To The Nines – Opening March 1st in the AM
March 1, 2008
The grand opening of LeeZu Baxter’s new sim, To The Nines, is tomorrow (Sat. March 1st, 10 am to 10 pm) and features a day packed full of fashionista goodies.
The morning’s entertainment is live music, at noon there’s a fashion show with new releases from LBD, dancing and more live music, and fireworks at 8:00 pm.
“Different Visions” is a photography exhibition (ongoing) at the sim with various interpretations of LeeZu Baxter’s creations. Metro Models is pleased to showcase the Fashion Revolution series from the next issue of METRO Virtual Fashion. Above is just one of the photos of the series, with Payton Heron modelling Coif Sushi hair, Stiletto Moody’s O-Wedge platforms, and the Revolution “Lola” outfit by LBD.
New Shoots II – Alaska’s Picks
February 9, 2008
New Shoots II will feature the best in up-and-coming talent from virtual designers… I’m excited to show this fabulous stuff and want to give you a preview of what’s to come! The show is running Saturday Feb. 9th (tonight) at 7 PM SLT, and again Sunday Feb. 10th at 12 noon SLT.
GHOST!’s “Tip” dress is a couture gown with a hint of mystery and darkness. The razored fluffy skirt, striped gloves, and sequined top have excellent detail in the texturing. I also love how this fashion photo turned out, it’s one of my favourites with the high fashion pose and the model’s statuesque form. I found it suited the dress well. Model: Lalaine Lafontaine.
Aphrodite Creation’s “Vintish” pump comes in a variety of unique combinations of colour and texture. I just loved the retro feel of the round toe, stiletto heel, and alternating green and brown patent leather. These shoes add a touch of retro class to any outfit. Model: my own legs.
GHOST!’s Valle Dark dress is a true show-stopper of a gown with a long train of fabric and lace , asymmetrical top, and gathered fabric detail on the shoulder. We’re giving away 1 copy of this gown at tonight’s show and again at tomorrow’s. Sadly, I’m not eligible. Model: Gamp Lane
Aphrodite Creations’ Greyceful gown (shown here in “Noon”) is a lovely soft velvety textured dress with many ways to wear it. Here it’s shown with a black fur trim, scarf, and shorter skirt option. The colour is such a rich, emotive teal blue. Model: Kyra Nemeth.
That’s just a taste of what we’ll be showing at New Shoots II… we hope you can join us for the fashion show!
Featured Model – Queenie Extraordinaire
February 6, 2008
We’re taking a break from showing the newer, up-and-coming models and are featuring a couple of the virtual modelling worlds’ veterans, starting with the fabulous Queenie. I first met this lovely lady through Palomma Casanova’s DoveVogue modelling agency in 2005, and have worked with her ever since. I met up with her for a short shoot and a chance to ask some quick questions about her start in modelling… to which she gave highly detailed and excellent answers.
You’ve been in Second Life for a long time. How did you originally get started in virtual modelling?
Queenie: This question actually made me dig through my inventory! I applied to DoveVogue back in December of 2004 and I believe it may have been the only modeling agency in SL at that time. One of my best friends, Daphne Molinari, was pretty involved and I thought it sounded like a so much fun, so with her encouragement I applied.
What have been some of your modelling career highlights?
Queenie: Surviving each show without having my blood pressure go through the roof? LOL I take it seriously, preparing my poses and “look” for each outfit the moment I have the clothes in my inventory. But, that’s not what you asked. Highlights…Le’ Cadre Fashion Week in Septemeber of 2005…it literally was fashion “week” and we were doing 3 shows a day. I remember all the rehearsals, three different stages with three different walks and some being much more complicated than what most of us do nowadays. Preparation was grueling at times, but in the end we had a LOT of fun and pulled it off quite well. Another time that really sticks out for me is the ONE fashion show I organized. It featured 5 designers I think (hey, you were one of them, Alaska!) and it was for Second Life’s Birthday in June of 2006. It was fabulous and I think Moo Money has a video of it floating around somewhere, but in order for me to try and pull something like that off again I would need to quit my RL job because I was up until 5AM for a week straight preparing. Finally, each agency I have been involved with over the years has been a highlight in itself; they were all good experiences as well as learning experiences, and I have met many wonderful people through all.
Aside from modeling, what else are you involved with in Second Life?
Queenie: Pretty much everything I do is at least some sort of off-shoot of modeling or fashion. Originally my main profession in SL was as a DJ and manager of a radio station which I stepped back from about a year ago after some major RL changes. I do miss it, but RL is different for me now and it’d be hard to step back into a committed schedule. I do enjoy blogging fashion, something I had started doing on my own sometime in 2006 and now do with The Rummage Box alongside some truly fantastic girls. I recently took on the role as a Marketing Representative for ASpiRE!’s New Designer Showcase…I have wanted to become more involved with one or more of the agencies I am with and the opportunity came up for this role which was small enough and manageable enough for me to juggle. I am also the one and only customer service gal for DE Designs; and I say it like that because some people like to “impersonate” staff of stores throughout SL…shame, shame! I have also been involved in some machinima as far back as March of 2006 with Bedazzle (seemingly now defunct?) as well as more recently with Millions of Us. That’s always great fun too and something I’d like to do more.
