Spotlight on Clio - Pret A Porter -

Upcoming on Monday January 21st, MODA Fashion Spotlight will be featuring designs by Clio Cardiff, owner/designer of Clio - Pret A Porter-.

This young designer from Milan, Italy is extremely talented. Clio created her first designs in February 2007 and opened her studio just a few months later. The very first gown Clio created (a design called Perpetua) won her first prize by popular vote amongst the club members attending a dance. There was no looking back for Clio on the road to success! Her inspiration comes from her native city "where everything can be an inspiration." This past while her vision takes her back in time from some outfits of the seventies era to a line of clothing from the 1930 period. These creations will be featured in the Spotlight presentation.

Her latest gown called the Jacqueline was painstakingly hand-drawn to enhance the coloring and shading of this superb dress. Clio describes the dress as "simple yet classy", I describe it as being totally fabulous! As a matter of fact, I am proudly wearing in the picture the watergreen color tone of the Jacqueline dress as I am waiting for my prince to take me for a spin on the dance floor.

Clio genuinely cares about her clients. She will even schedule personal fittings so that her clients are totally satisfied with their purchases. Now that is a designer that stands behind her creations! Her fashion studio Clio - Pret A Porter - is located at Capelli Estates (49, 174, 25). It is a must-see visit to view her whole collection of casual, swimwear, lingerie and formal wear. Don't be surprised if you meet Clio in person, don't be shy and say hello. Tell her Helene sent you.

Point your browser to www.slcn.tv to catch the MODA Fashion Spotlight live at 7:00 PM on Monday January 21, you won't regret it.

Affordable Hair at Junwave

I got a tip recently from MODA model Yumi Darkes. It was about a great new hair store called Junwave. Having been MIA for a while from SL, all I have been doing when in-world is rushing around, fill up my inventory with all the wonderful sale items and new stuff on offer at the moment. Now, I know that when I get a tip from Yumi, it's going to be worth investigating, so I dutifully raced off to Junwave to see what she was talking about.
Here is what I bought back. Clockwise from the top right: Pineapple (L$50), CurlUp (Pack of 10 Colours L$100) and finally RoughUp (L$80). The store also discounts and a very nice freebie.

All hair at Junwave comes in three sizes (S,M,L). I do not normally mention prices, but these just seem so reasonable for the quality, they had to be mentioned.

When it comes to SL hair, I rarely stray from black.....can you tell?. Which is exactly what I thought I was buying when I clicked on "black" for this style (shown on left) called Wolf (L$80). Does this look like black to you? Not to me. Fortunately, I really like the color. I may have been inspired to stray a little outside my "SL hair color" comfort zone.

If your inventory survived the ETD sale or you missed the sale entirely because every time you tried to tp into the sim...you were left hanging in mid-air.....because the sim was always full! But you still want some affordable (or free) hair, you may want to take a trip to Junwave.

Credits: Skins: MMSDark-Dusk & Rockin; Dress: Fuse-The Waldorf (Midnight);

Up Close and Personal with Ambergris Baphomet

My Sunday was made all the more perfect as I had the pleasure of meeting with Ambergris Baphomet today, January 13, 2008. What a delightful way of spending a Sunday afternoon, chatting and visiting her designer shop! We met one day prior to the MODA Spotlight event.
Ambergris, Fashion Designer/Owner of Ambergris Deadly Fashions, is an early pioneer in the Second Life fashion industry. Born in the latter part of the year 2005, in the days when the flexi prims were not even yet available. Not too many of us can imagine our fashionable dresses not flowing perfectly.

