FASHIONISTA

We're Back!

2011-06-27T20:14:00.000-07:00

After a two year break, that is a two year break from Second Life. Jula and me are back in SL!
For how long, we can not say. What are we going to do? spend time exploring SL, seeing how the fashion world has changed. If we are lucky we can get Chalice to update us on whats new!
Hope all of our old friends look us up. Looking forward to making new friends and a new SL!

Luv,
Jula and Kasen

Long Break

2010-03-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

Jula Carnell and myself Kasen Kazan have been out of SL for at lease 7 months!
We are still very much together. We have been gaming and skyping everyday.
Well we are back! At lease Jula is. Kasen Kazan's account was deleted. So I am now Bracken Roux.
A Alt from my modeling days. We plan on taking things slow in SL. Just relaxing and doing Photography.
Fashion is still in our hearts, but we do enjoy a slower pace.
We might review some new or old releases.
So to all of our old friends a big "Hello"
We still have DiCarnelli's Studio, which we have not figured out how we managed to hold on to it, since it was in Kasen's name. The house, land, and everything was just how we left it!
have missed all of you, and looking forward in renewing friendships!

Bracken Roux!

Men

2009-08-01T16:46:00.001-07:00

I was going to blog about My store "Menlosopy" and show you some of the outfits. I IM'ed Eve Express, designer and creator or Body by Eve Skins and Shapes to get one of her new male skins. Now Eve is my closest friend, just after Jula. I tried not to ask for a skin very often, because I end up with every fat pack she has.
Eve has been perfecting all of her skins over the last few months. I think she has perfected the male and female skins with her Sheen line!
Eve is very detailed when it comes to the body. She spends hours on the torso. Her back, torso and legs are some of the best in SL! (Both the female and male skins.)
So ladies and gentelmen if you are looking for an makeover you need to stop by. You can pick up some new skins and shapes from body by Eve (BBE), mens wear by Menlosopy, and womens, by Shouted Couture. I also have some killer ladies boots for only 50 Lindens!
There are only 5 shops, so your shopping experience is lag free! I think the picture above said it all "Hummm Nice"!

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Borgatti/34/253/79

IM Kasen Kazan inworld and I will send you a landmark!

2009-05-13T16:16:00.000-07:00

Aloha!! That is Aloha shirts from Shiki Designs. Time to hit the beaches, that is after you hit Shiki Designs for their new Aloha Shirts. Now I have yet to blog about gifts from designers, I feel that most bloggers will not be honest in giving a truthful review cause their gravy train might get cut off. After 7 months of getting items from Shiki Designs, I can honestly say that it is well worth the Lindens to shop there. If you are looking for that nice tropical look, waste no time getting to Shiki Designs.
The shirt on the left is Brown Ginger , the one on the right is Flowers. They retail for 220L's and that includes 4 layers, plus a nice prim collar.
Summer 2009 Aloha Shirts comes in 10 designs.
Yes I broke down and did this review on a designer's gift, but they do outstanding work, which is hard to find in mens clothes in SL.
So as you head for the beach, stop by Shiki Designs and pick up some Aloha Shirts!

Just Two Weeks!!!

2009-05-12T16:01:00.001-07:00

I was very lucky tonight!! I was tp to someones private home and shown a sneak peek of a new mens complete fashion line!! In just 2 weeks, there will be a very big release show! Two of SL's best know designers have teamed up to create this Fashionista line for SL's Fashionista's Male.
When I say complete line, I mean COMPLETE LINE for men. The colors, the textures, I thought I was in Milan, at the biggest fashion show of the year! I begged, I cried, just wanting to own just one item from this line! ( and no amount of Lindens helped!)
So for the next two weeks, I will be in a state of sadness. Keep close by, I will let you know what I can find out. Till then men, start saving your Lindens!!

Is it worth it?

2009-05-09T22:40:00.000-07:00

I was reading over some modeling academy's price list, It really is amazing how much some of these places charge!

Ewing charges 10,000 lindens!! What really gets me, is they set up an interview with people wanting to enter their modeling academy. I can see the interview now.
"Tell us why you want to be a model?" "Well if we decide to accept you"
Something tells me that if you was to walk up and fork over 10,000 lindens, they are going to accept you!
"After all interviews are finished, successful applicants will be notified and invited to register for classes. More information on the training course can be found at the EFA website"
Successful applicants? (I guess they mean if you have the 10,000L's.) At the end of their sales pitch, they go on to tell that some of their models have won so and so modeling events and such.
Is it really worth paying 10K to learn how to be a "model?" Can they promise that you will make back the lindens you spent on the course?
Is a modeling academy the way to go if you want to break into modeling?
Let's look at some of SL's top models and see if it is worth it?
One of the most famous models in SL is Mimi Boa, did she go to a modeling school?
Chalice Carling, has she went to one? The most famous model in my eyes, Jula Carnell I know for a fact did not attend a modeling academy/school.
She worked her butt off to get where she is today! I did have a talk with her about modeling schools, and she did say that they do help. If only to have it in ones profile.
So I would say that yes a modeling school can help. Is it worth 10,000L's? Only someone who has paid that kind of cash can answer that. But I do know that Le Belle Facon Academy offers, the same training taught, by SL's most sought after model (Jula Carnell). Jula goes that extra step in offering small classes. Jula will be the first to tell you it takes more to be a model than looking pretty, and she will personally walk you though every step in becoming a successful model. Le Belle Facon's 5,000 Linden course will teach you everything you need to know, that other agencies that are charging up to 10,000L's. Can we make you one of SL's top models? I am sorry to say the answer to that is "NO"! Only with a lot of hard work can you make that happen.
So if a modeling school/academy promises you, that they can make you famous, walk away.
But if you are serious about being a model, and are willing to work hard and put in the time, contact Jula Carnell, at Le Belle Facon Academy.

2009-04-23T14:21:00.000-07:00

"When a designer makes a would be model buy her designs to be considered for a job."

The other night, I was doing some work at the "Academy of Performing Arts" when a notice from SL Models popped up. Seems that Ravissant's was having a model search. It had been awhile that I had done any modeling, and thought I would give it a shot. I had an application sent to me. I started to fill it out, then the small print caught my eye.

