RUNWAY Magazine delights you with cutting edge insight of the modeling and fashion industry in Second Life. Every issue delivers provocative articles, striking photography, and provides the reader with a fashion resource for mainstream and innovative design. Our content is unmatched by any other magazine presently available in Second Life, and we strive daily to drive the boundaries to new altitudes. In nine months, our readership has skyrocketed to over 13,000 in-world subscribers, delivering 50,000+ issues. Our advertising rates are the most attractive of any publication in Second Life, providing both affordability and the exposure one would expect to receive from any publication. Cross-promotion marketing with notable groups provides our advertiser's access to a solid audience with a broad range of interests, and a mindset of individuality and style. It is quite simple. Smart advertising results in sales. RUNWAY Magazine provides advertisers with the most efficient, wide-reaching media buy in the fashion industry. Is your next customer reading RUNWAY? 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 MAGAZINE STAFF Maggie Mahoney Founder, CEO, & Editor in Chief
Ocean Bates CEO, Director of Marketing
EmmZ Tzara Stylist and Lead Model
MOlly Dench Senior Managing Editor
Vera Canning Lead Photographer
Thalia Jie Fashion Editor
Brutus Martinek Features Photographer
Maddox Dupont Special Features Writer
Tillie Ariantho Show Photographer
Leah McCullough Web Design and Columnist
Trinidad Anatine Features Photographer
Capri Dubrovna Features Writer
Gweneth Lange Features Photographer
Smulett Back Graphic Design
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.
Another year coming to a close. Changes witnessed. December brings round a time everyone reflects on the 12 months prior and looks to the next 12 with hopes and aspirations of what is to come.
giving us the encouragement to push forward to the next issue.
Ocean and I sat down this week and did some reflecting of its own. We counted our blessings, our newly forged friendships, and humbly felt that a thank you was in order.
Thank you to the photographers who turn ordinary pictures into extraordinary art.
Thank you to our brilliant staff - so much talent that continues to amaze us as each issue comes to life. Thank you to our advertising partners. We hope that your year has been as joyous as the one we are bringing to a close. Thank you to our readers for taking the time to settle in with your favorite cup of something and reading us, letting us know how we are doing, and
Thank you to our models whose beauty and grace give the pages of this magazine life.
Thank you to the writers who turn the phrases with the stroke of a pen that make the words leap from the page. Thank you. Thank you. A thousand thanks yous. Wherever you are this holiday season, take a few moments to reflect on the joys and blessings in your life. Count them close and dear. Happy Holidays
Maggie & Ocean
Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all Men... The end of another year. Well, to those of us on the Gregorian calendar, at any rate. But given that the Gregorian calendar is the most widely used one in the world, and one that SL operates under, I guess it's appropriate to say - another year almost over. What an amazing year -
SL wise - it has been. Sculpties took off - one might almost say took over - content theft and DMCA brawling reached new heights, blogging deteriorated into some of the most vicious wars-of-words yet seen, a positive plethora of new designers hit the grid, the Linden dollar stayed stable but alas the US dollar did not, which was very bad news for the 70% (yes, that was 70%) of residents who are not in the United States, politics hit the grid again and of course, RUNWAY Magazine was launched.
Landing Strip
By M0lly Dench
I think the end of the year is a good place to look back from, in terms of RUNWAY. I think, apart from Maggie who technically isn't a staff member at all, I'm the longest serving staff member. At the time we thought the first issue was fabulous. (It was.) But what does that make this one? Unbelievable, I think, might be a good phrase to use. From the amazing skills of Vera Canning with the Edge shots this month to Trinidad Anatine's glorious window boxes, the writing skills of Capri and Summer and especially Thalia who has turned out to be my absolute right hand 'man'.... we've come a long way baby. Every single person at
RUNWAY puts their heart and soul into what they do. And it shows in every issue. And fun has been our watchword. Some of my favourite moments this year have been the near decapitation of everyone in a two hundred metre radius courtesy of the Grid's Largest Wedding Dress not to mention the Grid's Longest Ever Fashion Show, the RUNWAY Bridal Revue. Say Bridal in any staff meeting and watch the number of people pretending to
crash hit record proportions. The whole Invisiskirt problem, which now appears to be fixed except for the odd moment when someone says 'are you SUPPOSED to be showing your knickers, M0lly' (and you can guarantee it's someone trying to get a rise out of me), the wrench we all felt when Linden Lifestyles stopped blogging, and then there was the Pumpkin Avengers.
EmmZ Tzara, Vera Canning and M0lly Dench, who decided to grief the RUNWAY sim before it was open and covered it in pumpkins. Then, because we are
shockingly bad criminals, took photos of ourselves all dressed up in black, posted them on Flickr, and somehow had the bizarre idea no-one would know it was us.
Maggie's revenge will live long in our memories. Never Open Anything From Maggie is the current mission statement for the Pumpkin Avengers. [Thank you Maggie for NOT printing the pics of the Post-Avenger Attack].
for free and that's how it ends up in the magazines and on the blogs. Hmmmm. Not that I've noticed, but there is hope for 2009.... The year we watched Sissy Pessoa from Baiastice go from a
This was the year I learnt I truly am the grid's Worst Photographer, and as we get to the end of a fabulous 12 months, despite the best efforts of everyone, my skills have not improved more than marginally. One suspects they never will. The year that I learnt that I was never going to be showered in review copies of shoes, much to my great sadness. The year I was outraged to read on the blogs that apparently editors, bloggers, and fashionistas get everything
little-known designer, who didn't have a Group for her customers to join, to a grid-wide by-line for couture and innovative design, with sim, skins, poses, and the best freebies on the grid, bar one.
The one was Tuli Asturias, who again, from small design house with a few skins and some lovely clothes, to powerhouse with the most beautiful skins in SL and a sim to match.
with Mami Jewell, an equally beautiful person, to create some of the loveliest designs on the grid. Paul LaPointe and Bastchild Lotus, who continue to create absolutely anything they take a fancy to, and do it superbly. Standby for their homewares. Lovely isn't a good enough word. Then there was the shock hiatus of Neferia Abel of Ivalde, whose prodigious talent and prolific output led to an enforced rest from the curse of carpal tunnel syndrome and exhaustion.
The MFA Fashion Awards, and the win by Edo Tone, the ultimate 'sweet soul' in Second Life. And his subsequent pairing
But most of all, for me, this year was about cementing some of the best friendships I've found anywhere. Where my Second Life was so much fun that my First
Life nearly took a back seat, where I met amazing people and helped create an amazing magazine. For whether virtual clothes are just pixels, or avatars are just pixels, or hair, shoes or candles, in SL, are just pixels, I can at least say to myself, "Not To Me." Because I was privileged enough to write about them. Because I met the person(s) behind the av(s) behind the design(s). Because I wrote, and words are forever. In whatever medium you create them. So should you be someone in SL who writes remember the power behind the words, and the person behind the avatar.
My wish for everyone, for 2009 and beyond, at this time of Season's Greetings is: "Treat Each Other Excellently." And all will be well. Molly
Adjusting Attachments
Before trying to adjust anything MAKE A COPY FIRST!! To make a copy of an attachment right click the attachment in your inventory and choose copy, then
By EmmZ Tzara
There are 30 attachment points available for you to attach objects to your avatar (jewellery, hair etc) and 8 HUD attachment points for you to attach HUD’s (Heads Up Display) to your screen rather than to your avatar (AOs, translators etc).
Model Corner
As a professional model you will need to know how to adjust a variety of attachments, ranging from hair and jewellery to eyelashes…Grrr. It is important to make sure that you have adjusted all attachments perfectly, a necklace that is floating above, or cutting into your neck, or earrings that are not attached to your ear lobes, will look really silly and unnatural. Hair should be fitted perfectly too, make sure you don’t have prims sinking into your face or ears and that your hair line looks neat. You will find it helpful to use a pose stand when adjusting any attachment as this will keep your avatar in a still, neutral stance.
right click the folder containing the attachment and choose paste, (it is a good idea to rename your copy before adjusting it so you know which has been altered) you are now ready to adjust your attachment‌ Wear the attachment, right click it and choose edit, this will open the edit
window and show coloured arrows which allow you to move your attachment in the direction that the arrows point in. You might need to adjust the size of your attachment to fit your avatar, if so press and hold shift & Ctrl (while you have the edit window open). You will see small white squares around your attachment, click on one of these and drag in or out to make smaller or larger. In some cases you might want to rotate the attachment (I find I use this a lot when adjusting eyelashes for example). Edit the attachment, then press and hold Ctrl, you will see a sort of sphere with coloured edges, click on a coloured edge in the direction you want to rotate and move
until you are happy with the position. Eyelashes can be one of the most difficult attachments to adjust, they take a lot of practice and you will probably lose a lot in your head… I know mine is full of them J When wearing prim eyelashes make sure to set your default eyelashes to 0, (edit appearance – shape – eyes – eyelash length) or you will find the default eyelashes conflict with the prim lashes. When adjusting eyelashes you will want to zoom in to get a good view, (to zoom in press Ctrl and 0, zoom out Ctrl and 8 and to reset Ctrl and 9). Make sure you use your camera controls to look at your eyelashes from all angles,
you might find they look great from the front but don’t touch your eyes when you look from the side view. It is important that they look natural and fit perfectly looking from all directions. Now, this is the tricky part…you might want to move one of the top lashes for example without
you will see that just that prim is highlighted now you can move this prim separately from the rest.
having to move all four. To do this you need to edit linked parts, edit your eyelashes as normal to bring up the edit window, now check edit linked parts on the left hand side of the top section of the edit window, then click on the eyelash you want to adjust,
head - don’t panic, you don’t have to start all over again, go to Edit at the top of your screen and choose undo (Ctrl - Z) this will put your prim back where it started.
