april 2008 volume I issue II
MFA 2008 RFL Round Up Model Spotlights:
The One Called Payton Heron Watching Lava Levasseur Who's That Guy! Pretty 'n' Punk The Edge: KC Fashions
Maggie Mahoney CEO & Editor in Chief Ocean Bates CCO & Direct of Marketing
M0lly Dench Editor & Senior Writer
Maddox Dupont Fashion Columnist
Link Schism Special Features Writer
Vera Canning Feature Photographer
Brutus Martinek Show Photographer
Credits and Special Thank You's Frolic Mills Best of SL Magazine Best of SL Boulevard Vera Canning Photography
InStyle Fashion Agency Nancy Jie Kylie Gears Jujudoll Dancer
Cover Photography by Vera Canning
www.runwaysl.com Second Life, SL, and inSL are trademarks of Linden Research, Inc. Runway Magazine is not affiliated with or sponsored by Linden Research.
RUNWAY is a monthly publication that releases the first of every month and with special reviews when new collections are released. Our pre-launch subscriber base was 1500+ and growing daily. Marketing potential and exposure for your talent, designs, and products is exponential. We also offer some of the best advertising rates in Second Life. See below. ADVERTISING INFORMATION Ad Deadline is 25th of each month. Publication date is 1st of each month. Camera Ready Ads Encouraged RATES: 2500L Full page 3000L Inside Cover 3000L Inside Cover Adjacent page 4000L Two-page Spread Multi-Issue bonus packages available with contract Inquire with Maggie Mahoney or Ocean Bates. DISPLAY AD SPECIFICATIONS All ads are full page Single page 1024x1024 or 512x512 2-Page spread 3400x2200 (email only) or 1024x512 (in-world) If you prefer to email your artwork, please do so with in-world contact information to maggie [at] runwaysecondlife [dot] com. Custom Graphic Design Work for Display Ads available through Twin Palms Consulting 2500L per display ad. KIOSK PLACEMENT Current and Back Issues of RUNWAY, as well as Kiosks are available at SLExchange.com and OnRez.com, or contact Ocean Bates in-world or by email to Ocean [at] runwaysecondlife [dot] com for placement.
Uh uh…not gonna do it ! In light of the fresh doctrine handed down by the powers that be at Linden Lab, we have found ourselves in a quandary. We decided sometime ago to dub our little set of pages RUNWAY Second Life. After reading the new ToS, I asked myself 'self, how do we fit into this PR spiral of suicide that LL has jumped into head first?' I selected the name with care and a forward-looking eye to not encroach or infringe on the RL film's fictitious magazine from the Devil Wears Prada, so I added the Second Life to offer that bit of distinction. I mean, I enjoy Second Life and what I do inside its realm, but I did not set out to go toe to toe with 20th Century Fox.
Then I thought again, teetering on what one should do. Studied dutifully on the subject…and thought yet again. Then I decided not to fret about it. Fiddle dee dee right? Then I resolved not to write for the almighty blessing from the Lindens in helping to promote their concept. I do fully grasp that they wish to protect their proprietary 'corporate 'stuff,' and all that might encompass, and certainly they should and I applaud them for taking a step that should have been taken long ago; however, should their revelation and lack of foresight from the inception of Second Life be made at the cost and detriment of the hard work, devotion, and dollars, I might add, of the countless residents who have persevered right alongside them? Not in my book. A vast number of people globally have invested a great deal, including yours truly, into this virtual existence, and I am of the persuasion that coming in half a decade later and deciding, 'oh by the way…', is just a day late and a dollar short. I will disclaim any direct affiliation to Linden Lab and Second Life, but that is all they are getting. After all, it was my world and my imagination that dreamed this baby up…so I am keeping her : P. We are RUNWAY Second Life…there is no substitute for sheer perfection.
That's all… Maggie
The Hottest Ticket in Town. If there was event and one only that you could choose to attend this year in Second Life, what would it be? In the fashion world the answer is simple.