"Reminder: Please attach below a Headshot and a full body shot with an outfit from Ravissant desgins ONLY"

I had never heard of Ravissant Designs before, nor had any of their designs.
I proceeded to fill out the application anyway, figuring that they were looking for professional models.
When I got down to the part to put the pictures in, I attached a profile shot and body shot and added " (Sorry I don't own any Ravissant)
I will go and check out Ravissant's and see if I like any of their clothes, but I do not believe one should buy something to be considered for an modeling assignment. Just standards I live by."
Well I knew I would not get the job before I even sent it!
It is designers such as the owner of Ravissant that turn a lot of young ambitious models away from modeling. Someone just starting out as an model, would be hesitant to spend Lindens on clothes, without knowing for sure If they would get the assignment.
I do hope that designers would be more proud and confident of their creations, that they would not have to try and come up with with ways to get people to buy their clothes!
So Ravissant I give you a big thumbs down!

Butterfli meets Shouted Couture

2009-04-19T08:40:00.000-07:00

by Thalia Svoboda
As I looked around Shouted Couture today a particular piece caught my eye, a mix of sexy sophistication and monochrome chic, I am of course talking about the outfit called "Fashion News White". The Outfit consists of a fitted white jacket with monochrome news print effect on both the high collar and cuffs, skinny news print effect pants depicting Betty Boop and various other fashion images, uber glamorous white boots with silver star detail and a rather classic looking chunky silver belt with black buckle. If that got your fashion buds tingling then you'll be pleased to know it also comes in black.

This outfit designed by the fabulous Jador Fashion is a perfect example of her timeless and almost poetic designs, with her extraordinarily high standards of detail it is easy to see why this Italian designer has made such a name for herself. One of the first lucky women to wear this ensemble was the stunning Butterfli Sorbet of LeBelle Facon Modells. I caught up with her to see what she thought of the outfit.

Thalia Svoboda: Hi Butterfli thanks for joining me

Buttefli Sorbet: What an honor ty :)

T S: Well firstly I have to say you looked amazing in the outfit.

B S: Thank you :)

T S: So what were your thoughts of the outfit when you first saw it?

B S: The black and white caught my eye first... Those are my favorite colors... Then I saw the artsy design and the sexy cut of the jacket.

T S: Would you buy this outfit if you were out shopping?

B S: In a heartbeat, It's a complete outfit, with matching boots :)

T S: It did look amazing on you.

B S: Thank you Thalia :)

T S: You are very welcome. So what do you think of the designers and the work they do?

B S: Love her... she is such a great designer... I did find Jador in the Best of Italian Mall a while back and I already had some Bolero creations.. I really think Italian designers are top of the line.

T S: So... tell me about you, How did you get into modeling?

B S: Funny story... I first started hosting... then got intrigued by my real life sister modeling in SL, then I met someone who was offering modeling lessons, however they turned out to be a scammer and just ran with my money, this very nearly put me off modeling until I met Kasen Kazan, and he said to me " Hey, come to LeBelle... I can help you" which is where I was instructed by Tula Howlett, she was fantastic... love her.

T S: That's terrible, sounds like Kasen and Jula saved your career in modeling?

B S: Yes... I owe so much to those two beautiful people.

T S: So when did you first hear about the shoot for the outfit in question?

B S: Well... Kasen was looking for live models and when he calls I run... hehe. I like to help him out as much as I can :)

T S: So what's next for you?

B S: Modeling... Modeling... Modeling... Hopefully I can make something happen lol

T S: Any projects in the pipeline?

B S: Well I am in the finals for the SL Elegance Competition which is on the 24th of April.

T S: Best of luck with that you have one more person wishing you every success.

B S: Awe Thank You :)

T S: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me

B S: My pleasure... anytime.

Photography 101

2009-04-12T07:47:00.000-07:00

I thought that since Shouted Couture was having a photo contest, that I would write an article about Photography Studio, and Photography. Does a person need to spend thousands of Lindens on a photography studio? Will they make you look like a million Lindens?
Well the answer to both of those questions is a Big Fat NO!
All a photo studio does is put together in one big prim what you might already have in your inventory. Photo studios just make it easier for you to take the photo.
I have seen thousands of SL pictures over the last couple of years. I would guess that less then 1/4 of the photographers in SL used a studio. They just pop out a prim put a texture on it and Bingo, they have a backdrop!
The art of taking a good photograph is not having a 8k Linden studio, the art is in the editing.
Photo Shop, Gimp, Photo Plus, and a host of others is what makes a good picture. Also we cannot forget your poses and the angle of the shot and lighting has a lot to do with it. I remember doing a photo shoot of a model. She kept telling me to stop using the cheap free poses. Well those cheap free poses that come in photo studios pose stand, may be free and not that great of a pose but I was using different angles while taking pictures. One of those pictures got more positive reviews then some pictures I took using expensive poses. ( I end up ejecting that model)
You might also consider having your pictures taken by a professional photographer. I will tell you to be careful of photographers who do not charge much. A good photographer can take up to 2 hours editing just one photo. It is time consuming, and a lot of work goes into making that picture into a Beautiful Glamor photo! At Di Carnelli's Photography Studios we take pride in making your photo's look their best! Many of our photos have help models win contest, and help them break into the fashion industry. If you are looking for a professional photographer contact us. If you are just looking to have fun break out that SL camera of yours and start taking pictures! If you would like to take a class on SL photography contact me.

Shouted Couture Contest!

2009-04-11T15:34:00.001-07:00

Have you always wanted to be a model?
Maybe have an extra 5000L's?
Now is your chance!
Shout Couture at Rebeck is having a Photo Contest.􀀀

(This is not a pay to vote contest)

There will be 5 judges.
Rules are very simple.
Take a picture of yourself wearing a Shouted Couture design that is being sold at Shouted Couture at Rebeck. (It does not have to be bought there, but be one of the styles)
The photos will be judged on style, pose, and grace. They do not have to be taken by a professional photographer!!
Attach the photo to a note card then drop it in a folder named "Shouted Couture and your name"
In a brief sentence tell why you love Shouted Couture Designs.
Send it to Kasen Kazan (with full perms)

The Contest will start April 20 and deadline for entries is May 5.