Helene Diplomat: I am thrilled to have the honor of meeting you today
Ambergris Baphomet: This is very exciting.
HD: Of all the creative activities available in Second Life, what attracted you to fashion designing?
AB: Well I was already interested in fashion RL, and I saw SL as a way to see if I could do some of these things myself.
HD: Do you remember what the first design was you ever sold?
Ambergris laughs.
AB: Yes, I do.
AB: There is a funny story associated with that.
HD: I'm all ears.
AB: I was in the middle of setting up my store, and I had only a couple of items on the walls. I was not really paying attention and did not realize someone was in the store. So it knocked me out when they purchased one of my halter tops.
HD: I bet it was exciting!
Ambergris laughs.
AB: Yes, I think I panicked a bit too - "I am not officially open yet."
HD: What fashion style did you originally concentrate on?
AB: I started out being mostly darker - goth/vamp style.
HD: Being a pioneer of SL, can you tell me some of the challenges you faced back then?
AB: Pioneer? I guess being two years old is old... What I can mostly remember is the transition from non-flex to flex. I was not sure if I could learn that. Also, be able to keep making gowns and such the way I wanted.
HD: I see that you adapted famously...
AB: thank you Helene.
HD: Where do you find your inspiration Ambergris?
AB: Many, many places. Mostly the real world. magazines, movies, TV shows, walking around. I like to see what people are wearing and, items that work well together.
HD: Is there one design that has a special sentimental value to you?
AB: Not one in particular, but I would say I have a fonder affection for my hand drawn designs, than any others. They seem to reflect me and what I want to "say".
HD: Do you have a very favorite one possibly?
AB: Actually, I think I showed it yesterday on my runway. “Scarlet Fantasy”; it is a pantsuit that you could not really wear in RL.
HD: I remember seeing that one... It was very striking.
AB: If I had to pick a favorite, that one would be it. A little sprinkle of SL magic to hold it in place.
HD: It was very provocative but great for a night on the town in SL
AB: Yes (Ambergris smiling)
HD: From a concept to having a design in your designer shop, how long is the process?
AB: Oh wow, that actually can be quite a long time, but for the most part...say if I have an idea for something right now and, I sit down at The Gimp and start drawing. If all goes well, I say I have the templates done in about an hour.
HD: And from templates to the shop?
AB: Then I upload into SL, take pictures, create the box photo tableaux - then upload again - then fill the boxes, then place on my wall.
AB: Wooo!
Ambergris giggles
HD: Oh my gosh, it never ends!
HD: Currently, what is the fashion style you are creating the most?
AB: I think the long formal gowns, evening wear - and then on the flip side, I create a lot of mini-dresses and match them up with boots. I would say split evenly between those two styles.
HD: You never get bored...
HD: Any comments regarding the fashion industry in SL?
AB: Yes, I think that as designers, we should support each other more instead of trying to pull each other down. That is why I do my own shows, I have guest designers etc. Also, there is a group called Designers in Seclusion that is very supportive.
AB: Iit is hard to do business in SL in general, why not help each other along?
HD: How interesting! And I do agree with your comments.
HD: How difficult is it to be a successful designer and a business person? ...such as time commitments, marketing,... etc
AB: I love how you framed that question. Indeed those are almost two different things. Take for example the EFA contest. It really embodied both of those things. Ok, you make a wonderful design - now in order to win, you need to sell as many of it as possible.
AB: I am used to marketing in real life, so once I learned the "pathways" in SL, is not too hard but, it can be difficult when you are a new designer. I also support that too. I have a vendor area in my shop - many of my group members are aspiring designers.
HD: Any "pearls of wisdom" for young designers wanting to follow in your path?
AB: hmmm....
AB: I did make some blunder along the way - but really the most important thing to remember is: if you are starting out, is to keep having fun. Once it starts being "un-fun" as I call it - time to try finding something else.
HD: I think it's so great that you are encouraging aspiring designers
AB: Each person has their own style, and if you think about it, the only person you are in competition with is yourself.
HD: You are a very wise person....
You: On a different note, what was the most interesting comment a shopper or fan has ever made to you?
AB: Let me think.. I would have to say one of my group members (the Ambergris Addicts). He wears my gowns mostly. Sometimes I forget and, when I get a comment from him about how lovely new gown is, it startles me for a second :D
Helene laughs.
HD: Any dream projects you'd like to accomplish in Second Life?
AB: I would really love to be able to make skins. I do not think I would even try - but I literally do dream about what styles and makeup I would do.
AB: In the meantime, I would settle for eloping with my current crush. (shhhh!)
HD: You never know where your path will take you.... dreams are always nice.
Ambergris giggles
AB: it does keep me stretching out and trying new things. Hair, furniture, and my footwear and boots. I never figured I would end up creating things like that.
HD: Valentine's Day is approaching, are you planning something special at your shop?
AB: I think I will make a cute set or fat-pack as my valentines design, then drape hearts and things all over the store. Nothing too special.
HD: I'm sure your fans are always looking forward to new creations showing up in your shop.
HD: I have a very romantic date with my soul mate this evening. He's taking me dancing to a very fancy club. Can you recommend one of your creations to me?
AB: Yes I can actually. one of my latest; it is called Serenade. It dances really lovely :) waltzing and so on.
HD: Maybe, I'll go visit your shop again after this interview.
HD: Now, the MODA Spotlight is coming this Monday...
AB: Nervous! Excited!
You: Are you presenting your whole range of fashion designs or just a specific line?
AB: I will be a taste of everything; menswear included, sort of a journey from where I started, to now.
HD: That is very exciting. I'm assuming you'll be in the audience watching?
AB: Bouncing up and down and cheering the models on!
HD: The Spotlight models will do your creations justice. I just know that for a fact.
AB: I have had nothing but wonderful experiences with the MODA models. They are amazing.
HD: In closing, what would you like the SL world to know about you Ambergris?
Ambergris pauses and reflects.
AB: I think mostly that despite being an actual reclusive designer - I am trying to "get out there" more. I have extreme tunnel vision, and I think I have missed out on a lot in SL. So please feel free to say hi and hello if you see me out and about.
HD: Anytime, you need a chaperone to take you around, I'll volunteer...
Ambergris chuckles.
HD: This is the end of our formal interview my dear, I want to thank you for taking the time to meet with me and share your outlook
AB: You’re welcome Helene - my pleasure.
Little does Ms Ambergris Baphomet realize that the pleasure was all mine. Such a gem of a person and a really down to earth type of individual! I was given a tour of her fashion house: Ambergris Deadly Fashions and observed the creator in action designing at her drawing table.

