MFA 2008 Winners are........

With a total of over 7000 votes cast, the winners of MFA 08 were announced yesterday -

Best Goth Fashion Label: Silent Sparrow
Best Male Fashion Label: Style of Edo
Best New Fashion Label: KA Designs
Best Furry Fashion Label: Neko Gear
Best Female Fashion Label: SLAB Designs

Congratulations to all the winners!

Go here if you want to see how many other people voted just like you.

MFA 2008 FASHION SHOW - BEST FEMALE LABEL

Tonight is your final chance to see the MODA models gracing the catwalk in support of MFA 2008.

Starting at 9PM the models will be showing the creations of designers in the Best Female Label category.

Join us again at the Break of Dawn for the official MFA 2008 Catwalk Showcase - hosted by MODA Fashion

BEST FEMALE FASHION LABEL NOMINEES

- Kitty Box 9:00 PM
- Serene Sensations 9:30 PM
- Vanity Affaire 10:00 PM

Click here for a Landmark 9:00 PM - 10:30 PM




See you there!

Pearl <3

MFA 2008 Nominee "Best Female Fashion Label" - Serene Sensations

Designer: Soraya Blachere- Born 3/31/07 Boutique: Serene Sensations at SkyIsland NW (118,127,21)

HD: Where in the great RL universe are you living?
SB: I live in Southern California.

HD: When and why did you join SL?
SB: I joined Second Life in March of 2007 because of all the bizarre stories I had heard and out of curiosity to see how SL would be visually.

HD: How long have you been designing in SL?
SB: I started designing around July and opened my first shop in September.

HD: What prompted you to start designing?
SB: When I saw Second Life, I was fascinated by all the content created by the residents, and I felt that I wanted to make this world look better.  I was struggling to find clothes that presented the look I wanted, so with the encouragement of my friends, I started designing.

HD: How would you describe your style?
SB: Classy and elegant with a good nuance of sex appeal and lace.  I love working with the lace designs because it gives my clients elegance and a sexy innocence.  I enjoy the duality of what lace represents.

HD: When SL residents wear your clothes, what do you want them to feel?
SB: I want them to feel like their personality is represented well, but also that they look extraordinary.  I want them to feel sexy, classy and elegant.

HD: Tell us about your latest designs?
SB: With my latest designs, I am going back to where I started - back to lace patterns. Smiles*

HD: What advice would you give an up and coming SL designer?
SB: Only do creations you love yourself.  Move the pixels as many times as necessary until it all looks the the very best you can imagine.  Don't hesitate to throw things away if they don't make you feel proud when you look at them.

HD: What do you know now that you wish you had known when you started?
SB: Laughs* I believe if I would have known how much I would get to love Serene Sensations and how much time I spend here, I might have done it.  It's been a huge learning curve not only in creating but also in all the little things that is involved in having a business in Second Life which is basically the same as in RL; it is a mix of great designs, seeing your customers happy and lots of PR!

HD: Please tell us one or two notes about you as a fashion designer that you would like to share with the SL world?
SB: I think I have said too much already.

Best of luck to Soraya Blachere!

Tonight's MFA Fashion Show - Best New Fashion Label

Join us at Break of Dawn!

The official MFA 2008 Catwalk Showcase - hosted by MODA Fashion

BEST NEW FASHION LABEL NOMINEES

- KA Designs 8:00 PM
- Urban Trash 8:30 PM
- SWS Design 9:00 PM
- Clio Pret-a-Porter 9:30 PM
- Formal Affair 10:00 PM

Click here for a Landmark 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM

See you there!

Pearl <3

MFA 2008 Nominee "Best Female Fashion Label" - Vanity Affaire

Designer: Ziamela Loon - Born 3/2/2007

Boutique: Vanity Affaire at Lusca (45, 93, 73)

".....I design what I feel at the moment, so some outfits are elegant, others funny, others extravagant."

PF: When and why did you join SL?
ZL: My SL life started about one year ago. I was curious...but I'm still here!



PF: How long have you been designing in SL?
ZL: I began designing in October 2007

PF: What prompted you to start designing?
ZL: I was a ballroom dancer, I was very poor and I needed some beautiful outfits to do that job, but I didn't want freebies....I thought everybody would know that I was wearing a freebie.

So I started to design for myself. When I had 10 outfits I organized a fashion show and here you are .... Ziamela is now a fashion designer!



PF: How would you describe your style?
ZL: I don't have a style, I design what I feel at the moment, so some outfits are elegant, others funny, others extravagant.

PF: When SL residents wear your clothes, how/what do you want them to feel?
ZL: I hope they feel good with themselves, lovely, a person to love


PF: Tell us about your latest designs?
ZL: I love my latest outfit, it's called "Black Spider" and is very particular with an extravagant hat, mostly made of tulle, and has glitter pants.


PF: What advice would give an up and coming SL designer?
ZL: Try, try, try, step by step and your designs will become more better time by time.

PF: What do you know now that you wish you had known when you started?
ZL: Nothing. It is right to live SL step by step.....to grow up.


