Jewelry By Alexander

As a very special treat, and in conjunction with the MODA Fashion Spotlight for Eros Designs, the models will be wearing luxurious jewelry pieces designed by Alexandar Vargas and Hunter Tempura of By Alexander.  I had the honor of being invited to the fitting session held prior to the show and therefore had a sneak peek at these incredible designs.  It was just as if they had been custom-made to enhance the beauty of the models and the fashions of Eros Designs.  Alexandar commented: "Keth has been an inspiration, her gowns have been a constant reminder of elegance to me.  Hunter has been a wonderful teacher, and support.  Without either I'd be lost."  Alex and Hunter have been soulmates since December 9th, 2006.

Alexandar with his incredible imagination and skills manipulates objects until they match what he envisions in his mind.  Working with small prims is a very difficult process.  After the basic links are created, his focus switches to the elegant styling of the creation.  Hunter also brings her original concepts to the working table.  They complement each other and push each other to achieve perfection.  A single design can take as much as three to five days to create and styles such as "Elegance" and "Kiss of Glamour" were completed in a week.  Alexandar strives for perfection, "I feel if someone is buying my jewelry that it should be well worth it."
HD: Alex, where does the inspiration come from?
AV: Gwen Carillon, an artist her in Second Life, of course Keth whom I've know forever (since I began SL) and, all my lovely lady friends.
HD: So this is all from imagination?
AV: Yes, except one piece "Elegance", it is an actual set my wife has.  Of course SL doesn't permit for the full effect of the jewelry, because of prims.
HD: Can you tell me one aspect of yourselves that the SL community doesn't already know?
AV: I like constant change, so as far as my designing goes, nothing will stay in my store forever.  I will remove pieces and replace.  It's how I am.  I like fresh new things.  I love new ideas. And, I'm a perfectionist.  Oh, I listen to music ... I listen to loud rock such as Nine Inch Nails.  Tempura likes quiet, we fight over stream!
HD: Tempura and Alex, who are your favorite designers after Keth Mommsen?
TH: I love Victoria's gowns as well as Rebel Hope.
AV: For formals, Keth of course .... casuals from Truth, Savvy Avvy and Armidi, but I really don't have a favorite.

Elegance in Gold	Ocean Pearl Collection Sophisticated Glamour

You must visit in person the jewelry boutique By Alexander, as my photography skills cannot do justice to these wonderful pieces of jewelry.

MODA model Zeek Agnon is wearing "Elegance in Gold and Silver."  A long chain pieced together with princess cut diamonds. The chains and curves are in gold and white gold to add to a fascinating look to this elegant and beautiful piece.

Spotlight on Eros Designs

Please let me introduce you to you Ms. Keth Mommsen, designer extraordinaire and owner of Eros Designs. As I'm writing these words, I'm standing in the main hall of her boutique surrounded by the beauty of all these evening gowns. Everywhere I look, I see elegance and class. If someone was to tell me you can only own one Eros Designs creation, I would be incapable of making such a tough decision.
Shortly after becoming a resident in Second Life, Keth realized that fashion design had become her creative outlet. There was no looking back. As her passion grew, so did her artistic talents. Her first boutique was on a Linden first land back in the days when new residents had special privileges. Thanks to the encouragement she received in her early days, Keth quite often gives back to the community such as giving advice to others or helping out budding designers. "I try to remember how confusing and big this world can be ... Everyone was a newbie once." These days, Keth's passion is designing formals for both women and men. She has mastered the art of making her dresses flow so perfectly and is particularly pleased with the "Sara" and "Athena" gowns. A gown is a labor of love taking 8 hours or more of sketching, work, rework and creative bursts. As for men's clothing it generally takes even longer. She uses a Wacom pad for drawing and as much as possible makes her own textures.