As I write this, I look forward to being in the audience watching the MODA Spotlight models showing the magnificent designs. Should you have missed the live show, it can conveniently be viewed on the SLCN.tv website at anytime.

Please visit Ambergris Deadly Fashions designer shop located at Knot(208,62,81). Happy shopping!

**FRESH** news :: Grue Ling Designs

Grue Ling is a new designer to SL who shows an amazing amount of promise. I've picked up his latest releases but he has several more in his new shop on Mystical Island.


Having worked with Grue on this particular dress, called Shadow Lace, I'm quite fond of it. :) The corset top is laced and the texture is HIGHLY detailed (as is all of Grue's work) and the lace skirt has many fluffy layers which make this dress a fantastic combination of sweet and sexy. The skirt also comes in two different sizes, so re-sizing the skirt may not be a huge hassle for you.

Hair: "Jackie" by ETD
Boots: "Gunslinger" in black and silver by Solange
Tattoo: "Stars with Tribal" tattoo by Aitui
Belly Ring: Star Diamonds Belly Ring by Alienbear Designs
Skin: "Brisque - Freckle" in Honey by Chai Skins (group gift).


Grue's two latest releases as of this past week are Urban Casual and Urban Grunge. The tops are tintable, with a ribbed texture, and are available in all three layers: undershirt, shirt and jacket. The jeans come on the underwear and pants layers, which make them perfect for tucking into boots. While Grue uses some pre-made textures, all of his shading and folds are done by hand, as well as the pockets and waistband of the jeans in both sets, and are intricately detailed. I've included some closeup shots so you can see the effort he puts into his work. Urban Casual, above, is a "cleaner" version of the two, and I couldn't help but tint the top pink. Urban Grunge, below, is a ripped up, sexy mess. All of the rips and dirt were also done by hand. Grue's prices are VERY reasonable, especially considering not only the level of detail but all the layer options.

Urban Casual:
Hair: "Lynne II" in black by ETD
Boots: "Gunslinger" in black and silver by Solange
Tattoo: "Stars with Tribal" tattoo by Aitui
Belly Ring: Star Diamonds Belly Ring by Alienbear Designs
Skin: "Brisque - Freckle" in Honey by Chai Skins (group gift).



Urban Grunge:
Hair: "Maxine"in chestnut frosted by ETD
Boots: "Gunslinger" in black and silver by Solange
Tattoo: "Stars with Tribal" tattoo by Aitui
Belly Ring: Star Diamonds Belly Ring by Alienbear Designs
Skin: "Brisque - Freckle" in Honey by Chai Skins (group gift).

House of Nyla

Nyla Cheeky of House of Nyla is not only enormously talented in Second Life, she's also got an amazing shop in Real Life, which she bases her SL designs on. Recently she had a 50% off sale, and after being dragged kicking and screaming by Jujudoll, I found myself snapping up many of her gorgeous creations. I then ran straight home and started snapping pictures!

