealed in a traditional Wiccan ceremony

in a Catholic cathedral. After that, I’m kinda numb.” Fleche Xeno Most of us entered SL with a wellrounded sense of the smorgasbord sexuality has to offer, and weren’t overly surprised by what we found. The ability to taste test under the cover of anonymity is a temptation for some, while others simply have no desire to dip their spoons into the other 31 flavors. Some learned quickly that “emoting” would make or break you in-world.

Those that learned those skills and carried them into their real life lovemaking improved their sexual experiences outside of Second Life.

I pause to brush away a few nuggets of pain

that the box has spewed out at me. Some of you have lost your real life loves in here, others have gravitated into abusive relationships and haven’t the strength to walk away. Some are in love with a partner in-world that they desperately want in their real life—all the time knowing it can’t happen.

Enslaved by their in-world love, they fail to seek a reallife mate. We’re mystified by the relationships that exist between a master and slave, between a strip club owner and his girls, between those happily married in real life and married or partnered inworld to other mates.

Most of us say we don’t hunt for sex partners and some even take offense to the suggestion. However, most stated that sex came looking for them. Hmmm rests chin on hand and raises brow, “But nobody’s looking for sex?” So when we’re being

“found”, we’re usually found in clubs, alleys or, my personal favorite, the mall. And when we’ve been found we inevitably like to entertain our partner in the comfort of our own homes.

Unless we’re already partnered in-world and simply not in the market for a mate, most of us aren’t looking for an SL husband or wife. Real life marriages and commitments seem to have little affect on in-world activities.

The common thread—it’s two separate situations. Many married individuals frolic freely or even develop long lasting, committed in-world relationships that, if anything, positively affect

their RL relationships. Yet my mind can’t help but wander back to stories from people who brought their real life spouses in here to play with them only to lose them to someone else, when they realized too late—Second Life is not a game. I slam the lid shut and push away from my desk. Once again the box reveals too much.

I pour another cup of coffee and return with more than a little trepidation. I pick up the richly textured box, run my fingers over the soft red velvet and tuck it well to the back of my bottom drawer, gently close and lock it. Slipping the gold chain back over my neck, I feel the chill of the key as it settles between my breasts, and I whisper, “Same time next month.”

Kylie Sabra - Radar Columnist

Photo by Clyde Saunders

Behind the Stitch: Interview with Sevenstar Amat

Written & Interviewed by Chalice Carling XXXXXXXXX

Whenever I mention the brand Stitch by Stitch, people always say ‘Oh I love that shop’. It’s certainly not hard to see why when you take a stroll around a space that is alive, inspired and just plain beautiful. Here I talk to the force behind the label, Sevenstar Amat. A woman who is artistic to her core, humble, wacky, funny and has somehow managed not only to overcome the limitations of SL clothing design, she has reinvented it.

CC: Thank you for allowing me to interview you Seven. It’s no secret that I’ve been one of your many fans since we met at a runway show quite some time ago. You produce some of the most innovative and unique clothing in SL but I’m interested to know how you personally describe your collection?

SA: Thank you as well Chalice. You know that I appreciate you as a person, your sense of humor and your special views on SL very much too, not to mention your elegance and beauty :) but to your question.

How would I describe my style? I guess its Retro Pop. I love old school fabrics and classic patterns. I am influenced by the peculiar charm of époques gone by and the elaborate workmanship as well as the femininity and playfulness of vintage clothing. Yet, I don’t want to reproduce all this one-on-one, I just pick all these elements and put them into a new and surprising context, so it is not just vintage costumes I make, but some mixture of old and new. I also like to

add some eco touch, like using “consumed” materials and working them up to a new piece of couture. Why should a gown not be made of old plastic bags or newspapers, when the manufacturing is very skillful and the outcome is awesome? Why shouldn’t we use old clothes, unstitch them and stitch them together again to create something brand new? Of course this “slow fashion” ecology clothing idea is a bit weird when it comes to SL and pixel clothing but I love to transport the idea. Also I like the look and the touch of “handmade”, which does not have to be clumsy and unhandy at all. On the contrary, it creates new looks and awakens old glamour.

CC: You became a resident in April of 2007. Can you tell me about your journey into SL fashion design?

SA: In the beginning I was like a clueless newborn, which I think everyone who enters the metaverse is because we are not prepared for all the impacts here. At least I was not. I did all the typical stuff a newbie would do. After a few months of exploring, camping, gambling and playing, I started creating furniture and a few months later my first collection of clothing.

CC: What I think sets your clothing apart from many others is the artwork and the vibrant colors of the textures you use to construct your pieces. Being an illustrator and painter in RL, how has this influenced your clothing?

SA: In the way that I can create fabrics I want and need very quickly which is helpful and saves money and time. On the other hand, I think that SL has influenced my way to illustrate rather more than my illustrations have influenced the way I create. I am not quite sure about this yet.

CC: Can you share with us how a new Stitch by Stitch outfit is started? Where does the inspiration come from?

SA: Hmm, that’s a really intuitive and surprising process, even for me. Sometimes I dream up the pieces I will create, like seeing a picture in front of my eyes shortly before waking up.