PF: Please tell us one or two notes about you as a fashion designer you would like to share with the SL world?
ZL: I just design what I feel. I have many friends, but no much time for them, but I think they love me too. If someone needs help, I try to help him, if is possible. I really love this game...oops, this life!

PF: Where in the great RL universe are you currently living?
ZL: I live in Italy, I come from Rome, and I adore my city!

MFA Nominee 2008 "Best Female Fashion Label" - Kitty Box

Designer: BrokenSunshine Paperdoll - Born 1/29/2006

Boutique: Kitty Box at Klapheck (124, 204, 30)

"I personally, don't have a certain style. I'm just a big fan of fashion and I wear lots of different "styles" and also mismatch some things together."

PF: When and why did you join SL?
BP: I joined Secondlife in November of 2005 after seeing a story on the world on my local news channel. I've been addicted ever since.

PF: How long have you been designing in SL?
BP: I started learning how to make clothing a little over a year ago, a big thanks to Ares, the co-owner of Red Ruin, he taught me most of what I know. And then I begun to watch online tutorials and pretty much taught myself how to use Photoshop. And I knew I always wanted to be a big popular designer in SL, and I hope to achieve that goal someday.

PF: What prompted you to start designing?
BP: I wanted to be somebody in Secondlife, and a name people recognized. I also wanted to provide a different genre of clothing to the game like nothing anyone's seen before.


PF: How would you describe your style?
BP: I personally, don't have a certain style. I'm just a big fan of fashion and I wear lots of different "styles" and also mismatch some things together. You can usually find me in some ripped up mismatched socks, with big black boots, a short mini skirt or ripped up jeans, and a plain tank top. With lots of belts and jewelry, of course!

PF: When SL residents wear your clothes, how/what do you want them to feel?
BP: I want them to feel like themselves. And I want them to go strut their hot stuff everywhere, because Kitty Box clothing is super hot! I like to give people variety to their wardrobe, and I think Kitty Box is the perfect place to find that.

PF: Tell us about your latest designs?
BP: Recently I have done a project with the owners of Catnip, and Virus Co. We made a really awesome ensemble called "Pepto Punk". The outfit comes with the clothing I made of a black and pink stripped tank top with a skull on the front and a optional fishnet top. And you can either wear the black and pink skirt or the super cute ripped up jeans. I also made the Pepto Punk Skins which I think it just the best ever, it has really pretty pink eye make up and stars on the cheeks. Catnip and Virus made some really great prim items to go along with the Pepto Punk Skins and Outfit, like belts, boots, piercings, arm bracers, leg warmers, and more. Be sure to go check it out! We all worked really hard on it.


PF: What advice would give an up and coming SL designer?
BP: Not to give up. There were so many times I thought I wouldn't be able to last, and I almost quit, but I am so glad I didn't, because being a designer in SL is so much fun, and when you are out and about and see someone wearing your designs it's the most exciting feeling, and it makes it all worth it.

PF: What do you know now that you wish you had known when you started?
BP: Everything that I know now.

PF: Please tell us one or two notes about you as a fashion designer you would like to share with the SL world?
BP: BrokenSunshine Paperdoll as a fashion designer in SL, is very caring to her customers, loves to hear how her work has made people happy and even inspired some. I am very busy everyday creating new content for the SL world, and putting new items on the shelf is very exciting. I make all my clothes in PS7, and all of them are hand drawn. I do not believe in photosourcing or stealing other peoples textures to make clothing. I make it all myself, all my own textures. I usually spend about anywhere from 4-24 hours on a single outfit. And I have a blast doing it!


PF: Where in the great RL universe are you currently living?
BP: I am PST, California.

MFA 2008 Nominee "Best Female Fashion Label" - SLAB Designs

Designer: Pompo Bombacci- Born 7/25/06 Boutique: SLAB Designs at Pahringull (122,190,23)

HD: Where in the great RL universe are you living?
PB: I live in the USA but originally, I'm from Italy.

HD: When and why did you join SL?
PB: I joined Second Life on July 25, 2006.

HD: How long have you been designing in SL?
PB: About one year and seven months.

HD: What prompted you to start designing?
PB: I'm an RL graphics designer and I became very interested in doing something creative in Second Life right away.

HD: How would you describe your style?
PB: Definitely casual but sexy, everyday clothes.

HD: When SL residents wear your clothes, what do you want them to feel?
PB: Some customer just yesterday told me that the Mia Pink style feels like it's "alive" on their skin ... that is exactly what I'm trying to accomplish :)

HD: Tell us about your latest designs?
PB: I'm very proud of my latest designs, they are much more realistic and although it may sound crazy, it may take me a week to do a simple outfit!  I take great pride in my work and I constantly improve them until I'm totally satisfied.

HD: What advice would you give an up and coming SL designer?
PB: Lean from the masters but develop your own style.