Now if you are as bad as me at adjusting eyelashes you will find that they fly off in all directions and tend to hide away in your
Hats are another attachment that can be very tricky and time
consuming. You often find that strands of hair will show through the hat, now you can either make the hat large enough so the strands of hair don’t show through, this will work for some hats with some hair styles, but more often than not you will find the hat has to be enlarged to a unrealistic size to accommodate your hair.
hair that shows outside of the hat, make sure the overall look is what you desired.
The best way to fit a hat is to choose the hair style you want to wear and MAKE A COPY then fit the hat to the desired position. If you see hair showing through the hat you should edit the hair, click the hair and bring up the edit window then check edit linked parts, now click on each strand of hair and tuck it inside the hat. You will need to be careful that you don’t spoil the look of the
Nevertheless...the most important thing to remember is MAKE A COPY FIRST!!
Yes, it's time-consuming. But the end result is a perfectly groomed avatar - the very least that the designer of your clothes/hair/skin/shoes, deserves.
Until next time, I'll see you on the runway!
EmmZ
Full Steam Ahead
The concept of Steampunk is one that makes most of us go cross-eyed trying to figure out, but it's actually really simple. And it's not all about Victorian tea-rooms and steam trains.
And then, should it have done so, what would it become as a philosophy and culture? A clue, of course is in the 'punk' component of Steampunk. And what, after all, was punk?
By M0lly Dench
What if Steam, instead of being rendered obsolete by the combustion engine and the computer chip - had become the primary technological energy source of our world, alternate worlds, and fantasy and future worlds?
The Edge: Steampunk
I'm really proud to say that this month The Edge really is right out there on The Edge. We decided to look at Steampunk, and not just the nice tidy Victorian kind, but Steampunk in it's original, fantastic, fantasy-world best.
One of the clearest articulations of this new ethic was voiced by the Catastrophone Orchestra and Arts Collective in the first issue of Steampunk Magazine: ".... Punk—the fuse used for lighting cannons. Punk—the downtrodden and dirty. Punk— the aggressive, do-it-yourself ethic. We stand on the shaky shoulders of opium-addicts, aesthete dandies, inventors of perpetual motion machines, mutineers, hucksters, gamblers, explorers, madmen and bluestockings. We laugh at experts and consult moth-eaten tomes of forgotten possibilities. We sneer at utopias while awaiting the new ruins to reveal themselves. We are a community of mechanical magicians enchanted by the real world and
beholden to the mystery of possibility. We do not have the luxury of niceties or the possession of politeness; we are rebuilding yesterday to ensure our tomorrow. Our corsets are stitched with safety pins and our top hats hide vicious mohawks. We are fashion’s jackals running wild in the tailor shop."
Embodied by the science-fiction writings of those such as Jules Verne and HG Wells, and brought to vivid, moving reality in movies like The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Steampunk as a genre (or possibly a lifestyle) evolved in the 1980's and early 1990's as the punk movement was winding down - or perhaps losing a little of it's 'newness'. And whilst it is the subject of novellas, novels, learned writings and treatises everywhere, the one place where limitless possibility meets Steampunk imagination, was always going to be Second Life. In that fantastic, fabulous, discombobulated world, what would Steampunk Fashion look like? The styling genius of EmmZ Tzara, RUNWAY Lead Stylist and Head Model, and the
photographic genius of Vera Canning, meet in this photo spectacular.
The style notes for each photograph can be found on the RUNWAY website.
We feature the designs of Grim Bros, Unzipped, LCC, blindspot and League, designers whose vision and creativity really stretches our imaginations and our definitions of fashion.
Victorian Steampunk‌Enjoy!
And the sims of The Forgotten City, Blooodmoss Swamp, Wasteland Junkyard, The High Mesa, The Nameless, Creamshop and Rainytown. Fabulous forbidden cities, on the edge of reality. Our thanks to all of them for their vision, originality, and generosity.
Mistress of Millinery "Reghan (n): Victorian. Kitty. Neko. Catnip addict. Hatmaker. Purrsonal Assistant. Radio Riel presenter. DJ for hire. Instructor. Spinster. Shapeshifter. Genderbender. Humourous. Smart. Bookish. Reclusive. Slightly mad. Friendly. Absorbed. Usually busy."
Working Lunch
By M0lly Dench
It was always going to be an interesting interview when you consider that the above quote comes straight off the Profile for Reghan Straaf, Milliner Extraordinaire. I don't believe that my absolute adoration of hats is a secret anywhere in either world, so it was a delight for me to be able to sit down and chat with the person who makes the prettiest hats on the grid. Primarily Victorian, but also incredibly versatile, they can double as RaceDay hats, formal wear hats, hats for weddings, and hats for fun. All around, they're detailed, gorgeous, and feminine, and Hatpins is a busy shop, with a happy owner, and a devoted following. It may not get any better than this.
Reghan has been in SL since June 2007,and came inworld for the sheer love of creativity.
"I came to SL because I heard it was a great place to be creative, once one figured out how to use
the tools. A friend brought me here, gave me 500L, took me shopping, then left me to figure out the rest for myself, pretty much. Eventually, someone told me about classes, so I took some, which made things a lot easier than sitting in the Ivory Tower swearing that building was rotten and I'd never be able to do it. I've always had a love for things Victorian, and after awhile, I became good
enough at building to teach classes, which is how I started to earn my lindens."
From slightly unpromising beginnings - "Ehm, I was building a rubber duckie, a rave stick, and some other things like that....." Reghan went on to explore her personal love of Victoriana.
"One day, I bought a Victorian dress, that had a hat. The hat was no modify, and my head was too large for it. So I spent hours and hours and hours trying to figure out how to make a hat of my
own. Eventually, I had one I was pleased with, and then I made another, which I taught as a class. I made a few more hats like the first one, and showed it to a friend, who said I needed to sell them. Looking back at that hat goodness. Why she thought it was sell-worthy is beyond me."
It turns out that Reghan was not happy enough with it to actually put the original hat on the market though I must say I'd love a look at it! - and ended up playing around with a sculptie program, invested in some feathers, and made her first 9 simple hats. Time now, to start to sell.
"I was seeing someone in SL at the time, and he was opening a furniture shop, and kindly let me have about 50 prims to use in the back. That was the very first Hatpins, though at the time it was called Reghan's Hats. A carefully constructed shelving set with hat holders, and each hat on it.
I made my first sale and just about went through the roof, nearly had a heart attack ....it was very exciting." Eventually, as her customers seemed to feel that the hat was indeed sell-worthy, she ended up setting up a larger shop in a more fitting setting.
"Skye Qi, who was the first dressmaker I'd ever talked to, told me she was setting up a Victorian village shopping place, and invited me to be a part of it. And so Reghan's Hats had its own building (!!!) in Zebranky.
"My customer base grows. I have my regulars who buy just about everything I put out, people who go on a shopping spree and return months later and do the same thing, one time buyers, and everyone else in between."
My dream was to buy land in Caledon, though, and have a shop there. Eventually, I'd earned enough lindens to buy a small parcel there, and it was on that day (which I have forgotten, but it was in April of this year) that I officially changed the shop name to Hatpins. "
Whilst her hats are primarily Victorian and Edwardian, she has branched out.
Business is steady, and Reghan now has three shops across Second Life. Her customer base is loyal, and increasing.
"I love Victorian and Edwardian hats because they are so detailed. And they're also ... ehm...what's the word I want.... versatile. And those that don't scream Victoriana double as modern, too - they can be worn with regular gowns, too, a lot of them. But I am playing a bit with modern hats, such as berets and newsboy caps as well."
Reghan cites people and creativity as her greatest pleasures in Second Life.
Though, Reghan also cites the days when the Muse deserts her as another challenge.
"That's a hard thing to answer. I think I like, most of all, the fact that I have a creative outlet. I also enjoy the social aspect of it, though I don't get out much. The people are very important. I really do need to pay tribute to everyone who believed in me and gave me a chance to prove myself. I couldn't have done it without them." I wouldn't have expected Reghan to give me a standard answer to the usual question about 'your greatest challenge in SL' and I wasn't disappointed.
"Creative block, too. And the weird days when SL says, "Oh, I liked that shape /this/ way before you changed it" and undoes a bunch of things."
"Packaging!"
Little things like hats, that make our Second Lives special. It's a nice thought.