The Merovingi Fashion Awards Take 25 designers, four SIMs, 5 days, great prizes, fundraising for charity, mass media coverage and SL's top fashionistas all out and about, and you have the framework of the Merovingi Fashion Awards. Dig a little deeper and you'll find an event that has something for everyone. In 2007, the show invited 60 designers to showcase their work, and gave prizes in two categories. But the number one request was for more labels to be allowed in, so this year, the organisers have made some major changes. The most substantial of these was to move to seven major categories, five of them voted for by the Second Life residents. The second change with the categories opened the nominations and voting to all residents of Second Life. Over 5000 nominations were received, and the final list of 25 was chosen, by the community in general rather than a select few. The next step will be to vote for the winners. From a partnership with Relay for Life in 2007, to a standalone event to raise money for the Breast Cancer Foundation and Doctors Without Borders, the aim this year is to raise USD 15000. Donation boxes can be picked up at the MFA offices, and are available in Spanish, German, Dutch, French, Italian and Scandinavian. The Survivor Wall and the Memorial Garden were so well received and so important to those who attended last year that they will remain a permanent feature of the awards. All profits from the event go to the two nominated charities, Doctors without Borders and the National Breast Cancer Foundation, which makes the event doubly appealing. The combination of
outstanding fashion and fundraising for two great causes is incentive enough to strap on your shopping shoes and head on over. Last year's two-sim theme was Heaven and Hell. This year the event has doubled in size and will comprise four sims. The showcase SIMs will be open to the public from April 20 to 25, 2008. Visitors had the opportunity to go around and take a closer look at the nominees’ work before submitting their vote. The glittering Awards night on April 26th will be one of the highlights of the Fashion Season, and will be broadcast live by the Second Life Cable Network. With performances by live artists, and the awarding of the prizes, it is a night not to be missed.
Corporate Partners for MFA 2008 are SLCN.TV, Don Duke Development Group, MODA Fashion, RUNWAY Magazine, and The Merovingi Group. RUNWAY Magazine is honored to be an official media partner of the Merovingi Fashion Awards, and is proud to announce that no profit special edition of RUNWAY will be released mid-April 2008 showcasing all of the nominees. RUNWAY will donate all advertising revenue from the special release to the MFA 2008 nominated charities. On the following pages you will see the official announcement of talented nominees. Each will be profiled in depth in the MFA Special Issue of RUNWAY. We wish each of them the very best of luck!
The MFA 2008 Categories Award 2008 Best New Designer For a new design label, showing exceptional sense and skills in fashion, and with potential to grow. The winner is presented with a check for L$ 25,000 and a brand new Apple iMac 20" computer!
Award 2008 Best Furry Brand For outstanding work creating clothing and accessories for the growing Furry community. The winner is presented with a check for L$ 15,000 and a brand new Apple iMac 20" computer!
Award 2008 Best Goth Brand For all dark souls out there, this is the award for best Goth brand in Second Life. The winner is presented with a check for L$ 15,000 and a brand new Apple iMac 20" computer!
Award 2008 Best Male Brand For all the men out there and for all the grateful partners who have to live with them. The winner is presented with a check for L$ 15,000 and a brand new Apple iMac 20" computer!
Award 2008 Best Female Brand No fashion show can be complete without the best designs created for all the fashion-loving women. The winner is presented with a check for L$ 15,000 and a brand new Apple iMac 20" computer!
MFA Jurys Special Award For breaking trends and thinking outside the box, this prize is awarded by the Merovingi Group. The winner is presented with a brand new iPod Nano (RED) and a Jerry Statue.
SpaceJunkys "Killer Coat" Award This award is handed out by the SpaceJunkys.