HD: What do you know now that you wish you had known when you started?
PB: How to fool with alpha channels properly:)

HD: Please tell us one or two notes about you as a fashion designer that you would like to share with the SL world?
PB: Let's try to make SL better than RL!

Best of luck to Pompo Bombacci!

MFA 2008 Fashion Show - Schedule for April 23rd

Join us at Break of Dawn!

The official MFA 2008 Catwalk Showcase - hosted by MODA Fashion

BEST MALE FASHION LABEL

8:00 pm Sartoria Italiana

8:30 pm Styles of Edo

BEST GOTH FASHION LABEL

9:00 pm House of Rfyre

9:30 pm Silent Sparrow.



Click here for a Landmark 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

See you there! Please leave heavy prim attachments and scripts at home...

MFA 2008 Nominee "Best New Fashion Label" - Clio Pret-a-Porter

Designer: Clio Cardiff - Born 02/01/2007

Boutique: Clio Pret-a-Porter at Capelli Estates (41,172,25)

"I also care a lot for colors, they take nearly as much time as the designing itself! So I hope that can be seen as a 'signature mark' for my creations, too....well-thought-out colors."

PF: When and why did you join SL?
CC: I joined SL back in January 2007:) At that time I knew NOTHING of it, I was only told it was a cool kind of chat where you can move around with an avatar and talk to people that way... so I just joined to check it out :)

PF: How long have you been designing in SL?
CC: I uploaded my very first items (mainly tops) in February 2007. It was very little after my start, I still had no clue how businesses worked in SL, and I was only trying to have something to wear different from the freebies everyone had, and not too expensive. Then shortly after, I thought having a store would have been a nice idea. I only started being a bit more serious (ie: trying to design clothes with hand-drawn nice details and shadings) much later, about August/September 2007.


PF: What prompted you to start designing?
CC: Well, I have to thank a friend of mine, who allowed me, back in February/March 2007, to have a little shop on a portion of his land. If he didn't give me the opportunity, I would have probably kept designing for myself as a hobby, and nothing more. As time went by, selling very little in my tiny shop, I learned a bit more about designing, until I moved out and started renting. I could do it all only thanks to my customers. I always had the best people around me, complimenting, smiling.... that's definitely a VERY efficient 'fuel' for a designer!

PF: How would you describe your style?
CC: I hardly had a style of my own until the most recent times. I have always pushed myself wherever I thought there could be some kind of 'learning new designing tricks' for me. Nowadays I see my creations often getting a bit of retro style. Some delicate elegance, always keeping the item classy, even for my casual. I also care a lot for colors, they take nearly as much time as the designing itself! So I hope that can be seen as a 'signature mark' for my creations, too....well-thought-out colors.

PF: When Second Life residents wear your clothes, how/what do you want them to feel?
CC: Well, anything they see as a good feeling/sensation would certainly be nice. When I see them myself, I think they are aristocratic clothes, something elegant but not TOO heavily pompous. Something you can wear to feel comfortable and turn heads at the same time.


PF: Tell us about your latest designs?
CC: The very latest, as I am writing is a set of gowns. A design that comes with 2 different skirts, with the option to choose between large and tight fit. It is all hand painted, again with a lot of experimenting on shadings - to nicely draw the curves of the feminine body underneath the cloth...see the Angelica gowns picture.

Before this set, I released a line of 4 different outfits. It has 2 different formal gowns, plus a cocktail dress and a 'classy-casual' pants outfit. The 4 items all come from the same 'major pattern' of silky folds... took me quite some time to draw them all and make them match around the waist and on the sides....see Karol Line picture. Hopefully it came out good.

And lately, I have been reviewing some of my old items, because they will always be in my heart, and I want people to keep enjoying them now, as they were enjoyed in the past....see the revised Magnete, Evelyn and Natasha pictures.


PF: What advice would give an up and coming SL designer?
CC: Ehm... *coughs* "/me can still define herself an up and coming designer... lol". But well, let's say that after over 1 year of uploading, I can almost place myself a tiny step ahead of those who are now starting.

When I was just starting my designing, I used to work as a sales rep in a formals &s ilks boutique. The designer there was always very supportive towards me, gave me little advice, and always kept saying: "Don't expect to start making much money/being a big name in less than a year and a half or so". I knew back then that she was not wrong.

I was shocked when I found out some people have such successful SL businesses that they can actually pay for their RL with them. Now I am almost there, almost 1 year and a half of 'designing' (although less than a year of serious business, and of "Clio -pret a porter-" as a brand), and I will never be able to thank her enough for that advice back then. It saved me a lot of pain in maybe wondering 'why am I growing so slow?'


I know a few people who want to start, and who see me as 'the big designer' and as the one to ask for advice. And I have always passed on to them the message "1 year and a half at least"... it's always better being surprised by how fast it happens, than feeling frustrated by how slow it goes on.

PF: What do you know now that you wish you had known when you started?
CC: I am not too sure there's anything I regret not knowing. I knew absolutely nothing and I have learned it all by trying and looking around. It was a great way to learn, cause I am pretty sure I won't be making the same mistakes. But maybe having designing skills would have helped... would have saved me loads of uploads and would have taken me close to the point of 'making quality items'.


