Second Style Magazine

Saturday was a seriously busy day in the life of this virtual reviewer as I managed to take in three terrific fashion shows featuring a number of great designers. Thank goodness I wore comfy shoes or my virtual dogs would be barking from all the hustle and bustle!

At noon SLT I made my way to the East Meets West Fashion Show at Convention Center (212, 182, 29). This was an outstanding show featuring works by Cherry Tokyo of Cherry Tokyo’s Kimonos and Lux Yao of Amaretto. The show was split into two portions, with Cherry’s kimonos and Eastern inspired outfits featured in the first half and Lux’s more Western casual showing in the second half. Gorgeous designs and textures dominated Cherry’s sections, while the fun funky cool of Lux’s clothes (and her awesome hand picked soundtrack) made the well-attended show a delight.

From there, when teleport worked again, I hopped over to Betria Prime (222, 170, 26) for the Betria Summer Romance Show. Featuring works from 18 different designers, the show I feared would collapse under the weight of so many different outfits by so many people and threaten my chances of hitting the third show of the afternoon, but Seraphine Khorana of Seraphine Model Management kept everyone and everything moving smoothly making the packed show a joy to watch!

There were too many beautiful outfits at this show to count, some of my favorites included Marzipan’s Closet Patty Cocktail Dress, the Casa Del Shai Hamptons Bikini and a gorgeous wedding dress by Niky Ree. In what was truly the best story I heard all day, the male model for the Summer Romance Show was unable to attend due to the sim being full. A friend of Seraphine agreed to fill in and walk the catwalk with not experience. He did fantastic job, including the big wedding party scene at the end!

From Summer Romance I went to Second Convention for the Second Convention at Artificial Isle (177, 207, 22). Fashion Show. Organized by Caliah Lyon, this is the Rolls Royce of fashion shows, with multiple stages that swivel the models around and audience chairs that rotate the entire audience to view the stage in motion. If the other two shows of the day were packed, this show was super packed, with many of the attendees detaching everything, including hair, to keep the lag down. Again, with so many wonderful designers at the Second Convention Show it’s impossible to pick favorites, though I loved the clothes by Euterpe Zagoskin from Zagozkin Haute Couture and the beautiful red gown from Tuli Asturias of Tuli.

Well that was a full day of Fashion, friends. I’m going home to soak my foot pixels and dream of all the gorgeous designs I saw.

A group of well known SL designers is seeking avatars with an Asian appearance that look good, even gorgeous, to walk the runway and appear in promotional advertisements. This contest is open to anyone who can work the “sliders” and tweak the shape, resulting in the creation of a gorgeous Asian Avatar. Asian names are not required and first life ethnicity and location are irrelevant. Three top spots will be chosen for both females and males. The overall winning male and female will be allowed and expected to model in an actual SL Fashion Show to be held during the SLCC Convention (24th till 26th August).

For more in world information about the contest, take a notecard with the guidelines for submission at Nicky Ree’s Boutique, Casa del Shai, Earthtones Boutique or Muse.

The designers are seeking ONLY avatars with an Asian “look” – hence your avatar must have an Asian appearance for the competition rounds. (Round 1 to 3 and beyond).

Round 1:
  All interested parties are to join the group -The Face of Asia, Model Search- and provide Kasumi Singh with a folder BEFORE Midnight SLTime June 27, 2007. At that time the group will be closed. No exceptions.

This folder will be named -
  *(your full SL name) Round 1 Submission*.

It must contain 5 pictures, nothing larger than 1024×1024, Outside photo editing work is not required. As previously stated, the avatar must have an asian appearance.

Photos should be as follows:

 1 – in a swimsuit
 1 – in casual attire
 1 – in formal wear
 1 – facial close-up
 1 – free expression (ie. wear whatever you choose, but do not wear nothing)
 
 None of these pictures require you to wear any of the affiliated designers’ content. The point of this round is to allow the judges to get a general idea of your “look”, understanding of various styles, and ability to follow instructions in a timely manner.

Round 2-
Round 2 will be a personal interview and “look over” by some of our judges. Contestants will be judged on body shape, face shape, skin compatibility with shape, attitude/personality and, in general, how the avatar is put together overall.

Round 3-
At the end of Round 2, the group will be cut down to approximately 18-20 contestants. Models will be given the choice of two dates to attend a training session for basic runway work.  At this point, contestants will be expected to have their own poses, walk AOs, and at least one complete outfit comprised of our designers content. (Asian Design Summit Team – Nicky Ree, Caliah Lyon, Lucas Lameth, RuRu Nagy, and Shai Delacroix.)

On the 5th of August, all remaining contestants will take part in a mock fashion show and will be graded on appearance, ability to deal with lag, acquisition of poses and ability to work within the *AMA show structure.

