SL - Fashion Critique

Modavia Fashion Directory

2012-01-20T11:27:00.000-08:00

This time, I'm not focusing on any SL fashion show.

I usually follow the best SL Fashion Magazines, Avenue and Modavia. I'm aware that recently Modavia did an open casting for new models.

However, I'm becoming more and more aware of something that has been happening in all Modavia Fashion Directories that has been catching my eye.

This is what I call a conflict of interests.

Modavia constantly features, as one of the Directories model [or supermodel], Poptart Lilliehook.
Once you open the Directory and check the credits page, Poptart Lilliehook is actually Editor-in-Chief, which, in my opinion, conflicts with her position as model in the Directories.

Let's make it clear.

Business wise, the client featured in an article may request a certain model to present their creations and obviously the Magazine must provide the client with what he or she wants.

What confuses me is that Poptart Lilliehook herself models in her own magazine. It'd be extremely professional of her to state to all clients that she is Editor-in-Chief of the Directory, therefore, she won't be available to model.

Modavia has many of the best SL Models on the grid. So, why does the Editor-in-Chief and owner of Modavia model in her own magazine? It's very unusual to do so in RL.

I still remember, back in the day, when Modavia was created by Dea Mills. I have no recollection of Dea Mills modeling in the Magazine.

Let's see Avenue Magazine.
The Publisher is Rusch Raymaker and she doesn't model in the magazine. The Editor-in-Chief is Sensuous Soulstar. As far as I see, Rusch Raymaker is the business woman behind all Avenue endeavors. She is not a model. She runs the company. Sensuous Soulstar doesn't model either. And this is how it's done, professionally!

Doing castings is a way to gather a very good group of professionals to provide potential clients with several models, several styles, different looks. It's very unprofessional of Miss Lilliehook to keep being a model in her own magazine.

It's time to step it up. To go after excellence, professionalism and make sure there are no misunderstandings for the Directory readers.

I want to add that Modavia Fashion Directories are really good as fashion magazines in SL and to keep the good reputation, to even go beyond and do better, things should be clear and plain.

On the other hand, one may question: it's Poptarts's magazine, she can do what she wants. Absolutely!

But bear in mind that this kind of situation creates some discomfort in the fashion community in SL. Soon, discredit may come, no matter how good the magazine is, readers get tired of watching the same models over and over and over again.

The same applies to Modavia's Creative Director, Dahlia Joubert and Queen Watanabe - who happens to be partnered to Modavia's graphic designer.

In fact, Graphic Dix has some guest appearences in the Magazine, since he started being their graphic designer. And we question, what's going on here? It's a good fashion magazine, indeed, but those who happen to be featured as models are pretty much the same? Even guest models, that are not models at all, like Graphic Dix?

And I finish like I started; why does Modavia have open castings, when we - the readers - keep seeing the same models and some that aren't even models at all?

I'm pretty sure lots of people related to the fashion industry in SL wonder the same.

For a better look and for all of you to see what I mean, here are the links to both Magazines on Issuu.

Modavia Fashion Directory 22

Avenue Magazine December 2011

Things have to be said. Both Magazines are graphically the best in SL, no doubt about it. Avenue comes across as a more professional fashion print work.

A good exercise with OGlam Models

2011-10-02T01:50:00.001-07:00

Around the middle of September, I was able to take some raw snapshots of a fashion show by OGlam Models.

As far as I could see, this was a showcase of a jewelry brand. I also noticed that it didn't seem to have any outfit designer showcased; all models were wearing outfits from several SL designers. I then assumed that models styled themselves. If this was the case, this is a good exercise for all SL Models to do. Without naming the models, and in no particular order, here are the six models that showcased the jewelry and we may have a couple of issues to address, when it comes to SL professional models:

- How did they style themselves? Was the outfit the best to showcase the jewelry sets properly?

- How did they pose? Were the poses good to enhance the showcased jewelry and also to enhance elegance?

I couldn't take photos of all the models in all sets. There seemed to be 4 sets for each model to showcase, but SL limitations - like crashing and lag, which is natural - didn't allow me to photograph all sets of all the models. I did my best tough. What you'll see are the six models in the 4 sets of jewelry they showcased. The first photo of each model was more casual, then 'upgrading' to a more formal look - still showcasing jewelry. It was also vintage themed and the set was very well built, in my opinion. There was a tv, where all models posed and they came out of the tv screen to the runway.

Black and white tones seemed to be a requirement as all models were wearing these two tones in their outfits.

Let's see your personal opinions. Were all these goals achieved by all models? Which of these models - shown in my non-editted photos (so, no effects at all) - did a good job, posing, styling, showcasing jewelry and being elegant while doing so? If you didn't watch this show, and without naming models, your opinions may be less biased and we can really know how you feel, professionally.

Model 1

Model 2

Model 3

Model 4

Model 5

Model 6

As I mentioned before, I couldn't take photos of the 4 sets of each model. These are the SL limitations, we can't do anything about. Even so, it's a good exercise to do.

Fashion Weeks in RL

2011-09-29T11:35:00.001-07:00

It's always interesting to keep up to date with RL Fashion. From Milan to Paris - where Fashion week is going on as I type.

Just take a look - as an example at Trussardi's show at Milan, last week.

Or Dolce & Gabbana's

There is no particular highlight of red color. So, what I've heard in SL, from some self nominated 'fashion experts', red is not particularly trendy. Especially if we think that fashion is always two seasons ahead.

What actresses wear at some ceremonies - like the Emmys - is one thing. Another, completely different, is the work done by designers, as part of their creations, that are being showcased at this precise moment in the best European cities. Red is included in the collections and so are other colors, with a clear tendence to flowery patters; black is also trendy for 2012 Spring/Summer Collections, as you can see. Nude colors are some of the favorites, too.

Paris is now on it's fashion week.

Yesterday, September 28th, was Gareth Pugh's Show. Worth to watch!

Fashion experts in SL are just a few.
All of those involved in the fashion industry in SL should really take a good look at RL fashion and how it's going. Probably if some 'experts' did this, they wouldn't try to start their own color fashion trends, based on--- the Emmy's Awards (????!!!).

Let's see who in SL will follow the 'red trend' that, simply came from an egomaniac mind, that likes to watch actresses on the screen, instead of real models and fashion shows.

As usual, I'll be around ;)

Modavia did it again!

2011-09-22T01:48:00.000-07:00

Modavia Fashion Week 2011 was a huge event!
Being able to pull up a week of fashion shows, four SL designers a day is outstanding!

I won't be showing you photos, you can see them in Modavia's Flickr page.
Plus, since I am a dedicated anonymous, I didn't have access to the VIP area, and it was hard to take photos from the audience sim.

Done in SL in the same time period as RL New York Fashion Week, this event must have had a great team behind it.

To have a fashion week with one show a day is easier, for sure.

Modavia had amazing sets, simple as a fashion show set usually is, and yet very well set up: the runway, the set colors, the models, the designers' creations, the music.

Again, it was really extraordinaire! To recreate a RL fashion week in SL is quite an accomplishment!

Modavia did it two years in a row. Last year was very good too, this year was even better!

A company that manages to do this in SL - with all SL's restrictions that we're all aware of - is something!

Known as being sharp in my critiques, this time, I have nothing negative to say.
It was done in such a professional way that it really looked like we were in a RL fashion event. In my personal opinion, this is what SL is about, in terms of all that surrounds the fashion industry. It mimics RL as it should be.

No wonder so many SL models want to be represented by Modavia. Quality work is the word any model should aspire to.

Congratulations Modavia for a work well done, well executed, representing with dignity and respect [and I bet lots of hard work and dedication] all SL fashion creators and designers!

==============
I'm preparing a post - coming up next - of a fashion show I photographed. It's going to be a styling and pose exercise to all SL models. Again, I look for quality and I'm very harsh on pedantic and 'know it all' kind of people. As usual, I'll be around ;)

Miss and Mister Virtual World 2012

2011-07-03T11:28:00.001-07:00

Yes, you all thought I had vanished ;) no! I'm always here, watching.

SL Models have been improving, that's why I don't feel the need to write as much as I used to; until these two events came up, again. Still, for some reason beyond my comprehension, SL Models aim at these two beauty pageants.

I'm making Mr Frolic Mills happy, because I'm talking about his things again. I'm glad I make him feel so important.

Now, to the point. I just watched one of MrVirtual World challenges, which was to style according to some samples that were provided to the candidates. These samples are public, they were provided in the NC sent out in the Group's invitation to the event. That's why I'm publishing them.

I didn't take photos of the candidates, but I'm showing you the samples that were supposed to inspire them.