Keth can be found quite often in her Eros Designs boutique and takes great pleasure in chatting with her customers. Some of them will even give her suggestions for future designs. On occasions where a design is created from one of those ideas, that style might be tagged with the name of the customer. What a neat concept and what an honor to have a design named after you! Another source of inspiration is her friend Alexandar Vargas who gives her tips on the trendy male fashion scene. Her favorite RL designers are Versace, Oscar de la Renta and Roberto Cavalli.

HD: What is your very favorite design you've ever created?
KM: Whatever one I made last!
HD: Can you give me a pearl of wisdom for young designers wanting to follow in your path?
KM: Pay attention to detail, make the lines meet and learn what alpha means.
HD: Do you know of a place in SL that feels totally magical to you?
KM: In my profile, I keep two picks, Damania and Svarga. I go there for inspiration.

Keth is a big fan of the music scene in SL and also built Urbanity, a music venue with live shows generally on Fridays and Saturdays.

Little known facts about Keth Mommsen:
"I used to sing opera. I studied and made it to a professional chorus level.
Music is an important part of my creative process, it can get me in the mood. I can range from head-banging rock, old school jazz, southern blues or a Verdi opera. And I secretly love old funk. My happy music is Parliament's Flashlight."

MODA's Fashion Spotlight is featuring Eros Designs on Monday, March 3rd 2008. Don't miss this runway event broadcast live on SLCN.TV

MODA model Zeek Agnon shows us "Nouveau Gown" in Blue.  This is a beautiful silk and chiffon gown in sapphire blue.  Delicate gold trim embellishes the bodice.  Black satin ribbon finishes the edges and hugs your curves.  Available in 5 colors: sapphire, ruby, black, ivory, gold.	Zeek models the "Era Moderno" in silver.

Spotlight on J Style

I would like to introduce you to Ms. Jupi Noel, creator and owner of J Style. You may not believe this, but Jupi opened the doors to her first boutique in September of 2007 and three more locations since then. Her ever growing collection of evening gowns can be described as elegant and sexy yet, simple and classy. As I'm writing this article, I am standing in the middle of her studio and everywhere I look, I see designs that I could wear in my daily Second Life. During the day, I would wear the "Little Red Silk Suit" while I go about my business of meeting with designers and feeling like a million dollar baby. During cocktail hour, I would change into a pretty short dress, which would accentuate my curves and yet delicately drape me with a sheer layer of fabric (such as "Black & Gold Pretty" or "Snow White".)

For that very special evening out, Jupi modeled for me one of her favorite gowns. This gorgeous gown is called "Glamorous Red" and would look striking on anyone daring enough to wear it. What the picture does not show is the extreme opening on the side of the skirt.

Jupi Noel is a native of Tokyo and a world traveler. She has lived in the United States, Spain and Italy among many places and is fluent in many languages. Some of her future plans include the expansion of her collection into business outfits and casuals. Collections from Paris (her favorite city), Milan and New York inspire her to create designs well suited for the sophisticated woman. Jupi believes that anyone who loves making clothes like she does and has a real passion, can make it in the SL fashion industry. "Oh yes! anyone can do it, look at me ... well, like anything, all you need is the desire or wish to do it."
Did you know that Jupi initially quit SL after only four days because being a newbie was very frustrating to her? As you can see, she made an incredible comeback as a very talented fashion designer.

My meeting with Jupi Noel took place a few days before the MODA Fashion Spotlight where J Style was to be the featured house of fashion. Jupi could not wait to view her collection being presented on the runway by the MODA models.

MODA model ToniT Oh wears "Black Stripe"	MODA model Liane Maertens wears the short version of "White Silver"

Silent Sparrow - Pica

The more time I spend in SL the more I am learning to appreciate the artistry of SL clothes designers. One designer/artist whose creations I have admired but never fully appreciated until now is Hyasynth Tiramisu of Silent Sparrow.

Late last year I had the pleasure of modeling one of Hyasynth's creations at a charity auction. The outfit I had the fortune to model is called Pica (shown left). Not only would I get the chance to wear a stunning outfit by a favorite designer, I would be doing so for a good cause.