The MFA 2008 Nominees 2008 Nominees for Best Female Fashion Label Ziamela Loon Soraya Blachere (Serene Sensations) BrokenSunshine Paperdoll (Kitty Box) Pompo Bombacci ’nuff™
2008 Nominees for Best Male Fashion Label Aitui Styles of edo Sidewalk Clothing Ziamela Loon & traveller Bade Keishii Roo
2008 Nominees for Best Goth Fashion Label Goth1c0 Silent Sparrow Nocturnal Threads Lapointe & BastChild Designs House of Rfyre 2008 Nominees for Best Furry Fashion Label Neko Gear Raven Wear Feral Threads Luskwood Creatures Nexxus Kohime 2008 Nominees for Best New Fashion Label Formal Affair Clio Cardiff SWS Design Urban Trash Affamé
The Best of the Best
by maggie mahoney
Once in a happenstance you have the chance of meeting a truly genuine and prolific person. Life offered me that opportunity some months back and as I, and countless others, have watched him continue to evolve and bring so much to Second Life, he persistently strives to attain heights that a good number can only envision. Hard work, tenacity, and devotion to self and others are his true calling cards and it would appear that with every feat accomplished, you ponder 'how is he going to top this one?,' only to be astonished by subsequent rounds of brilliance. If you have not yet discerned of whom I speak, let me enlighten you with the name. Frolic Mills. A name that has resonated throughout thriving publications, charitable galas, and black tie affairs across the grid - and ladies and gentleman, in true Frolic style, the bar has not merely been raised this time, but elevated to heights I doubt could be surpassed. The empire that has been so tenderly carved by Sir Frolic had a humble beginning. From his
rez day, he evolved into a model and worked as a photographer. Frolic then hatched the fledging Best of SL Magazine and nurtured it gingerly as it grew into one of the most anticipated and read magazines in the Metaverse. He kept shop and tended to the advertisers, diligently seeking out the best of the best in Second Life, and enlightening the rest of the second world on his discoveries, all the time striving to develop and fine tune each issue, never wavering at soaring higher with the turn of every page. In keeping with his best of the best theme, Frolic gave birth to the Miss SL Universe Pageant and with it came the grandeur and pageantry that we had all come to know and love from our dedicated Mr. Mills. The unveiling of the Miss SL Universe arena, custom tailored by Patch Thibaud, was an architect's delight and a feast for the creative eye. Whispers in the audience resonated, 'He has done it again. Frolic sets the bar for others to follow.'
Attention to detail of every minute aspect is an attribute that Frolic carries naturally and his partnership with Patch Thibaud culminates in the creation of truly stunning design and originality. I know, hush, stop going on and on - I can hear Frolic now 'Maggie thank you, but that is quite enough.' Where am I going with this? Recently, I had the marvelous fortune of an insider's peek at his latest inspiration - "a labor of love" he called it. The Best of SL Boulevard - 65 thousand square meters devoted to the best of everything in Second Life. The best talent you can find together in one mosaic of magnificence.
"I asked Patch to make the Boulevard realistic with a deco modern feel, something very unique and that had not been done in SL," offered Mills. "Everyone has done the Champs-Elysees or Fifth Avenue. I envisioned reality but with an element of fantasy and then to invite the best of the SL to share it together." After my limo ride, compliments of my host, I arrive on the Plaza at the Best of SL Boulevard and from that moment, I am at a loss for words to express the delights that surround me. It would be a challenge to pen an adjective for this beautiful and
breathtaking place. If you combined Paris, Milan, Manhattan, Beverly Hills, and every other chic locale on the globe, and then took it up an additional notch, you would merely graze the surface.
The skyline, the vistas, the boutiques, the salons, the picturesque vignettes - a feast for the eyes. You simply must experience the Best of SL Boulevard and I fully trust you too will share my opinion. "The Boulevard is the most exclusive shopping place in SL," smiled Frolic. I do have just one question. How does one get past the architectural brilliance, milieu, and grandeur and actually find time to shop? Sir Frolic, bel et captivant! C'est magnifique!
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Ah, Second Life. The ability to do and be whatever we want, whenever we want in whatever form we want. Including, it would seem, being deeply irritating.
Landing Strip‌
By M0lly Dench
‌
The Sound of Silence
This month my spleen is being vented on those whose uttermost desire in SL is indeed to be deeply irritating, not to mention occasionally quite shockingly rude. In the last couple of months, I have come across more annoying noises, whistles, beeps, burps, purrs, hollers, voiceovers and miscellaneous hoots than I have been forced to endure in the entire time I've been here. You know when you go to the movies and the person is front is chatting, laughing and rustling their potato crisp bag at full volume? And how much it annoys you? Well, dear readers, I'd like to advise that all those people are right here right now in SL... and for some reason they're all at the same places I am.