PF: Please tell us one or two notes about you as a fashion designer you would like to share with the SL world?
CC: Haha, first of all, never be afraid to say Hi! I remember when I was a noob, I was totally scared and embarrassed when I had the chance to talk to a designer, cause I thought 'wow, HIM/HER in PERSON! Now I am not one of those names people recognize as much... I am surprised myself when people tell me 'wow, you're the owner of Clio'!

But, as a general tip, I feel like saying - "always remember that designers are residents as you are. We're not gods, and if we have time, we enjoy a chat with our customers... also if it's about complaints!" Then, well, let's say I am not one of those who uses SL only for business (not yet, at least, phew!). I have my friends, I like to spend time with them, I like to go out dancing.... and I think SL should never lose this side of its potential.

PF: Where in the great RL universe are you currently living?
CC: I am in Italy.

Today's MFA 2008 Fashion Show Goth Category - RESCHEDULED

Hello All,

Today's fashion show has been rescheduled due to technical issues.

Tomorrow's schedule is being finalized as we speak....and someone's on the phone to LL.

Check back here for tomorrow's final schedule. Tomorrow's show will feature two award categories: Best Male and Best Goth.

See you there...and...please leave scripts and heavy primwear at home...

Pearl <3

MFA 2008 Nominee "Best New Fashion Label" - Formal Affair

Designer: Lexi Watkin- Born 1/6/07 Boutique:  Formal Affair at Midas Northwest(203,54,49)

HD: Where in the great RL universe are you living?
LW: I live in in the San Diego area of California * laughs*.  I've spent most of my life here.

HD: When and why did you join SL?
LW: I have always been into gaming, and also love live music... with small children, both became hard to do.  One night, I saw an interview about SL on MTV and thought it might allow me to pursue both those interests ... so, I signed up.

HD: How long have you been designing in SL?
LW: About a year ... at first, mostly just for myself.  I didn't get serious until last June.

HD: What prompted you to start designing?
LW: I met my mentor, Johan laurasia, on my first day in SL.  He showed me his clocks and explained how people could make things in SL.  He demonstrated the basics and I was able to use my Photoshop skills from there.

HD: How would you describe your style?
LW: Eclectic.  I draw from many different styles to come up with my designs.  Also, music plays a huge part in my designs.  Depending on the piece, I can probably tell you what artist I was listening to when I designed it.

HD: When SL residents wear your clothes, what do you want them to feel?
LW: That really depends on what they are wearing.  I do hope that my formals add the romance of an evening while gracing a ballroom floor.  As well as that my role-play items help people "fit" into character.  In the end though, it's really about the people in SL, the builds, the clothing and all just help paint the total picture.

HD: Tell us about your latest designs?
LW: With my new designs, I've been trying for a more flirty and casual feel while still trying to maintain an air of sophistication.

HD: What advice would you give an up and coming SL designer?
LW: I would tell them to have perseverance and to make anything they do their own - a part of them.  Also, not get in a rut, experiment and take chances.

HD: What do you know now that you wish you had known when you started?
LW: How accepting the SL public is to new and different ideas and design concepts.

Best of luck to Lexi Watkin!

MFA 2008 Fashion Show - Schedule for April 22nd

Join us at Break of Dawn!

The official MFA 2008 Catwalk Showcase - hosted by MODA Fashion

BEST GOTHIC FASHION LABEL NOMINEES

- House of Rfyre 8:00 PM
- Silent Sparrow 9:30 PM

Click here for a Landmark 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

MFA 2008 Nominee "Best New Fashion Label" Urban Trash

Designer: Celeron Voom - Born 05-03-2007

Boutique: Urban Trash at Auriga (246,147,67)

"I don't want to design like a designer, I want to design like an artist"

PF: When and why did you join SL?
CV: I have no idea, to tell you the truth. I joined SL many many months after my profile [setup]. The first time I played, I was bored and hated camping (10L$ in 30 minutes isn't pay!). The second time I came on, I met one friend after another that built me to what I am today.

PF: How long have you been designing in SL?
CV: I started back in August 2007, with my first collection, that one was just for fun though.

PF: What prompted you to start designing?
CV: It was on one of my friend's advice * you know who you are *. They asked me what I do in real life. I told them I was a student in fashion ....and they slapped me on the back of my head and said "Um, there is your SL job"


PF: How would you describe your style?
CV: Out of the box, crazy, rebellious. Oh, you mean fashion..... not me, lol ...neko wear.

PF: When SL residents wear your clothes, how/what do you want them to feel?
CV: I want them to feel like they stand out in a crowd. I don't want to design like a designer, I want to design like an artist. And as an artist, my first will never be like my last.

PF: Tell us about your latest designs?
CV: I made a free outfit that anyone can pick up. I promote pro-peace and I expressed that in the outfit. I'm tired of seeing people harmed in the world, just for living. It's not much.... but I hope to pass at least a small message to the people of SL.