Pica Magpie is a stunning mix of blue/greens, patterns and textures. What's also amazing about Pica is that its several outfits all in one. There are alternate patterns of the belt gloves and corset.

The outfit also comes with seriously sturdy wings (see below), tight-fitting bloomers and even has its own goth skin by TaP (now Fleur Skins).

Several other attachments such as a collar and jabot, lace cuffs and shoulder puffs are also included. Each item on close inspection reveals incredibly detail. In the photo to the left, I have tried to capture the layers of textured goodness that make up the skirt.

This outfit will be in my "Specials" folder (if I ever get round to organizing my inventory) and I consider it one of my prized items. There can't be many serious SL fashion enthusiasts who do not own a Silent Sparrow work of art.

Credits: Outfit: Pica Magpie by Silent Sparrow; Hair: Davina II by ETD; Skin: Celebrity in Cinnamon by Chai Skins; Eyes: No.3 Eyes 04Green Dark by Little Bird; Poses by LAP.

Technorati Tags: Silent Sparrow,Hyasynth Tiramisu,Fleur,ETD,Chai Skins,Little Bird,Long Awkward Pose

Amazing FREE Jewelry!

Ding! Designs

Second Life has never seen such an amazing piece of jewelry!

Rue Oh of Ding! Designs has created the Earth Pendant. It is her contribution in Second Life to bring awareness to the spirit of Earth Day.  A snapshot cannot do justice to this one-of-a-kind creation.  It is so realistic, down to tilt and cloud movement.  You must zoom in on the globe while wearing it and you will be as mesmerized as I was.

Zen Paine - CEO of Ding! and Rue issued the following statement: "It features what may be the most beautiful natural wonder there is, the planet we share.  By making it available to the Second Life community completely free of charge, we hope to help spread the word about the efforts Earth Day was built around.  We would also like to issue a challenge to other designers to create pieces that feature the planet in some way and make them available at no charge."  Zen will gladly set up a free dispenser at any location requesting one.

Spotlight on Indira Bekkers

I am the luckiest lady in Second Life!  Today I invited Indira Bekkers into my home since she is expanding her flagship boutique on the Avatarum sim to make room for her new collection.  This Dutch fashion designer has been quite busy and has achieved an unbelievable amount of success in less than a year from the opening of her first boutique.  She now has three boutiques and a loyal clientele.  Her First Life occupation does not leave her much room to express her creative talents so as a resident of Second Life, this is paradise found for her day after day.

She describes her style as "contemporary business style and part couture."  Her moods dictate the next design she will be creating and the influential European fashion scene and ordinary people inspire her.  Indira has taken on some special projects in the past such as custom suits for men, several outfits for RL businesses and unique dresses for special occasions such as opening events.

We talked about the effort needed to create the perfect outfit and to that effect, Indira described the steps she follows. First, a sketch is drawn on paper, followed the fabric textures decisions.  Then, it's down to creating the shape of the outfit, layer by layer, applying the fabric textures, uploading the pieces and making the complete outfit.  Sometimes, some retouching needs to be done in order to meet the high standards of quality she has set for her collection.  An Indira Bekkers design can usually be completed in two to three evenings of work.

Indira is wearing her own design: "Printed Wrapped Dress"

HD: Is there a design that has a special meaning to you?
IB: That would be the Little Black Dress, it's the first dress I made, not for commercial purposes but for myself when I still was kind of a newbie.  I was so proud when I had that on the first time.  Indira was smiling as she was reminiscing about the past. 
HD: What does it take to be a successful designer?
IB: It takes a lot of time to make it work and commitment as well, but it's so much fun and I meet meet all kinds of wonderful people.
HD: What would you say to young designers?
IB: Dare to be yourself and be patient.

A little known fact about Indira Bekkers: she loves ice cream, her favorite flavors are chocolate, coconut, banana and strawberry.
Her rezz-day is March 10th, don't forget to send her warm wishes of many more years to come!