The winner will get 5000L's
A photo shoot by Di Carnelli's Studios
A Shouted Couture design (From Mimi Juneau of Mimi's Choice)
Le Belle Modeling Academy course in modeling.
An invite to become a Le Belle Model
A instore model for Shouted Couture.
Be a runway model in a Shouted Couture Show .

Second Place winner:
Photo shoot by Di Carnelli's Studio
A Shouted Couture design (From Mimi Juneau of Mimi's Choice)
Le Belle Modeling Academy course in modeling.
A instore model for Shouted Couture.

Fashoinista Fashion Shows

2009-04-11T07:18:00.000-07:00

Le Belle Facon Modeling Agency gives you the exposure that you are looking for, in getting your beautiful creations seen!
Our goal is getting your creations noticed.
We offer the most affordable fashion agency packages in SL.
Jula Carnell, Chalice Carling, Lorelei Maggs,Butterfli Sorbet,Abandoon Nacht with many other professional models are dedicated to bringing you the best fashion show in SL.
One thing that Le Belle Facon prides itself in, is a drama free experience.
Under the leadership of Tula Howlett and Angelica Kweller, Le Belle Facon's mission is getting you noticed!

Tula Howlett offers those that are looking to become models one of the most intense modeling training courses offered in SL.
Why wait on other modeling schools to fill up a class. Tula works with all of our students in a small group, or one on one setting, at no additional cost.
If you thought that a professional fashion show produced by professional's cost an arm and leg think again!
Not only do we offer very affordable shows for your creations, we also provide a venue to showcase and sell you creations during and after all shows!
Le Belle Facon Agency and Academy works hard to make sure you are getting the best SL has to offer.

Contact Tula Howlett, Angelica Kweller

2009-04-04T14:37:00.000-07:00

Something to SHOUT about ...

Italian Couture ! Over the top chic, you either love it or hate it .... However SHOUTED COUTURE at Rebeck is definitely something to shout about ! The prestige of Italian fashion and its achievement within SL are second to none. Renowned designers, Ziamela Loon ( Jador ) and Amanda Bolero ( Bolero Collection) are the Co founders of the affordable fashion line, Shouted Couture.

Italian fashion always manages to distinguish itself from other designs and this a la mode collection is no exeception. Affordable chic, stamped with the 'Made in Italy' Brand. For anyone who is aware of Loon and Bolera, you will know that their items are made to the highest quality with a rather large price tag attached. However surprising enough, these high fashion ensembles are completely attainable with as little as 125 lindens in your purse, ascertaining the level of notability and eminence they deserve.

Stylecard - Model Lorelei Maggs
CARDINALE "Shouted Couture"

Stylecard - Model Butterfli Sorbet

FASHIONS NEWS"Shouted Couture"

Stylecard - Model Lorelei Maggs
ELIZABETH "Shouted Couture"

Stylecard - Model Butterfli Sorbet

GOLD PETAL"Shouted Couture"

Stylecard - Model Harlee Lane
DIANA WHITE"Shouted Couture"

Shouted Couture!, Fashionwear with a difference.

by Jula Carnell
Photos- Jula Carnell

Life Style of a Fashionista

2009-03-15T14:04:00.001-07:00

Being a Fashionista is more than a look, it is a lifestyle. Everything you say or do. The way you live says alot about you. After spending the last few weeks working at Di Carnelli's Landscaping and Wedding Center, I thought I would start to do some articles on living the fashionista life.
So with this one I decided to start with the house exterior. For Jula and me, the outside of our home is where we spend the most of our time. Lounging on the porch, in the pool, or the dance area is a very relaxing experience for us. These pictures were taken at Di Carnelli's Landscaping and Wedding Center.
Jula's favorite place at Di Carnelli's is the veggie patch. She can spend hours there. Well till she see a bug, then she runs screaming "Mr K, Mr K!
My favorite part of Di Carnelli's is the Cactus garden. Most of the cactus can be seen at the Ranch house, our weekend get away. Di Carnelli's has the largest selection of cactus in SL!
Truly Scrumptious Confectionary is Jula's cake shop. These cakes are truly a scrumptious Fashionista! Let Jula custom design your cake. She does cakes for all occasions. It is a labor of love to her!
Di Carnelli's Landscaping and Wedding Center has a very large selection of flowers and plants to give your house or business the Fashionista Look! We are very honored that Margie Snookums a master gardner, has relocated to Di carnelli's. Margie is well known in SL for her beautiful Climbers and orchids. So if you are looking for that specical plant or wedding decoration Di Carnelli's is the place the Fashionista's go.
slurl.com/secondlife/Fearzum/142/189/48

Houston, we have a problem!

2009-02-13T21:13:00.001-08:00

For a month now, I have been having a very bad time.
I know that Fashionista is not a place to post personal problems, but I am at wits end!
I am sure I am going to upset some people with the next statement.
You see I am married to the most beautiful person in Second Life. Now before you start to question that statement, let me tell you a little about Jula Carnell.
I met Jula on her second day in Second Life.
From the moment I laid eyes on her I knew that she was the one I wanted to spend my Second Life and Real Life with.
I even hired her to work for me, just to be close to her. ( It was hard for me to keep finding something for her to do at a job that ran on it own.)
We have had our fair share of ups and downs, just as in any relationship.
Mostly because of me, but I won't take all of the credit!
Jula will go out of her way to help anyone that she can.
One time she spent the day helping a girl who wanted to be a model, gave her clothes, lindens, and told her what to buy . The girl never even said thank you! Jula I love you because I know you would do it again.
Jula, got me on flickr, gave me a desire for fashion, photography and modeling.
Jula loves modeling more than anyone I know. she is one damn model, who works her heart out doing it. Jula would give it all up for me, if I asked her.
Jula I love you.
She is always there for me in Second Life, and Real Life.
We talk for hours everyday, sometime not even speaking a word for the longest time, but just knowing she is there, is all that matters. We finish each other sentences, have the same thoughts on most things.
We are getting ready to renew our love for each other. Two years of happiness, two years of love.
I love you Jula Carnell, more than you will ever know.
I did not come to SL to fall in love, but I am so happy that I have!
Second Life and Real Life will end one day, but my love for you will last forever.
Now getting back to my problem, you see Jula has just about every piece of Jewelry that can be found in SL. She has just about every fashion designer's creations. So what do I get her for Valentines Day?
Jula all I can give you is my love. All I can give you is my complete devotion. This is all I can give you. The only thing is, you already have it.
I love you Jula,
Have a Happy Valentines Day.
Love,
Mr. K