PF: What advice would give an up and coming SL designer?
CV: Never give up no matter what anyone says. If you like your clothes, then that's all you need.

PF: What do you know now that you wish you had known when you started?
CV: I don't know......I have the best friends for support in all SL * Casey , Faide , Tina, Myla, Snickers, Skyler, Domineck, Fun, Kagome, Margie, Migon, Phreddy, Really, Topher, Sage, Sabastine, Marisca, Loom, Hound, Fio, Racker, Lavela, Kenzo, Rosie, Dohran, Diana, Badseed*.... I love all of you guys/ladies.

PF: Please tell us one or two notes about you as a fashion designer you would like to share with the SL world?
CV: Go to http://www.mermaiddiaries.com/2007/03/day-181-creating-clothes-with-gimp.html - she is the queen and call me for tips, I will try and help ya!


PF: Where in the great RL universe are you currently?
CV: Atlantic [Time Zone]

The best of luck Celeron!

MFA 2008 Nominee "Best New Fashion Label" - SWS Designs

Designer: Yohmini Yoshikawa- Born 3/7/07 Boutique: SWS Designs at Beverly Hills (78,209,33)

HD: Where in the great RL universe are you living?
YY: In Holland, near the border with Germany.

HD: When and why did you join SL?
YY: I entered SL, let me check ... on March 7th last year, just as a curiosity to see what was true from all the storeis I already read on the internet.  As I am not a gambler nor a gamer nor a real chatter, I always avoided platforms or environments like these.  So how enormous was my surprise as I was finding myself stranded in SL just wanting to style my avatar as my old fashion design blood started surfacing again.  When I was young, I was trained at one of the finest fashion schools of my time in Holland.  At some point, I turned my back on the fashion industry and concentrated on other skills such as interior design, photography, graphics design, web design and flash animations.  So when I entered the SL world, I was very curious about the software they used to build this world.  Soon after, I found out you had to rent a place or buy in order not to lose the things you had already made.

HD: How long have you been designing in SL?
YY: Since the beginning.

HD: What prompted you to start designing?
YY: So that's what I did. Totally unaware that many would come by and see what you were actually doing.  So the initial reaction to my work took me by surprise and as I got more used to it, I met some very nice people, especially Fido Fudo who was so sweet and encouraged me to stay in SL after she heard of my abilities and convinced me that I could achieve something in here.
After many more compliments about my work, I gained a lot of confidence and gave myself some time off to try to setup a real business in SL totally made from my own perspective.  Before I knew it, I was hooked on the 3D platform for designing and really enjoyed fashion designing.  I finally felt comfortable with my abilities.  Now I could show what I was capable of, even without big investors like you would normally need for a real life company.  I invested some of my savings in SL and a lot of time and energy.  Sometimes, I even wonder how my PC is still in the house because sometimes I have felt like throwing it out the window after losing precious information after a crash.  But my pc is my dearest friend, my tool to express myself and gives me all the tools to stay focused and to create more and more.

HD: How would you describe your style?
YY: I find it difficult to speak of my style, the only thing I can say about it is that I have always been focused on the detail and that I like to design what I would love to wear myself.  In real life, I like to wear a "sportive chique", it is sexy and feminine looking without being too provocative.  Then switch to the "basic collection" in the same color range. Just by replacing the accessories, you now have a completely different outfit.  It's like going out in the morning in one outfit and being able to go clubbing just by changing one item of clothing and wearing other shoes and accessories.

HD: When SL residents wear your clothes, what do you want them to feel?
YY: I want them to feel attractive, feminine, self assured and living a millionaire's dream.

HD: Tell us about your latest designs?
YY: So If you have an eye on that one guy but don't exactly know what to wear on the first date then you must have this set:) Its available in black, red, apple green, ocean, purple blue, dark taupe and fuschia.  It can be changed in an instant from a  sexy young look to a classy chic style and everything in between.

HD: What advice would you give an up and coming SL designer?
YY: Try to be different than anyone else and establish a very recognizable style.  Go to great lengths to establish your branding and the look of your boutiques.

HD: What do you know now that you wish you had known when you started?
YY: I was fortunate to have a lot of knowledge before I became an SL fashion designer but maybe they should be warned that it takes a tremendous amount of patience and time commitment if they want to accomplish something.

HD: Please tell us one or two notes about you as a fashion designer that you would like to share with the SL world?
YY: I want to thank all of you who have supported me so far, all my loyal customers who are also starting to become dear friends because I am missing some of this in RL. Some people I know think I'm a complete fool for spending so much time in SL but I really want to accomplish something which would give me great satisfaction and some recognition.

Best of luck to Yohmini Yoshikawa!

MFA 2008 Nominee "Best New Fashion Label" - KA Designs

Designer: Kira Ahn- Born 1/15/07 Boutique: KA Designs at Fair Isle (239,110,22)

HD: Where in the great RL universe are you living?
KA: I live in Germany, West Germany. Near Dusseldorf, does anyone know that city? :)

HD: When and why did you join SL?
KA: I joined Second Life on January 15, 2007. So over a year now. I read some articles and saw it on television, so I said to myself "give it a try!"