Those are the lucky cases. Mostly I sit in a cafe, draw things and construct them on paper, like reflecting about shapes, layers and building methods. So you can pretty much say that

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I have the shape and will add the texture later. Very rarely things go quickly, and mostly it’s a long process to finish a new piece. I am such a perfectionist and I will not stop until it looks and feels good to me. This process is often sweet torture.

CC: Do you have a favorite piece or one you are most proud of?

SA: Yes, my “Forest Love” hat that I wear on my profile picture is my “SL Happy Hat”. I feel a bit like a mixture of a forest goddess and a princess in it, yet it’s fashionable and wearable with normal clothing too.

CC: Can you tell us about your new main store and the reason behind creating the separate Couture store?

SA: Well, firstly I wanted to seperate my more lavish dresses from the more casual clothing.

Secondly, I always wanted a little pink castle, so this was a good reason. In fact, I have made so many different things that I outgrew the space in the old main store. It was too cluttered and disorganized that it was bursting at the seams. What I could not do was get rid of my old main store because I felt attached to the build and I don’t like the usual mega stores, where people are stumbling around and nothing really rezzes. I like the intimacy of smaller places, and even as my range grows, I want to remain in small houses. If it’s not possible in one house, there will be two or more in future.

CC: What I love about a Stitch by Stitch shopping experience is the fact that you have a diverse range of items apart from clothing, such as shoes, hair, furniture, jewelery to name a few. How many hours per week do you dedicate to design and creation of pieces?

SA: Oh too many. I think it would be 2 or 3 days a week CC: What has been your proudest moment as a SL designer?

SA: Until now, my appearance at the Moda Spotlight show on SL TV. Also and possibly even more so, the many nice private IMs I receive from different people in SL telling me that wearing my clothes makes them happy. What more can I wish for?

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CC: I’ve been a Stitch by Stitch customer for a long time and what I absolutely know when I buy

anything made by you is that it will fit and that all the prims and sculpties are constructed in such a way that they move with the avatar. Why do you think that you managed to perfect this and others don’t quite get there? Was it something that came easy to you?

SA: It is a question and time of patience I guess. As a perfectionist I torture myself until things are how I want them and I am not easily satisfied. I am used to fidgeting on little annoying things; this is where my patience comes in I guess. So there is no artistry without labor. Trial and error over and over again.

CC: When you aren’t wearing your own pieces, where does Seven like to shop?

SA: I love to shop at small shops and discover new talent. I also shop at big brands so you can say I buy pretty much everywhere, but mostly hairs. The weird and sad thing is that I buy spontaneously and then forget about my purchases all too often, as most of the time I am in glitch pants at my building place, involved in some demanding building process that makes me forget other things. But there are also times when I take a break and go around all dressed up. My 56k inventory is a place full of surprising finds for me as I am such a scatterbrained person!

CC: In your Flickr profile, you say that your RL Grandmother was a dressmaker and you used to watch her make dresses with elaborate details. If she could hop in-world and walk through your store, what do you think she’d say about your designs?

SA: My granny would be delighted I am sure. But maybe she is my Guardian Angel now and helps me design all the time anyway ;) CC: Have you any advice for residents wishing to start their own design collection with a view to selling their creations?

SA: My advice is to be unique and to not copy SL brands who copy successful RL brands but to create their own looks and a “signature” which will make them instantly recognizable. Maybe in the short term, copying will bring some purchases, but to be taken seriously as a designer they need to go their own way. It depends on how ambitious someone is and if it’s about real fashion or short wins. I also personally dislike if the brand is called “.....XYZ...Design” don’t use the word “design”. It’s worn out and if it’s really design, people will recognize it anyway. The unique-

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ness of a brand name also shows originality and a certain style. I also would not work with brought prefab clothing templates as too many do that. Make your own.

CC: I would love to ask you a few quick questions so we can all get a sense of the incredible force behind Sevenstar.

1. Favorite color? It’s a gradient of reds, oranges and purples.

2. Favorite saying? One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it’s worth watching.

3. Summer, Autumn, Winter or Spring? All of them.

4. Favorite place to visit? A beautiful cafe full of awesome cakes and all kinds of great magazines with plenty of time.

5. How do you like to spend Sundays? Visiting flea markets where I fossick for vintage books and surprising finds of all kinds. Lounging in the park, watching people, sipping latte in a fancy cafe, to drift along the city, meet people, and just do what comes to my mind. This only works in summertime of course.

6. Best sim in SL? Drowsy, a poetic and fantastic place.

7. Introvert or extrovert? Both but have a tendency to be more of an extrovert. I can really give someone an ear bashing at times.

8. If you could live in any period in history, when would it be? The roaring 20’s (19201932), would have suited me.

CC: Seven it’s been a privilege to interview you. Is there anything you would like to say to your customer’s and/or supporter’s?