Do you have a favourite designer or a fashion icon that inspires you?
Queenie: Every single designer or creator I have blogged has inspired me in some way. I wouldn’t have blogged them if they didn’t. I always cringe when questioned about favorite designers because inevitably I leave someone out that should have been a no-brainer. Anyone who knows the slightest thing about me however knows that DoC Eldritch of DE Designs is my number one and it has nothing to do with the fact that I model or work CS for him…modeling for him came after I was already a fan, and the CS role came much, much later after a long and trusting relationship had been built. His classic designs are like wearable art, which I have seen others try to do and it just never compares, and his recent evolution into more everyday-wear has been very exciting! As for fashion icons? Well, some of my favorite bloggers to watch include Carissa Crimson and Milla Michinaga for their crisp, clear pictures and the fact that they can make a burlap sack look hot. Also my fellow Rummage Boxer, Kitty Lalonde, for being totally over the top (sometimes too much so!! LOL) with her humor and original photoshopping skills. There are plenty of others I admire greatly, but these few are my top picks.
What advice would a model pro like yourself have for someone new to the world of SL modelling?
Queenie: Oh lordy, where to start?
1. Choose your poses wisely! I swear I am going to do a blog post on poses that need to be wiped completely from SL’s database. There are some wicked old ones out there that I still see used so often that are just horrid compared to the vast assortment of fantastic ones we have access to these days. Watch out for those “broken ankles”, tip-toes, unnatural positions, and poses that distort the outfit you are modeling.
2. When you receive your outfits for a show take the time to put together a look and poses that best complement the outfit. Some outfits or designers may call for a wilder hairstyle, but a general rule of thumb is to NOT wear hair or accessories (IF accessories are allowed) that overshadow the outfit.
3. Do NOT panic! We all lag, and we all make mistakes. In most cases the lag will break (if the sim doesn’t crash first lol) and as far as mistakes go most of the time the audience will not even notice unless you call attention to it. Take a deep breath and keep going.
4. Be up-to-date with a variety of hairstyles, well-made shoes and fresh skins. No, this is not cheap and not every modeling agency pays beyond getting to keep the clothes, but I see modeling in SL as a hobby, and many hobbies do cost some money to maintain.
5. Most importantly in my experience: BE RELIABLE. Just ONE no-show model can throw an entire fashion show into disarray and chaos. Yes, RL happens and most people are forgiving and understanding of that, but try to find a way to let someone know ASAP if you are having problems. Do you have a friend in RL who plays SL that can log-in and give a message? An email or IM of someone involved? When you sign on to model, even in a virtual world, it’s a commitment and people are counting on you.
Excellent advice! Queenie’s outfit list will follow in comments, I forgot to ask her what her awesome outfit was!
The unique and diverse makeup styling of Tete A Pied
January 28, 2008
Skins are a very personal thing, and one can go through hundreds of demos before committing to just one. I find when there’s a skin that looks good on my shape I tend to “collect” makeup options for them. Roslin Petion and CJ Carnot of Tete A Pied create such a great range of makeup options for their Vivant skins, it’s hard to resist stopping at one. Metro Models Ana Lutetia and Moisie Swindlehurst have shown off some of their favourites in this makeup portrait series.
Ana models a natural look with lightly applied liner and nude lips with just a touch of gloss.
skin: TaP Vivant Buff Basic Nude 1
hair: Hiccup Slow Jamz in Burgundy
jewelry: the Dauphine set by Muse
lashes: Sin Skins – Fluff
Moisie is in a cute mod-ish skin with delineated matte eyeshadow and neutral stained lips
skin: TaP Vivant Almond Octobre 1
hair: “Edie” from Aden
earrings: Golddigger by Diamonde
jacket: Ciao by Last Call
The “Chaton” makeup, modelled by Ana, is a gorgeous evening or high fashion look with cat’s eye liner, smokey lids, and frosted pale lips.
skin: TaP Vivant Buff Chaton 3
hair: “Gwen” by ETD
jewelry: Black Pearl set by Paper Couture
lashes: Sin Skins “Fluff”
Tete A Pied has some of the most creative alternative and gothic makeup I’ve seen. Moisie wears a skin inspired by the Dresden Dolls’ Amanda Palmer.
skin: TaP Vivant Gothique Amanda 1
hair: Hiccup “Amelieish”
dress: Mod Dress from Tres Blah
For those who want a truly unique look, the Boutique line of skins has distinctive elements like moles, freckles, etc in a variety of skintones and makeup. Ana’s look is smoked dark blue eyes and glossy lips, while Moisie wears a feminine pink lipstick and blush with lined eyes.