HD: How long have you been designing in SL?
KA: After exploring most of SL, walking around, talking to people and having fun, I started designing.  I think it was a few weeks later and my first designs were ... let's say:ok.  I loved them of course, but when I look at them today, it makes me smile!

HD: What prompted you to start designing?
KA: I spent a lot of time dancing in clubs to make money because I was fascinated by all the clothes I saw all over SL.  After a while, I had enough of trying to make money to buy clothes so that's when I decided to make my own clothes.

HD: How would you describe your style?
KA: My style is hard to describe I think.  It depends on the mood I'm in.  But I would say it's very feminine.  A style that is not sexy to the extreme but sexy enough to get the men's attention:) I'm single btw, just kidding :)

HD: When SL residents wear your clothes, what do you want them to feel?
KA: They should just be happy and feel good.

HD: Tell us about your latest designs?
KA: I love textures with flowers at the moment.  It's spring time now and I am working a lot with flowers and short skirts.  That's what my current collection is all about: flowers, shiny and bright colors.

HD: What advice would you give an up and coming SL designer?
KA: Take a lot of time doing your creations, be different.  Don't go with the "fashion stream".  Try to create your own style and be yourself.

HD: What do you know now that you wish you had known when you started?
KA: You can crash a lot in SL.  Now, to be serious: it's a lot of work to make your brand known by others.  There are so many great designers in SL.

HD: Please tell us one or two notes about you as a fashion designer that you would like to share with the SL world?
KA: Actually, I'm not an RL clothes designer.  I'm just a creative person and you can be very creative here.  It's all about practice and hard work and dedicating a lot of time.  If you want to live your dreams, SL is the right place, where they can come true:)

Best of luck to Kira Ahn!

MFA 2008 Nominee "Best Male Fashion Label" - Styles of Edo

Designer: Edo Tone - Born 12/15/2006
Boutique: Styles of Edo at Tyche (183, 127, 50)

"Classy and Elegant Formal Men's Clothes"

PF: When and why did you join SL?
ET: 15th.December.2006. I saw an article about SL in a magazine which made me curious.

PF: How long have you been designing in SL?
ET: About 1 year

PF: What prompted you to start designing?
ET: I began trading real estate in SL, but it was not fulfilling so I started to design clothes. I decided to design exclusively for men because there were few good options for men. I have a background in graphic design and oil painting and art, and am connected to fashion in real life, so it was a logical next step.


PF: How would you describe your style?
ET: Classy and Elegant Formal Men's Clothes

PF: When SL Residents wear your clothes, how/what do you want them to feel?
ET: I want them to feel satisfied wearing sophisticated men's formal wear and I hope that they will receive compliments from others on their excellent clothing and great style.


PF: Tell us about your latest designs?
ET: I just finished and introduced an elegant Tailcoat with flexi tails based upon the international formal clothes rules of real life. I decided to keep it very simple and so did not include pants with side lines. The tailcoat has a waist-length jacket and crisp white shirt, bow tie and vest.

PF: What advice would give an up and coming SL designer?
ET: SL business is not easy for us. Successful designers and business owners work very hard in SL.


PF: What do you know now that you wish you had known when you started?
ET: I learned that there are significant differences in taste in fashion and color based upon each avatar's country of origin and region.

PF: Please tell us one or two notes about you as a fashion designer you would like to share with the SL world?
ET: I create straightforward, top quality, men’s formal wear for the sophisticated SL man. I cater to the needs of the increasing population of adult men in SL for business and pleasure. I try to make natural, well-styled clothes while staying away from the gimmicks and trends that might go in and out of fashion, or that you might not actually see in real life such as heavily wrinkled textures on formal wear. So, my clothes are high quality and understated, not showy. I am inspired by the finely tailored work of Aquascutum; fashions that endure and are worn for a long time because of their classy and clean styling.

PF: Where in the RL universe are you currently?
ET: Yokohama, Japan

Good Luck Edo!

MFA 2008 Nominee "Best Male Fashion Label" - Sidewalk Clothing

Designer: Rhyph Somme - Born 12/02/2005

Boutique: Sidewalk Clothing at Isle of Tharen (34, 225, 33)

"My style is ...... quiet, laid back and somewhat low key, grungy, cool and dark feeling."

PF: When and why did you join SL?
RS: I originally joined Second Life at some point in 2004, tried it out, wasn't really sure what to make of it at the time. I re-joined in Dec. 2005 to give it another go as a particular massive multiplayer online (MMO) game I used to play had been horribly broken and didn't see anything else that really interested me at the time.

PF: How long have you been designing in SL?
RS: I started designing during my first week

PF: What prompted you to start designing?
RS: I felt that it was a natural fit to my abilities as I was looking for something that I could do as a contribution of my own work to the Second Life Community. At the time there were hardly any real men's clothing places, so it just seemed like the right path to choose.