Personally, I think this was an excellent challenge. To style this isn't easy and only some people can do it right. As you can see, there's a lot of black.

That was what most candidates did: they styled themselves in black. However, it was tough to see, because only a few, maybe one or two candidates really grasped this casual/high fashion style.

To wear black doesn't mean they really understood the challenge. Almost all of them wore black boots, just like the samples.

One of the candidates decided to style fantasy and wore a white dress, not walking on the runway but floating. I don't think that this was the idea of this styling challenge. He completely missed it. He stood out, yes, but for ther wrong reasons.

Obviously, everybody is intitled to their opinion, but, come on!!! The male candidates for Mr Virtual World need to step it up!!

Probably one or two really grasped the styling concept of this challenge. The rest of the candidates, didn't stand out for styling this impeccably. Actually, the two best candidates in this challenge were quite discrete and styled as real models, not fantasy. Exactly applying these samples they were given to their own style.

It was a disappoitment for me; it was quite a challenge indeed! Not many people have the skill to style that.

_______________________

Now, to Miss Virtual World Candidates. It's time for selections and live auditions and they will go on, still.

This weekend was one of the live castings; the second, I believe.
As a Fashion Critique, observing SL Models for quite some time and also observing these beauty pageants, the live casting for the female candidates was probably the worst I have ever watched in SL!

It's obvious that I know that some of those candidates are already modeling in SL. Let me tell you, it was hard to watch; I remember clearly one of the candidates in particular; she went to a live audition for MVW wearing a full leather black bodysuit with long boots!!! Then, she posed! I almost lost my temper there! This candidate to Miss Virtual World (these female avatars are supposed to be the most beautiful and elegant and so on and so on) used an old pose, the poses that were used like three years ago, that are very quick and have the two fingers pointed - you know what I mean, right?. She posed like that! I almost lost it!

Oh she stood out alright!! As the worst avatar I've seen in my SL, on a runway!!! Here is where I thought to myself 'probably, if the female candidates keep being like this, SL professional models will understand that this is not a contest for them, but for those who look for fame; not professionalism, but fame. '

I hope I really hope that SL Models understand that a modeling career in SL comes from hard work and not really fame - this kind of fame, that's what I mean.

There is something going on in SL - regarding shapes, skins, styling skills - cause the quality in these two beauty pageants is decreasing rapidly.

IMA - Brazil Fashion Week

2011-03-09T00:34:00.000-08:00

Brazil Fashion Week is now over.
I've been to only one of the several shows organized by IMA. What I found in the group of models in this particular show was actually, nothing 'extraordinaire', nothing outstanding.
I'm going to address a subject that is now quite common, among SL male models: sorry to say but they all look the same. Meaning: dark skins, dark hair, light eyes - blue or green.

Let me show you the male Models that were in this show.

I'm not saying that these avatars aren't attractive. I do think they they look quite common, though. If I don't tell you their names, would you know who these male models are?

I ended up turning my camera to the audience and found male avatars - regular people - that were actually more distinctive than the male models on the runway. Meaning, in my opinion, these avatars may well have 'model potential', cause they really stood out in the crowd.

On the female IMA Models I found some basic problems that really need to be highlighted, over and over again: bad shaping and the need to pay atention to details. Now, more than ever, with the new SL viewer, there is the possibility of wearing more than one layer. I guess SL Models must be sure they have the right layers when they walk on the runway.

Here is a good example of this.

Rena Mascot

Rena Mascot is a short model. Maybe that's what she chose to look like, however, her avatar (mostly skin and shape) is completely out of date. She hasn't renewed herself. In the next photo, we can see the different hairbase color.

Shaping. Another problem I shouldn't even mention by now. If SL Model Academies work well, shaping is something to address with model very seriously - assuming that these Models have done professionbal training in SL. I'm going to show you what I consider shaping problems in some female IMA models.
Each one of the following female Models has shaping issues; it's tougher on a female model, I guess, because of the female body curves. Each of the following IMA models has a different shaping issue. Take a look, I'm not going to tell you what the issues are, but you'll see them if your eyes have been trained to spot them.

Tyra Eiren

Miria Moonbeam

Yasmina Lemon

I don't know if you can see the 'shaping problems' these models have. I surely can. Let me show you another shot of Miria; it may be clearer.

And finally, as I have been saying for a long long time now, why copy and try to look like other models? This is clear in the next photo I'm going to show you.

The 'asian' type of look on Miria. Doesn't she look like another sort'a, kind'a 'famous' SL model?

This show I watched was below average. Maybe the outfits didn't help. But anyway, a model's job is to highlight the outfits, styling it properly. Sometimes, the whole styling and concept is the designer's choice. I don't know what happened here.

I've been to several other show. These last weeks have been quite busy for the fashion scene in SL; lots of events, fashion shows. Maybe soon, I'll post more photos from other fashion shows I've watched.
Thing is, I also have a first life I need to take care of, like everybody else. But hey, I'm here, watching, always ;)

SL Art and Couture Show

2011-01-17T07:37:00.000-08:00

This event had a very well built set. It brought to memory the movie 'Metropolis'.

In the following photo, you can see two round lights; these were the teleporters, when models went backstage, after walking on the runway.

At first, the stage was absolutely empty and then all SL Art and Couture team walked in and placed themselves.

On the left: Tatanka Kaligawa (apparently the set builder and , as we all know, Mea Culpa designer)

On the right, Wicca Merlin - model, blogger and part of the team that organized this event.

The models were good, posing. One of this team members is Arisia Ashmoot, who, we all also know, is a posemaker; so, it's natural that the poses were great and very well executed.

Other than that, in terms of fashion, the show was regular; it was supposed to showcase hair, shoes, skins and jewelry. So, there was always a 'lingerie type' of outfit that the models wore all the time; the difference was actually the accessories that were showcased. So far, so good.

Eventually, in spite of the amazing set, the show became rather boring, in my opinion.

The models did well. I'll show you some of the photos I took of the models, in no particular order. Some of the models weren't rezzed for me, so I won't include them here.

Rhonda Pennell

dancer Dallagio

Miaa Rebane

Leandra Breen

Kay Fairey

rissa Friller

Actually, rissa was a good surprise, for me. Walking with some of the more experienced models in SL, she did a very good job. She stood out.

Overall, it was a good visual experience; the set was very well built; however, this fashion show lacked 'couture'; it could have been outstanding if it showcased some high fashion outfits. That was a choice of the organizing team and this is only my opinion.

Another thing to consider is the music. SL Fashion is becoming more and more demanding, in terms of quality. A fashion show is made of several elements; music plays a very important role. Just think of a RL fashion show - yes, we have to consider real life, when we talk about quality! The music of the show wasn't part of the overall experience; it was just dance music, regular. As time goes by, SL model agencies or event organizers must think more about quality. This is the key word that every model, model agency, event organizer should think of, first.

New Miss Virtual World 2011

2010-12-19T04:35:00.000-08:00

Now that the new Miss Virtual World has been selected, remember:

That doesn't make her the best model in SL.

I don't really care who won, but unless she works hard, as all models do, this little title is no guarantee that this lady is a very good SL model.

Having said that, I wish her the best of lucks and lots of hard work.

Opium Agency - Labirinth Show

2010-12-18T03:29:00.001-08:00

Opium Agency put up a Fashion Show that had a kind of a 'story' behind it.

It was called Labyrinth and we actually had to go through a maze to get to the runway. Inspired by the movie with the same name - 'Labyrinth', with David Bowie - this show was a huge disappointment. I watched that movie several times, some years ago. I know the storyline, I know the characters and the show had nothing to do with the movie, except for that maze we had to go through, when we got to the TP point.

Not that the models performed that poorly, but more because of the show production.

The set was composed of three runways. The models all had to walk simply to the front, with two stops: one outside the backstage curtains and another one at the front of the runway.
The walks were double or triple. So far, so good. Simple walks.

The only problem, in my opinion, was that the show was boring. There were several periods of time when there was nobody on the runway.

Yes, I'm aware that with lag, models need time to change outfits, they may crash, etc. In that case, why not keeping models on the runway longer? The walks were simple, they only needed to pose more.

If production was good, if communication among all participants was good, until the next models were ready, the models on the runway should stay there. I guess this is a way to have the runway always more 'alive'.
Another thing to consider: there were double and triple walks. If the models on the runway stayed longer, that'd fit two purposes: allow them to rezz completely, so that we - the audience - could have a good look at all outfits and allow the models backstage to rezz too.

Let's see some of Opium Models, in random order. In this show, I saw some new models for the first time, on the runway. I'll comment on some things that I consider worth taking a good look at.

Federica Galtier

Frederick Lencaster

It's good to see some new male models on the fashion scene.