The future is clearly full of feathers for Reghan, though she has decided to try her hand at clothes as well. "I would like to design Victorian clothes. Others are happy that I'm going to try it, because they like my attention to details. I think it's the worrying of the little things that make it special."
Reghan Straaf, Hatpins Fine Hats by Reghan Straaf: Caledon SouthEnd (61, 178, 23)
Haute Couture Sim, (216, 53, 24) Oak Tree Shoppes at Zebranky (22, 205, 22)
Photos by Brutus Martinek Models: Emmz Tzara, M0lly Dench, Summer Deadlight,
SerinaJane Loon, Abandoon Nacht, and the Designer herself, Reghan Straaf.
Kate Stockholm
Many Different Faces Beautiful, sweet, down-to-earth, intelligent, are some of the adjectives that might describe Kate Stockholm. I had the pleasure of spending some time with her and it was a great, enriching experience.
"I was in a store, Hazel's I think. The store model there could have been my sister, we looked so much alike.
Model Focus
From building in sandboxes to be nominated as RUNWAY Model of the year is a big step. So, I asked her what we all want to know: "How did you end up being a model?"
By Leah McCullough
We all were new in SL once, and luckily, Kate's experience was a happy and pleasant one. "I read about Second Life. The novelty of Second Life drew me. I didn't really know what to expect, but it sounded very interesting ...I really enjoyed learning, going to the free classes in building and scripting. I spent most of my time in sandboxes making stuff. I also made some really great friends early, and I think the social aspect kept me here."
I thought if she could do it, maybe I could too. Friends helped me put together a portfolio, some poses, some walks. I have had a lot of people be very generous in helping me with modeling. Nemi McCoy was my most important, significant teacher." She got first modeling job a year ago, for two agencies Fashlink and Neiva Kumasi. Kate loves the runway: "Runway has and always will make my heart beat faster. I love the adrenaline. I love the stress to be perfect, to show the outfit as best it can be shown."
Another of her favorite things is the talented people she met in the business:"I really enjoy interacting with all the creative people in SL fashion. There are so many people who work so hard, with such a passion, whether it be photography or design or writing." But we have our favorites, and Kate's favorite designer is Machang Pichot of Aoharu. "I love her colors and playful style." Modeling in SL is full of happy, funny moments, recently Kate experienced one of those: "I got the pleasure to officiate at the awards for the My Second Closet 100th blog contest. Before the prize announcements, I met most of the contestants. One chat really stuck in my mind. Mostly
because I really liked the contest entry and original clothes designs and the lady was so humble. She was all, well, I am not a winner, I do this for fun... then she won a prize, I got to tell her "Well, what do you know... you ARE a winner!" I love it. I live for moments like that in SL. But sometimes being a model can lead to bittersweet experiences, but Kate has a very wise and positive way of seeing them: "What I like about Second Life is that there are no bad experiences, only opportunities.
One doesn't skin a knee when falling off a bike in Second Life.
The feelings gone through when falling off a bike, have to do with
being scared and physically hurting. So, Second Life is very liberating to me. I don't have to be scared of anything. I can step back from almost any bad situation, to look at it as an opportunity."
engaging. A treasure hunt for example. I made many new friends from the competition. It's a great feeling to be associated with such a universally recognized quality product. And, it was fun!"
All the hard work she's put in her career has leaded her to have some amazing experiences. For example, she has recently been chosen as the Face of photoLIFE 2009. "Honestly, it was a great contest. There were many aspects to it which were both novel and
She is also a finalist in the 2009 Miss Virtual World competition, representing Sweden. "It is an incredible honor be a finalist in Miss Virtual World. If you think about it, every finalist from last year has gone on to do spectacular things in Second Life.
In many ways, there may be more pressure on me after the contest." But, when I mentioned her nomination as RUNWAY Model of the Year she get really emotional. "Another humbling recognition. This one I really feel kind of emotional about. It's so important to me and so gratifying to be recognized by these people who I respect, to whom I care so much about." As for the future, Kate is planning on continue working on
her modeling career, and also SL Mentoring. "I have always had place in my heart for those new or in need in Second Life. I help them with simple things like how to move to fairly complex things... and everything inbetween. I really have gotten a lot out of Second Life. This is my way of paying it forward." She was extremely enthusiastic about mentoring and invited all of us to join and help the new users to make their first days very enjoyable. Sometimes it's difficult to start in this broad Metaverse, so, you know what to do: SL Mentoring! As Kate said:"Look, if a fashion model can volunteer and be an SL Mentor, anybody can!"
Miss SL Universe 2008
Where Are They Now?
SUMZ IT UP
By Summer Deadlight
When I was a little kitty, I used to watch beauty pageants. I always marveled at the beautiful talented women who twirled batons, sang songs, paraded up and down a runway in current fashion styles. My favorite was the Miss America pageant and watching the winner get crowned, I always marveled at the way these women and producers made the pageant look so darn easy; a big production and yes, I was absolutely fascinated with the tears, the joy, the flowers, sash and dazzling, sparkling gems as someone sang to the winner on her solo walk at the end of the show. The best part however was my father, who would make me laugh as he mimicked the pageant girls, walking around the kitchen swaying his hips and posing. I think he really did enjoy seeing the pretty girls, but the seriousness of it was never something we took into account; it was a program to watch and an experience to view together.
Then I grew up. Beauty Queens became something not so interesting and even that own inherent female jealousy of someone who was not “pageant” material took over as I made it through my teens and by my twenties, I had no interest in pageants, watching or desiring to participate in them; until I found the virtual world. Here, there is a real sense of freedom and endless possibilities. One thing that we all can experience, is to be and do something that we’re not able to in our real waking lives. We have jobs, families, lives, and yet we can fall into the Second Life™ Metaverse and become a model, a dancer, a designer, and writer, a photographer, anything and everything is possible within the
boundaries set by digital reality. As I wrote in an earlier article, I have always wanted to “model” since I first came into SL™. A dream I pursued and cultivated, and I have reached a point where I feel that my dreams have and are being fulfilled. I live my “second life” inside the heart of the fashion world. My first experience was winning a beauty pageant, Miss SL Tropics, and I even reached the heights of representing Miss USA™ in the “Miss SL Universe 2008” pageant that the Best of SL™ franchise produced last January 2008. What is it like to be in a major competition? Well that is a huge topic, as it is different to each individual, but it can be very enjoyable, as well as nerve wracking; a real plethora of emotions can go into being a
pageant participant. The 2008 lineup was selected by a judge’s panel, and the top twelve entries were brought into the first Miss SL Universe competition. These twelve women represented various countries from around the real life world. 1. MISS BRAZIL (WILLAMINA FITZGERALD) 2. MISS CANADA (CHERIE PARKER) 3. MISS COSTA RICA (TOMORROW) 4. MISS GERMANY (PAYTON HERON) 5. MISS GREECE (BABYHONEY BAILEY) 6. MISS HONG KONG (MUI MUKERJI) 7. MISS ISRAEL (ELISNE ALLEN) 8. MISS NORWAY (HARMONICA AABYE) 9. MISS SPAIN (ISABEL BROCCO) 10. MISS TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (PAT YOUNG) 11. MISS UNITED KINGDOM (CHLOE LOOBY) 12. MISS USA (SUMMER DEADLIGHT)
I remember that being selected was a great honor, there were many submissions, but the twelve us of entered a very special experience together. We became the first group to be a part of an influential production effort, spearheading the first pageant of this kind. We had weeks of different photo shoots with different photographers such as Kirk Claymore of KMADD and Turlututu Chaffe. Callie Cline, the model spokeswoman, also gave us little beach houses at her California sim by the water, to call our own. I was paired up with Miss Brazil, Willamina Fitzgerald and we decorated our little cabin. The highlight of that week was a “Miss U” party on the beach. I DJ’d and Serenity Mercier took a wonderful video.
You can find the video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch ?v=xG91Efdavc8 We had a press conference at Costa Rica Sims, in the house that would be given to the Miss SL Universe winner. It was a magnificent build and the press conference was very fun. Also, the Miss U contestants were in a fashion show, in association with an SL Fashion house that collected donations for the Bread and Jam Homeless Shelter in Boston, MA. The pageant itself was a big production, which involved various cultural outfits, swimwear, cocktail and formalwear. Only five would make it to the final question, to determine who would be crowned.