SA: Just thank you for your interest and the time you gave me. Enjoy your second lives! <3

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Annette Himmel wears: Flinder Sweater- Grey Flinder Knitted legwarmers- Grey Arabella Shorts with high waist- RED Arabella Red Prouch Love-is the Key choker Arkaine Cazalet wears: Cyrra Ruby Knit Dress Easy Going hair with capBlond

Tonya Coppola wears: Dolce Godiva black skirtBlack Knit top- Graphite Folklore stole- Black Krystanna Wycliffe wears: Elizabeth Sweater- Green Owly Skirt- Deep Purple Hoot Knit socks- Green

(Left to Right) Blair Roxley wears: Babycakes Dress Pink Shrug Raine McCellan wears: Pepita Pleat Skirt Rhombsocks with Pompoms Pompom Pink Sweater

Valeria Endrizzi wears: MIA pink ruffled dress Carley Benazzi wears: Dirty Diana Dress

Imani Enzo wears: Zsa Zsa Black Ella Quinsette wears: Zsa Zsa Soft Pink

SunSet Strip where the music is the emphasis A DJ every night 8slt till 10 slt pm play variety of rock music some top 40 http://slurl.com/secondlife/Candia/171/207/25

Shiki first caught my attention when the Menswear Fashion Week catapulted menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

fashion to the forefront of the Fashion industry. The week was meticulously put together by Rob1977 Moonites and Lexie Jansma with detailed and imaginative set design and featuring some of Second Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top Male models.

As soon as I laid eyes on the set for the Shiki Fashion show I was instantly hooked.

The colors from which it was made drew me straight into the atmosphere of the exhibition and I instantly knew that I would be mesmerized by the designs of Shinichi Mathy.

It is rare to find the utilization of color that Mathy brings to his creations in the Male fashion industry and I was honored to have the privilege of meeting Shinichi Mathy to discuss Creating, Collaborations and of course COLOR!

Amerique Silverspar: Thank you first of all for coming to meet me today. It’s great to meet you to discuss your work Shinichi Mathy: It’s my pleasure and thank you for having me Amerique Silverspar: I’d like to start at the beginning... Why did you first come to Second Life and how did you hear about it?

Shinichi Mathy: It was in 2007 I believe. A friend came over for dinner and told me about Second Life. He had read about it in the paper. So in the middle of dinner I went to my PC and created an account right away It was interesting because of the fact that the entire SL was created solely by the users, which was amazing to me. That was the start really. I didn’t start designing until a bit later.

Amerique Silverspar: That’s very interesting that you were attracted so quickly. Many seem to end up here by mistake!

Shinichi Mathy: It was pure luck actually. I was in bed rest at that time and was bored. It gave me time to really get involved with SL in general Amerique Silverspar: What were your first activities in Second Life?

Shinichi Mathy: At first, it was mostly teleporting to various places. I also noticed as a noob a lot of beautiful looking people and that was shocking at first.

I decided I needed to do something to earn money to make myself look good so I was camping most of the time, which is quite embarrassing really! As it takes so long to earn any money I took up modeling.

That was what got me interested in designing because I noticed there were far more clothes for women than men and at that time, there really weren’t that many good men’s clothes.

Amerique Silverspar: So that created the drive behind you starting to design?

Shinichi Mathy: Yes. Of course there were obstacles like, I didn’t have Photoshop and I didn’t know where to start. But yes, I was really motivated to create clothes because I got tired of wearing plain shirts and jeans.

Amerique Silverspar: What were your first designs like? Do you still own your first piece of clothing that you made?

Shinichi Mathy: My first designs were very colorful! I sort of went overboard with my designs just because men’s clothes at that time were all basically monotone colors.

The first shirt I made was called BOUQUET. It was very loud! I basically made a shirt out of a picture I took of a bouquet of flowers on my table. For some reason, it was a best seller. I think because it was so “different”.

Amerique Silverspar: One of your new designs is “Bouquet Nouveau” is that based on your first shirt? :)

Shinichi Mathy: Actually that was the inspiration, yes. I wanted to create a new and updated version of that shirt, just because that shirt was the first design ever.

Amerique Silverspar: It must be amazing to see the evolution of your designs Shinichi Mathy: It’s been a journey for me really but I have to say. I really enjoy the entire process of designing and creating.

Amerique Silverspar: What is it do you think that you enjoy most about it?

Shinichi Mathy: I think I like the fact that I can express myself artistically through my designs.

It’s very satisfying and it’s also satisfying when people actually like what I create. I also enjoy challenging myself to try and come up with new designs Amerique Silverspar: Do you remember the first time you ever saw someone wearing one of your designs?

Shinichi Mathy: Yes. My bouquet shirt. It was actually blogged on SL men a long time ago and I was excited at that time. A lot of my customers remember that shirt well. I tell them to not wear it anymore and just throw it out!

You can see how this year’s bouquet shirt is very different from that one.

Amerique Silverspar: You mentioned earlier about the lack of male clothing, especially when you first started designing... How do you think this has changed from when you started designing until now?

Shinichi Mathy: Oh this has changed dramatically. I think we see more interesting pieces of clothing’s these days. Designers are getting more creative in regards to male clothing and I’m really happy to see that.

I think clothing is an important tool to express oneself in SL because it say so much about yourself. I cannot understand how someone can wear the exact same thing for a year.

Amerique Silverspar: I saw your designs showcased at the Menswear Fashion Week. What do you think about events like this which raise the profile of men’s fashion?

Shinichi Mathy: I think that’s a really good thing and I hope that this trend continues in SL. I think it’s important to keep men’s fashion in the spotlight so that men’s fashion keeps on improving.