Gamp Lane

Gamp used lots of poses floating or rotating in the air.

Fuzz Lenie

Taking a closer look at the following pose Fuzz Lenie used, it's clearly a pose when the model holds something in her hands, like a cane or an umbrella. Something that touches the ground. Not a good choice of pose, because her hands are empty (it could be my viewer, but I saw nothing there) and besides being empty, her hands are closed.

Veronica Krasner

Veracity Afterthought
Veracity is a new model; at least I had never seen her before. Besides the very common face shape, she did quite good on the runway - which makes me think she is an alt of a former model. This is perfectly okay. I'm not criticizing negatively. Just mentioning it, because people notice these things.

Melancholia Roux

Melancholia posed poorly in the next pose. Terrible pose for such an amazing gown.

Locked Semaphore

River Stromfield
River blew me away, in this show. He is another model that I had never heard of or seen before. The thing is that his face is unique, his choice of skin, hair, eyes. If he sticks to his own style, he will be unique, among so many similar male models.

As I mentioned before, this show was somewhat boring, lots of moments with an empty runway . Opium Agency, I believe, could have done better.
There were also poses when models were floating, or doing different poses than usual. This would have been great, if this hadn't been done before by another model Agency in SL.

The thing about fashion is that it's all about innovation. Not following others, but leading the way.
I hope Opium innovates more.

Miss Virtual World 2011 Candidates

2010-11-15T03:49:00.000-08:00

Miss Virtual World is promoted by BOSL - Best of Second Life.
Best of Second Life is really just a name. The Group has several sims, some of their activities involve renting shops to fill the sims and create a kind of 'fashion quarters'; then, the huge auditorium that covers a couple of sims, where several events take place. Then, throw some parties for friends; their own Model Agency and Model Academy, their own SL magazine (which is graphically very bad for a group called 'The best of'), this event called Miss Virtual World, which is again a kind of mixn'match - models as candidates to Miss Virtual World and also a radio station that broadcasts a 'morning show' in SL.

Coming back to MVW, it's supposed to be a beauty pageant, as you all know. I watched the presentation of the 27 candidates to the press and I had a question. Obviously, many of you may have the same question too. It was the answer I got that confused me.

When I asked a friend of mine that was there too, why don't all the candidates represent their own countries, the answer I got was kind of ridiculous, if this is true. Apparently, Frolic Mills decides that some countries are more 'fashionable' than others, so they aren't represented in MVW. This was the answer I got, but bear with me here: MVW is NOT supposed to be about fashion. It's a beauty pageant! I've said it so many times!!
Can you think of fashion in Costa Rica? Or in Venezuela? Think big. What is fashionable about Uruguay or Bahamas (except for great beach holidays)? Absolutely nothing, if we talk about RL.

There is a huge contradiction in the organization of this event. What is a fact is that most of the countries I just mentioned are present in Miss Universe pageants in RL. India and Venezuela have the most beautiful women in the world. However, let's face it; it's NOT about fashion. RL designers don't really care about beauty pageants.

Anyway, this is Second Life and people can create their own world. BOSL group should be coherent: in SL, almost all the candidates are models. Some of them working for quite some time. So, it is a mix of fashion and beauty pageant. OK, got it.

Suggestion: open this pageant next year to all SL female avatars that are NOT SL models. How about that?

I say it again, the winner of this pageant may or may not be a good model. It really doesn't matter if she wins or not. That doesn't make her the next SL top model. It will make her win a lot of lindens (really a lot) and a little exposure, but that's it.

Let's move on. I have the photos, some of them aren't good at all, you'll see. They are good enough for you to look at the female avatars supposedly the most beautiful in SL (I have no doubt that these are not THE most beautiful female avatars in SL).

I'll also share the questions and answers given by all contestants on public open chat. It's important to see how they really are facing a pannel of judges.

First thing: each contestant walked down the runway and posed in front of the judges. They posed there for quite some time. The pose the candidates chose was very important. It was only one pose!!! And some of these ladies don't have a clue what that pose did for their eyes, just to mention a detail. I'll be mentioning some details that matter to me.

Second: they all had to style up, having as inspiration the same dress by the same SL designer.

These are the countries represented in MVW 2011, in random order:

Singapore
Ireland
Australia
Philipines
Czech Republic
Peru
France
Argentina
UK
USA
Egypt
Thailand
Bahamas
Brazil
Hong Kong
Uruguay
Germany
Japan
China
Italy
Spain
Mexico
Canada
Turkey
Russia
Costa Rica
Venezuela

I'm going to show you the raw photos of each contestant, not naming them or the country they represent, also in random order. Only those of you who know them will obviously identify them. I'll have the contestants numbered and then the question made by one of the judges and her answer. I'll give my personal opinion, as well (in blue).

And I'll raise another question, food for thought: if all these ladies represent so many countries in the world, which of them truly portrays the traits and characteristics of their own race and her race's beauty? Namely, the oriental countries. There is no way Japan, China, Hong Kong (etc) in RL would be represented by a western woman (in this case, western type of avatar). It's a real challenge, if you don't know these ladies, which of them represent which countries, just by their avatar?

Contestant#1
This candidate has an absolutely regular female avatar. Nothing special about her. Skin is very common in SL and not distictive at all.

Question: Miss (...) if you were awarded this title, what charitable causes in SL would you choose to promote or stand behind, how and why?

Answer: If you have chosen to miss me, do projects and fashionistas will be able to connect various countries around the world creators. Now I put a focus on efforts to introduce the brand to Asia to the West of the West Asian brand. If you have chosen to miss me, do projects and fashionistas will be able to connect various countries around the world creators to develop them further.

Candidate #2

Another regular female avatar. In this case, she is wearing gloves and her prim nails are worn as well, over the gloves(!!!).

Question: hello and welcome (...) :)) How do you feel about the role of charity events in Second Life and what charity do you feel is ? the most important that is not represented here?

Answer: Thank you (...) for the question. I personally think charity is so very important here in SL and in RL. We are so very blessed with what we all share in here, and giving back to those who are less fortunate is a responsibility we all must share. It is interesting you ask the question about a charity that is not represented in here, because I have been in touch with St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital recently, to see if we can get them back into SL, they used to be here. St. Jude's, located in Memphis, is an internationally recognized hospital that treats children from all over the world who have cancer. If they cannot pay, St. Jude's will take care of the entire cost. I would love to see them come back in here and help them raise funds for children around the world with cancer. Thank you.

Candidate#3

It's good that, sometimes, we don't see the avatars fully rezzed at first. In this case, this candidate was clearly wearing a dark hair base, under a light brown hair. These details, in an event that is supposed to be the best of SL, are noted!

Question: Hello (...), Second Life is a very creative and versatile virtual platform that caters to a role play community as well as a serious business side including a fashion industry that inspired trends across the grid. How has SL and Fashion played its role in your Second Life experience so far and what are your goal for the future?

Answer: Hello Everyone and wonderful question! There are so many creative and talented artists in SL, I have been inspired by so many but I would have to say that my favorite tends are the vintage looks, and I love to rp and dress in Period pieces from the 1500 -1800's, the fashion of these eras inspire me to photograph gorgeous in world pictures with these amazing fashions. My future goals in sl are to continue doing charity work maybee co-ordinate another charity event for disaster relief but there are so many charities that need work and the fashion industry is a great platform to realize these needs and assist.

Candidate#4

Quite an uncomfortable pose to be in. If this was RL; this candidate would have severe neck pains after this.

Question: In a world where fashionistas and SLebrities often criticize those who are not as "good" or "talented" or even gossip about their piers and colleagues, what do YOU think about people who may appear to be less "talented" yet aspire to be models or have shops or start businesses with what many would call "crappy skills"? What are your honest personal feelings about those in SL who are not as "talented or skilled" as some others are?

Answer: I hope it could be a right answer to you ..(...)
there are many people hold their fantasy to creative in SL that they can not do in RL. and that SL could give us a possibllity to find another skill . If the person crappy or has no talent to do.. she/ he can still try to achived one's skill . maybe some talents people will give their hands to improve ones creation. so I would give them a chance to try thing out first .. thank you for the unique question .

Candidate#5

This candidate was wearing a breast enhancer, probably the skin has this feature. It looks terrible is a beauty pageant. I'm sure she could find the same skin without the breast enhancer.

Question: Hello (...), you look fabulous :-) Balancing SL and real life can be a struggle. What measures would you take when RL interferes with a commitment you've made as Miss Virtual World?

Answer: Thank you for the question (...)! As we all have RL's we must attend to...given it is not a RL emergency that needs taken care immediately... I would inform the person who I have made the commitment to as soon as possibly feasible and see what I could do to get someone to take on my duties for that commitment. Thank you!