Indira Bekkers is the featured designer for the MODA Fashion Spotlight of Febrary 18th, 2008.  Join me in watching with delight the live telecast on SLCN.TV.

Keeping Cool on Vday

With the predictable mix of sizzling red and hot pink outfits, turning up the heat and getting everyone all hot and bothered, I thought it might be nice to help cool things down a little.

Here's my version of an anti-Vday outfit - for those interested in toning things down a little.

The outfit started with this amazing skin from Minnu Model Skins. I normally don't go for the really, really dark skin tones but this one caught my eye on a visit to Glam World.

As with all MM skins it's beautiful. Since it reminds me of very dark smooth chocolate....I thought it's perfect for Vday!

I was wondering around Cherry Buttons the same day and saw this dress at Thimbles. Notice the creases and shadows around the middle.

These details give a nice flattering ....err...enhancement to the front of the dress. Strangely, there is shading on the back also.

Anyway, here's wishing you a happy V-day - whichever way you have it....sizzling hot or super cool!

Credits: Hair - Marcelle in Sliver by COIF; Skin - MMS Dark-A-Smokey by Minnu Model Skins; Dress - Kamikaze Floral Print POOFY Dress by Thimbles; Necklace - Silver Nighttime Gems necklace - by Shiny Things; Tights - Metallic Tights - Black by Armidi Limited;

Stay Tuned for Indira Bekkers

MODA is proud to announce the featured fashion house for next week's Fashion Spotlight. You cannot miss this fashion show on SLCN.TV live at 7:00 PM SLT on Monday February 18.  Come back and read our fashion blog as I will be writing about this boutique very soon.

Spotlight on The Hub Fashion House

Monday February 11th, 2008 is another great day to remember as the MODA Fashion Spotlight presented the creations from The Hub. (Formely, Hubby's Boutique). The boutique is run by a dynamic duo named JH Gervasi and Jessie Gervasi. They are soulmates in Second Life and husband and wife in First Life. How cool is that?

I found out almost immediately what JH stands for; it's for Jessie's Husband. I never know what to expect when I set out to meet with designers but they sure made me feel very comfortable in their boutique and even letting me put my feet up on the furniture!

JH designs the fashions and Jessie collaborates on ideas and manages the business. The boutique had its grand-opening about a year ago and just this month, it was completely remodeled and expanded as the business is growing. Looking at the fashion displays of their earlier creations, you would characterize them as casual and bohemian. In their more recent creations, the creative duo stepped it up a notch by presenting more modern and chic outfits. JH and Jessie stay abreast on the fashion trends of our society and enjoy the challenges of creating similar designs in SL. Jessie admits that all of Hub's designs are outfits she would wear in her First Life and JH admits to sneaking into Jessie's closet and taking photos of her clothes to create new textures.

I asked them is they had any comments they would like to make regarding the fashion industry in SL. JH remarked "I think there are some in SL that take fashion and clothing for granted ... it takes a lot of work to create quality items, as most all designers are aware." As for who they are, Jessie's comment was "I think we're really just kids at heart, who like to play here in a more grown up way ... It's like playing computer games and playing dolls, only more grown up."

You must visit their very contemporary newly remodeled boutique on Linji (25,166,69). All of the designs in the store are quite reasonably priced.

The outfit shown on the top left is the Eolande and on the bottom right, the Nadia. Both of these designs were featured during the MODA Fashion Showcase.

Chez Gabrielle - Showcase

I have the greatest job in SL! I get to meet with designers and just chat away. I invited Gabrielle Gateaux to my home so that I would get to know her better. Some of her fashions were featured in the MODA Fashion Showcase presented on February 7th, 2008. What a delightful and down to earth person she is. Did you know that her boutique Chez Gabrielle has over 60 locations throughout SL? She describes her fashion style as conservatively sexy. Gabrielle prefers making dresses but recently she created a line of lingerie items. Her favorite creation is named the Southwest which she designed while she was remodeling her boutique and listening to classic rock. In order to manage so many stores, Gabrielle reached into her vast first life experience in information technology. How else could you stay on top of your retail empire? Her creations are very popular because she believes that you shouldn't have to pay a lot for quality.