I was the first to be called; it was amazing, since the competition had last almost four hours by this time. It was live broadcasted by SLCN.TV with commentary by Duckyfresh Watanabe and Carter Giacobini. Ultimately the five finalists were: Summer Deadlight, Elisne Allen, Babyhoney Bailey, Isabel Brocco and Mui Mukerji. We all stood there, waiting for our final questions. The wait was long, but the judges made a decision, and Babyhoney Bailey was crowned Miss SL Universe ™ 2008. Runner up was Elisne Allen, 2nd place Isabel Brocco, 3rd Summer Deadlight, and 4th Mui Mukerji. Ultimately it was a five hour long competition that was
a first of its kind on the grid, with choreographed dancers, performers, singers and live broadcasting. Serenity Mercier, also produced a video of the Miss Universe pageant and can be seen at: http://blip.tv/file/1494883
Unfortunately, a few months after the pageant, Babyhoney Bailey stepped down from the title, and Elisne Allen had to be away from active in-world time, so the crown was given to the 2nd runner up Isabel Brocco. She is the current Miss SL Universe™ until December 6, 2008 when the new “Miss Virtual World 2009” will be crowned. (The Franchise changed the name, as its still the same competition, but with a unique title to reflect the environment in a more appropriate manner.) I caught up with all three top winners, as well as myself (well yeah) to see how this last year has been for each of us, post pageant. A pageant participant does not necessarily have to be a busy person immersed in the
world around them, or a representative of endless competitions, modeling and or other fashion work. Yet, somehow those who enter, seem to have more doors open to them. A beauty competition can be a very serious, stressful, all consuming process for an individual. Isabel Brocco titled and serving in her final days, has been a model within the SL fashion industry for quite awhile. I had a chance to catch her for a few moments to do an interview. Isabel represented “the wonderful country (of) Spain.” And when I asked her what prompted her to submit her picture to the selection process, she said, “*I+ decided to enter for the fun mostly, and it’s certainly
something I could never do real life. After entering I was impressed at how wonderful all the entrants were.” Submitting the photo(s) was our first step process. Over at BoSL, Frolic Mills, CEO and founder of BoSL, and Giela Delpaso, a woman of many talents who works in various high end areas of BoSL, had set up the photos on the walls. None of us knew who would be selected, and a country to represent was vital, once the twelve were picked. I asked her what the competition was like for her; she seemed to
remember it in a very positive manner. “I enjoyed everything about contest. My favorite part I’d have to say is when we all dressed in our country gowns. To see all the
Glamour and us all flow as we walked the runway...I have to say when I see the Miss group (the current 18 girls participating in 2009) talking now and see all the activities they are enjoy I feel a bit jealous. Only in the way that I wish I could do all over again.” To be honest, I think most of us, yes me, would do it over. She had the unique experience of stepping up to take the crown and represent the title. This does not happen often real life or in a virtual pageant, but it is an exciting process. I asked her how she felt when learning she would be offered this position, “When Frolic had come to talk to me, I couldn’t believe it at first. Then when it sunk in, I was so happy. I’d never dreamed I’d even get as far as I did, but then to be “Miss SL Universe….” But then I did talk
to Elisne Allen to make sure all was fine, in no way would I have wanted to cause any friction.” (Elisne, was very involved with real life, and made the decision to pass the honor to the next runner up). I got into the real questions next, really! I asked her how it was to be in the first competition and how it might have changed things for her. She replied, “I get a lot of Recognition and asked to do shows, interviews etc.” Isabel worked quite a bit before, but she answered, “Yes I did. Might have happened but I think it opened doors that wouldn’t have been.” Currently she works for, “Indyra Originals as an in-store model Runway Models, Atlantis, JM, Instyle, Boulevard, SL Illustrated, Super Elite Models
and Timeless Modeling Agency. She also is a former reporter for the closed Avastar (former weekly digital newspaper featuring SL interests). My final question of interest, “What would you like to say to anyone who might read this and dream about being a beauty queen, title holder, Miss Virtual World someday?” She answered directly, “Enter, you’ll never
know if you never enter. But do it for the fun, don’t think if you don’t win any contest you’re not good enough and won’t do it again. No one wins all and isn’t it for the fun really?” Next I managed to track down Elisne Allen, who is still very busy with her real life endeavors, but does make time to be in world as she can. Elisne came to the Miss SL Universe™ as a title holder
already. She had won the title Miss Ir Shalom, as part of a Jewish culture pageant held in 2007, and she represented the country of Israel during the pageant. I asked her if there was any difference in competition between the two that she had been in, “I did not expect to win this contest (Miss Ir Shalom) as I was competing with more famous people, and I was chocked to see that I won. It was pretty much the same contest with less training.” As for being in Miss SL Universe ™, “This event came with mixed feelings, good and bad. Miss Universe taught me a lot of great lessons. I believe that it changed my SL life, and a bit of me in real life. It taught me that even in this virtual game you make mistakes that make you a better person in
real life. I thought that I can do what I want, when I was nothing. I came here for an escape, I got one, but then it became too much.” I completely understand and agree with this; sometimes the SL Experience can affect us all so much. The best part of being in Miss U for Eli was, “I loved to get to know all the great girls, even if there was some drama. I actually enjoyed what doors it opened also.” She did also win the coveted, “Miss Photogenic” as voted by her pageant peers. As the next in line for the title, I did ask her how she felt at that moment, since she did pass the crown up to Isabel as well. “Well, at first I felt like there was something wrong, of course I was suppose to be crowned, but then
Frolic asked me, " Can you really step up as Miss SL Universe 2008™? Got me thinking, can I? Frolic and I are very good friends and he knows about my real life and how hectic it is, so I really believe that he thought of me when he passed the crown to Isabel. Also, Isabel is a really great Miss Universe 2008” At the heart of it, Eli was able to see what she was and wasn’t able to. She still remains the 2008 runner up, but that in itself has its own prestige. She has said that doors have opened for her more, such as “more modeling jobs, working with photography, and she also is starting to sell shapes with Nadja Baxter at Ibizarre.” Eli wasn’t feeling very well the day we spoke, but hearing her responses was very admirable. My final question was the same as I asked
Isabel, “What would you tell a new model or someone who dreams about being a beauty queen with a title.” She answered very strongly, and very shortly, “Be yourself and don’t give up. Remember, the brain makes the person.” Would she enter another contest? “Nope, I like what came out of this one and I don't see myself doing other pageants.” Miss Hong Kong, represented by Mui Mukerji, is another wonderful person. She was voted as Miss Congenialty by the others, and for good reason. She is a very helpful, sweet person and when I reached her for her interview, she was very happy and excited to share her experience with the competition. Mui has been a part of the
fashion world for over a year, and has accumulated quite a resume. But first, I asked Mui who was shopping at the time of the interview, what she thought of competitions in general. Mui said, “When I first heard of Miss SL Universe I felt it sounded serious, since SL has many “Miss Something” and contests everyday” She submitted her picture to Frolic, but also made sure it wasn’t an “open vote” contest as she doesn’t like to bother her friends to come vote for her. When she learned she was Miss Congeniality, she really was gracious in her answer, “I was surprised and super happy I was voted to be Miss
Congeniality, it means friendship is build from respect and honesty.” As I recall, no one was happier to help others and always had a kind response as Mui. Her favorite part of the
contest was, “that there were wonderful girls to rehearse and talk together.” I next was inquiring as to what doors may have opened to her since then, or what kind of opportunities she might have gotten as Miss Hong Kong, and her answer was very forthright. “It was my dream when I was young to be Miss Hong Kong in real life but I know I never can be. It gave me a chance to know more people in SL, and I made more friends during Miss U.” She also pointed out that our group of contestants was different and special, “Yes our group was more like family, and we are so close and help each other. I never want to be in a competition with others.” She didn’t expect to make it to the final round in the
contest. Mui currently is the CMO of Alienbear Designs, Stylist for Nicky Ree and Sparkle Skye, Manager for Mythique Rental Island, Voted as Top Female Model for 2008 (BoSL), One of the top ten most Elegeant Woman in SL (BoSL), a style consultant and updates to her blog, muimukerji.blogspot.com. The last question is the same as the others, what would she advise any young aspiring avatar who might wish to enter a competition or Miss Virtual World 2010 next year, “I tell every girl that I talk to about it, to just take it easy, enjoy the process, the result is not that important, and don’t be so serious about get the prize.” As for me? Well I enjoyed the competition, it was a lot of time
and excitement, and there were many activities to be a part of. I honestly wasn’t going to even submit my photo, but I was bored one night and thought, “why not” and so I did, and I got selected. I was proud to represent Miss USA, and the groups of girls were wonderful. The best part of the competition was being with the others, and having that experience. I am not sure that more doors opened for me as a result of the competition, but it is a part of my history in SL, and a great memory. I currently model, write, teach, DJ, mentor, and am engaged. I have a great resume, and have experienced so much in this last year since then. I would just like to tell anyone who wants
to enter a competition to just do it. A competition is more than just the prize, or crown, it’s a sharing experience. I never got that point
when I saw the girls on television cry and hug each other, laugh and smile, do things together during the recorded out takes of beauty pageants. I always thought the title and tiara was most important, as I was growing up. But when I entered Miss SL Tropics in August 2007, and I sat through the first practice for the competition, Isabelle Sampaio, Miss SL L’Oreal 2007, said something I’ll never forget. She shared, “that this experience, the pageant, would be a very special time, friendships would be formed, and that it’s something we’ll have shared
together; enjoy the experience” That wasn’t verbatim, but it was a very important concept, and it’s still stuck with me to this day. It is the journey that makes it worthwhile, not the destination. I am still close to many of my Miss SL Tropics sisters, who participated. I got to experience what those beauty pageant girls did, the laughter, the joy, the tears, the nerves, the excitement, the hope, and the hugs and cheering each other on. I did grow up to be a beauty queen with one title and a tiara, perhaps not in my waking real life, but in one world, I got to be
up on stage, walking and shaking, hoping and excited. As Elisne said, “it taught me lessons about myself,” as Isabel said, “its something I could never do real life” and as Mui said, “SL is a dreamland,” all these things are what we can learn, what we can experience. Whether it’s a competition, or a dream of a young girl or boy to be a designer, or a builder who creates wonderful things here, and has never went to architect school in the real world, to the young aspiring digital artist, or the housewife who aspires to be the best dancer on
the grid, or the lawyer who surfs on the weekend, or the grandfather who can relive his youth, all these are our dreams. We have opportunities, to reach for the virtual stars. As we proceed to find out the winner of the Miss Virtual World 2009 competition, there are four women who walked the walk, who stood on the stage, our hearts beating, and our hands shaking and for those moments, we lived a dream of ours.