Candidate #6

The pose this candidate chose has her right hand really inside one of the dress prims. This could be avoided.

Question: Hello Miss (...). Welcome! :) If you choose MVW 2011, what qualities would you look for, and do you feel you have all of those qualities?

Answer: Hello everyone,it is very honor to me standing at here ,i do not have good skills for english ,so (...) helps me ,translate to me
i really appriciate (...) ,and you all,and Thank you great question,The qualities I would look for are inner beauty, a charisma that will attract people, styling ability, and to work for good cause as charity. I am on a daily basis working to achieve these traits myself.

Candidate#7

Wow! These are terrible poses for a situation like this! Gown poses, yes, good to keep hands off prims but here, every detail counts. These poses aren't natural; to be quite some time standing like this... not natural at all. Besides that, this is one of the cases when the candidate didn't think that some poses cause a 'weird look' in her eyes.

Question: hELLO Miss (...)! :-) What do you personally stand to gain from entering Miss Virtual World?

Answer: hank you so much for the interesting question (...), I think that my really hard work in the modelling fashion world helped me a lot in having a high level experience to reach this so desired spot as Miss (...). I'm a girl who in both lifes never give up if she has a dream, I always try to be unique and try to express myself and my attitude also in my work. That helped me a lot. Just be myself

Candidate#8

Do I need to comment on this pose? Just one pose required and this candidate covers her face with a prim. I also consider this skin she wears a very ugly one.

Question: I find beauty is constantly being redefined within the modeling/fashion industry. In a few words could you please define what beauty means to you?

Answer: We are pixilated people all dressed up and it's easy to achieve with the right guidance and resources but what comes from the person who is beautiful inside lays true beauty. True inner beauty is how we treat, talk, and interact with others. That's what true beauty means to me. Thank you.

Candidate#9

This candidate is probably one of the few that has particular traits in her avatar. I don't like the pose, though.

Question: Hi (...) :) my question to you is --- As MVW, you will be constantly IM-ed by aspiring models and conestants who look up to you, asking for modeling/styling advice and guidance to enter the Miss Virtual World competition. How will you handle hearing thes
. How will you handle hearing these questions sometime all day?

Answer: Thankyou for your question,(...)!
I am used to people asking for guidance, and I happily help everyone I can. Being unique I alwasy try to be an inspiration to new and aspiring models

Candidate#10

Question: Hi (...) :) you look great today! My question is simple, what is YOUR definition of Success? I have to add, "Your definition of success as Miss Virtual World"

Answer: Good afternoon members of the press and everyone else! Thank you (...), and that is quite an interesting question, I must say. To me, success is more than making lindens, it is more than having your face all over second life, success goes beyond that. Success is something you know you've achieved when people respect who you are and what you do. To me a successful person is not only a famous person, it is a person I can admire, respect and look up to, in whichever business they are successful in. Thank you

Candidate#11
This candidate chose a nice pose, but her face needs to be worked on.

Question: Thank you :)) It is often said that it is how we respond to the events in our lives that make the difference. How do you respond to adversity ? :)

Answer: If and when I face adversity, I simply try to rise above it and concentrate on everything I know that has contributed to my success so far. Relying on my skills and knowledge are the basics that carry me through difficult times. Having self believe and strong self conviction are critical when facing adveristy.

Candidate #12
Terrible, terrible pose. Completely unnatural to stand like this! Would she do this in RL?

Question: Now Fashion has its detractors. they say that it is frivolous and has no worth both in real life and in virtual life. How would you respond to those people

Answer: Thank you (...) and good afternoon I would say to them If that is the case the a place like sl would not exist or work and i would not be standing here before you today

Candidate#13
Another candidate that didn't realize what this pose did to her eyes. Weird look. Plus, the avatar is not beautiful, not at all.

Question: Miss (...), you look lovely :-) Within the Miss Virtual World organization, who has been your strongest influence and why?

Answer: There's always a time in one's life, when a hero comes along. Somebody who has inspired you, and helped you learn. The people around me, the organizer, the pillars of BOSL and the organization and all the candidates. They believe in me not only as a model but a person who can really make it even I am just new to the fashion industry. I love them not because of who I am, but because of who I am when I am withthem.”Maraming Salamat at Mabuhay!

Candidate#14

Good pose, nice looking avatar - the skin is very used though, but she walked in with her shoe sound on.

Question: Hello (...) :) you look lovely! As Miss Virtual World, you will be representing the Very Best of SL. Isabel, Mimmi and Miaa have been amazing representatives in all that they do, their work fundraising for different charities has been commendable. What charity work have you been involved with and what do you see working towards in the future?

Answer: Thank you (...), I'd really love to do charity work in SL and contribute to things that help residents and enhance their SL experience. I am currently wokring on possibly opeining an agency to showcase new desingers in SL. It is often hard to get your foot inthe door when you are new. I would also look forward to teaming with Mimmi and Miaa to work with exsiting rl charities as well

Candidate#15
Very natural pose, very good. However, the face is not very beautiful. As a reminder, this is an event organized by Best of Second Life!! We expect the most beautiful female avatars in SL!

Question: How would you explain all that Second Life has to offer to a newbie who is unsure if they want to keep logging in?

Answer: Hi everyone :) Hmmm I will say to a newbie, that first in second life we discover all which is not really interessant, but if we take the time to look deeper we will discovers a lot of things really amazing, Second Life allows us to express our imagination, to live our dreams, express ourselves and there is not just a game, this is really a life experience where creativity, generosity, arts meet together.

Candidate #16
The pose with hands on hip is too 'laisser faire, laisser passer'. It almost looks like too relaxed and not elegant. The face , the skin, already too seen in SL.

Question: Hello (...): What value would YOU add to Second Life by winning the Miss Virtual World Title?

Answer: Good morning everyone! (...), I would like to add more mentoring to young models if I become MVW. A lot of young models can not afford training and I know a lot of of older models would love to help. Thank you for your question.

Candidate#17

Very common skin, used regularly by regular women in SL for quite some time.

Question: Imagine you were Miss VW. What would be your major strength as Miss VW and what would be your major weakness?

Answer: well to those who know me... my major strength is my honesty and commitment to something a believe in..... and obviously the MVW organisation is something which i do.. very much. My weakness will probably also be my honesty... as sometimes that can be negative in other peoples eyes :)

Candidate#18
Perfect pose for such an occasion. Besides, this candidate's look is beautiful.

Question: If you could create your own virtual world, what would it be like?

Answer: Good morning everyone.. first of all I want to thank you Miss/ Mr. for the question. Please allow me a moment for typing. thank you all for your patience..
This is a very interesting question to me becouse i make my living in RL basic upon creating new world. i am blowing a stories to people coz i am screen writer. my virtual world wouldn't have lag. and about the rest in SL, i would like to protect and reflect

Candidate#19

Very elegant pose, it's very different from the hands on hips pose we saw earlier. This candidate's face is exquisite.

Question: . I'll ask this fast before I crash a 4th time: should you not win the title of MVW 2011, would you support the organization in the future and how would you do so?

Answer: the organisation of MVW is such a great and well working institution. It's not only the contest, it is a fabulous crew of amazing people. I will and would always support each one of them as best as i can. I am very proud to be here and if another stunning Miss wins, she will have me in first row for cheer

Candidate#20

When there is only one pose required, why would a candidate chose a pose that has a prim covering her face, I wonder.

Question: Hi MISS (...) - Are you ready for the longest question ever asked in MISS VIRTUAL WORLD? (...) - Eventhough I know you are not from (...), I thank you for representing my country. I would like to see if you have done your homework and gotten interested in a bit of (...) culture...

If I am eating an arepa, what am I eating?

a) Avocado Icecream
b) Spaghettis with ketchup
c) Corn bread
d) All of the above

And if I say "Mamita rica" - Am I really talking about your delicious mother? Please elaborate...

Answer: Thank you for your question and good morning/afternoon/night to everybody. You are eating c) Corn bread

Candidate#21
A side pose is never good in this kind of situation. However, this candidate has a beautiful face, quite distintive from the rest. This skin is also commonly used by some SL Models.

Question: Good Evening, Miss (...)... Miss Virtual World is an icon of the haute couture... the haute couture needs followers...you will have to represent the best designers in SL...How do you plan to win them over if you become miss VW?!

Answer: I think I can achieve that goal learning and improve my skills as a model, understanding what each customer expects of my work by offering my own personal style but always with respect to the designer's creativity

(see? this last question here is a good example of how fashion and modeling is mixed with a beauty pageant - this question, in my opinion, made no sense at all)

Candidate#22

Quite an uncomfortable pose to be in; leaning back a little didn't favour this candidate's face. We just have to see how her eyes look.