Amerique Silverspar: It was so well put together as well :) The set design was amazing!

Shinichi Mathy: Yes it really was! The organizers really did a great job and were wonderful to work with. I heard about this about 2 months before the actual event. I was so excited and I immediately IMed the coordinator of the event then I went into hibernation mode to design new stuff for the show. I swear, I ignored all my friends during that time.

Another great thing about the fashion weeks [is that] you get to see other designers in one place Amerique Silverspar: Along with events like this, how do you think we can ensure that men’s fashion continues to become a force to be reckoned with in SL? Shinichi Mathy: I think designers themselves should put an emphasis on men’s designs. To keep

things fresh for SL men. We started seeing men’s hunt last year which is a great thing. I, for one, will keep men’s designs a top priority in my work Amerique Silverspar: What do you find are the main differences between creating for women and for men?

Shinichi Mathy: For men, it’s just trying to get creative because for men, we basically have a shirt and pants. We don’t have dresses, skirts, etc so you’re somewhat limited. Whereas with women, you can go crazy and it still works sometimes you know. But in the end, it’s similar because you still need to create clothes that are of good quality and good design and for me, designs that are new and interesting.

Amerique Silverspar: Which other designers do you admire?

Shinichi Mathy: I like this Japanese designer called Sey. I also like paper couture. I have more favorites of course, but the list is endless Amerique Silverspar: If you could choose any single designer to collaborate with, who would it be and why?

Shinichi Mathy: It would be either MUISM or SEY just because I’ve always admired their work. I love how much time they put into their main stores. I think they [MUSIM] have a strong concept.

Amerique Silverspar: Okay and finally :) Is there anything in Second Life that you haven’t done that you would like to try?

Shinichi Mathy: I’d like to make shoes, bags and other accessories. Especially shoes.

The following pages show the designs which Shinchi Mathy designed especially for the Menswear Fashion Week. They will be available in store from the first week in March. Photography by Amerique Silverspar.

(Left to Right) SEPH ISHELWOOD wears: SHIKI- jeans GRUNGE BLACK SHIKI- leather jacket SHIKI- long sleeve shirt BOE CORTES wears: SHIKI- long sleeve shirt WHITE SHIKI- pants KHAKI

Photography by Amerique Silverspar

SETH DIABOLITO wears: SHIKI- shirt TEAL PLAID SHIKI- shorts EARTH GREEN

MANGOSIO LOHNER wears: SHIKI- jeans GRUNGE BLACK SHIKI- tshirt WHITE SHIKI- Zip up Knit top BROWN

BOE CORTES wears: SHIKI- jeans SPLATTER SHIKI- long sleeve shirt FLOWERS SHIKI- studded belt sepia

CLYDE SAUNDERS wears: SHIKI-jeans RED DOTS SHIKI- plaid shirt BLACK SHIKI-belt black

SETH DIABOLITO wears: SHIKI- jeans GRUNGE SHIKI- belt sepia SHIKI- western shirt- shorter sleeve

MANGOSIO LOHNER wears: SHIKI- BLACK long sleeve shirt MW01 SHIKI-JACKET FIRE SHIKI- pants FIRE OPEN

SEPH ISHELWOOD wears: SHIKI- denim jacket GRUNGE BLACK SHIKI- WHITE long-sleeve shirt MW02

CLYDE SAUNDERS wears: SHIKI- shirt BOUQUET NOUVEAU- w/inner SHIKI- jeans STONE WASH SPLATTER

Does this look familar..

Got Lag? Not a real AD Submitted By BigDaddie Mumfuzz

Photography By Pam Astonia

RADAR’S LIVE ARTIST OF THE MONTH HARRY FRYCHESTER He walks in. The black fedora askew atop his head gives him a cocky air. He isn’t a big man, but he eats up the room. The black case slung over his shoulder catches my eye. In this club, it could house anything from a semi-automatic, to ill-gotten gain, to even a guitar. I hold my breath as he walks straight toward me. Without a word he places the case on the table mere inches from my face. Never taking his eyes from mine, he purposefully opens the lid. A slow smile stretches one corner of his mouth and my heart freezes. Reporters aren’t popular in these parts.

I smile shakily as he props one foot on the chair across from me. He pulls out a guitar and smiles down at me, utterly aware of the calculated effect. I swallow hard and allow my first full breath since he walked through the door. And then...he sings; and the voice that spills across those lips hold me mesmerized. Sound shrouded in satin. Frank Sinatra, Harry Connick, Jr. and Michael Buble all wrapped up in one compact package.

As an entertainer, Harry Frychester is the ultimate gangster—robbing us of the cares that weigh us down at the end of a long day. He makes his way to the stage, greeting patrons along the way like long-time friends. The club has lost its cold veneer and becomes a sanctuary where we’re all members of The Family.

Harry takes the stage and I slip silently into the crowd. Paulie Gallacher tells me, “I think he’s a very talented singer, and funny. Entertaining is the right word, I think.” Then he turns

Photography By Pam Astonia

his attention back to Frychester’s stage antics. Entertaining is the right word alright.

Harry works a crowd with skill and ease as confirmed by Gray Halostar. “His forte is his connection with his audience.”