PF: How would you describe your style?
RS: My style is more or less best defined as, quiet, laid back and somewhat low key, grungy, cool and dark feeling.


PF: When people wear your clothes, how/what do you want them to feel?
RS: That same as what I feel my style represents.

PF: Tell us about your latest designs?
RS: I have actually been a little stagnant on some of my newest design work, something called real life knocked on my door a few months ago. However, after about a 4 month designing hiatus, I did turn out some of my first long-sleeved, v-necks.


PF: What advice would give an up and coming SL designer?
RS: Patience and a [drawing] tablet are a must in my opinion for clothing work.

PF: What do you know now that you wish you had known when you started?
RS: I had started out without a drawing tablet, and then someone told me to get one, what a difference it makes.

PF: Please tell us one or two notes about you as a fashion designer you would like to share with the SL world
RS: Stay unique and be good to one another!

PF: Where in the great RL universe are you currently living ?
RS: Eastern US

Best of Luck Rhyph!

MFA 2008 Nominee "Best Male Fashion Label" - Sartoria Italiana

Designer: Traveller Bade- Born 6/8/07 Boutique: Sartoria Italiana at SLeek (157,23,22)

HD: Where in the great RL universe are you living?
TB: Dreamland

HD: When and why did you join SL?
TB: March 2007

HD: How long have you been designing in SL?
TB: Eight months.

HD: What prompted you to start designing?
TB: Curiosity.

HD: How would you describe your style?
TB: Italian menswear.

HD: When SL residents wear your clothes, what do you want them to feel?
TB: I like it they think "oh, great work!" :)

HD: Tell us about your latest designs?
TB: Pinstripes make me crazy, but now it's fine.

HD: What advice would you give an up and coming SL designer?
TB: First, start with t-shirts, jeans and basic clothes.

HD: What do you know now that you wish you had known when you started?
TB: The Beta grid, you have free uploads to view your textures.

HD: Please tell us one or two notes about you as a fashion designer that you would like to share with the SL world?
TB: I think it's possible to share some basic templates made by designers.

Best of luck to Traveller Bade!

MFA 2008 Nominee "Best Male Fashion Label" - Aitui

Designer: Jesseaitui Petion- Born 1/2/06 Boutique: Aitui at Aitui (170,151,21)

HD: Where in the great RL universe are you living?
JP: I live in Hawaii

HD: When and why did you join SL?
JP: I joined SL in January of '06. I kept hearing about "The Sims" and thought it would be cool if you could "play with real people" ... then Google introduced me to SL :)

HD: How long have you been designing in SL?
JP: Also since January of 2006.

HD: What prompted you to start designing?
JP: I wanted a Samoan styled tattoo and could not find one, or any good tattoo really, so I made my own. People started asking where I got it from and if I had a shop. After so many requests, I decided to just open a small shop. And that's how it started.

HD: How would you describe your style?
JP: I never know how to answer this question. I don't try to find labels and morph what I create into that. My creations are things that appeal to me aesthetically; things I would not mind wearing in RL.

HD: When SL residents wear your clothes, what do you want them to feel?
JP: Ultimately, I would want them to receive quality products. I'm currently going through a transition right now with Aitui. I'm either discontinuing or redoing some of my older items in an effort to produce only quality products.

HD: Tell us about your latest designs?
JP: My latest release was some female tank tops. I've been mainly a male-oriented shop for the past two years and this year, I wanted to dabble in some female attire.

HD: What advice would you give an up and coming SL designer?
JP: No bad seams.

HD: What do you know now that you wish you had known when you started?
JP: No bad seams.

Best of luck to Jesseaitui Petion!

MFA 2008 Nominee "Best Goth Fashion Label" - House of RFyre

Designer: Raven Pennyfeather - Born 9/10/2004

Boutique: House of RFyre at Isle of RFyre (98,174,23)

"My style is archaic, eclectic, romantic ...... I have an attraction to a darker aesthetic that contains a measure of the mysterious."

PF: When and why did you join SL?
RP: I originally joined SL as I was deeply fascinated by the concept of virtual worlds. I came here first to just explore and quickly discovered this medium to be a means for creative expression. In addition, I crossed paths with many who shared the same desire to create and have been hooked ever since.

PF: How long have you been designing in SL?
RP: I began designing not long after joining SL, completing my very first piece which was an Elizabethan gown in November of 2004.

PF: What prompted you to start designing?
RP: In my early days here, I immediately discovered that one had the ability to create content within SL and was greatly inspired by some of the work I was seeing. This proved to be a catalyst along with crossing paths with other creatives, a few in particular who went out of their way to aid me in finding the necessary resources to realize my visions.


PF: How would you describe your style?
RP: My style is archaic, eclectic, romantic and never fits neatly into any one camp. I have an attraction to a darker aesthetic that contains a measure of the mysterious.