I have the greatest job in SL! I get to meet with designers and just chat away. I invited Gabrielle Gateaux to my home so that I would get to know her better. Some of her fashions were featured in the MODA Fashion Showcase presented on February 7th, 2008. What a delightful and down to earth person she is. Did you know that her boutique Chez Gabrielle has over 60 locations throughout SL? By the way, she scaled down from 150 locations because she was spending too much time paying rent and setting up boutiques rather than designing clothes. She describes her fashion style as conservatively sexy. Gabrielle prefers making dresses but recently she created a line of lingerie items. Her favorite creation is named the Southwest which she designed while she was remodeling her boutique and listening to classic rock. In order to manage so many stores, Gabrielle reached into her vast first life experience in information technology. How else could you stay on top of your retail empire? Her creations are very popular because she believes that you shouldn't have to pay a lot for quality.

Gabrielle shared her humble beginnings in Second Life with me. (I removed the name of the famous designer so as to protect his identity as a mentor.)

GG: Can I tell you a funny story as to how I started designing clothes? HD: Sure, I'd love to hear it GG: My first day in SL, I was going all over the place trying to figure this game out...and I met "Mr. Big" (of "Famous Design House", and he'd probably kill me for telling this) came up to me and said.....My, you're really ugly. GG: Well I laughed and agreed, and he gave me clothing, showed me where to buy hair and really helped me figure out a few things. He is the one who actually got me started designing clothing. You: You are so lucky to have met a gentle soul You: Did he share his secrets with you? GG: Many people here are lovely, I've met quite a few very wonderful people here. GG: Well not all of them of course, but he told me enough to get me started. GG: Now all I have to do is catch up to him! (and Gabrielle laughs at this challenge) HD: Have you ever taken someone under your wings as a mentor? GG: I'm not sure it would be mentor status, but I've helped a few people get started designing clothing. Answering questions about Photoshop, etc. GG: I have learned some things from other designers as well. HD: That's so great... helping other people

I asked Gabrielle if she had any wise words to share with new designers. "I'd just tell them to design what they like and they'll be surprised that there are others that will like it as well."

Special thanks to Elysium Eilde of [Ida] Agency for helping with the photos but please note that Elysium's standards are much higher than seen here as she did not get the opportunity to edit her snapshots because I wanted to post them quickly.

OPIUM Everyday and OPIUM Addictive - Showcase

The fashions of Alaska Metropolitan were featured during the February 7th, 2008 MODA Showcase.  Alaska is the proud owner of two fashion houses aptly named OPIUM Everyday and OPIUM Addictive.  Both boutiques were opened in 2005.  I asked Alaska the reasoning behind the different names.  "OPIUM Addictive is kind of like the eclectic, slightly alternative styles you'd find at a store like Hot Topic.... It gave me a chance to design something sexy and eccentric and interesting.  But I also like having a nice selection of classy everyday wear in my inventory, and at the time the pickings were slim for non-club wear. So OPIUM Everyday was born, and I kept it a mandate to keep the prices as low as I can for that line and focus on simple designs and quality."  She described the styles of both for me.  "OPIUM Addictive Fashion is daring, bold, a bit eccentric, kind of like street couture meets fetish and Frederick's of Hollywood.  OPIUM Everyday, on the other hand, is like a virtual boutique with things that are fundamentally wearable.  You can mix and match and make your outfits your own... and collect what you'd need for a wardrobe.  There's swim wear, lingerie, suits, tops, jeans, everything.  I hand draw everything, which takes forever, and really focus on getting the details to look good.  You won't find seam problems on anything by OPIUM."