I edge back toward my table as the set draws to a close. My seat is waiting for me because Harry’s guitar case is still sitting on my table, and no one dares disturb it. He leaves the stage to the sound of whistles and applause and joins me. He tells me he’s laid back to a fault—choosing to hold back and let others take the lead. “I’ve been a fairly driven person all my life and one day I snapped and decided to be lazy for a while.”

Harry’s focus is Rat Pack classics and jazz. “I was surprised to hear a little Garth Brooks there in the middle of your set,” I say. A bit of a drawl creeps in when he speaks. “Well, I’m a country boy at heart, but country rolls off my tongue naturally and jazz is something I have to work for. It poses more of a challenge to do it properly, and I like that.”

I smile crookedly at him. “So the laid back country boy, who likes to take it easy, lets his ambitious side come out in his music.”

“That and my house cleaning,” he says laughing. “I’m a neat freak psycho by nature.” He slips away in some private reverie and I don’t think he even realizes that he’s speaking aloud. “How can I be so laid back and be a freak about certain things,” he says before shutting the window into his psyche.

I hate myself for asking the mundane questions, but (sigh) it has to be done. “So what influences your music?” He gives me anything but a boring answer. “I was singing a lot of Sinatra, Martin and Davis.” He grins and blushes a little. “People kept giving me songs by Buble.” He shrugs. “I’m wondering who Michael Buble is, but I started to pay attention to his stuff. He’s influenced me more than Sinatra ever did. Buble has changed the standards to be something people want to hear today.”

Photography By Pam Astonia

“You tell me that you’re a lazy boy, but you keep a grueling schedule from what I hear,” I say with a grin.

“I perform about five days a week. Two gigs a day on average. I do impromptu stuff when someone needs a quick fill in. I like to keep an open enough schedule to be able to do that. “ “So what projects lurk in the shadows for Harry Frychester,” I ask.

“I do a duet show with Elvera Lerner, who play Janet in The Rocky Horror Show, which I’m working on now. I play Brad Majors. He’s the nerdy guy.” He leans towards me and whispers, “Yeah. Type cast.” Harry settles back in his seat with a smug grin, and finishes his story. “We did a live duet, with me in Iowa and Elvera in London. We packed the house. So we did it a second time, packed the theatre and streamed the performance to the O Lounge.

We maxed out the stream and people couldn’t hear us. It was a pretty cool feeling to know that that many people wanted to hear us. We’re working on another show together and I’m working on a collaboration with Pippa Exonar as well.

Flychester’s chair legs scrape the floor as he pushes away from the table. He wipes off his guitar with a soft undershirt and gently closes the lid. He winks, smiles down at me, picks up his case and heads for the door.

Interview over.

Kylie Sabra

Why You Should go to the Second Life PRO Conference, Interview with Pink and Glenn Linden When the SL Pro Conference was announced, much discussion ensued amongst the content creation community. This new thing, an in world conference costing $99USD gave birth to many questions. What is it? Is it worth the cost? What will it offer in return?

Radar were honored to be given some time with Glenn and Pink Linden, to get an inside look.

Radar - Hello Glenn and Pink, thank you for giving us some of your time. So the best question to ask has to be, what is SL Pro? Glenn - SL Pro is our first ever conference for content creators. It has two tracks, one for

scripting and the other for building. The conference will include demonstrations and speakers from some of the most successful in world businesses. There is also to be contests and plenty of chances to “mingle” with content creators.

At most real world conferences there is very little chance to ask questions, usually at the end of a session or at a mixer. One of the pleasures of doing this in-world is that we can increase the chance attendee’s have to learn what they want to know.

Radar - Is the conference going to be based only on creation, or is it an all round conference for businesses?

Glenn - The conference will have discussion on plenty of different topics, including merchandising and advertising. Pink will be speaking about getting the most out of Xstreet, and how to merchandise there.

Pink - I shop regularly on Xstreet myself, and I am often surprised at how well residents show their products there. It’s hugely important how a seller shows the content in both photographs and within the listings text. Part of the conference will be aiming to teach sellers how to get the most benefit.

Radar - What about content theft? It is a huge topic of discussion right now, will that be covered?

Glenn - I am sure some of the speakers will definitely touch on content theft and IP rights and I know that there is one specific session about the legal aspects of content.

This session with cover many issues including rights, transfer of rights and intellectual property, but it will cover it broadly.

Pink - We announced our roadmap and a pilot program in the fall. We want you to know that this hasn’t been forgotten and is in progress. There is a lot of behind the

scenes work going on and we’ll be giving more information as it becomes available.

We don’t want to offer this information at the conference as it’s only fair that something this important is shared widely amongst residents and not limited to those attending.

Radar - What about the process of reporting theft?

Pink - That may be touched upon, but we will happily give anyone information about that freely. The best thing to do is to report it via the DMCA process. There are still many people reporting theft through abuse reports, and although that helps us in some ways, it is not the most effective channel.

Radar - Slipping off the topic for a moment. Would you say Xstreet has changed much since Linden Lab took over last year?

Pink - I most definitely would. There has been a lot of backend work involved and we see a large increase in the number of people using Xstreet. In turn there has been an increase in sales. We’ve done work to integrate it with the rest of the Second Life website and will continue to work on getting Xstreet seen and used.