Points of Interest and Beyond-

After Round One is closed on the 27th of June, no further entries will be accepted. As we progress through the rounds, you will be ‘ejected’ from the group. This is not personal, just the most effective means to move forward.

By entering, you acknowledge that you can and will attend the scheduled events -
Specifically – you will be available for at least one of the training days (Round 3), the actual fashion show practice on the evening of 20th of August and the actual shows to be held on the weekend of the 24th-26th of August.
 
Submission closes the 27th of June. Join Group and Submit Folder (as detailed in Round 1).

I know that I’m not exactly the “typical case” when it comes to having inventory concerns, so maybe that earns this post a whopping boulder sized grain of salt, but I also know that a lot of other “high volume shoppers” in Second Life have many of these same issues, so let this at least be some food for thought to the awesome content creators in Second Life.

• Please develop an intelligent naming convention for your folders.

  If you name a folder “blue” then odds are real high that once the outfit comes off my avatar and slips past the “since last login” inventory search filter it’ll never get worn again.

  Maybe “blue” makes perfect sense in the content creator’s inventory. But to me it’s just a bunch of clutter. (Do you know how many folders named “blue” I have? More than 10!)

  Instead, give your folder a descriptive name which includes your store name (or some consistent abbreviation), the outfit name and its color.

  Example: [CT] Whiny Fashionista – FATPACK o’ DOOM

  Since inventories are sorted alphabetically, this will put all of your store’s items in the same relative location in my inventory. Instead of searching through 1,000 folders named “blue” for that gown, I can just search through 10 or 20.

• Please include the ad texture of the item along with the item itself.

  Not only does this help me rename things intelligently, but it also refreshes my memory 2 weeks later when “Destiny Gown” doesn’t mean “Period 1890s ball gown” any more.

• Please include a landmark to your store in each folder.

  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked “Where did you get that?” and not able to pass a landmark to the person to asked the question. Want to help spread word of mouth about your content? Include landmarks for people to hand out when its appropriate.

Phew. That feels good to get that off my chest. Now if I could stop people from putting boxed items inside of boxes all M.C. Escher matryushka style — maybe that’s a rant for another day.

When I was taking this dress out for a “test drive” around the grid, I was asked more than once where I had found it. Let me remove the mystery. It’s called “Nymphette” by Talyn Barrett and Analise Lameth. Talyn and Analise recently opened their very own sim/store called Talana Island which is now their flagship store.

Analise is probably best known as a brand for its silks, but both of these designers have a flair for primwork — and it certainly shows to full advantage in the skirts of this dress. Nymphette’s bodice comes in a rainbow of available colors — all with a bright and reflective sequin finish, and the prim skirt pieces come packaged as a medium (shown) or small skirt size, so you’re probably going to be able to make the prim skirt fit your shape whatever it might be. I loved the bright vivid colors on the bodice and the delicate lace across the square bodice — this is a sexy eye catching dress. Shop for it at Talana Island (130, 131, 25).

Seen in world: Yes
Review copy: Yes
Friends list: No

OK, it’s a super cheesy pun, but there’s nothing at all cheesy about these two dresses by Laynie Link of LaynieWear. On the left is a gorgeous semi-formal named Vanessa. It’s shown here in black and purple, but it also comes in black/white, black/red, and black/blue. For just L$150 (!) you can look elegant with the beautiful classic lines of this dress and its leaf themed accents along the hemline. My favorite piece from Laynie’s recent releases is definitely the outfit shown to the right named Elaine. Shown in the cherry print, it’s also available as a more subdued (and boring) black dress. It comes with a flexi prim bowtie for the back of the halter style bodice for that little extra added touch of realism. It’s also just L$150 — what a fantastic value. LaynieWear as a line is long on technical skill and construction, but still cheap on your Lindens. I definitely recommend a stop — all of your friends will want to know where you picked that dress up at. Shop LaynieWear at One World (165, 81, 30)

Seen in world: Yes
Review copies: Yes
Friends list: No

Inexplicably it’s been a long time since I checked in with Simone Stern, one of my favorite designers. She’s been as busy and versatile as ever. The samples she sent me went from super casual to wedding gown — and there’s everything else in between waiting for you at her store/sim too. On the left is a really cute summery dress named Flutterby, and it certainly lives up to that name. The physics on the skirt prims are just perfect. To the right is one of the loveliest shades of brown I’ve seen in Second Life. This outfit is named Celeste — and I just can’t get over the sheen on the gold belt and layered textures on the skirt. That takes some serious alpha wizardry to pull off in Second Life.