Question: MISS (...) como representarias a MVW en tu pais y en el mundo virtual ?

Answer: (...) Google Translator: Would represent my country to the best of me, my professionalism, my style and poise, I think are important and basic things in any world, there is no difference between the two for that.

Candidate#23

Good pose to be standing for quite a long time , very common skin, though.

Question: Hi (...)! f SL was gone tomorrow... what would you miss most?

Answer: Good morning/afternoon dear judges! Thank you (...) for the question! If SL was gone tomorrow, I would of course miss the modeling career and the fashion inudstry in SL that I love so much, but I would mostly miss all my friends that I've made in Second Life. All the wonderful people that I have met, all the talented designers, builders, photographers that I have met and know of. All the hard work that everyone has put in to build for no one to see more and share and view with my friends here. I hope that we get a notice the day before so that I can get their contact info before losing SL connection:) Thank you!

Candidate#24

This is the only photo I could take of this candidate. This skin is also quite known in SL Modeling, but she worked on her face well.

Question: Which is worse: a sore winner or a sore loser? and how will you avoid being neither?

Answer: hello (...) and everyone and thank you for the question: a sore loser is worse, because if you cannot accept defeat and rejection with grace and a positive attitude, it will be so much harder to really achieve success and enjoy it when it does come and it can hurt your reputation as well. Thank you :)

Candidate#25

Again, this is the only photo I could take from this candidate.

Question: You’ve been awarded the title of MVW. How would you ensure the MVW organization you would personally protect your reputation and that of the Miss Virtual World organization in the world of Second Life?

Answer: Thank you (...), Ensuring ones personality takes much guidance. There are so many wonderful people in MVW organization that will be there to help and give advice. Personally, carrying onself in a professional way no matter where you are or who you interact with is of the most importance. Everyone's reputation preceeds them. When you hear my name it will be spoken with kind words and acts of helping others. Thank you.

Candidate#26

Not a good pose, it needed to be much more natural, standing with elegance. This candidate's avatar is absolutely common, skin and face. Not exactly one of the most beautiful in SL.

Question: Hello Miss (...) :) Contests in SL have become quite the fad. Many enter them for many reasons. Some enter to represent, some enter simply to have that title in their resume. Miss Virtual World is the biggest and the grandest, what is your motivation behind your entering this contest?

Answer: Hello and thank you, I started modeling over a year ago, and have always admired the dedication and hard work of the models. Becoming MVW would be a fantastic opportunity to represent the pageant and continue to be a positive rol model, not only to other models, but as a SL mentor, and assisting and helping new residents enjoy Second Life!

Candidate#27

This candidate looked as if she was making fun of the event. I know lag was huge, but running down the runway? If the candidate doesn't know how to disable instantly the 'running mode' in SL, she surely doesn't deserve to be here. When she was standing in front of the pannel of judges, she had time to disable the running mode. Also, she used some kind of pimples in her face. Was she trying to be different? Was she trying to be funny? She wasn't. Gave a terrible image of herself. Well, if this candidate wins the pageant... no more words needed.

Question: Miss (...), If you showed me around Second Life, where would you take me to show the beauty and intelligence of SL and why?

Answer: Good morning everyone. Thank you for the delightful question (...), please allow me a moment to type a response for you.
There are many wonderful places to visit in Second Life as we all know. I believe the Gardens of Apollo is one of the very first places I visited that held in my mind. Truly a stunning place to behold. I'd also include a few universities in world, a few charity sims to show how Second Life residents are helping the world and I'd make sure to not forget the kajillion clothing and shoe stores.

And here are the 27 candidates to Miss Virtual World 2011. Another thing I'm wondering is that in the last casting results Rhonda Pennell was selected as finalist, but she was not here. Something must have happened.

Avenue Models - the best Fashion Show I've seen in 2010

2010-10-04T23:54:00.000-07:00

Avenue produces the best shows I've seen in SL. Through this year, this show in particular was the best of 2010, for sure!

It was not only a fashion show, it was a gorgeous set, the ambiance created by the music, the designer, the styling. Everything was outstanding.

This time, I recorded in video. My first machinima movie. You'll see some of my editting flaws, this is the first time I made a movie, ever. Just for you to have a general idea of the environment itself, the models's presence.

It was different from anything I ever saw in SL Fashion. And that, itself, is fashion.
The music was composed by me, trying to convey the general feeling of the show and the history line behind it.

I disabled comments on youtube.
Please, click to see the video on youtube. Comments may be added here, under approval, as usual.

Who are these ladies? #2

2010-09-29T15:36:00.000-07:00

[Correcting some model's names - my bad, really]

It was quite interesting to do this 'exercise'. Photos of several female SL Models, mostly their faces and see if they are recognizable, without naming them here.

What was my point, you may ask?

The general difficulty in SL Modeling: to be one of a kind.

Appreciated all of you who commented. I guess that the model who is most recognizable from this bunch of photos, at least, reading your comments is Mavi Beck.

Model #13 - Mavi Beck

What's interesting about this subject is that the differences among SL Models really rely on details. Mavi wears quite a fair skin with blonde hair, blue eyes and this is kind of a signature look, because many of you identified her correctly. She was not modeling, when I took the photo. In last year's MVW pageant, Mavi - representing Italy - presented herself quite differently. In my opinion, she kind of lost her own identity. Here is a photo of Mavi, last year, in MVW pageant presentation to the press.

It's very refreshing that Mavi came back to her own 'self'. She is actually, very recognizable.

Another Model some of you identified is Mimmi Boa. Model#10

Mimmi's signature look are her eye colour and her eyelashes. Her style also helps to identify her. Like Mavi, she was not modeling when I took the photo. Again, the identity lies in these little details.

Another Model that I usually identify but none of you did, is Model #9. She has a very uncommon choice of eye colour. Seashell Dench

Watching several Fashion Shows, I realized that, at the moment, this Model chose a signature look with blonde hair and fair skin. Even before, when she used darker hair - her eyes were always unique. It's the colour, I think.

Another Model that was identifiable by some of you was Model#2 dancer Dallagio
Very distinctive, too.

Next, what do these ladies have in common? Who is who, what's different about each one of them? From my point of view, I see the same skin, several makeups and skin color, but the same skin, similar eyes, no particular trait to make them unique.

Model #1 Carilynn Ohare

Model #6 Shae Sixpence

Model#7 and #11- Katherine Comet

Model #3 - Isabel Brocco

Model #4 is Glitter Bollisima

Just compare Glitter's skin with Mavi's in last year MVW pageant. Notice anything similar?

Model #14 - Harlee Lane

And Harlee's as well.

Model #12 - Veronica Krasner
see the skins? It may have to do with using different skins for the same show. That is natural, but it would be really better to find different skins that the ones that are most used? I believe this can be done ;)

In the same show, where I took these photos, Veronica used a more distinctive look:

And I almost forgot one of the photos. Model #8 Miaa Rebane

This lady was not easy to identify, my own fault. The photo is not very good, the close up on her face would lose even more photo quality.

It's not easy, as you can see, to have a unique look in SL. Being very passionate about model's work, I'm always looking for someone to amaze me, to call my attention, to be really different. In SL, it has to be in little details.
Considering that some of these ladies were chosen finalists in MVW pageant, this only reinforces my opinion: a beauty pageant is not about modeling. Models may and should really be very different from one another, not necessarily 'pretty', sometimes even with distictive features, that may not seem 'perfect'. And that is a model's perfection - to be distinctive. Not necessarily 'pretty'.

It would help if these ladies started wearing different skins and work more on shape, eyes, mouth, nose, whatever could make them have an identity of their own.
Again, my focus is always on having more quality on SL Modeling.

Fashion Weeks in SL

2010-09-26T14:04:00.001-07:00

Very rarely do I write a review on SL Model Agencies, but there are several issues to discuss and consider when it comes to provide a good fashion show in SL.

First is to have a good set, good stage, a good runway.
By 'good', I mean, it must work well for everybody, both audience and models. So, the runway should be rather short. Having audience in one sim and models in the other, may be a good solution or help. However, audience must be really close to the runway, in order to see well.

We all have lag issues in fashion shows or events that have more than 50 avatars in one sim. What to do? Reduce our graphic cards settings. If we do that, we won't be able to see some details in that may be important for the show itself, including the models outfits, hair or skin details.

So, I dropped by Boulevard Fashion Week, just to confirm what I already knew, but it's best if I can show you the set.

It's a great example of what not to do, ever.

This is the runway of one of Boulevard Agency's Fashion Week Shows.
If we think in a practical way, this 'tunnel' would be great in a sim where people would go to visit, because it's detailed and it's imponent.
Not much practical for a fashion show, though.