Radar - One of the major questions regarding SL Pro is whether it is going to give value for money. Would you say the cost of $99USD is reasonable?

Glenn - I have spent a lot of time and money in RL traveling to conferences, and what I have noticed is the benefit of having a large amount of expertise packed into one time and place. Information is out there for everyone, and I do enjoy spending time reading and learning, but conferences, such as SL Pro, make on topic information easier to access.

It also gives people access to people and expertise they would not normally have ac-

cess to.

We want this conference to be excellent quality, therefore it has cost time and money to set up. We are giving prizes for the contests and paying all of the speakers to ensure the quality.

There is also the question of attendance. In the past, some of the RL conferences I have attended were free. Many people would sign up but attendance was low. People just decided not to turn up. Those that had a signup cost, and were limited places usually tend to have 100% attendance.

We also considered that many businesses within SL are already making more than the cost of this conference. With the information and “hands-on” activities, many of the attendee’s will gain the expertise to boost their income too.

Radar - What about the times? Many people are confused about the reasoning behind the midweek, during workday hours of the conference.

Glenn - Second Life closes the distance between people, but we cannot stop the clock. We considered a lot of options for the timing of the conference but couldn’t find anything that would work for everyone. Although we could cater for the US and European time zones, that would make it the middle of the night for Asian residents. The time we chose is the best one for the majority of time zones, giving everyone a chance. Although not ideal, we had to cater for the majority.

Radar - Would spreading it out across multiple time zones have solved this?

Glenn - No. It made much more sense to compact the conference into a block. This will give continuity and make everything flow much better. Giving more value to the whole thing. We didn’t want people to be able to attend just “some” of the sessions and maybe

miss something that could have really helped them.

Radar - How were the speakers selected?

Glenn - Our keynote speaker, Stiletto Moody, and all of those who submitted proposals, were chosen based upon their track record, reputation and on their content.

Stiletto Moody was an obvious choice as the conference aims to teach people how to build their business into a successful one. Stiletto Moody is one of the most successful businesses in world. The products and business model are innovative and high quality. That’s what we want for all content creators.

Radar - Overall what do you aim to achieve from this conference, and in the future for content creation?

Glenn - The content creation community is huge. We want to focus on helping creators and on improving content creation as a whole.

It’s something everyone can and should try. There’s little risk, no cost for materials and you can’t break the prims. Residents should just play around with them.

The SL Pro conference is aimed at those who want to learn to take a professional approach to creation. We want people to be successful, and we want people to grow their skills and businesses. It’s focused towards anybody who wants to improve.

Pink - Creation shouldn’t just be about business, although it is perfectly possible to have a successful in world business and many do. Content creation should be fun and enjoyable.

Creators never cease to amaze us at the Lab. If only you could see the number of emails passed around saying “Look what I found in world today” or “Look what the residents are creating now”.

Glenn - There are big changes coming that will make learning to create easier. We are working with residents on making information much more available.

Primarily, we already have our knowledge base and Wiki. Residents have also put some amazing resources out there in the form of tutorials, classes and schools.

Pink - We don’t want to replace what residents are already offering, but we are considering ways to compliment what is already out there.

Radar - Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Pink - We would love to see folks there. This conference is for content creators and is the first of many things we want to do.

We want to do many more events, but we do need to know what residents want. Let the lab know, and we’ll certainly give things a chance.

Radar - Thank you for your time.

Glenn - You are welcome, we’re looking forward to seeing readers at the conference.

-Tracy Rubble Radar Journalist

Dream Seekers Estates , Interview with Owner Zeebster Colasanti

Bliths Island

Dream Seekers Estates is one of many virtual land estate business in Second Life but there standards have proven them to be outstanding than the rest. With a high standard of support Dream Seekers has become one of the leading estate agents in Second Life. I recently had a sit down with the owner of Dream Seeker Zeebster Colasanti, I got a chance to not only talk about his business standards and growth.

Also I got a chance to ask about the new launch of the Linden Homes set to come out of Beta on February 17th, 2010, and how it would affect the virtual real estate businesses. Dream Seekers has a great future and is proving there resilience and superiority in virtual estate.

Labella Farella: Hi Zeebster how did you find Second Life?

Zeebster Colasanti: LOL well, that is an interesting story. About 1995 I was playing a game called Runescape with a friend of mine and quickly got tired of it.

My friend discovered Second Life and I decided to take a break from gaming for a while. It took my friend two years to convince me to join Second Life. I must say that I only wish that I would have started in this business two years earlier.

Labella Farella: How did you decide to start a virtual real estate business?

Zeebster Colasanti: At first, when I joined Second Life, I became interested in developing scripts. I built a useful radar application and started selling it. Within a month or two of renting land on someone elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sim for my store, I realized I could own a sim like this, rent the space I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need, and essentially eliminate the costs of my store. So the first purpose of the business was to support my store. My first region was Aliikai. A couple months later I have sold it to my business partner and started Dream Seeker Estates in June of 2007.

Labella Farella: You have on you site a list of high standards your company abides by, what was the purpose setting these standards?

Zeebster Colasanti: As the organization continues to grow, we continue facing new challenges and opportunities. At one point in time it was important for us to differentiate ourselves from our competition not only based on the product that we provide but more importantly the values we hold. I believe that this is important to customers because most of our customers hold large land parcels and so they want to make sure that they are dealing with an organization that has a reputation of high ethics and standards.