Feel the Pulse
Skin Deep "So much of the skin, how it looks, is really determined by the wearers shape," - These words aren't exactly what you'd expect to hear from your average skin designer; most will tell you that a skin is everything but then, Lorac Farella, isn't exactly your average skin designer.
Innocence, Make a Wish, Kissed, Feed Me, Spin Me, Pose Me, Unveiled – this isn't the first sentence of an erotic novel, it's just some of the makeup options to the skins created by Lorac.
By Thalia Jie
Even with the names of her makeups, Pulse skins conjure up the soft sensuality and delicious eroticism that makeup and skin tones give to a face and body shape.
Designer Focus
Lorac Farella is the creative dynamo behind Pulse Skins. "The Pulse woman is sensual .. if I had to pick one word to describe my skins it's sensual" said Lorac.
Lorace's journey into Second Life skin design, started almost from the first moment she materialized on Orientation Island. "The second I saw my avatar, all I wanted to paint her a better skin" laughed Lorace. "I think by about day three I'd found the skin templates, downloaded them and attempted my
first skin. It was a miserable failure." But Lorac brought a wealth of art background and skills to Second Life "In the real world I am an artist" explained Lorac "I received a scholarship to the SFArt Institute, I've exhibited my work in art galleries and have worked in art related jobs.
Early on in my career, I ran an art department for 20th Century Fox, where I did a lot of photo work. My skills lie in photo realism whether it's logos, advertising work, murals, faux finishes or trompe l'oeil. A few years ago I switched my main media from oils to digital painting." For Pulse skins, "I use Photoshop CS3 as I would a canvas" explained Lorac "I use very few layers. For me the most enjoyable part of the design work is the painting in Photoshop. It's all about feeling and sensuality. I try to paint that in. I don't want that flawless glossed over look in my skins. There is a certain point where realism in art becomes something you can feel. It's moving away from that perfect line to paint in a feeling. Without doing that the avi just has that plastic or photo look to me."
"I struggled with the realism thing early on in my career. With my portrait work, my paintings were usually mistaken for photographs, but to me they were dead, lifeless, so I started painting in what I felt from the person. What the nose or mouth or arm felt like, which wasn't always what it looked like, but somehow it made the painting more realistic, more them. In that aspect it very close to what I'm doing with skins here, I am going more by the feel of the lip the roundness of it, the curve, feeling it as I go along." Lorace's first successful Pulse skin took over a month of solid work to complete. "It was mostly learning the figure of the avatar, that's the biggest challenge I've had - painting in two dimensions for a three dimensional figure. For me, it's really been more of a technical learning process" "What also takes up a lot of time, after the art work is completed, is downloading the skins into
Second Life with all the body options. From the finished art work of the skin in my computer to finished product in Second Life takes about 16 hours of work. There are endless files to create, display and then the display pictures. It's an extreme time eater" said Lorac.
I doubt if there is even the slightest exaggeration in the time estimates that Lorac has given for downloading her finished skins. The first time I purchased a Pulse skin, I opened my folder and my first thought was "the vendor is screwed, I've just been given a fat pack" ‌ but no, all of the Pulse skins have a dizzying array of options. Buy a single skin from Pulse and you'll receive in your folder complete skins with dark, black and light eyebrow options, lotioned skin, freckled skin, extra glow
options, shaved, unshaved – and these are complete skins, not add-on layers. Along with long hours, there are also frustrations as with any business "Theft here is constant, it's frustrating to work on something for hours and see someone has copied it, or outright ripped it" said Lorac. "Those people are not artists or designers, there is no artist I've ever known that would do those things, and it irks me that they claim to be." "There are the people who come to your store and pass out notecards offering stolen skins at half price or gift certificates to their store. There are constant IM's regarding skin. Some new people do not understand what a
demo is. I always try to be patient and have time for everyone. I choose to be visible in the store and to our customers. It wouldn't be fun for me not to be in touch with them and just having a store that sits there. So, at any given time there are at least five IM's and if I'm working on something in Photoshop that does get frustrating." And like most creative people, Lorac finds that there aren't enough hours in the day to do all the things she's like to do for her customers. Along with spontaneous Pulse skin giveaways. "There is a lot more I'd like to do with the Pulse Skins group. One is a weekly fashion show where group members could come and show off their looks. I've been meaning to do it
for months, I just haven't had the time to put it together. I'd like more interaction between our members, maybe to use the group to chat about all fashion things. I don't care if its about my stuff or others, but so many people see the chat as bothersome and instead of turning it off, they feel the need to drop out." Balancing out the frustrations are some wonderful rewards. Lorac shares the Pulse business with Eidolon Aeon. At the Pulse store, you'll find not only skins but eyes, fashions, accessories and furniture. Eidolon creates the jewelry, shoes and purses for Pulse. "We pretty much both do everything and are involved in
each others creations as well" explained Lorac "We act as each others' critics, bounce ideas and prims around. Our weakness and strengths complement each other. Although we do fight about who is prettier!" laughs Lorac. "She's a perfectionist, and at times our personalities clash, she's also the best business/art partner I've found in real life or Second Life and I wouldn't trade her for anyone." Skins in Second Life are now like a fashion accessory. There's a skin to match every mood, every situation and personal expression. Whether you want a sweet gentle look, a couture runway makeup or urban grunge – but what woman could resist wrapping herself in sensuality? Pulse Skins, thanks to the artistic
talents of Lorac Farella - add unadulterated sensuality to your list of personal expressions. http://slpulse.blogspot.com/ Nip Tuck Island (39, 183, 461)
S T E A M P U N K
The Future is Yesterday We are technology addicts. All of us, especially you who is reading this. You love your virtual lives, your ipods, all those gadgets. They let you escape, dream, perhaps imagine a better life. They make you feel more fortunate than your grandma, right?
Saville Row
By Maddox Dupont
I remember the first time I held my "touchy", freshly unwrapped and fully charged. My fingers gliding on its smooth surface, with only few clicks I had my favourite track on while checking my e-mail and making to do list of all the things that I would probably never come around doing. I felt like Tom Cruise in "Minority Report", I felt the future was here and I was part of it. I imagined how far we will get in next 10 years, if I am already here experiencing this. The future is now.
Then the reality sets in and the world that looks bright with hope starts flashing its wounds to reveal that we are not all living the same tomorrow. So, I try to escape, to freeze time so that I can live in this moment forever or visit the time where I felt at home with myself, with who I am. And sometimes I am too paralysed to do anything at all, often wondering if the path I will choose will be the best one. After all we create the future, today,
and every move counts. Like the clock whose ticking announces each passing moment, each breath has purpose; each coil, spring and gear pulls the time with it in eternal cause and effect game. It is from these dreams, hopes and ponderings that Steampunk was born. Steampunk can be broadly defined by it's fashion, technology and lifestyle set in a world where steam power was widely used, usually
Victorian and Edwardian era England, and with a strong helping of science fiction and science fantasy thrown in. It's the alternative path, that could have happened, like H. G. Wells and his time machine, or Jules Verne's technologies. There's steampunk inventions like dirigibles and other flying machines, steam automobiles and a real life computer called the "Difference Engine"
invented by Charles Babbage in 1822. The emphasis is on steam driven or spring and clockwork propelled gadgets or any materials consistent with the Victorian era such as polished brass, iron, and wood. In the world where almost everything is possible; where past, future and present can exist both at the same time (and often same place), is it to anyone's surprise that steampunk has such a great following in Second Life? What is so exciting about steampunk is that it combines two of our favourite things: nostalgia and technology. Everyone's interpretation can be quite different and no rules really apply as long as they contain these two elements. As you will see it is not always necessary to
adorn items that come from Victorian era, the style is much more flexible than that. In the styles that are to follow I attempt to create characters with authentic presence who are embodiment of steampunk stereotypes to which I added my own personal interpretation. My intention was to challenge your perception of this particular genre and to inspire you to create your own unique style driven by your passions or suited to an occasion. I named the styles: Nobleman, Nomad, Blimp Master, Steampunk Kitty and Firefly Commander. For detailed tips and tricks as well as full outfit, props, locations credits, please visit MAD Image blog:madimage.wordpress.com.
Slink‌..So Chic
I first heard of SLink at a runway show, early this year, and I definitely loved it since that day. I remember teleporting to the store after the show and met Siddean there, who was kindly talking to everybody on the sim.