A Fashion Legend

2009-02-07T09:35:00.000-08:00

Just as in real life, our second life has it's ups and downs.
I was at the Opium Sim Grand reopening, enjoying seeing old friends and making new ones, when I glanced over and saw a familar face. A few years older, but still as glamous as always. She was standing by herself. As I approached her she quickly turned to go. I reached out and grabed her arm. Nicki Glam was one of Second Life's first top models. She had every agency after her, She graced the cover of every SL magazine in one month! She was the cover girl for SL Swim and SL Vogue for a combined 12 times, a record that still stands today, then suddenly she disappeared. There have been rumors of her turning up at different fashion events, but no real hard evidence. That is till now!
She hurried to put on her sunglasses and lowered her head as we exchanged greetings. ( We had met a couple of years ago, she had just agreed to do an interview with me, before she mysteriously dropped out of the fashion world.)
As we chit chatted I began to notice that this was not the over confident "I'm on top of the world" Nicki Glam that I once knew. This Nicki Glam was more timid, shallow and colder. Almost to the point of being rude!
The Opium fashion show was just getting started, I told her how nice it was to see her again and that I needed to get back to the show. I said good bye and as I turned away she grabbed my arm and said " I still owe you an interview" she handed me a sticky note with a phone number scratched on it, and told me to call her the next day then disappeared.
The next day I called Nicki, and we met at the harlem sim, just outside of the Apollo Theater. She proceeded to lead me accross the street and up the stairs of an old rundown apartment building. We walked up 4 flights of stairs before we reached her flat. I was overwhelmed as I entered. The walls were all covered with pictures of Nicki when she was at the height of her career, it was like stepping back in time. We sat at a small table overlooking the Apollo.
She told me I could ask one question and one question only.
There had always been rumours about Nicki concerning drugs,drinking and her sex life. What could I ask ? After several minutes I asked......
Why?
That simple question turned out to be her life story, from the first modeling job she got until the moment I saw her at Opuim.
As she begain her story, those enchanting eyes of her's had a far way look as if she was reliving her past all over again.
This is Nicki's story in her own words.

The first week in SL I got a job as a dancer at a sleeze bar. The same one Anshe started at, but she had left by the time I started. I think most models start as dancers, well the first ones in the fashion world that is. Models are no different than dancers. Both stand around waiting to be noticed. Putting on that fake smile, telling how beautiful each other look. A Dancer's life revolves around a pole, model's around a camera, both of us putting on a show when that spot light hits. Then going back to our lonely life. Wondering if we can aford to pay rent, or buy a new pair of boots at Stiletto Moody. Waiting for that sugar daddy or mama to come along. Waiting for our 15 mintues of fame!
There was this one guy that would come about two nights a week and watch me dance. He was young always smiling, not a good tipper but still sweet. Well one night after work, he asked if I would join him for a cup of coffee. I thought why not, free coffee is better than nothing!
What harm can a man named Frolic do. He turned out to be wonderful company, talking of his big plans building a business empire.
By the time he finished talking about himself the sun was rising. I told him I needed to go, as I got up he stood, and being a gentleman help me into my coat. He walked me to my home. As I stood on the bottom step, he bent down and our lips touched. My heart raced. It had been along time since I kissed a man. Just as soon as the kiss started it ended, as he pulled back. Our eyes locked, then he turned and parted.
I did not see him for awhile. Every night as I danced my eyes glued on the entrance hoping he would come through.
The night he did come back, is when my life changed.

And the Trophy goes to...............

2009-01-29T19:07:00.001-08:00

Best mens shoes- Redgrave
Best mens slacks- Redgrave
Best mens shirts- Redgrave
Best lag- REDGRAVE!
I love shopping at Redgrave, I just do not like going at 12:00 am slt when there is less lag.
As successful as Redgrave is they should open a couple of more stand alone stores.

Best Mall design- LE.Look
Best selection for males- LE.Look
Best selection for females- LE.Look
Best designers in one place-LE.Look
Best lag- LE.LOOK!

The day LE.LOOK opened I fell in love! Had to be the best shopping experience in SL. I went everyday for two weeks spending a couple of hours there everyday. Then Second Life's worst enemy stepped in, LAG!
In Second Life people try to be a success, to become in SL something that is alot harder to do in RL. I guess just like being a RL success, Second Life has it's price to pay. Long hours and hard work to make ones dreams come true. The price of being successful in SL has to be LAG, you know you hit the big time when it takes your customers several minutes and several crashes to go from one store to another. It is with great sadness that I will not be shopping at Redgrave and LE.LOOK anytime soon, unless I sneak away after 12:00am slt.
If any of you can bare to put up with the lag, and you feel like buying me a gift from Redgrave or LE.LOOK, send it my way, till then I'm shopping lag free!

2009-01-14T16:40:00.000-08:00

When Fashion calls for desperate measures.

" Greta Garbo, and Monroe
Dietrich and DiMaggio
Marlon Brando, Jimmy Dean
On the cover of a magazine
Grace Kelly, Harlow, Jean
Picture of a beauty queen
Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire
Ginger Rogers, dance on air
They had style, they had grace
Rita Hayworth gave good face
Lauren, Katharine, Lana too
Bette Davis, we love you"

When Modonna released Vogue she hit fashion on the head!
I have noticed that Second Life fashion agencies are scraping the bottom of the barrel with their fashion shows. Just within the last five days, two of SL's fashion agencies have put on some very different type of fashion shows.
One was tat's and jeans, the other "model their best fetish gear" of latex and leather. Now I am sure the models enjoyed the 500 or so Lindens they made from doing the show, but is it fashion?
Believe it or not, it is the designers with the help of the fashion agencies, magazines and blogs who help set fashion trends in Second Life. I know that there are a lot more tats, jeans, and latex being bought than Fashionista style of clothes, but would it be defined as fashion? I would take Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers Fashion over tats and latex any day!
So anyone know when an agency is going to do a tee shirt show?