House of Nyla is located at Starax.

My first purchase was this Peacock Feather Lingerie I've had my eye on for quite a while. I love peacock feathers and have many, many items which incorporate them so this was a natural purchase for me. I paired this with the Jackie hair from ETD, and my Sin Skin from the Ton Visage collection.

Next up is the shorter version of another of Nyla's dresses, the Dark Green Crochet Mini. The real-life version of this (seen here) is the most amazing dress I have ever seen, and how I wish I could have one (and pull it off the way the model does!). I bought both versions, this one is the short one. My ONLY problem with this dress was the difficulty I had with the system skirt. A skirt shape didn't look right so ultimately, I decided to just not use one. I wore the Rose hair from ETD, and the Vidalia Pump in Metallic Noir from Armidi Gisaci.

Next up is the Patent Pressed Flower Leather Shorty Catsuit. Big name, little shorts! I especially love the buckles on the front, and the sweet little tophat which is included. This was paired with the Miyabi hair from Zero Style, and the Vidalia Pump in Metallic Noir from Armidi Gisaci.


Last but definitely not least is the long version of the crochet gown, in black. Again, I had some difficulties with the system skirt but overall, this dress is absolutely stunning with its long flexi skirt with godets. Hair is "Bonita" in Black by ETD.

Real-life versions of almost everything I showed (with the exception of the peacock feather lingerie) are shown on the House of Nyla website, and definitely get over to Starax and check out Nyla's amazing in-world fashions as well!

Announcing Mr. SL World 2007 . . .

Announcing the winner of the Second Avatar Mr. SL World 2007. May I have the envelope please? [Trumpet Fanfare . . . Drumroll . . . ] Wait, there seems to be something wrong. The web site is now announcing "SECOND LIFE's MOST DESIRABLE MALE MODELS for the year 2008." What happened to 2007?

Second Avatar management has not answered my inquiry, nor has it released the judging criteria for 2007. On top of that, their voting system allows multiple votes from the same user, turning the popularity contest into a space invaders type computer game, where the winner is the one who can click their mouse the fastest.

Sour grapes from a contest loser you ask? Maybe. But the fact is that no winners have been announced and all the 2007 contestants appear to have been automatically entered in the 2008 event. Well, at least I can take comfort in the fact that my picture didn't appear as runner up to some hunky real life porn star who is about to create his avatar in-world.

It's starting to look like Second Life fashion contests can be about as trustworthy as SL banks or stock exchanges. At this point I could self righteously call upon Linden Labs to clean up the fashion industry or I could just shrug my shoulders and go dancing with my MODA friends. Hey Circe! Who's playing tonight?

Christmas Greetings from MODA

At this time of year, you see the theme of birth everywhere. It reminds me of a maternity class just before the birth of our first child with midwives Jane Kilthei and Larry Lenske. Back then Larry was the only male midwife in the province of Ontario. He took the lead in this particular class and talked to the expectant mothers about how to breathe during labor. During the break I took him aside and, being the skeptical person I am, asked him what possible effect a woman's breathing could have on the birth.

"You're right," he answered. "Giving birth is primarily an involuntary process. The baby is going to come regardless of how you breathe. But if the mother feels overwhelmed and out of control, she could panic. Her breathing is something she can focus on and control. " So focusing on breathing is a way to help you deal with the larger experience of giving birth.

I will never experience giving birth, but I do know what it feels like to be overwhelmed and out of control in life. For me Second Life is a little like learning to control my breathing. In Second Life you don't have to hold down a job, lose forty pounds, raise a teenager or even eat. You control what you are and what you want to be. Second Life gives you a chance to discover or re-discover who you really are. Then you can take the lessons learned back to your first life.

As a consultant doing a lot of traveling this year, I was feeling pretty isolated. Working with Jujudoll Dancer and the MODA Modeling School reminded me how much fun life can be, particularly when you're part of an enthusiastic team, all pulling together. I know from how I feel and the comments from my "real" friends that Second Life has improved my first life. For me there is nothing lonlier than a solitary restaurant meal on the road. Thank you to all my fashion friends in SL for being with me wherever and whenever I traveled. As a special friend says, "Sometimes my goal in life is just to keep breathing."

Merry Christmas to you and all the best in 2008. You deserve it.