PF: When SL Residents wear your clothes, how/what do you want them to feel?
RP: My sincerest wish is that they feel part of the mystery and dreams I attempt to weave here: elegant and empowered.

PF: Tell us about your latest designs?
RP: The latest is a series of work entitled Durante which is a Medieval personal name derived from the Latin verb - durare - to last or endure. This collection will contain three possibly four color variants for both men and women. The focus here, is on the Trench Jacket motif along with several mix and match items to give the wearer flexibility in creating their own unique style. This concept of providing value and multiple options for our customers has come to be apart of RFyre Design ideal.


PF: What advice would you give an up and coming SL designer?
RP: An artist 'observes' and then distills those influences into their own vision. The stronger one is in their craft (i.e. Photoshop) the better able they will be to provide the quality work they desire. It takes alot of practice and even more perseverance. The greatest competition should always be oneself.

PF: What do you know now that you wish you had known when you started?
RP: The accelerated pace of change within SL.

PF: Please tell us one or two notes about you as a fashion designer you would like to share with the SL world
RP: I hope the answers given above will give a good indication of who I am in this world both as an individual and as an artist :)


PF: Where in the RL universe are you currently living?
RP: East Coast, US

Good luck Raven!

MFA 2008 Nominee "Best Goth Fashion Label" - Silent Sparrow

Designer: Hyasynth Tiramisu - Born 25/7/2005

Boutique: Silent Sparrow at Silent Sparrow (208,89,21)

"Gothic mixed with period costuming with a little dash of fantasy for good measure."

PF: When and why did you join SL?
HT: I was bored with having to kill things and complete tasks in traditional online games. Also I saw an article somewhere about an author I adore doing a reading/signing here. ("Someone Comes to Town , Someone Leaves Town" by Cory Doctorow, an excellent read.)

PF: How long have you been designing in SL?
HT: Two and a half years...I attempted to make clothes my first week ;)

PF: What prompted you to start designing?
HT: At the time, the clothing I wanted to wear didn't exist yet! And being a traditional artist in the fleshy world it was a natural decision to take a stab at making my own.

PF: How would you describe your style?
HT: Gothic mixed with period costuming with a little dash of fantasy for good measure.

PF: When SL Residents wear your clothes, how/what do you want them to feel?
HT: Not naked? Seriously: elegant yet sexy...I want them to be the girl with just a glimpse of flesh exposed who makes their paramour's hearts melt...or the refined gent who commands respect but has that lovely edge of mysteriousness. Mostly though, I want my work to bring them a little bit of happiness.

PF: Tell us about your latest designs?
HT: My latest designs concentrate on developing the aesthetic that I've always had, one that focuses on the interaction between fabric, form, and mythos. Karasu, for example, references the crow in the fabric, as well as in the name of the shirt. Birds are a repetitive motive in my work actually ;)

PF: What advice would give an up and coming SL designer?
HT: If you don't truly love designing don't make it your SL "job". Like anything in life, do it because you enjoy it. Not for the money. Things will fall into place accordingly.

PF: What do you know now that you wish you had known when you started?
HT: That it is possible to be an artist and not starve!

PF: Where in the great RL universe are you currently living?
HT: US Central

Best of luck Hyasynth!

MFA 2008 Nominee "Best Furry Label" - Neko Gear

Designer: Darklour Watanabe - Born 5/28/2007

Boutique: Neko Gear at Toreadoll (59,202,70)

"I just saw a need for more nice, sexy and stylish Neko items..... I was like....why do Nekos always have to be dirty and grungy..."

PF: When and why did you join SL?
DW: Since 5/28/2007, if I remember right I saw it on the news and thought I'd check it out. Three days into it I was trying to make shirts and houses and such things and loved meeting new people....so I stayed.

PF: How long have you been designing in SL?
DW: Since 5/28/2007 as Darklour Watanabe

PF: What prompted you to start designing?
DW: I just saw a need for more nice, sexy and stylish Neko items, so started making them. Everything Neko seemed so dirty grungy and I was like....why do Nekos always have to be dirty and grungy - mind you, not all are - but it seemed like that's the majority of items being made for Nekos.

PF: When SL Residents wear your clothes, how/what do you want them to feel?
DW: I believe that people make clothes look good and that clothes and accessories accent the person. So I want them [SL Residents] to feel as they truly are....beautiful, sexy and stylish.

PF: Tell us about your latest designs?
DW: My latest designs have been for charities like Relay for Life in SL. It is fun to make something where the money goes to help a good cause.


PF: What advice would give an up and coming SL designer?
DW: Stick with it...believe in yourself...don't let anyone stop you.

PF: What do you know now that you wish you had known when you started?
DW: Hmmm...how to design better!

PF: Please tell us one or two notes about you as a fashion designer that you would like to share with the SL world
DW: I design for you, the client, because I love to see happy people. I always want you, the client, to be happy with what you buy. So I leave my items mostly, modify and transfer, in case there's any problems, then I can exchange.

PF: Where in the great RL universe are you living?.
DW: Central, US

Good Luck Darklour!