Opium Everyday    Cece dress	Opium Addictive    Urban Geisha	Opium Addictive    Micro Mini dress

I wanted to find out what she had been creating recently.  "I just started doing jewelry again and love the end product.  Working with micro prims, not so much... I always worry I'll step on them or lose them or something.  I also recently did a one-of-a-kind couture gown for the SHINE fundraiser which was auctioned off, and I love how it turned out.  It was so high fashion!"

I have this unique opportunity to get to know the "mastermind" behind the SL designer and here is the scoop behind Alaska Metropolitan.  By trade, Alaska is a graphic designer focusing mainly in advertising and print design.  She is also a web designer and on occasion, draws and paints.  Her favorite album lately is Silent Shout by the Knife and the Cross album by Justice.  She does enjoy a wide variety of music genres.  I wanted to know what she would create if money was no object.  "I'd have my own series of city-themed sims and make a giant Metropolis, with its own subcultures and sections of the city. (Can you tell I loved playing SimCity as a child?) I think I'd have to win the lotto for that to happen though. Not to mention quit my real job!"  Alaska is not planning any special for Valentine's Day but ... "A better holiday is Half Price Chocolate Day. It's Feb. 15th and I celebrate it yearly." She replied.

A fashion designer invests a very large amount of effort from concept to having the creation on display for sale.  Alaska's comment  ... " I start sketching, and usually do front and back (sometimes side as well) sketches.  Then I go into the template in Photoshop and start laying down a flat field of the general shape.  After about L$150 in upload fees, I'll have gotten all the seams to match up ;)  From there it's a matter of drawing the perfect shading and highlights with my tablet, layering with patterns or color shifts, and adding all the details like buttons, zippers, seam lines, trims, etc.  It takes me about a week per item, working off and on for about 5 or 6 hours.

Finally I asked "Tell me two things about you that the SL world doesn't already know about Alaska Metropolitan?"  Alaska replied "1) I used to be a content creator for The Sims, and my stuff is part of the game you buy in the store. That's what gave me my start with working with game texturing.  2) I don't live in Alaska. I've never even been there. I'm Canadian. :)"

Swallowtail

I was wondering around La Reina last week, frantically searching for the Veschi sale, when I stumbled on a delightful little store called Swallowtail.

I was so excited, I completely forgot why I was at La Reina in the first place and ended up spending most of my time in the shop. I did eventually make to Veschi...the next day.


This pearl necklace is one of the many pretty trinkets you will find at the store. I am also wearing a Swallowtail sculpted hair clip. I would describe Swallowtail as fairly pricey costume jewelry. The jewels are mainly full prim, very colorful and distinct pieces.

Be warned that all their full prim necklaces attach to the chest which means you can't wear them with a prim dress that also has a chest attachment, like I was trying to do.

I had a great time wondering around La Reina and will definitely take the time to explore more - rather than tping in and out once my purchases are done.

BTW, La Reina is having a Vday hunt. Looks really good, but having spent all of Saturday on the grid-wide Valentine hunt, I have had my fill of hunts for a while. But that's just me!

What I am Wearing: Hair - Gillian in Sable by Truth; Skin - Celebrity in Cinnamon by LF Chai Skin; Eyes - Mirror Amber by CS Eyes; Swallowtail Items: Top Pic - Pearl Necklace; Bottom Pic - Full Prim Choker Red; Both Pics - Sculpted Hair Clip 4

Meet Ding!

When I arrived at the Ding! Designs shop, I didn't really know what to expect and may I say what a pleasant surprise it turned out to be. I was greeted by Zen Paine the CEO of Ding! Designs. Zen also handles all of the marketing effort for this innovative enterprise. Within minutes, I was comfortably seated with Zen and introduced to the creative genius Rue Oh. Together Zen and Rue are a force to be reckoned with.