There's also a man in RL who follows me about, I'm sure of it. He's 6' 5" tall, has wild bushy hair and occasionally wears a hat. His mission in life is to sit in front of my 5'3" self at all movies, concerts, and occasionally football games that I have ever attended in my entire life and presumably will ever attend for the rest of it. He's here in SL, too. Here I can look straight through him, one of the blessings of this wonderful place and those fabulous camera controls. But I can't turn off his sound effects unfortunately - whereas in RL a quick slap to the side of the head with my handbag works wonders after being polite has failed. But here the blasted man and his cadre of followers lest, gentle reader, you
think I'm being sexist - have decided to go for the title of 'Owner of SL's Largest Library of Bloody Annoying Sounds'. I think its time we staged a global rebellion against those people who like the sound of their own voice/ hooter/horn/bell/whistle or really, really clever sound effect - usually at someone else's party. I can't begin to imagine why anyone thinks its reasonable, when they're at a show, or event, or concert, which has been put together by many hardworking and dedicated souls for the pleasure of all with great care and attention to the music chosen and the commentary that goes along with it, to start making ridiculous sounds, irrelevant conversation, or having a good chat about
their lunch or worse still, bits of their anatomy best left unmentioned. They're right up there with people who don't
understand the relationship between bling and lag actually, they're often the same people.
Its called the 'That Rule Doesn't Apply to Me' syndrome. If you're reading this, honey, it does. SL has invented this fabbo little thing called 'IM'. Use it for your bletherings, for goodness sake. We don't need to hear about it. We need to start wearing t-shirts to all events we attend. Designer label gorgeous tshirts with matching shoes, you understand, but T-shirts nevertheless. I've produced a range of slogans for them, so we can subtly - like a sledgehammer is subtle wander the crowd
making our views on their incredibly, like totally, like fully sick, like WOOT, in-reality-bloody-annoying sound effects vividly and obviously known. I think the following might make our point, don't you? The last one is actually my personal favourite. It pretty much sums it all up for me, really. Further suggestions (and probably large quantities of abuse) can be IM'd to me. Along with any interested tshirt manufacturers names, I'm thinking there's a market for this. And I'll accept nominations for The Most Annoying or Trashy Sound in SL. Leader in this category so far is anyone who thinks a sound-byte of Steve Irwin saying "Crikey!" is in any way acceptable on any level at any time for any reason (and pretty much at any event.) It's so wrong on so many levels I can't even start to name them all. First prize in this stellar event is that you get to join the posse to hunt down the avatars making this obnoxious racket, and stuff a t-shirt down their throats!
"If you're over 13, WOOT is just a damn silly thing to say" "If only I had a dollar for every time I've heard THAT" "No, sexy growls don't do it for me or at least, not here" "If you're not a Furry, don't purr. (If you are, do excuse me and please continue)." "Its only funny once. ONCE DO YOU HEAR ME!" "Do you really think no-one has heard that before?" "Why is that noise you're making clever?" "Hooters Belong in Bars" "I'VE HEARD IT BEFORE, AND IT WASN'T FUNNY THEN!" "If you need to discuss your sex life, go home. NOW." "SHUT UP!!!"
So there I was, sitting at the end of the runway, I believe it was an InStyle Graduate Show, and this fresh face walks down the runway. I was captivated! Grace, poise, flawless! Making it seem as if she had done it for years. I thought to myself - 'self, who is this?' A quick IM to Miss Nancy Jie revealed the name - Lava Levasseur. Doing a feature was an absolute because this is a name that will be taking the fashion stage in Second Life by storm. I must say, Lava is a genuine delight, full of confidence and adventure, with an eye turned towards where to go and what to do next. Here is an excerpt from our little chitchat one Sunday afternoon. MM: So how did Lava decide modeling was for her? LL: I'm sure I share the same dream as many that come to SL. We have the dream, but may not quite have the face for it. SL gives us the chance to experience that dream, among many others. MM: Did you define Lava so that she would be successful in the modeling industry or was it something that you defined as you went along with minor changes here and there? LL: From the first day it was my goal. I kept working on my shape until I had one that I felt stood out. Many people along the way said I was good enough already, but I knew I needed more work. But it's more than just the body...it's the attitude and who you know. Everyone will want to dance with even a plain looking girl, if she's exciting enough. MM: So true! MM: What has been the greatest challenge you have faced so far in the modeling industry? LL: Getting to know people who have a say in things. Entering contests is one way, but going through modeling academies has helped me greatly to make contacts. To be remembered, and remembered well is extremely important.
Lava Levasseur The One To Watch!