When we think of high fashion, or haute couture, there is a feeling of more creativity; I always hope to be surprised, to watch something different, outstanding , 'out there'.

Haute Couture is not connected with this kind of runways. Yes, we can do this in SL; it shows great ability to create complex building structures. But, what about the effect such a long tunnel will have on the models? And on the audience?

In this particular show, model took forever to get to the front of the runway, the time they spent posing wasn't enough for the outfits to rezz completely. When one model was going back, another model was strutting down the 'tunnel'; in the meantime, the front of the runway was empty.

Not practical at all. Having complex structures such as this one could work in a different situation, not in a fashion show.

I didn't take any snapshots of the models. They didn't rezz properly, not even enough for my usual raw photos.

Not everybody has the ability to see what kind of runway would be good with the designs that are showcased.

Some time ago, I watched one of the castings for new models by MAD Agency. The runway was absolutely simple, in a warehouse scenario, which is very close to what happens in real fashion, in real world. It was actually a perfect set for a fashion event.

Another fashion show I watched lately, I was able to record on video - finally! So, coming soon, an outstanding fashion show, with my raw machinima film.
You'll see the difference between real fashion, an event that brings something new (even in a virtual environment such as SL) and some kind of shows that don't bring anything new to the fashion scene in SL.

Modavia Fashion Week 2010

2010-09-22T07:21:00.000-07:00

I watched Modavia Fashion Week, this year and two years ago, as well.

Obviously, I will not comment on the organization of the event, I will focus on some Modavia Models I've seen on the runway.

I know there have been lots of criticism around the event itself. Nevertheless, I can only review what I saw on the runway - Models' work.

This year, Modavia Fashion Week was much much better, regarding Models' performance than two years ago. I didn't watch all the shows - just like I didn't in 2008. I took a couple of snapshots; Modavia Models were really outstanding. Not a single Model was below average, from what I saw.

Good posing, extremely well styled, amazing skins. The shows I watched were exquisite - both in styling and poise, on the runway.

Just to take a look at some of Modavia Models, here are some photos, in no particular order, from different shows. You'll notice the simplicity of the poses and, when the designer's style required, Models chose different and more editorial poses. The photos are raw, as you'll see, but we can see the posing.

nemi McCoy

Gamp Lane

Katime Vacano

Queen Watanabe

Payton Heron

I have to say that it's a pity that Payton Heron still uses a very used Model's walk; it kind of distorts the outfits, in the waist area.

Next Model didn't disappoint me. She has been present in several fashion shows I watched, she is becoming an awesome SL Model, one of those who deserves the 'Supermodel' or 'Top Model' tag! I'll keep paying attention to her work, hoping she will keep improving, her styling, her poise. I'm talking about:

Seashell Dench
Seashell did an outstanding job! Her choice of poses was smart, according to the style of what she was wearing and the result was very professional and editorial.

As far as I know, Modavia's strongest focus is Modavia Fashion Directory - in my opinion, one of the best Fashion Magazines in SL, along with Avenue. To see how Modavia Models have improved during the last two years on the catwalk has been quite an accomplishment!

There are other Fashion Weeks going on in SL that I will not review, or attend. In terms of Model performance quality, Modavia Models were outstanding!

On the other hand, International Modeling Convention is starting. I may take a look at it. See ya'll around ;)

So, who are these ladies?

2010-09-17T09:43:00.001-07:00

Let's see, who are these SL female Models?
If you have been in the same(several)Fashion Shows where I took the pics, that will help.

Some of these Models may be repeated.

Model #1

Model#2

Model #3

Model #4

Model #5

Model #6

Model #7

Model #8

Model #9

Model #10

Model #11

Model #12

Model #13

Model #14

Playing a game - a useful one

2010-08-21T11:11:00.000-07:00

This is a tough game, I bet.

Just by looking at a model's face, can we tell who the model is?
To have a unique look is the ultimate goal of a model.
How many models can we recognize just by looking at their face?

Let's get ready to play this game and guess who's who?

That's the most important thing for a SL Model. Not necessarily be 'beautiful' - the concept of beauty is very different in fashion, in my opinion - but be distinctive.

If a SL model can be recognized just by her/his face, then she or he is unique. Distinctive.

I'll be taking photos of several models - male and female.
Remember, raw photos, not editted, always show how the face really is. No photoshop editting. Just raw photos.

I'll start posting soon. Then, it's time to start identifying really distictive SL models.

Evane Models

2010-08-19T05:27:00.000-07:00

I really don't know what to say about Evane.
I watched several shows with Evane and this time, I do want to show you some photos.

The lag was huge, obviously not Evane's fault. Lag in SL is one of the conditions SL models have to work with. The sim crashed.

It was a tough job for Mimmi Boa; she was the text announcer and also directing the models. With lots of lag, communication is hard, so there were many dead moments, which is understandable. Moments where Mimmi shouted out her directions to models on open chat, it was very laggy, it's easy to type the wrong code on chat. Being the owner of Evane, Mimmi could have someone announcing the designs and another person directing the show. She doesn't need to do all that herself.

I'm not going to show you all models that walked on the runway; I'll just focus on some of them. Plus, with that ammount of lag and model crashes, it was frequent to see the avatars not fully rezzed and ruthed. So, we'll just take a look at some of the models.

Evane has models and top models, it's in their tag. I have no idea what is the reason to have two tags for models. In this show, it was very clear that some models did better than some 'top models'. Let's see some of the models that walked.

Katherine Comet

Katherine is what I call a 'safe' model. She delievers. I mean, she can walk, pose and be average. I, personally, don't like her avatar. I don't think that she's fashionable, it kind of saddens me that so many models in SL have the exact same face as Katherine. Same skin, same make up. She is not a distinctive avatar. In this show she was just another model. She posed well - 101 posing - no particular mistakes.

Katherine tends to over style. See her nails in this photo? With her hand close to her face - with a very nice pose - her nails go right through her face. This kind of nails would do great with an avant garde style. Not here.

Next pose is just so '101', so 'new model'.

Nala Kurka
I'll only post this photo of Nala. In this set, she walked with heel sounds on. If the shoes provided don't have a hud to turn the heel sound off, she could have taken the script of the shoes. These little details make all the difference - a professional model would have taken care of that.

13 Cortes
13 was one of the best models in this show. If not the best. Her way of walking and posing is very professional. Besides that, her avatar is very high fashion.

13 walked with Jen Tafler - in the yellow dress - you can see the difference between the two avatars. 13 looks regal, Jen is regular.

Naiya Kazyanenko

Naiya did well.

In the next set, Naiya's poses were very good for the outfit. They seem the same pose, but it's two different poses.

Ida Boomhauer

What a strange experience, watching Ida walk. The next pose is regular.

The next pose, it's simply terrible! Terrible!

Next model's poses are a great example for new SL models to know what NOT TO do , ever!!

mariella Spiteller
mariella was one of the models that had the 'top' tag. Really? Does a top model pose like this?
A NOT TO DO pose: one foot off the ground.

and she did it again!

Another NOT TO DO pose: show you armpits like this.

And NOT like this either!

In the next set, mariella walked with her heels sound on too. What skills does a model have to have to be Evane 'Top Model', like mariella? Pose terribly and do everything a professional SL model isn't supposed to do?

What more can I say? There were more models in this show whose photos I don't post here. Honestly? Few Evane models considered the style they were wearing, when they posed. Some of these models are what we call 'popular' or 'known'. But nothing more than that.

It's really time to raise the bar. More quality, more professionalism in fashion shows. This show wasn't good. I'm not referring to SL situations that can't be avoided. For starters, the owner of the Model Agency shouldn't be doing anything. Not even if the clients ask for her. I'm talking about Mimmi Boa.

Once you are the owner, organize, help produce, be at the practices and make sure that models are doing the right thing. Monitorize. Owning a Model Agency is not an easy task. Ultimately, Mimmi Boa's role, as owner, would be to make sure the client got the best models, monitorize them, make sure they don't make mistakes on the runway.

Ultimately, review the models tags. Top Model tag helps to create unfairness inside the Agency itself; models that know how to walk and pose, asking themselves, 'why does that model have a top model tag, when I do it better'? Lots of situations may occur, once the model agency owner gives different tags to her models. But, oh well, this is just me thinking aloud.

Boulevard Models

2010-08-15T01:43:00.000-07:00

So many SL Models would love to be a part of this model agency - Boulevard. I've heard that not all models can join, only a few and obviously the best - that's what I've heard. From what I've seen on this show, all models were/are related to BOSL, namely through MVW pageant.