By Leah McCullough
Back then, she only had a raw experience with Photoshop, but she comes from a traditional art background. "My specialties are sculpture and portraiture, particularly in pencil, and I only just started picking up digital media in the year or so before I joined SL. I created a lot of fantasy art and played around with Daz, which I could never really get the hang of, so stuck to the traditional 2d art."
Spotlight On
One evening, back in May 2007, she was about asleep after a day of experimenting with prims, her first customer purchased something from her. At that moment she told her husband: "I think I will buy some land tomorrow and call my business SLink. You know, like a cat." He thought it was a great idea and sat down the next day and made the logo.
She feels that SL has really taught as an artist. "I have gained most of the skills I use in my work now through bloody-minded determination to improve, especially my 3d modelling skills. SL has also given my career a new direction, as I now feel I can focus on moving into game and film art and freelance work as well as running SLink." The first thing you notice at the SLink store is the impressive high quality of the textures and the realism in them. "SLink has a very classic, fashionable style without being a fashion victim. I like to think that my clothes are sleek and elegant, there are elements of goth, elements of high fashion, everyday wear and a lot of sexiness without being lewd."
her a lot about herself Siddean describes it perfectly: "At SLink there is something for everyone." "I don't necessarily dress Siddean in something I wouldn't wear myself... if I had the body for it, I would totally wear a sheer neck to toe PVC catsuit!!! She does have a penchant for a much higer heel than I would wear in RL though.. too many sprained ankles have happened in my high heel wearing days to go there again :)!" Her style icons are people like Jackie Onassis, Grace Kelly, Angelina Jolie, Victoria Beckham, Julianne Moore, Marilyn Monroe. "Classy women who know how to get out of a car
without flashing, and dressed up or down are still beautiful and graceful."
haven't worked out the magic formula. When I do, I am going to bottle it and sell it!"
Siddean takes inspiration from all kinds of sources. "I do a lot of my own designs, or if I am adapting an existing design I like to put my own twist on it. I am not interested in copying what other people create either in SL or RL. To me, designing exercises my imagination and indulges that little part of me that wanted to be a famous designer when I was leaving high school."
She runs the business on her own. "I don't have any staff. What I do have is very good friends and dedicated fans who help out where they can, whether it be promoting a new release, or simply wearing what I give them and giving me honest feedback. Honest and constructive critique are very important to me, I can't handle biased opinions, as they don't help me, they hurt more than anything."
But of course there are some challenges in owing a SL business: "Marketing, definitely marketing. Getting my name out there so people know who I am, what I do and where to find me is definitely the biggest challenge. I still
She also has her husband, who does a little scripting for her when she needs it "I bounce ideas off him, and discuss how best to run this business so that I
have most of my time available for creative stuff, instead of the mundane repetitive stuff. He is the master of automation - in fact that's what he does for a living - and he's taught me a lot about working smarter." We all know that designers are definitely busy people... But I wanted to know what Siddean does when she was some free time in SL: "I am usually working, since it's pretty much what I am here for now. I do have a few good friends, one in particular I hang out with regularly and sometimes we dress up and go dancing and watch newbies! That's always fun, cos sometimes I will give a little gift to a newbie and help them through a couple of the basic steps and it makes me feel like I am helping
someone's first experience in SL to be a positive one, instead of a crazy, overwhelming roller coaster that you never want to get onto again." Recently she has tried photography: "I like to go to strange and unusual places and take photographs, but that is a fairly recent hobby, and it's mostly to do with the styling of my brand, which I feel is evolving at the moment." Being a successful designer in SL surely has some great moments, and Siddean shares with us her favorite ones: "Release day, chatting with people who pop into my store after I send notices out. Many people congratulate me, and tell me that I am doing a good thing and I have met some
wonderfully creative, interesting people that way. I feel that some designers really hide from their customers and watch them from afar, I like to be amongst them, answering questions, being available and letting people get to know me. Sometimes it's backfired, but mostly it's a very positive and fun experience. Now that I am getting a bit of success, it still spins me out to see people in my shop, talking about me in various channels etc. It's quite a ride!" We all want to know what is coming in SLink and all the marvelous things Siddean has in her plans... "I have no plans to just let my brand coast, I need to have new products always happening, otherwise what am I doing this for? Weekly releases
when I can manage it, and always evolving and improving. The style may change, but I won't :)" Her creations are stunning, and it amazes me every time something new comes out. She simply can do everything, and do it GREAT!!! Slink 128.140.22 Photography: Leah McCullough Models: Cherie Parker & Aealla Illya
Applonia Criss
Chantkare
Are you sitting comfortably? Today we are going to learn a new word. The word is Chantkare - and it means: Modern, Fun, Colourful, Classy and Fierce.
By Thalia Jie
"I adore colour and patterns" Applonia said "and I never quite understood why some people here in this metaverse opt for just jeans and a t-shirt. We wear that stuff in real life but here in Second Life we can choose so many other options. We can have fun and whimsy as
Spotlight On
"Chantkare is a blend of mine and my business partners real life names" explained Applonia Criss, the designer behind the Chantkare label "and it's our own definition of what we want to express in our creations."
well as a uniqueness to suit our avis and their personalities." "When it comes to design my approach is always upbeat and classy. In real life I love Dior and Alexander McQueen. I feel that even here in Second Life when you wear a certain color it can change your mood or make you stand out in a crowd."
Applonia's journey as one of Second Life's up and coming new designers is a story of persistence and dedication "It was a challenge" laughed Applonia "my knowledge of computers goes as far as turning them on and surfing the net. I taught myself PaintShop Pro by spending long hours tweaking and making mistakes. I had some coaching from my friend Long Pausch and I'm indebted to good friends here in Second Life who helped me along the way: Mrohs Baxton, LeighMatos, Kylya Kohime along with Long Pausch. These folks taught me the things that they knew." Those long hours and struggling with clothing templates has been worth it for Applonia. "It took me a while getting used to using them" she explained "but now I do a lot of hand drawing and its not as frustrating as it was in the beginning and seeing the results is most rewarding."
"I enjoy the reaction I get from people who love my clothes or ask questions. It warms me to know that people really appreciate the things I make. I am very passionate about it." Applonia is strong and determined and she knows exactly what she wants Chantkare and the Chantkare woman to stand for. "Baby, I want them to feel FABULOUS, FUN and FIERCE and
with a sprinkle of SEXY thrown in for good balance" she exclaimed.
"The Chantkare woman is a Fun, Flirty and Confident and has an open mind to new things when it comes to Second Life fashion" she added. When it comes to running a Second Life business, even the long hours don't faze Applonia
"Well that’s the part of the fun isn’t it? I mean any business that you take seriously you want to do your best and give it 110%. I do spend a lot of hours on Chantkare as well as my real life career but I enjoy it, and hopefully it will pay off not so much in lindens but just with
having so much to offer to the Second Life community," acknowledged Applonia." There were some hurdles in knowing how this Second Life business works. It’s very competitive, and unfortunately that’s sad in a way because SL should be fun and exploring and learning. It's all part of the Second Life experience. But some designers, certainly not all,
but some are just too caught up in trying to make this so much like real life." "In my real world job, I work in fashion and its not nearly as bad as some make it. To me its one thing to be inspired by someone whether it's here or in real life. But what is that old saying about imitation being the most sincere form of flattery? If I inspire someone and
they copy me, I’m flattered I must be doing something right!" Applonia says. "In this virtual world I enjoy the beauty and the creativity by so many here and truly respect their talents. I also love the many personalities I meet; they are so interesting and colorful. Being a designer here is paved with so many wonderful things and nuances."
Passionate, fierce, determined and creative – the same attributes that describe Applonia and apply equally to her designs "My passions in Second Life are that I love what I do - creating content and to helping make SL a beautiful place. Meeting new friends and cherishing the ones I hold dear to my heart. And mostly being down to earth at all times." And as for the future of Chantkare? "Well, I’m working on a menswear line" said Applonia "as well as some real spicy stuff for my girls" she laughed. "There are accessories coming as well. You never know what else, as I am always thinking of new stuff with my friends and saying: Hey lets make that ‌ and put a twist on it!" Tabula rasa 137.217.27 chantkare.wordpress.com Photograher: Brutus Martinek
Model: Nemi McCoy
Chantkare
BeReal
Be Really Real
Classy, modern, casual. The words that best describe not only Ricko Dagostino, and his line of SL fashion items, found at BeReal. Ricko started in SL back in 2007. A friend of his recommended SL, and he tried it.... but at first he hated it!!! It took a good whole week to become addicted to it, and he has been here since then. "First time here in SL wasn't really a "wow" moment for me, but after a few weeks I started getting wow about the game."
Spotlight On
During winter 2007, he opened a winter store called Snap Store, which he still owns. Snap Store is a place where you can find lots of cold weather clothes such as: knits, pullovers, hats, ski's, snowboards, prefab cabins, etc.
By Leah McCullough
At first he learned how to build things in SL. Then, he got a job selling land, which is something he still does next to BeReal. He also started a club called Bora Bora which was a big success.... but what actually brought him to SL was not the club or the building... he wanted to have his own store. And that's how it all started!