MM: How do you feel people perceive you? Or what image do you wish to portray in SL? LL: On a professional level, confidence on the runway. On a social level, when I enter a room, I want all eyes on me! MM: Do you look to the veteran models for guidance or technique? LL: Yes, my fourth day here, I met a supermodel with considerable experience. I learned a lot just by watching her interact, the clothing she wore, and the places she went. I've met many models since her, but she gave me the start I needed.
MM: When you prepare for a show - what is involved? Do you plan well in advance or how do you approach show preparation? LL: The first thing is to learn the routine. Even after I learn it, I come back evenings to the location and practice it over and over again until it's like breathing. I prepare all my outfits in folders numbered in the order I run them. I try dozens of hair styles and accessories until I get them right. I practice quick changes. The last thing I want, is a surprise on the runway. MM: What has been your most embarrassing surprise on the runway? LL: I have been lucky enough so far not to have problems on my runs. I've learned how to reduce lag so that it is barely noticeable even in a full room. Sim crashes and clothing not attaching, for example, have been my worst experiences. MM: What has been the greatest achievement you feel you've reached in your modeling career so far? LL: Getting to do shows is the most exciting part. Getting noticed by agencies and meeting their heads has been a thrill as well. MM: Greatest disappointment? LL: When a show gets postponed...but actually, with more time, everyone is better prepared. MM: True - alot of people think that a show can be thrown together rather quickly - it is a bit more detailed than that :) MM: So do you ever see yourself on the other side of the runway? As an agent or designer? LL: Definitely. Details no one would expect can throw a show off. I'd like to organize shows, write blogs, and even run an agency/academy. But I need more experience and recognition before I try that.
MM: If we look you up in say a year where will we find you in SL? Still modeling? LL: I hope so, but I'm sure by then I'll be doing many other things, such as what I mentioned. I'm always exploring SL, so who knows who I'll meet or what places will intrigue me enough to get involved.
We both had to book to get to the Bellagio show in hopes things would rez that day before the first model hit the catwalk, but I walked away with one thing from my sit down with Lava - perfection. Guarantee this is a face you will see all over Second Life fashion…and I get to say I knew her when…….
Five Minutes with
Lava Levasseur Favorite shoes?
Armyst
Favorite hairstyle?
Diversity
Favorite style or look off the runway?
Bianca and Lady Thera
Biggest pet peeve in SL?
Waiting around doing nothing. Favorite place to relax?
Space park or my home. Inventory size?
I've got it down to 10,000 When I shop, I shop for ______ first.
Outfits
Skirts or pants?
I need top and bottom...buy one part, and it's hard to find the other. Favorite color or print?
Red or black
The one thing we will never see you without?
Attitude
No Prim-a Donna By M0lly Dench
D
o all little girls dream of being models when they grow up? A quick whip around the under 12's of my acquaintance led to a resounding yes in 75% of cases. My personal favourite however, would have to be the prettiest little 5 year old I met, who wants to be a football team when she grows up. Yes, a whole football team. I congratulate her parents for giving her limitless horizons to strive for. Fortunately for her, and for all of us who want to do something perhaps not acheivable in the real world, Second Life was designed just for those dreams and hopes. The fascinating Payton Heron is no exception to wanting to do something different to her everyday life. Though, the parallels between her RL and her SL are easy to spot after you spend some time chatting to her. Payton is a very successful and high powered consultant in the marketing world in RL. It was her drive and formidable intellect which caused her to start looking at Second Life as one of the marketing tools that real world business could harness, if not now, certainly at a point in the future where the real and the virtual will start to cross-pollinate to a level as yet untapped. Payton has given a great deal of consideration to the ways in which this cross-pollination can be harnessed to the benefit of both worlds. Of course, once you arrive in Second Life, all things are possible, including aspirations to modelling, an occupation which is not open to everyone in RL. Most of us are not blonde, taller than 5'11" and spectacularly beautiful with that indefinable something, in our day to day lives. But again, even in SL, there are plenty of people who are blonde, taller than 5'11" and spectacularly beautiful. The indefinable something is the bit that sets Payton apart from the rest. Her career in SL has been characterised by her tenacity, personality, and her all round 'niceness'.