I was amazed by the versatility of their product line. From lovely hats, to incredible pieces of jewelry to scripted medieval staffs and one-of-a-kind custom statues and sculptures. The MODA Fashion Showcase featured Ding!'s jewelry and hats.

Zen and Rue started their business bases on the premise that so many ugly products existed in SL and they would create high quality items that actually would be appealing to certain market segments of SL. Their first product was a scripted medieval staff which was received with acclaim by the medieval villagers. Over 24 color combinations are now available. There was no stopping the Ding! Designs business.

Rue decided to dabble in jewelry creations and has achieved pieces quite unique in this business segment. She has designed some all sculptie prim necklaces using micro-prims. Every single link of the chains was hand-placed. Some of the most popular designs are the rose (as shown in the picture), the bird pendant, the dragon pendant and the chained heart pendant. During my visit, I was given a tour of their second floor working area where Rue showed me her most prized creation, not yet unveiled to the general public. I don't think that I can do justice to this work-in-progress. It is referred to as an earth model for now with different layers (some rotating) for the cloud map, land and water masses.

Some of Rue's artwork will never even make it to the display shelves of Ding! as unique creations are commissioned by private buyers for their estates or groups. Should you have a very special idea that you would like to see created to give to that special someone, please visit Ding! Designs and they will turn your dream into reality.

Sneak Peek!

Have We Got A Treat For You!

This is an event not to be missed. The MODA Fashion Showcase is happening on Thursday, February 7th, 2008 at 7:00 pm SLT. The graduating students of our MODA Modeling School will be displaying their skills on the runway and gracing us with incredible fashions by Opium Everyday, Opium Addictive, Lyn, Annie’s Costumes and Chez Gabrielle. Ding! – an up and coming hip business will be providing our models with the finest pieces of jewelry and incredibly original hats.
I have already had the honor of meeting with the some of these talented designers and I look forward to giving you more in-depth information on each one of them.

You are cordially invited to attend the MODA Fashion Showcase in person. The runway is located on Fashion (200,47,37). Come early to get the best seats in the house!

Alchemy .....Timeless!

In case you missed it, Alchemy released a gorgeous dress a few weeks back called "Timeless". It's a no-fuss, sweet little dress that will make you feel very pretty.

Made of layers and layers of chiffon and one of those scripts that keep the skirt in place when you sit down....you are guaranteed no "SLLSS" - second life spindly leg syndrome.

If you hurry you may also make it in time to get the freebie dress and Alienbear jewelry set.






Credits:
Skin: Minnu- MMS Dark Mistress; Hair: ETD - Eva II Ebony; Dress: Alchemy: Timeless Red; Wrist Band: Crimson Shadow

Skin Snakes

SLL reports on the stealing and reselling of skins in SL. Oh how I wish I could say this is an open and shut case of right and wrong, but it isn't. SL is a microcosm for the world of intellectual property rights in general.

For example, how many fashion designers get their textures from RL fashion web sites without asking permission or paying a royalty? Does a person like that have the right to say "stop thief" when someone in turn copies their work?

Even if the designer has meticulously hand painted all of their textures, in a digital world it is much too easy to copy other people's work and too hard to enforce the rules.

Does that make it right to steal someone else's work? Clearly not. But if you're going to enter the world of fashion design, go in with your eyes open. If your stuff is any good, someone is going to steal it. So, design your marketing plan accordingly, taking into account that your products will have a limited shelf life before generic versions are created. It's a digital dog eat digital dog world out there.

Spotlight on Big Booty, Big Money

Greetings dear MODA Blog readers! This week, I present to you Evelyn Edelman, fashion designer and owner of Big Booty, Big Money located on Envy(101,75,22).
MODA's Spotlight Event of February 4, 2008 is all about Evelyn's fashions. This is a must-see event to watch on SLCN.TV at 7:00pm live. I had the pleasure of chatting with this talented designer, I was especially tickled by her great sense of humor. I am always curious about the "soul" behind the avatar. I now present you with excerpts of our conversation.