Dead End Runway

2009-01-09T20:59:00.001-08:00

Runway shows are a thing of the past.
One of the hardest jobs in SL has to be running a fashion agency.
Not only are you running all over trying to find a designer willing to pay for a show, you also have a pool of models that you keep trying to find work for. As the CEO of Le Belle Facon, I have realized that runway shows are dying off. So I will tell you why I think Runway shows are a thing of the past.
The number one reason for me is LAG, along with CRASH and Burn!
A few weeks ago I went to a sim that was having a runway show, it took me 25 mintues before I could get in, the sim was full, so the only way I could get in was when someone crashed. It would usually be a model that would crash. There were whispers that people was being asked to leave or being ejected so the models could tp back, now I do not know if it was true, but knowing some agencies, I would not doubt it.
Another thing you have to take into consideration is the numbers.
Let say a fashion agency is having a show, with 3 different designers, charging 15,000L's per designer, that is 45,000L's.
Lets say the agency is using 15 models, plus 5 staff members, the 3 designers and their friends, That totals up to 23 people involve in the show.
I have been to shows that the runway sat in 4 corners of sims, people were crashing with 65 people on the sims. Most class 5 sims start crashing at about 50 or about 60 people on them. Let just say to me, the 15,000 Lindens are not worth it! Take away the 23 or so people working the show, that leaves only about 30-35 people who are able to see the show. That would mean the designer is paying about 200 per person seeing the show, now add the other two designers, they are paying the agency a combined 600L's per person to see their new creations!
I can think of better ways to spend those Lindens, and have those beautiful creations shown to 100's if not 1,000's of people.
For Le Belle Facon, the runway shows are being swept under the door, as we move on, in helping the designers reach a much larger audience for their Lindens. (Now we will do runway shows if a designer wants one) We would more than be happy to charge you 200L's per person that comes to the show, even if most of them are friends of the models and staff of the agency. A designer spends a lot of long hard hours creating their fantastic designs, so Le Belle Facon will give them what they deserve "EXPOSURE!" So it is time that fashion agencies give the designers what they are paying for! I know I am.

High Society Hits SL

2009-01-04T10:47:00.000-08:00

Finding nice quality mens fashions has always been limited is SL.
This past year, the selection has been getting better.
I recently went to SF Designs to pick up a shirt. What I like about SF Designs is that you get a great quality product, without going broke.
While I was there. I noticed a sign for their "high end" mens and womens fashions, "High Society". Being the picky fashionista that I am , I decided to go have a look.
"High Society" offers a very nice selection of formal mens and womens fashions.
Usually when I pop into a store for the first time, I will buy one item, and try it on before I buy anything else.
That was not the case at High Society! I even had to go to the bank and load up on some lindens, to buy all that I wanted!
The selection that you get for each outfit can't be beat for the prices of their creations. SF Designs you have opened a store, that has earned you the "Fashionista Fashion" award!
All you Fashionista's be sure and check out High Society!

Editor's Fashionista Corner

2009-01-03T20:30:00.000-08:00

I was reading a press release from a fashion magazine. I do not know the details of why it was sent to it's group members, since they state in the release "of unbounded good behaviour, and Mr.***** has recently made a number of vitriolic and personal attacks on an SL Designer. ****** Magazine prides itself on it's neutrality,"
So it is not alright for a person to make comments about an SL Designer, but it is alright for a magazine to make "vitriolic and personal attacks" on the person they said did it to a designer!
I can tell you now that Fashionista cares more about fashion and it's readers, than worry about losing an advertiser's Lindens!
We take pride in telling you, our readers if a top sl fashion designer has released a piece of Crap! We take more pride in being able to bring you a review of a fashion creation, before you go out and spend your lindens on that piece of crap!
We might upset a designer here and there, but that is not our intentions, we are here to bring you the latest fashion news, the good and the bad of SL's fashion industry. So while other fashion magazines, bring you the nice and tidy reviews and fashion news, Fashionista will report and do articles on SL fashion ! We may not have the top designers buying ads, but we will have you the readers, and that is what Fashionista is all about!

Kasen

Miss Fashionista

2008-12-27T14:46:00.000-08:00

"Garbo" The name defines the word Fashionista!
Seventy years, and Greta Garbo's style and fashion still influences a lot of todays top designers.
Will the "Garbo Look" be coming to SL anytime soon? For any up and coming designer, If you want to create a fashion statement and a new trend in SL (trust me on this.) Go Garbo! Don't just be a fashion designer, be a trend setter!

Fashionista Magazine has been looking, for the past several months for someone to be the face of our Magazine/Blog. Someone that in essence says Fashionista. If Greta Garbo was still alive, no doubt she would be that person.
In my search for that perfect Fashionista, I was looking for that trend setter that
would catch the eye of everyone she comes in contact with. Someone that people would turn their heads, as she passes by. Someone who is not afraid to think outside the typical SL Fashion box in the way she looks, and dresses.
We at Fashionista Magazine/Blog, are very honor to give you "Miss Fashionista" Luralie Bailey!

Mimi's Choice is my Choice!

2008-12-24T05:15:00.000-08:00

Not into malls? Going from one store to another to see the top desgners latest creations?
No need for that with "Mimi's Choice"!
Mimi's Ladies and Gentelmens stores has the top fashion designers creations on display. Her "Gentlemen Best Brands" store reminds me of the cigar room at New Yorks Waldorf's Hotel.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mimi Juneau to ask her some questions.

You was named "SLENTREPRENEUR 2008". Congratulations! Tell us how you feel about winning this honor?
I feel great ! And yes it's a great honor! I was nominated with 12 other people.... real great persons in SL, like Dakota Neumann of GOL and 6th Element, Robustus Hax of MBC, Rusch Raymaker CEO of AVENUE...etc

Who is Mimi Juneau?
I live in Antwerp, Belgium. I have been in SL for 2 years now. Here I have a nice home at Olivine Island, where I live alone with my dog Napoleon. But most of my time , you can find me in my shops next to Redgrave.