One doesn't last long in SL without being prepared to get on with everyone and as we've explored before in Runway, modelling in this world is more about preparation, hard work and a good sense of humour than tossing on a few garments and strutting down a catwalk. Payton credits her success to a number of mentors in SL, who were unflaggingly generous with their time and support as she
fulfilled her RL dream of becoming a model. From her early success in the Miss SL Tropics competition, finishing in the finals, through to volunteer modelling with the EFA fashion week auctions, to benefit, globally, women affected by breast cancer, and on to the Miss SL Universe Pageant, Payton has had a meteoric rise as one of SL's top models, and recently added two new feathers to her not inconsiderably decorated cap.
In January, Payton joined LeeZu Baxter Designs as Chief Marketing Officer, a role which keeps her busy, and about which she is most passionate. Her personal style leans towards the elegant and classic, and her RL skills combined with her in-world abilities will
doubtless make this a match made in heaven. For LBD, she will be responsible for all marketing, publicity and public relations, which with her RL skills will unquestionably enable LBD to build upon their existing achievements.
In addition to that, Payton is part of the MODA Spotlight fashion model team. Each week on SLCN.TV, the team showcases a different SL designer. Payton joined the team after completing her course at the MODA modelling school, and modelling school is definitely something she recommends for aspiring models. Along with working hard, attending as many shows as possible, constant practice, and very thorough preparation beforehand. And keeping yourself nice. There's nothing to be gained, Payton advised, from being less than professional, friendly, and fun to work with. Payton can be booked through Metro Models. For more information, visit their website at http://metromodels.slfashiononline.com/
Favourite Place in SL to relax... The Spa and Bare@Rose Favourite Place to Party... The 5th Element Best Buy? Anything that Bianca Foulon or LeeZu Baxter design Most extravagant purchase? A couture dress that I accidentally bought and didn't even want.....OMG!! Still have it and never worn it Shoes or Handbags? Always Shoes Favourite Jeans? X3D Studded Denim Jeans Shameless Plug for a favourite Charity? American Cancer Society -- support RFL Skirt length for 2008? Above the knee Pet Peeve in SL? (What Cheezus Me Off) Guys who say..."wanna fuck?..." Star sign? Taurus Heels or Flats? OMG, heels, of course Funniest Glitch so far? Walking down the runway for the weekly MODA Spotlight TV show with no hair. The show is broadcast live and thousands of people saw me.....very embarassing when I saw the video. If I was the Mistress of the Universe in SL for a day, what would I change/fix/instigate? GET RID OF MR. LAGG......he is so annoying!!!!
Relay Round-up RUNWAY Magazine caught up with an exhausted and triumphant Nevar Lobo, in the period immediately after the Relay For Life Clothing Fair, to find out how it all went... The total raised this year was 4.5 MIllion LInden dollars ... US$15,801.53. A staggering effort by any standards and a credit to everyone involved. Number of visitors - There was average traffic on all 4 sims everyday of over 30K ... many times the sims were full and you couldn't enter them for hours at a time.
Highlights: The entertainment, the people, the amount of money raised... but i think my biggest highlight was raising 2 million linden which was our week's goal, in two and a half days. Any issues? The biggest issue was lag... but even then we did all we could to combat it and this was a highly successful event for RFL. Further donations - how can people continue to give? People can look in the events under Relay for Life, go to them donate to a kiosk, or go to www.slrfl.org and donate online, help a team ... find a kiosk ... buy things in RFL vendors until July 20. Plans for next year: Planning will start in October ‌ and right now we are just planning for future events for RFL for this year.... people can watch the blog to find out what is going on and how to be involved. Photos of the Event: Visit their Flickr website for fabulous shots! http://www.flickr.com/groups/clothingfair08/
www.slrflclothingfair.blogspot.com
The Thank You Wall of Fame Lots of thank yous to everyone for making this an amazing event from all of us... we also want to make sure that we say thank you particularly to the Rezzable group for the sim and to Lilith Heart for her awesome donations of all the trees and plants around the sims.