I pulled Violet Xiangjian to model the gorgeous dress named Charmaine. Charmaine comes in red as shown and 7 other colors. Like Celeste, the skirt has loads of shredded fabric at the hem — all of which points to serious alpha channel skills. I love the halter bodice here too and all of the burnout lace detail around the waist. Finally, check out the ultra summery and super chic Sun Straps. It’s superb in this festive tangerine orange shade. It shares some of the same fabulous gold ribbon elements from Celeste and has a cute — and very flirty poofy tulle skirt.

Shop Simone on her sim namd — surprise — Simone.

Seen in world: Yes
Review copies: Yes
Friends list: No

Today at the Second Convention on Artificial Isle, Valerie McDunnough of The Atlantis Modeling Agency, Moodii Moxie of Simplicity and Selena Gateaux of Goldilocks presented a short but fantastic show called Variations. The premise of the show was that each set would consist of several variations of the same outfit, or outfits that are similar. Additionally, Gateaux designed hair to complement the outfits, producing a synergy between the two stylists that was reflected in the show. In addition to the work of Moxie and Gateaux, two sets of boots by Raven Callisto of 7 Deadly Prims that appeared in the show will definitely be on my wish list.

Beginning with a gorgeous formal collection called Isabelle, and then an even more lovely gown series called Raven, it appeared as though the show would focus on formals. Isabelle features some beautiful detail, including an intricate silver and copper clasp, while Raven looks exquisite both far and close with an elegant bustier delicately laced up the front. Though it seems I never have opportunity to go formal, these were my favorites of the show.

Fears that the show would tend to the formal were quickly erased with Felicity, a very flexible collection that mixes and matches into many combinations, all in dark latex. Each Felicity set comes with a pair of black latex boots, panties on the underwear layer, garters on the pants layer, matching stockings, two versions of the choker, a mini shirt, a non-prim short skirt and two different bustles.

For the daring, I loved the Sublime outfit, which features a revealing top with and a tiny skirt, the glitch shorts for which reveal more than a little cheek. Though not available in the store yet, they will come in ten colors plus the turquoise one that was featured on stage.

The design that got the most conversation started among the audience was a line of harem silks called Elle. Covering just enough to be broadly acceptable but revealing enough to be interesting, these silk “systems” are what everyone will be wearing to their next stylish D/s event.

The show was short and entertaining, with Atlantis regulars Cher Harrington and Takeshi Kiama providing live streaming and local text mc. There’s more Second Convention fashion on Saturday at 3:00pm SLT when producer Caliah Lyon presents The Second Convention Fashion Show.

[editor's note - Justine can be reached via IM or email at justinebabii -at- yahoo (dot) com]

Cherry Tokyo and Lux Yao invite you to attend their East Meets West fashion show to be held tomorrow, Saturday June 16th at noon SLT. Cherry designs asian inspired clothing including kimonos featuring traditional and decidedly non-traditional Japanese fabric designs. Lux creates casual looks for the modern woman including a line of denim and several flexi-prim dresses. Gift bags will be given to attendees at the show which include some fantastic freebies from both designers. The show will be held in the Convention Center (183, 154, 25).

New kid on the fashion block Melodee McMillan has recently opened a shop with some of the funniest t-shirts I have seen in a long time. So Graz, you’d say, what is so funny about t-shirts? Well, as you may or may not know, I’m dutch and a couple of years ago dutch socialite Judith Osborn, wife to a hot shot in the fish selling industry, started out to make slogan t-shirts that are very colourful and have the funniest slogans on them like the one on the photo. The tees that Melodee makes onder the brand name Bratney! Remind me of those.

The collection is still small, but new slogans will be added soon. In the photo I wear the “Yeah Sure I’m HOT So Skip The Other Questions” regular, round collared t-shirt, But they come in a variety of models:  Tucked-in, Short, Sleeveless and Tank and all of those in both round- and v-neck versions. The shirts come in 6 vibrant colours, but if they are not your cup of tea, well, Melodee offers custom kits, where you buy a shirt that comes on 2 layers. A shirt layer and a slogan layer and the shirt layer you can tint in any colour you like from the colour picker. I think this is such a neat concept and I have not seen it before in SL.

Starting out fresh in SL, I believe Melodee does need to develop on her textures and shading, but the current quality of the shirts is more than reasonable. Another thing I miss for now is the shirts on different layers. I love the option you have on the jacket layer to make a shirt longer than you could on the shirt layer, and sometimes I just don’t like to show off my well proportioned belly . Demos are available.. and they could just be the best (read: most hilarious) shirt for now, so go and have a look for yourself.

Photo credits: hair is Naughty Design’s Drama in Black Pearl By Lost Thereian, the skin is Tête à Pied’s Janvier Cocoa (discontinued limited skin) by Roslin Petion and CJ Carnot, and the skirt is Naughty Design’s Red Plaid Mini by Ambyance2 Anubis

Seen in world: yes  ~ Review Copy: no  ~ Friends list: yes

Although, I can’t say that I’m upset over the absence of polyester leisure suits…

And now that I’ve put that less-than-lovely image in your head, on to some much more pleasant images.