What inspired you to open "Mimi's Choice?
I was fascinated by the nice clothes, ballroom gowns , I saw here. I tried to figure out how to make clothes myself, but no luck :( Then I bought some nice resell items, change them a bit, added things and made my own pictures. And it sold! :)

How do you decide which designers you show at Mimi's Choice?
Bax Coen was the first I asked, if she wanted sell in my shop. I loved her boots from the first moment I saw them! I'm very grateful she said yes :) After Bax came Zhao shoes, Sartoria, Jador etc...
I only want to sell what I like myself, hight quality ! I owe that to my customers !

When did "Mimi's Choice" first hit Second Life? and did you ever expect it to be what it is today?
I opened my first shop, 2 years ago, in the Redgrave sims. I never expected I would grow like this. I just wanted a little shop to keep busy here :)) But believe me, it takes a lot of time and work. A lot of people try to copy.

Do you feel that there is enought designers of mens fashion is SL?
Of course there is more choice in lady's outfits, but in last few months I have seen a lot of new shops for men in SL. So I think men have enough to choose from now. And I'm trying to collect the best in my men's store.

What do you think about SL fashion, and tell us what you would like to see in SL fashion?
I go to a lot of fashion shows, and what I see is that the dedigners have improved a lot, when you compare them with the clothes of 2 years ago. A lot has changed, now they use prim parts and sculpties.

How do you relax?
I like to go to a good concert in SL to see great performers, such as Reis Alter, DonFranko Dagostino, Jonas Luasea and more.
I can go wild on the tunes of Jonas or at Truehouse Café. LOL!
I also like a romantic dancing under the stars....

If you could make one fashion trend is SL go away, what would it be?
Trash!

Do you go shopping or just pop over to one of your stores?
No , I don't shop anymore. I have so many nice things from very good designers. But peole expect me to wear the things I sell in my shop :)))), and that's ok, because I get new things every day, the best you can get !! lol

Mimi Juneau, has to be one of the most helpful and nicest person I have meet.
I find myself going back to her stores more and more! You get a chance, stop by, and say hello to Mimi, I'm sure you will agree with me!

2008-12-24T03:34:00.000-08:00

I was recently informed of a person that is in charge of marketing for a fashion agency. Which is good for the agency, except when they are marketing for two agencies! Is there no such thing as Loyalty in this time and age?
Do you think Pepsi and Coke use the same marketing agency?
If so who would they give their best effort to?
Of course $Linden's would have a play in it. A very large play in it.
Is it fair for all the employee's of the agency?
I guess one can have a show for Redgrave, and the other for hmmm.......
a lesser unknown designer.
Loyalty means a lot to me. I guess Lindens are not as important to me as friendship, doing the best I can for the person or company that hires me.
Since we are on the subject of Loyalty what do you think of a CEO of an fashion agency that is in management at another fashion agency? I am one who believes if you pay someone to do a job for you they are to be pay enough that they would not have to work for the competition, especially if they work at the same two agencies as the Marketing director of both agencies! So is loyalty important in SL fashion? A fashion agency has a duty to be loyal and honest to it's models. It is the models that make the agency. A designer has to be loyal to it's customers. It is the customers who keep coming back. I guess Lindens play a big part of being loyal, well to some, but not me. So next time you decide to hire someone, see where their loyalty is, or pay them more!

Bettie Page by Tiara Calvert

2008-12-20T05:29:00.001-08:00

I’m not exactly sure how old I was or even when I first became aware of Betty Page. She is one of those American Icons that has just seemed to always be present, like Coca-Cola, Apple Pie, and Baseball. I do however know that I like many looked at Betty Page (often in the form of an artists renderings, such as Olivia) and marveled at her beauty, the daring outfits and poses and feeling as though I was sneaking a peek at something that just maybe, I wasn’t suppose to see. And of course all the time, wishing I could also be as beautiful and famous someday as that woman whose face, body and style seemed to be found, despite the era, in so many places throughout popular culture. When I heard that Betty Page had passed away I was like many at first shocked and then of course saddened. To be honest I couldn’t have told you if the woman I had seen countless times in my life was still alive up to that point, she was larger then life simply because of her iconic status. And Icons are never supposed to die. Never! I was overjoyed to learn she was not only discovered in New York City while working as a secretary but it had taken place right in Coney Island, maybe where I myself have walked countless times. Maybe she even ate at the very first Nathan’s there, two pieces of American (and Brooklyn) history entwined. Her attitudes and outlook were years ahead of her time and she lived and challenged the social norms of her day so much so that they took an intense personal toll on her. The backlash from some of her more controversial pictures even spawned a senate investigation, no doubt giving those investigating a perfect chance to secretly gawk at the very pictures they pretended to be so outraged by. Church groups and others hounded her and she claimed that FBI Agents would come up to her and display her naked photos to her in attempts to harass her. Eventually the stresses led to her suffering a nervous breakdown and her life was quickly and seemingly forever changed. She had three failed marriages, was institutionalized, arrested twice for assault on landlords, but found innocent for reasons of insanity. She was diagnosed as schizophrenic and eventually came to find religion in her life. She lived the majority of her life quite far from the lens of cameras, preferring to be remembered in her beauty of her youth. Only on occasion would she appear publicly and as mentioned above, much of her longevity can be tied to the artists who never forgot her unique and legendary photos and introduced her time and again to new audiences. Through the years it was after all, her beauty and unmistakable style that continued to span generations and reach new fans all around the world. Who could have guessed that the Suicide Girls would today be claiming to be the new Betty Pages so many years ago? xxx Bettie Mae Page (though listed "Betty" on her birth certificate) born April 22, 1923 in Nashville, Tennessee, is one of the most famous and admired American pin-up models of all time. She appeared in countless men's magazines (including Playboy), mail order photos, ads, paperback and album covers, and a few films and TV shows until 1957, when she withdrew from public life and seemed to vanish. Because of her killer curves, sweet smile, sparkling eyes, and unique, black-banged hairstyle (as well as a penchant for nudity and involvement in controversial bondage photos), her legend grew over the following decades. Images of Bettie have inspired artists, designers, writers, bdsm enthusiasts, and the public at large; some have even credited her with launching the sexual revolution. Her seamless combination of girl-next-door freshness and dangerous sensuality has led to a thriving cult following. In 1992, after decades of mystery, it was finally revealed that Bettie was still alive and had just been living a private life since her "disappearance." She still enjoyed the Bettie fandom and gave occasional interviews, but was rarely photographed, wishing people to remember her as she was in the 1950's. Bettie has been quoted as saying... "It makes me feel wonderful that people still care for me... that I have so many fans among young people, who write to me and tell me I have been an inspiration." As the model who many have argued raised cheesecake to an art, Page combined exuberant, wide-eyed innocence with confident, sometimes aggressive sexuality. VANITY FAIR praised the playfully seductive Page as “our Uber-pin-up.” The NEW YORK TIMES has declared that today “her star shines more brightly than it did in her brief heyday from 1950 to 1957.” PLAYBOY immortalized Page as one of its inaugural cover shots. Bettie create her own style, not worrying what others might think. Bettie Page was a true Fashionista! RIP Bettie, you will be missed but not forgotten by all the Fashionista.