Lillith Heart Charlene Trudeau BCreative Wilde Marissa Goodliffe Synergy Devonshire HaroldThe Burrel Callie Cline Wiccan Sojourner Rebel Hope RH Engel Kate Proudhon JueL Resistance Atraya Spire Elizabeth Antonelli Amethyst Starostin Randolf Juran Random Calliope Tayzia Abbatroir Forda Fairlane Moxie Polano BastChild Lotus Chiman Fassbinder Madison Donnely Vint Falken RightAsRain Rimbaud
THE
E D G E
Haute Exotica. In SL, style can be whatever you want it to be, including that which you would never dare to wear in your RL. This new segment will look, each month, at designers and fashions that are often overlooked, or contemptuously dismissed as 'oh, goth', 'oh punk' or 'oh, its not pink and pretty' depending on where your personal prejudices and proclivities lie. I prefer the term Haute Exotica for anything that is not only outside my personal fashion comfort zone but that dazzles me with originality, vision, attention to trims, superb detailing and texturing, and unique and unusual construction. It may not be haute couture, but then, very little actually is, in both RL and SL. History and fashion buffs will know and understand the term haute couture, so misunderstood and misused in RL. For those who don't, let me digress a second and give you the fast, potted version of haute couture (no, it doesn't need capitals, it truly doesn't) and what it really means in the real world.
Haute couture is French for "high dressmaking", and refers to a very small, very specific segment of the custom design market. In France, the actual term haute couture is protected by law, would you believe, and the Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie de Paris draws up a list, each year, of those fashion houses which may promote themselves as of the label haute couture. Others, not on the list, cannot label themselves thus. Haute couture is actually one of a kind, unique pieces made for a particular customer believe it or not. The rules of qualification include an atelier in Paris, with a minimum number of staff, and two fashion shows a year. Those very exclusive and very expensive design houses that sell a multitude of nonunique, but still exquisite items, are actually known as pret-a-porter or ready to wear. It may be limited edition, it may be horrifyingly expensive, but if there is more than one of it, it's not technically haute couture.
All that aside, these rules don't apply in SL, though I do tend to eye askance anyone promoting themselves heavily as haute couture if I'm not seeing evidence of them at least conforming to the occasional one-off, individually created piece. Does it matter? Only if you're a purist. Are we purists? In SL, you can be if you want to be. Forgetting the logistics and legalities of it all, there is still a vast wealth of absolutely extraordinary work going on in SL. Textures to die for, meticulous attention to detail, and jaw-dropping creativity. It's just not pink. Or pretty, in many cases, or the kind of thing you'd wear to a tea dance. Let's recognise and celebrate genius where we find it. Welcome to The Edge.
By M0lly Dench
Dark Horse. Runway Magazine is very proud indeed to be able to showcase, for the inaugural edition of The Edge, the work of one of the most talented fashion houses we've had the privilege of coming across. In either life to be honest... Wandering about through a slightly wicked shopping area not long ago (as you do - you do, don't you?) I spotted an outfit which on closer inspection proved to have the most amazing texturing.
By M0lly Dench We won't discuss what I was doing purchasing it or what I had it in mind for, but I was even more excited when I got it home, put it n, and virtually - pardon the pun - fell over when I saw how the fabric moved. Instead of an explosion of spade shaped prims around my head, the cloak flowed like water behind me instead of taking out an eyeball. I was excited enough to track down the designer/owners and put together a feature on the work that they're doing.
the ideas started, the techniques followed. And as in all things, personal attributes like determination, stubborness, attention to detail, thoroughness and a strong work ethic lead to each individual piece being crafted meticulously.
It may not be mainstream, and it may not be to everyone's taste, but the quality is undeniable and the look is absolutely stunning. Kittrannia Cassini and Salam Celt - who are KC Fashions - met online in a game that was not Second Life, and in the interests of ethernet harmony we shall not mention it by name. When Salam finally came in-world, she encourage Kitt to join her and before long, like most of us, they were hooked, and looking around for a way to scrape up the Linden$ to keep having fun. A brief stint as club dancers convinced Kitt, at least - Salam tells me Kitt is the shy retiring type - that there had to be an easier way. Given that Salam is more orientated to the wild side, Kitt started to look at lifestyle clothing and began to design. Unlike many of the top designers in SL, Kitt hadn't used Photoshop before, nor had worked in a design field. But once
I asked Kitt about the hardest design elements, and whether she considered her work was art, or design. "The hardest part is the learning curve from being a novice to getting to the stage when you can create just about anything and staying sane through all the frustrations. I was always interested in graphics but just as a hobby....I played with Poser for a while but was a complete novice on Photoshop 14 months ago. I would say that my work is more design than art, although I'm getting quite adventurous in my detailing and really pushing myself."