As I say so many times, being a gorgeous avatar doesn't mean necessarily to be a good model. Boulevard Models were good. But, if really Boulevard Agency is 'THE' model agency in SL, that's questionable. All these models should be outstanding!

First, let's see the set where the fashion show took place. A huge auditorium, models were in one sim, audience in the other. The runway itself is extremely long, not helpful to SL conditions with working with lag and sim crashes. Show organizers must take this into consideration: provide a good set, the best sets are quite simple, avoiding heavy effects, scripts, etc.

During this show, the sim where the models were flickered twice - kind of disappeared in front of our eyes and came back up almost immediately.

The SL designer that was showcasing his collection is quite distinctive; all models walked with an emoter and it was part of the show.

The outfits, the styling, everything was very well put together. It demanded outstanding posing; extravagant posing would be the ideal. That means Boulevard Models should have gone out of their comfort zone, when posing. This was a high fashion show, requiring very different poses than the ones we see in a show with, let's say, gowns or street casual outfits or lingerie. The posing here should be extravagant and yet stylish. Every model must take this into consideration when they prepare for a fashion show. Let's see how Boulevard Models did. I'll show the photos in no particular order.

Miaa Rebane
All Miaa's poses were 'clean', I mean correct, technically. Hand off the skirts, no armpit poses. She was regular, posing. But for a show like this, where are the more extravagant poses? Something that would blow us all away, selling the outfits?

The next pose is used to avoid having hands inside the skirt, it's correct. But I, myself, demanded more here. More outstanding poses, according to the style of the designer. As you see, Miaa posed 'correctly', however she could have gone outside her comfort zone and really stand out.

Kay Fairey
The same thing happened with Kay. She posed correctly, let's say if this were a class, the posing would be 101. She knows the rules of posing and, from what I've seen, Kay has a couple of 'signature poses' - she uses them often in fashion shows.

The next pose in one of Kay's 'signature poses'.

Here is another of Kay's signature poses, next.

The next pose is not good for a 'supermodel'. It's 101 posing.

The next pose can be used with gowns, mostly, but Kay could have found different poses.

So, from these two first Boulevard Models, new SL models may see what is posing correctly, 'clean', posing with no mistakes. However, this show required more extravagant posing. These two models should have been outstanding. They were regular.

Devine Hunt
Devine has a stunning avatar, as you can see. However, through the different sets of outfits, she used the same pose, over and over again.

The next pose is outstanding. Posing with a bag isn't easy.

And then, Devine repeated this pose several times, with different outfits.

Devine posed correctly, but repetition of poses should be avoided, especially when people are watching a 'Boulevard Fashion Show'.

dancer Dallagio

I could only take two photos of dancer; after the sim went down and came back up, I saw her ruthed. The two poses she used were good, the second pose is different and creative.

Chirzaka Vlodovic
Chirzaka, just like Miaa and Kay, posed correctly. Model posing 101. She could have gone out of that safety zone with more extravagant posing.

The next is a great pose, daring and very natural.

Very nice job, next, posing with a hand bag.

blackLiquid Tokyoska

blackLiquid was below the average quality of Boulevard Models. The next pose is very 101. It's for beginner models, learning how to pose with hands out of the skirt.

When I mention extravagant posing, I don't mean the next pose. Posing with a finger is not for a fashion show. This wasn't the first time that blackLiquid has used this kind of pose. New models, take a note: this is not a pose to use on the runway, especially in a high fashion show.

Another 'gown' pose.

Next pose is excellent! Even without seeing the dress fully rezzed, I post it, because, again, it's not easy to pose well with a hand bag. This was a great choice to pose.

Next pose is used frequently by blackLiquid. This was the pose she used in front of the pannel of judges in her MVW audition and she used it here too. It's not a good pose at all.

The next poses are all 'gown' type. Hands off the skirt, correct, but these poses don't make sense in a fashion show like this.

And I saved the best for last. In my opinion, the only Boulevard Model that stood out, because of her posing.

Melanie Sautereau
Melanie wasn't afraid to 'get out there' with her posing. She chose some extravagant poses, she really stood out. With her posing, she really focused on the designer's style; very avant garde.

Amazing!

It's clear that Melanie took her time to find the appropriate poses for a high fashion show. It was great to see her posing, the outfits came to life and got character. Melanie Sautereau amazed me in this show. She went beyond the 'model posing 101' and gave the audience the true spirit of the designer's style. Great job!!

Mui Mukerji also was in this show. Unfortunately, I always saw her ruthed, hence not posting her photos.

---------------
Important notes to consider:

- Lag is always, always a big issue in Fashion Shows.
- Show organizers and producers must provide a 'clean' environment for the show: simple sets, usually small, avoid scripted sets, without effects, particles or transparencies.
- If necessary, in case of huge fashion productions, consider the possibility of repeating the show, closing the sim to a certain number of people.
- Audience must be informed to lower their ARC. Models usually carry a lot of prims, heavily scripted items, etc. If every member of the audience respects that rule of lowering arc, it will be more pleasant to all.
- The best model agencies in SL care about details. I'd advise to select models that are sensitive to the designer's style, chosing poses accordingly.
- At this point, in SL Fashion, it's good to be demanding, to want more quality. To see SL models working hard, finding new poses, develop and update.

I'm always very demanding when I watch a fashion show with what people say is a good model agency. Boulevard had some very popular models, some people call them supermodels. A supermodel is someone who always, always is outstanding. There are few supermodels in SL. I've seen none at Boulevard. Melanie Sautereau is very close to being one. She was outstanding!!

Copyright issues - Fair Use

2010-07-31T01:59:00.000-07:00

There has been a big issue, as you all may see in my blog's comments, regarding copyright of the SL Model's printscreens I uploaded here.

Very well, let's be clear what copyright protection is all about:

basicly, in general, copyright protection is supposed to protect authors from illegal copies, that may be used commercially and gain economical profit from someone else's work - whatever it may be, music, art, any kind of intellectual proterty, including text. Also the illegal copies that will affect in any way the original market value of the author's product. This is the basic idea of copyright protection.

DMCA is itself a version of the Copyright Law of the United States of America, applied to digital work - meaning webcontents.

According to article 107 of the Copyright Law of the Unites States of America, I'm not in copyright infringement ( and this also applies to DMCA).

_______________________________________

107. Limitations on exclusive rights: Fair use

the fair use of a copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction in copies or phonorecords or by any other means specified by that section, for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright. In determining whether the use made of a work in any particular case is a fair use the factors to be considered shall include —

(1) the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;

(2) the nature of the copyrighted work;

(3) the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and

(4) the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.

________________________________________

After careful consideration of the Law, and also respecting blackLiquid's request to remove her photographs, I will remove the author's images and keep the essencial of my review.

Let's stick to the subject in question and not diverge into other issues that may distract everybody from the point I wanted to make.

I'm a blog author, I state my own opinions here, I do not insult anyone, nor do I instigate violence of any kind. However, I'm entitled to state my opinions freely. Everybody is free to read it or not. Everybody is free to agree or disagree with my opinions.

It's my prerrogative to filter the comments made in my blog. I have only one filter, as I have said: be polite and your comments are allowed.

One last note: no more comments about copyright infringement will be allowed. The review I wrote was about a SL Model and her attitudes.

Much appreciated for all your comments.

The right to answer back

2010-07-30T02:03:00.000-07:00

Everybody has the right to answer to a situation when people may feel comfortable or uncomfortable with.
Regarding to my latest post, blackLiquid Tokyoska has the right to answer back.

She sent me an e-mail I'm going to publish here, with her own perspective, her point of view and a request. My answer to her e-mail is only posted here, not answered back to her e-mail.

Hello there Fashion Critique, it was lovely to see your post about me recently on your blog, I feel quite special that you have written about me 3 times in 7 months always getting free advertising from you is wonderful, however I would appreciate it if you could remove my images as you haven't asked for my permission to use them and I would rather that they are not used in this context. As you can see from my tumblr site http://blackliquid.tumblr.com/photography in my photography information section; "||ALL IMAGES REMAIN THE PROPERTY OF blackLiquid PHOTOGRAPHY AND ARE NOT FOR RESALE UNLESS NEGOTIATED WITH blackLiquid Tokyoska, IMAGES TO BE USED

FOR COMMERCIAL PUROSES ARE TO BE NEGOTIATED ON PRIOR TO USE, IMAGES MAY NOT BE TAKEN OR USED BY ANYONE WITHOUT PURCHASE OR WITHOUT PRIOR CONSENT FROM blackLiquid Tokyoska, IMAGES MAY NOT BE ALTERED OR CROPPED WITHOUT PRIOR CONSENT."

I appreciate your cooperation in removing my images.

