METRO Virtual Fashion – preview

A preview of the upcoming issue of METRO Virtual Fashion magazine, with the lovely Nemi on the cover. This issue is packed full of fashionista finds from around the grid… highlights include an editorial series on LeeZu Baxter Designs, RL travel meets SL fashion, our favourite hairstyles, a special tribute to Another Fundraiser, and more.

Also a reminder the deadline for getting advertisements to be included with this issue is March 1st, 2008.  The current full page ad rate is only L$1700 for this issue only… next issue it will be increased. See the website for more details on advertising. The first 2- page premium spread is already booked.

Featured Model – Queenie Extraordinaire

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

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 Models SHINE for charity

This lovely photograph was taken by Kyra Nemeth at the SHINE fashion show on December 21st. It features model veteran Queenie Extraordinaire in AnnaH Couture’s Kate gown. The SHINE show presented both fashions whose proceeds benefitted the SHINE fund, and special one-of-a-kind items that are part of a silent auction. After the show, models passed the one-of-a-kinds back to the designers, ensuring you are bidding on a truly unique item.

Celebrity Trollop has posted photos of the show on her Flickr feed.

Today we showed the stunning items that are to be auctioned off, as seen below in no particular order:

Alienbear Gupte’s beautiful Limited Edition Princess Christal set with full tiara and bracelets, modelled by Carissa Crimson. (Photo Kyra Nemeth)

MensPocky Kumaki models newcomer designer Triangle Caudron’s Baby! Star Shines Bright! gown, an instant favourite amongst the audience. (Photo Delilah Karas)

Oryx Tempel of International House of Style brings you a traditional Indian party dress with intricate detailing. Modelled by Nemi McCoy. (Photo Delilah Karas)

Serenity Mercier in PIN UP DOLLS‘ “Shine” mermaid dress with a lovely feminine bodice. (Photo Delilah Karas)

OPIUM’s “Midnight” haute couture gown modelled by Payton Heron. (Photo Alyse Perenti)

The amazing Tesla Miles‘ “Shine” boots on Serenity’s feet. (Photo Alyse Perenti)

Queenie’s stomach is encircled with the delicate Snowflake belt by Accessories by Eolande. (Photo Kyra Nemeth)

The silent auction will run until December 24th, at Midnight SLT. Until then, don’t miss this opportunity to own something uniquely beautiful that raises money for a great cause.

The fashion show will run once again on December 22nd at noon SLT. Hope to see you there!

Location of show and silent auction: Metro Event Stage

Featured Model – Payton Heron

You may have already seen Payton’s image on the mockup for the cover of the upcoming Metro Fashion publication. I’m happy to have Payton as one of our featured models as well.

How did you first start getting into modelling in Second Life?

In July 2007, I met Isabella Sampaio of Style Guru who changed my life.  She helped me with my avatar transformation from California beach girl to beautiful blond avatar. She helped me find stylish clothing and get rid of my noob freebies. My intent was to become a model in SL and fulfill a lifetime RL dream.  I entered the Miss SL Tropics competition in August 2007 and became a finalist…and thus my start into SL fashion modeling.

Are you into fashion in First Life as well?

Oh yes, I am actually an executive in retail marketing and have worked in this field for many years. However, most of my clients are in home furnishings and accessories.

Do you have a favourite designer in the real world?

My favourite RL fashion designer would be Giorgio Armani.  I love his use of fabric and clean designs.

Aside from modelling with Metro, what other virtual modelling activities are you involved in?

I recently finished attending the MODA modeling school and upon completion was invited to join the MODA Spotlight fashion model team.  Each week on SLCN.TV, this team models a different SL designer and it is broadcast live to SL residents.

Several weeks ago, I volunteered to be a live model in the EFA fashion week auctions to benefit Pink Ribbon, which is a global support network for women who have been affected by breast cancer.  All dollars collected were donated to fund breast cancer research and support services for people who have been affected and to educate women about being ‘breast aware.’  Through the 2 days of auctions, I personally raised L$10,000 for the chairty.

Recently, I was hired by LeeZu Baxter of LeeZu Baxter Designs, to be an in-house and print model.

How would you describe your own personal style?

My style ranges from casual to trendy but always with a classic core.  And since I have begun modeling, I am crazy for hairstyles, even more so than shoes.  I am always well coordinated and styled whenever I leave my home and would never be caught without my make up, especially my custom beautymark!

Do you have any advice for models just starting out?

As I am fairly new to modeling, I will tell you what I believe is most important….work hard, watch other models, attend different designer’s shows and practice, practice, practice!!!

Payton is wearing the Glitteroro dress by Bianca Foulon, gold Spirit pumps by Tesla, Alidar gold earrings by Second Mirage, Tory triple chain necklaces from Second Mirage, Light Skingloss Minnu Models skin, Lydia hair by ETD.

Featured Model – Mui Mukerji

Sometimes a Second Life model stands out not only for their beautiful avatar and unique style, but for their personality as well. I was lucky enough to work with Mui for the New Shoots shows, and she became a favourite amongst us at Metro for her upbeat, positive energy and her kindness towards others.

Mui is our first featured model on our blog. She chose an elegant, formal fantasy look for her photos. Product information and a brief interview with Mui continues below the photos.

Mui is wearing the Swan Lake Dream gown by Nicky Ree Design, the Queen Galaxy Limited Edition jewelry set by Alienbear Design, Sofia hair by ETD, lashes by Lynnix, and Classic Glitter skin by Celestial Studios.

I asked Mui a couple of questions in an interview. She apolgoized for her English, as she is a native of Hong Kong. I can understand her though so I’ll leave her answers as she typed them!

Alaska: How did you first start getting into modelling in Second Life?

Mui: … well I started modelling becasue I love to wear the clothes the jewelery of talented people in SL.. One day Tigherlily from Calla Hair called in her group channel request need help of her new hair in Dec last year . Few girls there included Digit Darkes from X3D she suggested we can go to her studio to take pic for Calla ad … then we also modelled X3d dress and Diversity hair … that is my first time to try modeling in Second Life

Alaska: Do you have a favourite Second Life designer who inspires you?

Mui: Alienbear Gupte is my favourite Sconed Life designer who really use heart to design and she is perfectionest !! she go to grapic design class to improve her SL design skill that make me think i need to improve myself.

Alaska: What advice would you give to a new player in Second Life who wanted to get into the virtual fashion scene, either as a blogger or model?

Mui: Well – since many new ppl in second life dont know really all the capabilies available to them. I always recommend them to go to the basic Sl knowledgde class. that can help them not only in their model or blogger carreer but in many other areas.

Alaska: How would you describe your own personal virtual style?

Mui: I do love shopping which everyone know that ^^ i love make friends and hang with friends also love help ppl who need help … buiilding too but sometimes lazy lol

Mui’s fashion blog can be found at http://muimukerji.blogspot.com/

New Shoots – A Fashion Showcase

Join Metro Models and Second Style as they present a showcase of two talented new fashion designers in Second Life. Annah Couture and PERSONA will be presented by some of Second Life’s most beautiful established and up and coming models. We recommend arriving 10 minutes early to ensure you a get a seat and to enjoy the goodie bags.

Showtimes: Friday, September 28, 2007 at 6:00 PM SLT
Saturday, September 29, 2007 at 11:00 AM SLT

Location: Metro Models event stage: Narcissus Island (203, 171, 22)