Kitt does all the clothes, and Salam the shop management. However, it came to light during the interview that Salam actually built the shop, and there is clearly a very deep symbiosis between the two of them, as the build compliments the clothing without overwhelming it. Nor is it stereotypically Goth in style though it has a definite dark side flavour. The amount of effort put into each piece, and the sheer love of design for the sake of it, is
vividly obvious in each item. "I put a lot of effort trying to get the seams to flow into each other...some with more success than others. Depending on the look I'm after, yes, lots of panels to give the impression of a seamless cloak or skirt." Whilst KC Fashion items don't come in at the economy end of the scale, the sheer number of items in each set is overwhelming. Multiple sheers, blocks, gloves, stockings, skirts, boots yes, boots! -and accessories, make the purchase of a set an investment in mix and match. A clever sense of style will result in a very unusual look under a standard jacket, or a brilliantly textured pair of stockings to offset a plain skirt. Not to mention the attention to be gained by wearing these pieces out on their own. ●
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PHOTOGRAPHY Vera Canning RUNWAY Feature Photographer MODELS Payton Heron & EmmZ Tzara ●
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Interestingly, Kitt and Salam don't put out new 'collections' as such. I was exploring the idea of a particular theme or concept that drove sets of designs, but Kitt told me that she instead tends to lie in bed at night imagining what she would like to try next rather than designing a solid block across a particular concept. "I'll either attempt what I'm thinking about, or decide it's just TOO hard to do. I'd like to try skins next when I have enough confidence." I rather imagine that will be quite soon, and I for one can't wait.
KC Fashions Athen Shire 151,182,30
Pretty 'n' Punk TODD STEHELI by link schism Last month I reported on four of my favorite styles in SL, this month I interviewed my favorite representative of a couple of these genres. Recently I spoke with Todd Staheli of Pretty ‘n’ Punk about his fashion line and his work. Todd’s work is mainly Grunge as it is his personal preference style although he does a lot of work in Casual and Punk but rarely develops Emo or Goth. He designs for Men and Women’s styles and his work
varies between simple T-shirts to funky, complex styles. Todd started out his designs working with photos. Once he established himself he started working on tattoos and eventually came to start on clothes. His initial inspiration to work in clothing came from trying many things in second life, including working with prims, to discover that he enjoyed fashion most. Coupled with his Real Life involvement in the fashion industry, which helps him watch trends in
fashion it became something he really enjoyed. When asked how he would label his own style, Todd told me that “I think I would have to use Fresh Grunge (punk grunge style with a clean fresh fun attitude)”. And that his favorite thing to design and create was to difficult a decision to make. “All of them have a sort of fun to making them but the most fun is seeing how people react to your new creations, be it good or bad…selling the first one of a new outfit is so exciting to me.” Todd discloses that if he had to pick one or two of his favorite designers he would pick out “Wrong” and “Desert
Moon Clothiers” as great inspirations to him when he was new to the scene. “They both have amazing work and have made a great name for themselves here in SL, I really looked up to them.” As well as designing his own range of clothes, Todd seeks to make an environment for those who wear his fashions to feel comfortable in. On his Sim “Biopunk” can be found Pretty ‘n’ Punk’s own Headquarters, as well as an attached shopping district with many stores selected by Todd to match his customer’s needs. From tattoos to shoes, he offers a wide variety of shops. A new addition to the island “Celebration” has recently been added with fresh stores and a great beach feel. Also found in Biopunk is a great residential area with unique houses up for rent. The style of the neighborhood is very urban and has a great feel to it. Set with a casual beach scene (Dolphin included) it makes a very casual Sim look great. Todd runs it all seamlessly with his partner in crime Winirose Runo, whom he says he cannot work without.
Winirose is the leasing agent on Biopunk and is always there to welcome new residents. I asked Todd what he would like to do, if clothing was not an option to him. “I would probably do Interior design, something I did want to do in RL that I never got a chance to do.” Todd says the future of Pretty ‘n’ Punk is in no hurry. He’ll take each day as it comes and keep designing the way he likes.
So for a great shopping scene and cool clothes, take a trip down to Biopunk and check it out. The housing, mall and beach scene make for a great environment and who knows what is to come from this talented designer in future.