Meet the Designer by Jula Carnell

2008-12-20T04:41:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Meet The Designer. A spotlight with some of SL's most innovative and creative designers. I have had the pleasure this week of interviewing Alba2 Rossini, the CEO and brains behind Alba Fashions.

Alba has a strong creative flair for any fashion lover in SL. She has 3 stores, located at Watersedge Los Vegas, Italia Vera and Sallow.

Alba is not new to the fashion scene in SL and models are often seen strutting their stuff on the catwalk in her designs. I had the opportunity to interview this talented designer. Her creations have flair, versatility and and wont cost you the earth. The collection is diverse from stunningly beautiful wedding gowns, chic casual day wear to elaborate sparkling evening wear.

How and when did you start making clothes?
It's been more than one year since I started to create clothes for women, that's happened in october 2007 when I created my first model "black fairy".

What is your design philosophy ?
As a real life artist, a painter, I love to create clothes as if they were pieces of ART, painting and sewing all over the body. That is a start, but I follow real life fashion events because the big stylists give me so many ideas that I combine with my fantasy. Moreover considering that we are in second life, the world where the imagination comes true, everything it's possible to create, and I enjoy doing it.

What kind of person do you vision wearing your designs?
A woman who is sensitive,intriguing, charming and feminine. This is the girl who loves my creations, she is the one that is sure of herself and that catches the eye of everybody.

What kind of person do you vision wearing your designs?
A woman who is sensitive,intriguing, charming and feminine. This is the girl who loves my creations, she is the one that is sure of herself and that catches the eye of everybody.

How would you describe your collection ?
Just as I feel myself, my collection is a reflection of my way of being, always different from yesterday, I always feel new and with the desire to make things very different among themselves.

There are hundreds of clothes designers in SL, what do you think it takes to become an established well known designer?
Passion is very important, then precision, attention to detail, understanding your market, information and promotion.

When do you think Alba Fashion became a key player in the fashion world of SL and why ?
The people who discovered me, loved my designs and prices were reasonable. It was purely through word of mouth .... and here I am now one year on.
Participating in fashion shows is another good thing. People want to be informed and these events are a good way to showcase your designs.

What would be your advice for anyone trying to design clothes in SL ?
Use your imagination, be creative, be yourself. Second life brings a lot of opportunity to be someone, the most important thing is to find a place where you can create .

What has been your greatest challenge so far ?
Creating 'DIANA', one of my wedding gowns. A friend of mine was getting married and she wanted a dress similar to the one Lady Diana was wearing when she married Prince Charles. Copying the 'DIANA' look was a big challenge.

Style Card
Photograph 2)Angel
Photograph 3)Aglaia
Photograph 4)Diana Wedding Gown

Look out for my next installment of 'Meet The Designer' with interviews from Indrya Seigo, from Indyra Originals and Scarlett Niven from The Niven Collection.

My special thanks to Alba for taking time out to speak to me. Hugs !

Feathers, Scorpions, Lizards, Oh My!!!

2008-12-18T19:20:00.000-08:00

How do you compare fashion designers, with different styles?
Well if you know a way please let me know!
I will not try to compare these two creations, because each one is vastly different in style. What I would like to do is compare the bang for your lindens.
I went to Mimi's Choice, and picked out a dress created by Ziamela Loon of
Jador Fashion.
Ziamela, has some very lovely creations, several I will be buying for gifts.
Her "Ultraviolet" dress caught my eye. It is a deep violet skirt that has a flowing feather boa. In between is a sequin scorpion, with claws covering the breast.
It sells for 1,200L's
Besides catching my eye, it made me wonder what type of person would buy it.
If anyone has ever attended a fashion show, one knows that 90% of the dresses are not created to be sold. Prada, Gucci, Fendi, and other famous designers create these dresses to catch the eyes of the world. Fashion house buyers attend these shows to get an idea of new and different designs, then get with the designers with ideals of what they are looking for. Then these famous designers create the dresses you see gracing stores in Milan, London, and New York.
Looking at Jador's "Ultraviolet" it must have been one of these creations, meant never to leave the runway!
Getting back to who would buy this dress, I did think of a few possibilities of who might buy it. Well just two. One would be that husband or boyfriend thats buys it because they think it is sexy. The other would be an exotic dancer hoping to rope in a sugar daddy with the boa, then stinging him for every Linden he has!
Moving on from the feathers and scorpions we go to Scarlett Niven of "The Niven Collection Shop".
It is my opinion that Niven Collection Shop is a time bomb ready to explode!
Natural Lizard Coat Dress w/Accessories sells for 600L's.
This beautiful dress has a leather belt between the skirt and top. A removable lizard choker and matching shoes. This design was differently create for the fashion stores of Milon, London and New York!
Any true Fashionista would not waste time getting to "The Niven Collection Shop"!
She has a beautiful "Holiday Red Dress & Accessories for 550L's on the second floor that is to die for!!
This month we compared feathers, scorpions, and lizards. The lizards win hands down!

LE.LOOK is LE Place!