“Farrah” is the newest release by Vitamin Ci, and gives me the urge to head to the nearest discothèque and shake my groove thing. The top, designed with the same shape as Ciera’s “Swirve”, is patterned with muted paisley textures, and the coordinating pants are textured with a butterfly buckle and include gigundo prim bells for the discerning Dancing Queen.

Also, if the giant square in the middle of the picture didn’t catch your eye…there’s a butterfly tattoo included as well. While Jay’s typist is a big pain wussy and wants to scream just looking at the tat, I like the little dots that make up the butterfly…it’s very unusual to see a tattoo created that way.

Available in four colors, and comes with top (shirt layer), pants, prim legs, and tat (undershirt layer).  And if you haven’t seen Ciera’s new sim, here’s the SLURL: Vitamin Ci @ Hefferoo

(Hair by ETD, skin by Celestial Studios)

Seen in-world: Yes | Review Copies: Yes | Friends List: Yes

And now, I’m off to finish laundry, find my good lip gloss (it’s been evading me!), and head out of town for a week, where I will likely spend my time relaxing, visiting family, and bemoaning the lack of high speed internet.  <3 to you all, have a fantabulotastic week!

Caliah Lyon sent me a notecard about the Second Convention Fashion Show, which is coming up this weekend. The notecard reads:

This quarterly fashion show is part of the Second Convention, a three-day series of events on the Isle. The work of nineteen talented designers will be featured at the show, from casual to evening wear for both men and women. Outfits will be shown on three tableau-style stages in several sets for attendees to view at leisure.

Outfits, gift certificates and other prizes will be given away at the show; attendees can also shop at the kiosks on the walkway outside the stadium and at shops on the Promenade across the waterway. A booklet with a profile on each participating designer will be available at the convention centre.

We will be showcasing the work of the following designers:

Andromeda Raine (Coconut Ice), Calico Ingmann (Calico Creations), Canimal Zephyr (Canimal), Dakota Buck (Savvy?), Donovan Brennen (Gearshift), Emilia Redgrave (Redgrave), Euterpe Zagoskin (Zagoskin), hyasynth Tiramisu (silentsparrow), Julliette Westerburg (Tres Blah), Kaejo Dasilva (Renegade), Moire Georgette (Bossa Nova), Popfuzz Bamboo (Popfuzz), Relika Itamae (Relika), Roslin Petion & CJ Carnot (Tete a Pied), Ruru Nagy (Lala Moon), Shai Delacroix (Casa del Shai), Simone Stern (Simone), Truth Hawks (Truth), Tuli Asturias (Tuli)

The show and all of the other events will be on Artificial Isle 200, 112, 26. You can also get more information about the fashion show and other convention activities on the convention blog at http://artificialisle.wordpress.com/.

I’m so sorry for that. Apparently not sorry enough to replace the title with something respectable, though. The reason for my silliness? Fab new releases, and a good dose of sugar. (If I start to mutter unintelligibly and drool, you’ll know the sugar has run out.)
When Patrice Fierrens, designing fool for Gracile, dropped these boots on me, my first thought was “ZOMG, pirate boots!”, although it likely wouldn’t occur to anybody but me, because I’m weird. Fashion-wise, these boots (called Marlene) are very much a classic style with a twist, showing off a simple suede fabric trimmed with chunky straps and buckles. I modeled two different looks for these, so you can see the versatility – wear with your favorite jeans to bring out the trendy girlie in you, or with a fun skirt and corset to play pirate wench. And like her other boots, these are color-change (menu-driven) with a click…not just the boot, but the straps as well. Wheeee! Wait…I mean, yarrrr! (I promise, I’ll have some other phrase to annoy you all with in short order.)

(Pants by LF Fashions, skirt by Material Squirrel)

I was also lucky enough to get a copy of her new (sculptie!!) hat, named Justin after Justin Timberlake, and is dead sexy (not unlike Justin…oops, did I just say that? >.> <.<). I had hardly wore hats pre-sculpties – they were too much of a hassle to deal with unless I had to for a theme I was going for – but my opinion has completely turned around, as one prim hats make adjustments fifty thousand times simpler (you have the ability to resize a sculptie prim just like you would any normal single prim – up, down, sideways, without having to do an equal stretch across the whole piece.) The hat is sized for men so I had to resize in the back to fit my hair, and it took all of thirty seconds. Perfection.

(Outfit by DE Designs, tie by Canimal, hair by Lost, skin by Celestial Studios)

Okay, time to stop listening to my rambles, and to go take a look for yourself! Hat and boots available at Gracile.

Seen in-world: Yes | Review Copies: Yes | Friends List: Yes