Face Paint

Nearly 6 years in Second Life and I had never thought about wearing face paint. I mean Real Men don't wear makeup! Yesterday I was transported to a shop called "Face Paint" by my darling Jula. Where she was chatting with our dear friends Marge and Eve. 
Eve is the owner and designer of Face Paint.
While the ladies talked, and talked and... well you get my point. I took a walk around Eve's Place. Eve had said she had a men's section. So I headed there. As I looked at her offerings, I was debating with myself If I would wear Face Paint. I bought one, then another, and another! Then Eve started loading me up!
Once I tried one on I was hooked! How did I go so long in my FASHION journey without even trying Face Paint!

Being a Fashionista is all about style.
Creating a look that turns heads.
Making a Fashion statement.

Face Paints by Eve Express will set a man apart from others. 
I just evolved in my journey of Fashion.

   Top pic:Face Paint "Frolic"
Middle Pic:Face Paint "Zachary"
Bottom Pic:Face Paint "Swept Away"

Face Paint has a monthly contest with first prize of 10,000L$!
Head over to "Face Paint" and start creating your Fashion Statement!
KasenK

Blogs Come And Go!

I should know Fashionista was one! I have spent the last week reading every Second Life FASHION blog I could find. Looking for the new trends of FASHION designs.
Out of the two hundred or so that I read only about fifty have made post in the last month. Of that only about 25 in the last week or two. Is FASHION in Second Life dying? I guess just like Modeling, the older ones move on making room for the new ones. I do have to add, the older blogs that have been gathering dust for a year or more still have loads of information. 
As a blogger of SL FASHION we should be honest with our readers, and the designers. Are we here to blog to get free clothes? If you read some of my older post (from way back!) you will see, I really don't care about certain things in the FASHION industry of SL.
As one blogger told Jula, " He is a little blunt!"
I call it like I see it.
As bloggers we have a duty to our readers and designers.
I would hope a designer who is wanting someone to review an item, would want a honest opinion. Do we take it for granted that they just want to get their designs out to the public? Could it be they are wanting an honest opinion so they can decide if they want to release it, or maybe redesign it?
I may only have a few designers that I will review, for exchange of items. They will get a fair review but an honest one.
Over the weekend I went by Nicky Ree's main store. ( For what I am about to say, I might get run out of Second Life!) I spent about 2 hours looking at all of her designs.
I would have to say I liked maybe about a 1/4 of what I saw. I made the comment to Jula, " I think Nicky must have worked at a strip club before she started designing." Don't get me wrong, all of her designs are well made. From a males point of view, I know I would not like Jula wearing a lot of her designs, but I have high standards for her! I did see about 10 designs I will be buying for Jula. They are some of the most Stunning designs I have seen in Second Life. If Monroe, and Hepburn were alive, they would be the first in line!
I guess what I am trying to get across, is as bloggers we should be true to a set of standards for our readers, but most of all to the designers who put long hours in creating a design. I challenge my peers to step it up a notch. Now you may say, "He's just a male, what does he know about FASHION?"
When you walk by, the first thing I notice is how you are dressed. If it don't turn my head I'll keep walking.
If you do turn my head then you can be sure it is FASHION!
(Nicky, you are a fabulous Designer. You are a mainstay  of Second Life FASHION. Now is there a chance I could get a discount? I promise Jula Carnell some of your Stunning designs!)
KasenK

Added note. To be fair to Miss Ree, I did not even take into consideration her Wedding Designs, when reviewing. They were all stunning! I am a sucker for Wedding dresses, when I see one it makes me want to marry Jula over and over!

SECOND LIFE FOR SL FASHION BLOGGERS

Since I have been out of SL Fashion Mode for awhile I decided to catch up by reading some of my favorite Second Life blogs.
I was sad to see most are lost in the dusty pages of the internet. (I know how that goes!)
I was glad to see that Cha Cha still pops into Second Life and keeps us updated with her "Chalice In Wonderland" blog.  Her style is cutting edge perfect!
I have yet to find someone in SL that has come close to Cha Cha's style and taste.
I met Chalice not by choice. My wife Jula Carnelli and Chalice were always together, to the point I started to plot how to end her Second Life!
Once I met her, well let me say that Chalice is one of the most beautiful persons I have ever met! (Not because of the beautiful Swimming Pool she gave Jula and me for a wedding gift) Chalice is a person who will go out of her way to help you anyway that she can! Any Fashion Designer that Cha Cha blogs about should feel honor, because every word she writes is with passion and truth.
Chalice will always be the top Fashion Model in my book.
Cha Cha you are the Queen of Second Life Fashion! (I do hopes Jula does not see this!)
Thank you Chalice for your Fashion!
  Kasen Kazan

School started!

You know how it feels after a nice long break from school, then you start back up. Well now you know how I feel being away from SL!
So as you can tell by the picture, I am wearing my best for the first day! I always looked forward to the first day of school, seeing old friends, making new ones. Seeing all the changes. Most of all checking out the new fashions.
Some things change for the good, then some don't change at all. I remember when LELOOK first opened. I was one of the lucky ones, I started going before the grand opening, when there was not much lag. After the first couple of weeks of their opening, the lag was unbearable!
Well I needed a new look so I headed to LELOOK!
I noticed a few new designers had taken up residents. The super mall of SL has started to show it's age. Some empty shops, some shops that look a little on the flea market side. Lag, well that is one thing that has not changed. The biggest change was lack of SL residents, the hour I was there, only 3 other's were there. I think one was a hooker, looking for tricks. She kept standing by the tp landing point. Maybe she lost her way and thought it was a poorly lit street corner. One thing I did noticed was the lack of clothes for men so off I went!
Now I have always been a fan of edo Tone. One of the best when it comes to male fashion. The clothes I am wearing in the picture is just one of the outfits I picked up while at edo's.
I think he may have a party this weekend, with what I spent there! After I get settle in SL I will start doing some reviews of male attire. I still have plenty of Lindens to spend!
One thing I did pick up on my spending spree was a new skin. I was in a hurry to get a skin I went right to Redgrave's. I am so glad to see some more nice mature men skins. I am out of my pretty boy stage. I think the one I bought has a more refined.
Julia and me spent today around our island, checking out our inventory. Anyone need anything? I am over 35,000 items. I deleted about 30 things. (Well it is a start!)
Julia and me plan on going on a shopping spree this weekend, anyone know of any new trending places?
So my plans in Second Life have changed somewhat. I still plan on doing photography at DiCarnelli's, and focus on Fashion. Might even start..............
By the way rumor has it I had a heart attack and passed on to the real SecondLife.
I am still alive, never the better!
I hope all of our old friends will say HI, and drop by the house to catch up on old times.
Look out SL Fashion, We're Back!

Julia Carnelli, and Mr. K (Kasen Kazan)

Men

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!

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!!!

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?

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.

"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

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.

Shouted Couture Contest!

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

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

Something to SHOUT about ...

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

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

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.

Models with Tude

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!