Labella Farella: What is Dream Starter and how is it Different from Dream Seeker?

Zeebster Colasanti: Dream Seeker is the main brand that I have started original-

ly and is continuing to be the core of my business. We maintain a close eye on vacancy rates and at one point in October of 2009 have noticed a sharp increase in vacancy rates within a short time period. To ensure our continuing profitability, we had to either shed the regions that were becoming vacant, lower prices across all our regions - which would very negatively impact our margins, or create our own competition. So thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how Dream Starter was born. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s essentially a competition to Dream Seeker, fully owned by Dream Seeker. A discount brand, if you will. The two differentiate based on service priority and some additional perks we offer to our Dream Seeker residents that are not available to Dream Starter residents Labella Farella: What are your future plans for Dream Seeker Estates?

Zeebster Colasanti: we have recently grown to more than 100 full prim region equivalents, if we count 3 homestead regions as equivalent to 1 full prim region.

My goal is to reach 250 full prim region equivalents by end of this year. In order to do this, we need to not only sell more but change how we operate altogether. So recently I have started to sign up channel partners.

Labella Farella: Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a channel partner?

Zeebster Colasanti: A channel partner is another organization that partners with us to resell our product. A channel partner would run their own fully independent estate, take care of all marketing, sales, tier collection, support. Dream Seeker would provide support to the channel partner and would essentially work as a holding company, being the registered owned of the regions. Because we would have no requirement to conduct sales or support for those estates, we could offer those channel partners very competitive rates.

Labella Farella: Why would someone want to become a channel partner with DSE Zeebster Colasanti: Because of our current revenues we can pretty much subsidize the startup costs of new investments. So for a channel partner, instead of purchasing a region from Linden Labs for US$ 1000 and then paying $295 per month every month thereafter, the channel partner could purchase a region from us at a much lower cost and only marginally higher tier rate. Our most recently signed up channel partner calculated that it would take her 20 months to start saving money if she chose to purchase the regions directly from Linden Labs. Also, because we conduct the business with our channel partners primarily using the Linden $ currency we do not collect VAT fees. If someone is under the obligation to pay taxes then they do so on their own by filling their normal tax returns. I am also hoping that as we sign up more and more channel partners, it will allow people to trade regions between estates without the cost of the normally applied transfer fees, which Linden Labs charges $100 US for.

So letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s say that we have two estates A and B, and A has too many full prim regions and B has too many homestead regions. They could easily trade these regions or buy them from each other and because they were all held by Dream Seeker as the holding company, no transfer would be taking place from the perspective of Linden Labs and so these expensive transfer fees could be avoided Labella Farella: DSE is holding a 2 week benefit for Haiti relief , what made you want to do something in world to support Haiti?

Zeebster Colasanti: Well, the event has touched me in real life and I wanted to help. I thought I could maximize how much I could contribute by getting people in Second Life involved. I suppose charitable giving is not stated as one of our official values but it might as well be. This is a third charitable event we have been involved in now since Dream Seeker started operating in 2007 Labella Farella: Linden Labs has recently announced Linden Homes, how will it affect your business if any effect at all?

Zeebsters Linden Home

Zeebster Colasanti: I am very excited about it actually. Let me take you to my Linden Home, show you what it’s like, and we can talk about it there….Basically how this works is that as a premium account holder, you can get a free Linden Home.

You go to a web page, they allow you to select a style of a house, and the house is instantly made for you. You get a 512 sqm parcel with 117 prims and a house that does not take up any of the prims

because its main prim is located on the community land.

However, you cannot change anything about the house, you cannot terraform, and you cannot sell the land. Its totally a startup property and it is meant to be outgrown. The purpose of Linden Homes is to introduce new residents to the concept of land ownership so they can quickly outgrow it and move to larger Mainland or Estate land. So I am very excited about this. We do not play in such small parcels so it does not affect our business directly. We will not lose a single client to a Linden Home. On the other hand, this program will increase people’s desire for owning land. I think after staying in a place like this for a month, many residents will want to move to a larger parcel on an estate For more Information on Dreamseekers Estates visit there web site: http://support. dreamseekerestates.com/home

As festive as Mardi Gras itself, Moda Fashion Spotlight is pulling out all the stops in the airing of its 100th show, February 15th at 7:30 p.m., on TREET TV. And why notâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;they have much to celebrate. Filmed on location, for which the site is being held top secret, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to miss this milestone airing. Founded in 2007 by Calveen Kline, Jujudoll Dancer and Noni Abeyante, as a natural offshoot of Moda Modeling School; Moda Fashion Spotlight (MFS) showcases both the best and newest Second Life fashion designers.

Dancer, Moda’s executive partner, recounts the early days of MFS. “Moda productions started as Moda Modeling School.

We produced these grueling three-hour-long fashion shows.