2008-12-16T20:14:00.000-08:00

LE.Look is LE Place!
I received a press release from Moonaco Porta, and an IM asking if I would take a look at LE.LOOK. I read the press release, the opening statement said "Get ready to enter the ultra trendy, innovative and always stylish world of LE.Look!"
I really do not like shopping malls, the lag, the crowds, and let not forget the camping and prize chairs!
I told Moonaco, that I would visit her's and Sawyer Campese's sim, but I make it clear that if I wrote about LE.LOOK that I would be honest and pull no punches!
Besides anyone that IM's me out of the blue, asking me to do a write up is looking for trouble. (One mark against them.)
Well Moonaco, I hope you are ready! You deserve this for asking. No, you deserve this because LE.LOOK is the best built shopping sim experience that I have ever had!
The landing point is right in the middle of the Shopping Experience. (so hate the Mall word!) the first thing I notice was space, lots of space. The place could be maxed out with shoppers, and you would not have to worry about bumping in to anyone unless you tried. I walked around LE.LOOK, then walked around it again. I visited each store. They are all stores, not spaces as most shopping areas have.
Each store is well laid out, not cramped. The stores displays are well spaced, so if there are several shoppers looking at the same item, you do not get all bunched up trying to get a look. The "Shopping Experience" has 4 well spaced out fountains that run the length of the sim, with benche to sit and take in the beauty. There you will find fine designers such as Nolabel, Baiastice, Indyra Originals, Bax Coen, Yabusaka, Zaara, plus over 20 more well known SL designers and stores.
I spent a total of over 4 hours, in 4 visits at LE.LOOK, and plan on going back as much as possible. LE.LOOK is very relaxing, which I find I need more each day.
So if you are ready for a Shopping Experience, then LE.LOOK is the place to go.

Big Price or Big Ego?

2008-12-16T04:55:00.000-08:00

Several months ago JD Hansen, that fabulous jewelry designer of JCNY released a limited release of a beautiful necklace. There are to be only 30 sold at 30,000L's each. The first time I went to have a look, I was there about 20 min. Was it worth 30k? Would I buy it?
My first thoughts were that no creation in SL is worth 30K!
The more I looked at one of the necklace's the more I liked it. For several months I been trying to decide to buy one for my lovely wife.
It diffently would not be something to wear everyday. It would be something to wear at special events. A nice evening out at a Gala, or a cocktail party maybe at a photo shoot for a 35K outfit. Yes there is a 35,000L outfit! It is by Zullay Designs, their Limited Collection." So limited there is only one. For 35K you get 18 different items with it. Mix or match, that is still about 1,800L's per item.
You will get a personal fitting if you bought it, and you can request a personal showing before you buy it. Now when I heard about the outfit, In my mind I saw the most beautiful gown ever created, so when I was tp'ed to Zullay Designs, I was looking with anticipation for this beautiful creation. Rezzing was never so long, as I look at the pictures popping up before my eyes. Slowly moving my eyes as each picture became fully rezzed. I turned around several times, before asking where that beautiful creation was! My friend said very plain and simple "You're standing in front of it". My first reaction was "This is not a beautiful 35K dress." This was not even a dress!
Now this is a very smart looking outfit. I'm sure it would have no problem selling if the price was in the 700L price range. It is not worth 35,000L's!
I would think that the owner's ego had taken over, but looking at the other items in her main store, I saw she had some very lovely creations. I will be bringing the wife back, and spend some time and linden's at Zullay Designs, but it will not be on a 35,000L outfit!
Are there creations in SL worth such outlandish prices? Well, I'm standing here in JCNY's vault, looking at a beautiful piece of art!

Over Rated?

2008-12-13T09:32:00.000-08:00

I recently asked some models which SL designer is over rated.
Out of about 20, only one came back and said "Stiletto Moody Shoes"
Now being married to a model that has a "shop till I drop mentallty" I am well aware of Stiletto Moody and her boots and shoes. The times that I have been there, the place was packed, and the lag was horrendous!
So when the wife offers a limo to Moody's I decline.
I did make it over there last night very late, and there was only 3 others in the store. I spent about 45 mins. there, looking at every item she sells. The details are exceptionally fine. Stiletto offers about 15 different styles, with a wide selection of colors for each one.
Now is Stiletto Moody Shoe's over rated?
I don't think so for the quality of the products she offers.
Personally I would buy a pair for my lovely wife every week. (Sorry Stiletto I just don't do gift cards, I'm a gift giving man)
As a Fashionista, we take pride in our style, and looks, so if a 1,500L pair of shoes is what it takes to achieve that look then no, Stiletto Moody Shoes is not overrated. She may be over priced for the everyday person, but we can't all be Fashionista's!

Models with Tude

2008-12-12T17:39:00.001-08:00

When I decided to open a modeling agency and academy, little did I know about Models with Tude. From my past experiences seeing models at shows with their smiling faces, and bubbley personalties I thought that all models were all around nice people.
Well all models are not as nice as they seem.
I think some of it comes from the fashion academies and agencies.
They have Classified their models in groups.
We have the : Super model, Top model, Elite model on the high end.
Training model, Beginner model, and Model on the lower end.
My first experience with a Tude model, was right after I open Le Belle Facon. I was looking for a director to run it. One of the applicants within the first 2 mins of meeting me, proceeded to tell me of her grand ideals of how the agency building and landscaping should be laid out, along with her plans on how she was going to run it. After talking to her about it, I remembered that it was my agency!
I think she fitted in the "Elite model" class.
Right off I knew that I did not want titles for our models.
How would it feel to be a new model right out of a modeling academy, surounded by all the top,super and elite models. I would be a nervous wreck the first time I stepped out on the runway with them. More worried about what they would think of me, then in doing my job.
I had one model pull me to the side and told me that I needed to change the tag of some models, to training models, cause they have not earned the right to be called a model! She must have been a "Super Model".
Don't get me wrong there are some models I would call Elite, Super and Top models. Like Chalice Carling, Mimmi Boa, Imogen Miklos, Jula Carnell, and the list goes on. They earned the titles, by going out of their way to help the newer models, They are nice, considerate, respectful to everyone they work with. Yes they, and many others are Super Models in my eyes! They earned the titles they have, but they did not earn it with TUDE!

Second Life's Premier Fashion Magazine

2008-12-01T03:41:00.000-08:00

Fashionista SL's Premier Fashion Magazine will hit SL on Feb 1 2009! Contact Kasen Kazan inworld