Last February he thought: "Hey! Why not making a store only for men? Because there was not that much male stuff here in SL". And that's how BeReal started in April this year. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength. "This was the thing I always wanted in SL and RL, and now it's reality :)" In August he decided to create female clothes as well. Things like skins, shapes, hair, and clothing which became very popular among the girls in SL. Ricko mentioned his reasonable prices "I think a lot of designers ask too much for their stuff, they need to make the prices acceptable." Sometimes we all wonder if the designers have years of experience with the tools needed, or if they learned them as part of clothes making for SL. Ricko started last year learning Photoshop, by doing some tutorials and he also got help from some RL friends.
"In June I went to a hair class here in SL, and that was so much fun, but very nervous work, making hair does take soooo much time, but when it's finished it's a great thing to see a good result of what you made." Ricko is planning on learning how to sculpt so that all his creations will be made by him. He loves to be online and to help lots of customers. "I think that's why BeReal is getting popular, because it's not all about the business." With the range of quality and amazing things BeReal has to offer, is not uncommon to have people approaching to him about the store:
"People come to you and say 'OMG IT'S YOU! You're the owner of this huge store??' And then, I can say with a big smile on my face, 'Yes, I am.'"
And seeing his creations on other people is one of his favorite things about being a designer in SL. Having to manage a big store like BeReal is a demanding job and nowadays Ricko is hoping to get a manager soon... "I wish I had someone who could help me. Yes, it is very stressful and I hope I can get a manager soon!" Well Ricko... maybe you will receive offers for the position after the issue is released, you never know! Ricko is a very busy business man, he runs successful stores, sells land... but still he has free time to "play" around. When I asked him
about the things he likes to do when he's not working he answered: "OMG I hate to say it but I'm addicted to Zyngo :P" He also has big plans for the future of BeReal: "I hope to see lots of resellers of BeReal in SL, and that BeReal is double as big as it is now." We can't wait to see what's coming next in BeReal, don't forget to check this amazing store and enjoy his beautiful designs! Sensation Island 130/114/2
Photography: Brutus Martinek Models: MaxMillion Carling & Alf Whittaker On Location at Devil's Moon
Singing In The Rain Photography by Casja Lilliehook
This month RUNWAY Magazine is pleased to present the work of Casja Lilliehook as our guest photographer for a winter fashion feature.
Cajsa is a partner in MDR Photo Studio, along with Maht Wuyts, Arcadia Nightfire and Rhodesy Durant. MDR Photo Studio does model portfolios, couple photos and profile pictures. For Cajsa, her favorite type of photography is close up portraits. MDR 68.118.22 casjalilliehook.wordpress.com And if you're wondering what the studio name MDR stands for, it's the initials for Morte de Rire which means Dead from Laughing. Models: Sharron Schuman & Tiffany Dragonash
Party On.
I have a holiday present of sorts for you this month – TWO great looks for you to venture out into the blizzard with. First I’ll be showing you an outfit perfect for both a romantic sleigh ride and a cozy night by the fire. For the second look, we’ll be dressing up in seasonal glitz for a holiday cocktail party. So grab some hot cocoa, don your favorite fuzzy jammies, and curl up by the fire with the holiday installment of LookBook. THE CLOTHES
By Capri Dubrovna
For the casual winter look, four words came to mind that I *knew* I had to plan the outfit around – Puffy vest. Skinny jeans. I guessed, accurately as it turned out, that the vest would be the hardest piece to find for this look. I looked all over SL, in every nook and cranny I could think of, all the while missing the very place I should’ve gone to first. I finally had the epiphany I had been
LookBook: Holiday Fashion
Hello fashionistas! This month’s LookBook will be celebrating that dazzling season full of cocktail parties, gift-giving, and in certain areas, snow!
waiting for and TPed over to Freesoul. I rushed past camo sneakers and cute little
backpacks to the jacket section. Lo and behold, there it was. The Freesoul brown wool vest.
It needed a little adjusting as at first it covered my face, but once I had it in place it was JUST what I had been looking for. For the jeans I headed over to [Decoy], who had fabulous jeans, and picked the Inferno 88 jeans in midnight. These pants come in prim leg and non-prim leg versions, so I used the prim version without the leg prims so that the pants would fit under a pair of boots. The last piece of clothing that I needed was something to go under the vest, and a turtleneck seemed like the obvious choice. I remembered a friend of mine blogging about the cute wool turtlenecks at *KUROTSUBAKI*, so I went to check them out. These sweaters come in packs of two colors; here I chose the white gray color. The relaxed, slouched cuffs and warm
fuzzy texture complimented the other pieces perfectly.
The holiday cocktail dress posed way more of a challenge than I thought it would. Everywhere I went, the dresses were either too casual or too formal for what I was looking for. Finally, I tried out a place I had heard a lot about but never really been – SySy’s shop. Turns out, SySy is the queen of the cute cocktail dress! I picked up a flirty little number called Dance with Me – in red, for the holiday. The knee
length was ideal and the gold sparkly accents made this dress the obvious choice for a holiday bash.
Whether I’m schmoozing with coworkers or dancing the Macarena after a few too many martinis, this dress is ready for anything.
THE SHOES The need for some snow boots of some kind was pretty clear. I probably could’ve headed right back to Freesoul for the boots, but for LookBook I try to include pieces from a variety of places, so Freesoul was out. I was stuck on the boots for awhile until fate stepped in as I was on a personal shopping trip. I found the boots while wandering around ETD, which, as you know unless you’ve been living in a cave, is having a store-wide 30L sale. So these boots were really kind of a nobrainer: 30L, fur trim, cute little wooden toggles. And the fact that they came in a color that matched the vest really sealed the deal. SOLD!
For the party look, it seemed natural to go with dark red. But after searching high and low and not finding the right shade to match the dress, I gave up and fell back on black. High priced black shoes were out of the question at this point since, as in past LookBook editions, I needed to save up money for those allimportant accessories. So, on the same trip to ETD, I picked up the Heel Strap Platforms in black. These platforms add just the right amount of “spunky” to an otherwise elegant outfit. I really love the shape of the toe and later I ended up buying a fat pack.
THE ACCESSORIES Unlike most of my accessorizing ventures, jewelry was the last thing on my mind as I thought about what accessories I would need for the casual winter look. The clothes cover pretty much every spare inch of my body, so a scarf and hat seemed like a more logical winter alternative to a necklace and earrings. I had a few scarves in my inventory, but none that really had the colorful punch that I wanted. I went to a couple
lesser known places before landing at Baiastice. I meandered through her current collection (making a few purchases of my own on the way!) back to the Attitude
section, where I remembered seeing an array of colorful winter accessories. With all the beautiful hat/scarf combos that Sissy is selling, it took me a while
to decide on the Rainbow set. A colorfully striped knit scarf and beanie were just what this otherwise neutral-toned outfit needed!
The only other accessory that I could possibly squeeze onto my avie was a handbag. Now, admittedly, I did go a bit ETD nuts this issue, due both to the 30L
sale and the fact that ETD does very high quality work. I remembered from my shoe shopping earlier that ETD had some really cute, brightly colored
bags in stock. I just knew there would be one that would pick up one of the colors in my new Baiastice set. And I was right! The City Handbag in Copper Croc matched the orange in my knit set to a T. And the bag also added a chic leather texture that contrasted nicely with the knits and weaves of the rest of the outfit. Unlike the skin-hiding casual outfit, the cocktail dress gave me a lot of room to experiment with jewelry. The Bauble necklace in gold from (Miriel Everyday) with color-change beads was a great find and happened to be the ideal length for this dress. With the beads a dark red color, this necklace complimented the red and gold dress very well. I also got the Double Metal Bracelet
from (Miriel), which comes in a pack of several metal options. I chose gold and copper, which I thought went well with the rest of the jewelry. The earrings were a little tricky, since I didn’t want studs but I didn’t want superdangly ones either. The ones I used are from *PERSONA* called the Oval Rings earrings. I thought the tone of gold that these earrings had was similar to the gold in the necklace, and the length looked perfect with my stylish updo. As for a bag, a delicate clutch seemed much more appropriate than a clunky shoulder bag. Originally, after a bit of hunting, I found a cute gold clutch at Cachet, but as often happens, after I bought it I realized that the shade of gold was a little too
green for the rest of the outfit. So I headed back to Baiastice and picked up Diamond Gold Small, a charming little clutch with black accents. I’m still not sure if I’m totally satisfied with how the bag interacts with the outfit, but it was the closest I could come while staying under budget.
I had a GREAT time on this edition of LookBook, and I’ve got to say that I’m pretty pleased with the final outcomes. I’m ready for a playful day in the snow and a swanky night at the holiday gala! Join me again next month for another fabulous installment of LookBook!
Finally, as I stood in my condo looking over the finished product, I realized I had a few Lindens left, and my bare legs looked awfully cold! I TPed over to No. 9 Nylons, a sure thing for just the right pair of hose, and picked up Shiny Pantyhose II in *Black 50*. This pair of hose was just the right mix of sheer and opaque to look great with the black shoes I had chosen.