We have a history of torturing our models,” she says laughing. “We were producing one of those infamous shows when one of our partners introduced us to SLCN (now TREET TV) and they filmed it. It was the first time that a fashion show was aired on Second Life TV. We lost sound, everybody kept crashing and the film crew gave up and that was the beginning of the MFS team. It took us about three months to assem-

Host:Nyte Vargas and Harlee Lane

ble a production team for the show, and we still had the fashion school on top of that. We were among the first shows on SLCN.” The MFS founders remain a tight team, with Dancer and Abeyante acting spokespersons for this interview. Their respect and admiration for each other is the core of Moda’s success and define the production company’s values at every level. The company experiences little attrition because Abeyante and Dancer immerse their students and staff in their unique management style.

Dancer sets the tone with her take-charge style that is both charming and unassuming—as if leading were as natural to her as breathing. Assertive and knowledgeable, she nonetheless defers to Abeyante. Abeyante describes herself as production assistant, admissions director, go-to person and fix-it person. She cries playfully to Dancer, “Give me a title.” Abeyante has her hands full as executive partner and director of admissions for Moda Modeling School.

Rounding out the Spotlight team are creative director, Yxes Delacroix, along with hosts and script writers Harlee Lane and Nyte Vargas.

Lasting relationships like those found at MFS are the result of setting boundaries. Most of the models have been with MFS from the beginning and are Moda Modeling School graduates. Delacroix says. “We are the epitome of world peace. We come from all parts of the world and we all get along.” Dancer adds, “We instill the “no drama” rule in our people from the time someone enters our group. That’s how we bring up our students. It’s called mentoring.”

“I don’t get to throw a hissy fit if my shoes don’t fit. Nobody cares,” says Delacroix.

“It’s not all about me, or any individual. It’s about all of us together. It’s about the team. If I’m always wondering what I can do to give Juju, Harlee and Nyte what they need, then the show is at its best. And they do the same for me. We’ve gotten into each other’s heads, but we don’t abuse that fine line. Our relationship is not something we take advantage of.”

While drama is a rarity at MFS, drama happens in the best of environments. Dancer relates an instance where she found it necessary to deal with the dreaded “d” word.

“I don’t remember the details or how it came about, because it was so long ago; but something had the team in an uproar just prior to filming. I popped backstage as my male alt and pretended to be a new model. I sat and listened to them for a time, and finally cut in. ‘Its me, Juju. Knock it off.’ They never did it again.” I’ve never had to do anything like that since. Just like everybody else, our team members need to know they can rely on a professional work environment.”

Abeyante agrees, “It’s like NO drama. No negativity. It’s about communication. If there are problems we take care to resolve them, so everyone wins and we stay creative.”

The production team dotes on the Moda models, citing their respectful attitudes toward, and willingness to mentor each other. “The diva attitude doesn’t exist,” says Delacroix.

A model’s life is not an easy one and MFS models are no exception. Behind-thescenes hours are long and tedious. Lane explains. “It takes hours to put together the hair, accessories, clothes and shape. The model has to match nail polish, lashes, eyes— every detail—and put it all into a folder for a quick change. Then they have to work out all the poses and walks for each outfit: Some have three and four outfits apiece.”

Dancer interjects, “Every single week they do this.”

“No one can imagine putting on a show of this magnitude every week,” says Abeyante.

While MFS makes no claim to influencing Second Life’s ever-changing technology, they do plan to utilize advances to continually improve the show’s production. Delecroix says, “We’re going to be the forerunners of showing off coming technology. As TREET beefs up their delivery, we’ll be there. We will continue to be the forum for up-and-coming designers--that is our job.”

One would think that being a featured designer on MFS would be a no-brainer. Apparently not true. Dancer says, “One of the hurdles we’ve had to overcome is making MFS something the designer wants to do. This is so far beyond the runway shows. We have to educate designers on who we are and how we work. At the end of the day, they walk away a with 30-minute fashion show that they can keep and use for their marketing promotions. We have to make them understand that we are not here to steal their designs.”

“We give them the opportunity to get the word out about their fashion, “says Delacroix. “Fashion is the number one industry in Second Life. It’s not Real Estate. It’s not clubs. There are hundreds of ways to come into Second Life and make money, but there are designers who have come in never having done anything like this. As a result, they have unleashed their creativity and are now designing in First Life.”

The MFS team has written their ticket to success. It’s printed on the backs of hardworking, devoted individuals; determined to lay aside individual sense of ownership and join themselves into a tightly bound, and yes, loving team.

Congratulations From Radar Magazine, Moda Fashion Spotlight on your 100th show. We can’t wait to see what you bring down the runway and into our Second Life home in the years to come.

Photography by Clyde Saunders

(Left-Right) DONALD FELD wears: 641 - Brown JeansMale Field Jacket KhakiMale Claudio Boot IMANI ENZO wears: 641 - Brown JeansFemale Field Jacket Khaki- Female Cerra Bootie- Brown SEPH ISHELWOOD wears: Khaki Jeans Verde Neron Plaid Shirt Claudio Boot

(Left-Right) LEISHA NITELY wears: Nardcotix- Sabrina Ball Dress- Red Ashoka Red VALERIA ENDRIZZI wears: Nardcotix Adeline Crimson Colleen Bolero Black Absinthe Red

(Left-Right) DANCER DALLAGIO wears: Franks Jazz - White Kurvy T-strap- White CLYDE SAUNDERS wears: Pierson Formal Suit Black Claudio Boot- Black