Ms Edelman is a resident of the United States. Her RL multi-faceted artistic talents as a writer, painter, doodler, seamstress, dancer and singer give her creations a special "je ne sais quoi" (per Webster: something that cannot be adequately described or expressed). Evelyn adds humbly: ... she does "all extremely well, of course. I come equipped for any renaissance."
I wanted to know what made her decide to start designing fashion in Second Life. " I suppose, I was surprised to see that there was a fashion world here in SL, and delighted to revel in how cheap everything was (relatively speaking). And so, since I am fond of the ridiculous, both aesthetic and economic possibilities of "fashion" in SL opened up to me like the dazzling colors that sometimes accompany migraine headaches."
I complimented her on the how very original and whimsical her designs are and asked her for her sources of inspiration. "My inspiration usually comes from random things, in RL: cartoons, novels, shampoo bottles, reflections upon unrevived, long-dead fashion, AND words. A good name, a good turn of phrase will inspire me to make SOMETHING. Once, I had a dream about a dress that I then proceeded to make upon waking(the dormant dress, so named for my semi-conscious conception phase)."
Asking her to describe the style of her creations, Evelyn described them as "Ticklingly desultory."

I wanted to ask about the displays in her designer shop. HD: The product displays in your designer store are so original. You have styles called "Face to Face" where a model is holding a gun, another style is called "Let's do Kafka" and another called "I don't ever want to see you again". Is there a little story or anecdote behind these names?
EE: Yes, well, the names of things are very important to me. And so is looking at people, and guns, and giant bugs, and holing up in a barricaded stronghold for weeks at a time. But seriously, several of my titles come from literature or songs or product labels or conversational tidbits that I've experienced through one form or another, and the words have stood out, powerfully, colorfully, dramatically as particularly beautiful and concise. Add weapons and a fashionably cliched emaciated body and you have imagery explosions.

These blue and red dresses (shown here) are titled ABJECT.

A fashion designer needs to stay in touch with their clientele and I asked her to recall the most memorable comment made by a visitor to her studio. "So that's what it looks like to be on LSD. "

Every designer has a creation they have most enjoyed designing. To that question, Evelyn replied: "I suppose the Adoucissement Dress. I remember being very frustrated with it, while I was making it, redoing it countless times, and then being exceedingly satisfied and relieved with the creepy ads/promos I was able to make from the finished 'product'. I was giddy with glee."

Evelyn continued to display her wonderful disposition. HD: Is there anything you would like the rest of the world to know about Evelyn Edelman, Fashion Designer and what about your fashion store Big Booty, Big Money?" EE: "It's very very cold in my RL apartment, and I would love a cup of coffee."

Now, let's get to know Evelyn Edelman, the avatar behind the designs:
HD: What kind of "souls" do you like to hang out with in SL?
EE: Comedians, weirdos, lonely types, Christians, spiritual people
HD: Favorite place to hang out in SL when you are not designing?
EE: My default non-designing locale is usually a very exciting, griefer-frequented cyberchurch called ALM.
HD: How much time to you spend in SL in a typical week?
EE: Way too blasted much; at least 20 hours.
HD: What kind of music do you like to listen to in SL?
EE: I am a groper of the classical, electronic and/or the independent rocking stuff.
HD: Is there a place in SL that has truly amazed you?
EE: Oh...sure. most recently, I remember visiting the Tree of SL store and being quite dazzled with the build. But of course, SL is full of immersive builds and alternative ambiences. I love everything fantastical, quirky, dingy, dark and wholly unreal about SL(architecturally speaking).
HD: Do you have a favorite club for dancing or listening to music?
EE: I like to frequent the rooftops of Suffugium every once in awhile.

There was never a dull moment with Evelyn and I challenge anyone viewing her fashion designs to describe them as anything but truly unique. Please visit her studio Big Booty, Big Money and post your comments to the MODA blog.