CREDITS Casual hair: [Detour] Writer in Toast Party hair: ETD Peyton in Blonde
Photography: Gweneth Lange Model: Capri Dubrovna
Holiday's bring out the best, and sometimes the worst, in all of us. It is a time to reflect and be thankful for the year that is slipping away and prepare to welcome in yet another. Visiting a few homes in SL seemed appropriate for this issue - getting to know you as you in turn get to know all of us here at RUNWAY. On our visit with Saffia Widdershins, she shared a delightfully humorous story from the other side of the monitor - so indulge me as I share. Then keep turning and take a peek through the window at some of SL's residents and their holiday celebrations. Do you know the story of the British Ambassador? He was based, I think, in Rome, and shortly before Christmas, a local radio station phoned him up and asked him what he'd like for Christmas. He was touched by this, and thought ... "Now, if I ask for anything too expensive, I'll seem greedy. I can't ask for alcohol - it would make me sound like an alcoholic."
Christmas At Home
So, he thought for a while and finally said, "What I'd really like is a box of fruit jellies - you know, the local speciality." The radio show hosts sounded a little surprised about this and when they rang off, he wondered if he'd been too modest. Anyway, Christmas came, but no fruit jellies, but to be honest, he'd forgotten all about it until he was listening to the radio on Christmas Eve and he heard ... "We rang round the embassies to ask the Ambassadors what each of them would like for Christmas. And the American Ambassador said, "Justice for all." And the Russian Ambassador said, "World Peace." And the British Ambassador ......
Icemocolo Voom Migi Voom Christmas Wish for Second Life: Our Christmas wish for Second life is wanting everyone to have a fun and loving day with their friends and loved ones. Enjoy the day without drama, spend it happy, and enjoy the gifts too. Plans for the Day: RL: Both Ice's family and mine are located overseas, so this year our plans for the holiday are to be spent with friends at a home party. Muism 44/39/23
M0lly Dench and Thalia Jie Christmas Wish for Second Life: TJ:The end of all lag. MD: The end of all bitching and whining on blogs - and in SL for that matter. Plans for the Day: TJ: The window blinds will be drawn, the answering machine switched on with a "message full - ring back later" automatic message, the doorbell disconnected and the front gate bolted shut with a large sign "Enter at own Risk". An enormous pile of books, a martini jug and a chilled glass, the CohĂba cigar that I've been cherishing since last year, all within fingertip distance of the hammock where I intend to spend all of Christmas moving as few muscles as possible. MD: What she said (LOL) but substitute a farm in the middle of nowhere for the location, a bottle of Hunter Valley
Crooked Post 2001 Shiraz for the Martini jug and a huge box of coffee flavoured chocolates for the cigar. In Second Life: TJ: A big sign "AFK for ALL of Christmas" MD: Where I'm going for Christmas there is no electricity, let alone computers. I wish you all a spectacular day. http://madimage.wordpress.com http://m0llydench.wordpress.com
Torley Linden Christmas wish for Second Life: I wish for an awesome Winterfaire! Come check it out, I'll be there. Even as the world has grown so much, Lindens are continuing to do community events on a bigger, better scale because we know it's important to recognize traditions and hold happenings that bring people together and let them EXPRESS CREATIVITY. I'm looking forward to antics and don't be surprised (or DO be) if I throw a snowball your way. Plans for the Day: I anticipate not having plans for just Xmas, but throughout the whole holiday season, I'll be visiting festive locations, likely wearing themed avatars (watermelon Santa?), and taking pictures of all my touristy action! I love seeing how Residents celebrate, and look forward to many kewl gifts, builds, and even GIANT TREES (of which I've seen several over the years).
(It fascinates me how some things have developed over the years to simulate "the spirit", e.g., better particle snow and sculptie snowpeople.) In Real Life I will be with my wife. She always makes awesome holiday food — her Thanksgiving turkey (and stuffing!) rocked, and we'll be spending love time together. I met her in SL and we're so blessed to live together now. I hope that'll always be one of the best things about SL, connecting with people you love. Watch Torley's tutorials @ secondlife.com/video, I plan on doing some wintery ones.
Sissy Pessoa Christmas Wish for Second Life: "Happy sweet Christmas to all and I hope that the new year will bring all that you wish in your dreams! Have a lot of fun!!!" Plans for the Day: I stay with my family...it is a tradition. Baiastice 152/126/25
Kirk Claymore and Maddox Dupont Christmas Wish for Second Life: Kirk and Maddox: Second Life is all about community - at least for us, it is about meeting people and for us it has been about falling in love as well. We hope that this Christmas we as a community will remember to respect each other's differences and embrace them, recognising that we all have part to play.
Plans for the Day: Maddox (RL): Christmas is one time of the year I miss being so far away from my family. My parents are overseas and I do not get to see them over Christmas.In Australia Christmas falls in summer so this usually means BBQ with friends, with classic Australian Christmas spread like: garlic prawns, salads, fruit mince pies and Christmas pudding! Kirk (RL): I usually celebrate the Holidays with family and friends on the West Coast, this year I will spend the holidays with friends starting off with a Christmas Eve dinner at our favorite French restaurant on the Upper East Side, a trip to Chinatown on Christmas Day for a nice lunch and an afternoon with friends cooking for a holiday dinner party. KMADD Enterprise 191/95/26
edo Tone and Mami Jewell Christmas Wish for Second Life: The further development of my brand. Plans for the Day: Party in RL. I will wear tuxedo in RL .But It is not Styles of edo, lol. I will not be in SL that day. Tyche 151/128/55
Maggie Mahoney and Ocean Bates Christmas Wish for Second Life: Unity, cooperation, and kindness between all SL residents, and bring back the spirit of SL from the earlier days. Plans for the Day: Nice quiet day at home. Pera Vista is a very peaceful and romantic place to spend a nice afternoon walking through the snowdrifts or skating on the frozen pond. Visit - you will see what we see.
Sachi Vixen & Damen Gorilla (Adam n Eve)
Christmas Wish for Second Life: To continue doing what we do here for many years to come.
Plans for the Day: Relax and chill out. Genesis 126/164/39 Revelations 99/175/29
Rebel Hope and RH Engel Christmas Wish for Second Life: Peace on earth and good will toward men....lower tier ;) Plans for the Day: Rebel and RH will be spending the day with family and friends in our own respective RL worlds. Monarch Bay 216/82/28
Saffia Widdershins Christmas Wish for Second Life: In the spirit of the season (grin), I'd really like Linden Labs to up Homestead prim counts to 10,000 and lower tier to US$50. More seriously, I'd like people to think about giving a Christmas donation to Partners for Others so that they can extend the clinic building in Lesotho.
And if anyone gives me iTunes vouchers, I'm going to follow Crap Mariner's initiative and buy SL artists to support inworld music. Plans for the Day: In RL a day relaxing with my family. Probably not in SL at all - or perhaps a little in the evening, if there's a party! www.primperfect.net
Wishful Thinking Who hasn't heard of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the wonderful work that they do for sick children. At the moment, the Make-A-Wish Foundation in the United States is granting a wish for a sick child, every forty minutes - which is a small miracle all of it's own. It's a cause near and dear to the hearts of many and Second Life is no exception.
The Stylista Festival 2008 is being held in December to raise funds for the foundation, and will be held over the course of three weeks, December 10th to December 31st, across the sims of Frolic Mills, CEO of the Best of Second Life. Combining top fashion designers and their new releases, and featuring ONE-OF-A-KIND, exclusive items available only for this event, not to mention five plus hours of live music a day, this is an event not to be missed on many levels.
There will be fashion shows, auctions, live performances, and the generosity of many has already begun to appear musicians are waiving their fees and asking for donations instead of tips, the designers are donating all proceeds from the sale of their featured items, and models and notables are putting in their time and effort for nothing to help make this event a success. The Stylista Festival will begin with a Black Tie Event on
December 10th at 7pm, which features a performance by Jonas Lunsea, followed by the the MidKnight Auer Quartet. Moreover, the exclusive one-ofa-kind items will start here with an auction during the course of the night. Friday, December 12th will mark the official opening of the event with a fashion show to present the new releases on sale for the charity. The following week will feature a VIP Date auction of which various top models, CEOs, designers and other notables will
be presented for auction, of which the highest bidder will win a date with the person and free admission into the closing event ceremony, which is where the date will take place. The closing ceremony will be on December 30th, 2008 - a daylong event, culminating in the SL evening. Planned is an RL musician of some note, fireworks, and a light show along with several SL musicians leading up to the main act and an announcement of the winners of the auction for the one-of-a-kind designs.
The monetary goal to raise for this event overall is $20,000US, which means approximately $220,000L per day coming in from sales and donations. Lets all get behind this excellent fundraiser and help to change the lives of sick children. ALL questions should be sent directly to RubyStarlight Writer, representative host for The Make-A-Wish Foundation for this event, or contact The Make-AWish Foundation directly for verification of validity of event:
Make-A-Wish Foundation 3550 North Central Avenue Suite 300 Phoenix, Arizona, 85012-2127 USA (800) 722-WISH www.wish.org