On Ana:
skin: TaP Boutique Strawberry Parfait 6
hair: Philotic Energy “Iseult”
jewelry: Diamonde “Chunky Shapes” necklace
outfit: Dutch Touch – Sparkle Dark
On Moisie:
skin: TaP Boutique Vanilla Parfait 3
jewelry: Boing Fromage – Lady Cameo necklace
shirt: white lace top from <3 cupcakes
Lastly, a totally fun Valentine’s look modelled by Moisie. Cherry red lipstick and a white pencilled heart combine for a truly sweet look.
skin: TaP Vivant Less Than Three 1
hair: “Daisy II” by ETD
The Vivant line is surprisingly affordable, with skins at L$500 each. If you can’t decide between these fashion-forward looks, relax, you can pick up a few without breaking your L$ balance.
Metro Virtual Fashion
November 22, 2007
A preview of what’s to come. Metro Virtual Fashion is scheduled for release tentatively for December 7th in ThInc Book format and online as a .pdf file.
The deadline for booking advertising space is November 30th, 2007. Please IM Alaska Metropolitan to book. Premium ad space is now sold out, and we offer full page ads for L$1700 only. Metro Virtual Fashion reserves the right to refuse ads (with payment refunded) that do not fit the quality standards or mandate of the publication. We offer design services if they are required. 
Fashion Challenge #1
October 23, 2007
For this fashion challenge, the Metro models were asked to compose a fashion photo with the theme of “fall.” The word could be interpreted in a variety of ways and either an in-world location or a studio used to take the picture. I’ve been blown away by the creative and high-quality photos that were submitted, and I’m proud to share them with you! In no particular order…
Francesca – “Falling in Love”
Clothes: PLUS NINE Yugao Long Skirt Set
Shoes: ZHAO Ciera in Black
Accessories: PAPER COUTURE Pearl Drop Earrings & Black Pearl Ring
Hair: ETD Juliana in Black
Skin: CELESTIAL STUDIOS Vogue Fall 2 in Cashmere
Yenneffer – “Fall”
Skin: Deviant Nation Vogue in champagne/”fishnet” makeup
Lashes: Celestial Studios
Eyes: Paris “Sea Foam” by Naughty Designs
Hair: Nicole by Naughty Designs
Jam Hoodie by Maitreya
Stripes and Plaid scarf by Gritty Kitty
Chutes in Dark Camo by Gritty Kitty
Arabesque – “Autumn”
Photo 1:
Jacket: Brisk by Sinjun Soyer (turtleneck included in set)
Hair: Meryl by Rikka Koi at Lucky (modded for the hat)
Hat: group gift from MG Fashions (Maria Gherardi)
Skin: “Jessica” by Cake
Photo 2:
Drifter Jacket also by Sinjun (gloves & knit inc)
Jeans: Maitreya Raw jeans
Modded boots by Launa Fauna (Buccaneer Lass’s boots)
Hair is Sabotage by Nuclear Boutique in auburn (tinted)
CronoCloud – “Autumn”
Photo 1:
Outfit: Hazel from Shine
Boots: enkythings Pinson boots in Bistre
Hair: Maaliyah from ETD
Skin: TaP Vivant
Photo 2:
Top: Irvington sweater from Luminosity
Pants: Luminosity cords
Hair: Maaliyah hair from ETD
Skin: TaP Vivant
Dendre – “Autumn”
Top: Maitreya red hoodie
Jeans: Last Call “tessa” jeans in black
Tank top: Artilleri LEO
Tomboy sneakers
Reddish pouch belt by Shiny things
Alyse – “Autumn”
Hair: ETD Alexandra
Skin: Naughty Designs Alina Fair
Eyes: Miriel – Basic Brown
Lashes: Celestial Studios
Outfit: Nicky Ree – Tunic Dress
Jewelly: EMJ Full Circle Earrings
Tanya – “Fall”
Skin: Celestial Studios Fall
Eyes: Miriel – basic brown
Hair: Armidi – Bombshell -Mocha
Outfit: Luminosity – Trieste
Pose: Luth’s Rockabily
Lalaine – “Falling”
Fann – “Fall”
Top: (Refuge) Trench Coat, Claire (part of outfit)
Bottom: (Frangipani) Denim mini shorts (dark)
Tights: (Persona) Woolen tights in Pink
Cap: (Cake) Chloe Cap
Hair: (Naughty) Party Girl II
Scarf: (Casa Del Shai) Rose Wool Scarf
Manicure: (Last Call) Deviant Nation – Frigid
Boots: (Last Call) Vamp Liah – Onxy
Photographers – work with Metro Models!
October 6, 2007
Metro Models is an expanding full-service fashion agency suppling everything from fashion show events to advertising, graphic design, and in-store promotions to Second Life fashion designers. As a boutique-style agency, our commitment to quality and attention to detail sets us apart.
At Metro we want to build a stable of high quality fashion photographers to call on for various assignments. If you’d like to work with us, please send the following for consideration:
1) Between 5 – 10 samples of your work, either portraiture or fashion related
2) Your fees, hourly or by project (your choice or however you usually bill)
3) The discount, if any, you’d be willing to offer our new models for shoots as they build their portfolio with the agency
This can either be submitted in world as a notecard or emailed to AlaskaMetropolitan@gmail.com .