Thanks for your time.

blackLiquid Tokyoska.

__________________________

Hello there blackLiquid,

Appreciated for your e-mail.
I'm glad my latest post has made you feel special.

I have only a few points to underline:

1. Your legal copyright disclaimer, stated in your e-mail, refers to your Tumblr website. The printscreens I uploaded here are from Flickr, public web content, searchable on google.

2. As I mentioned above and it's clear in my latest post, I didn't upload your photos. I uploaded printscreened public web content, with a link to your Flickr page, as legal courtesy.

3. Since you do not contest that the photos and text are yours, I don't see any reason to remove my printscreens of Flickr public content. I made clear who is the photographer and who is the avatar in the photo - you; who wrote the text - you. So, I'm not saying that the photos are mine. They are yours, it's public on Flickr. This is not content theft.

4. You ask me to remove your images, because I didn't ask your permission to use them. But I didn't not upload your photos. I uploaded public web content I searched on Google and I printscreened. You may see that I didn't change or crop any of your photos, because I didn't use your photos, even less from any Tumblr webpage.

So, your copyright legal disclaimer doesn't apply in this circumstance.

I did my best to identify the author of the photos and text shown in my printscreens, as it should be, legally, because the photos and text in the printscreens are not mine. Even though it's public content on Flickr - searchable on Google - I had the courtesy of identifying the author - you.

I'm glad you feel wonderful with me freely advertising you. Hence it doesn't make sense to remove my own printscreens of photos taken by you, posted in public Flickr pages, searchable by anyone and plus, giving you the ownership of photos and text, which you do not contest- you actually say they are yours.
I did the right thing. Gave you the complete ownership of the photos and text you have posted in Flickr public contents.

Again, much appreciated for your answer.
I will keep the printscreens of your photos and text in my blog, as they are, with the correct credits to who wrote that and who is in the photo. They are yours. You have absolute ownweship of what was photographed, posted and said, publicly on Flickr. Public content doesn't need legal permission to be printscreened or even screen photographed with a digital camera, if it were the case.

I'll be here, as always,
Fifth Avenue aka FC

Model Competitions in SL - Model's attitude

2010-07-26T23:59:00.000-07:00

There are continuous contests for SL Models. Ultimately, everybody gains from them: some designers expand their brand; SL Models want their name known; SL photographers have their names out there too.

In my opinion, regarding competitions or contests, the contestants must be psychologically prepared for everything, especially prepared NOT TO win. There will be a winner, if it's you, good; if it's not you good, too.

That's why we are in the adult grid in SL. People are supposed to be more mature. Winning and losing are part of life.

Recently, I was informed of a situation with a SL Model who doesn't react well to not winning. I usually tell the Models' names, so I'm going to do it. I was lucky to see this Model's Flickr page the exact day when the winners of the competition were announced. It's a very good example of what NOT TO do, in Model competitions.

I have followed this lady's modeling career and then I stopped doing it, because of the ammount of situations I was informed about this person's attitude. And attitude matters, even in SL!

I'm talking about blackLiquid Tokyoska.
With an amazing avatar, this SL Model has been everywhere in SL Fashion: designers' stores, Model's competitions; photo contests; fashion shows, etc.

There are pros and cons about having a very distinctive avatar. Obviously, one of the pros is being distinctive, hence unique. Recognizable even without looking at her name. This is very important for every SL Model. Only a few have managed to have this kind of uniqueness.

A big con is that if we find the same avatar in many places, we soon get tired of it, hence the importance of changing and developing, always.

blackLiquid is one of these cases. She is one of the finalists for MVW - meaning she is finalist in a beauty pageant (beauty and style are to be considered here).
But to be a SL Model is different and modeling competitions are different from MVW.

Different in its essence. To be a finalist in a beauty pageant is all about beauty, a model's competition is about a lot of things, not based on a simple walk.
If the contest is well done, there should be several steps in the competition casting: first, a pannel of judges; then, have the judges relate to the Model, ask questions, see what she says and how she says things; another step could be styling up according to the some rules. All these may take some time, not exactly taking place in the same day.

Another thing to consider in Model's Competitions is that if a pannel of judges is present, the final results may not seem fair to all. Opinions vary, a lot! Everybody in the audience may have a favourite model, wether because he/she is a friend or if we love the styling, etc, several reasons to have a favourite. But the judges have the final word. Period!

blackLiquid joined a Model competition and didn't win. She was not in the first three. Immediately after the results, with all candidates on the catwalk, she left the stage. SL allows us to teleport, so people may 'vanish' , just like that. If this was RL, we would see a candidate walk and physically leave.

This is a terrible thing for a Model to do! If the person in question doesn't have the necessary respect for that pannel of judges, why join in the first place?
After not winning this competition, in the exact same day, blackLiquid posted a text in her Flickr account, trashing the contest, contesting the winner.

Here is the living proof of what a SL Model should NEVER do!!

blackLiquid quickly updated this text. I was lucky to to see it the day it was posted, about a week ago.

Why did she change the text of this photo?
Maybe because, in the day I saw it, there was a comment made by one of MVW organization members, carefully telling her that winning or losing is part of business(in other words). Is it possible that blackLiquid was afraid she would be out of MVW pageant with this kind of attitude? Who knows? But I can tell you, something happened here!

It's very obvious that to have a gorgeous avatar and to actually be a greceful person may not go hand in hand!
I'll be honest with you! I'd never ever hire such a Model, if I owned a SL Model Agency!

The truth is, blackLiquid may have a great avatar, but let's face it, so do many SL Models! In the end, what really counts is the ability to adapt to all circumstances, to be professional and humble, accept winning or losing with poise and grace. SL Models that are still outstanding have a positive attitude towards their career and most of all, they relate to other people with a kind manner.

I was already aware that some people in SL Modeling Industry already consider blackLiquid to be 'difficult' in terms of relashionship. This was the last drop.

All SL Models should look at this as a thing NOT TO do. She may have finished her Modeling career in SL. The best SL Model Agencies may not want to work with a person with such a personality.

What I have shown you is a fact! I'm not lying or making this up! This happened, proven here. Maybe blackLiquid made a mistake. It's a lesson not to act impetuously in the future. Every Model should learn from this.

The Art of Posing in SL and other things

2010-07-18T15:29:00.000-07:00

I do pay much attention to poses in SL Modeling.
There is a great difference between RL and SL in this aspect: Models in SL really have this handicap - they need to have poses to use on the runway.

Obviously, in RL, what they have to do is use their own body.
And that is really an art, even in RL.
No matter how controversial it may be, American's Next Top Model with Tyra Banks is a great example of this. Ladies from all over the country try their best to win. And what do we see? Many of them with gorgeous faces, beautiful bodies, they simply don't manage to win the competition.

Since it's a reality show, we get to see what happens with those ladies when they are in the house, the relationship they create with their room mates.

Some of them, really don't get it!! And yes, it's also a matter of character, personality.

But when they have photoshoots, so many things become clearer. How they place their bodies, their facial expressions, hands, legs, everything counts. It's really amazing how we can see the strength of character by looking at a photo frame.

In SL, even if this sounds strange or weird, somehow the audience really gets the same feelings. The SL Model character shines through. That's why I firmly believe that not all beautiful faces should be Models in SL.

To win a beauty pageant is one thing, to be a Model is another - I can say for sure, completely different.

Let's see things from this perspective: if we take away the personal relationships people may have with this or that SL Model, just look, observe; there are some SL Models that simply stand out!

Again, this is a matter of opinion, hence the controversy. I like to watch fashion shows with Models that, once they strut that runway, people can't take their eyes off of her/him. The Model stands out!

And posing has a lot to do with that!
Shape and skin, also.
Having a good pc too.

It's absolutely important that SL Model Agencies keep looking for the best Models. And I don't mean the 'Diva like Model'. I mean, maybe a Model that could have been unknown and sudenly has been growing up, developping, becoming a good professional. And keep being demanding. Insist on that.

Insist on good poise on the runway. Insist on walking straight. Insist on demanding professionalism. In my opinion, regarding this topic, SL Model Agencies should be extremely demanding, because the Agency represent their Models. The best the Model is, the best the Agency is.

Another aspect of a SL Model's personality is to be humble, always. Listen to what you are told and be humble.

Be humble in contests, in pageants.
The Model's attitude towards this, says a lot about the person herself/himself.

Lately, there has been a growing number of contests in SL Modeling. But if we pay attention, the best models have steady jobs - without even entering a contest. They don't need to join contests to be hired, to be selected in castings. It's a matter of attitude.

And let me tell you, there are always 'diva kind of' Models. Always.

If SL Models accept my advices, here they are:

- be humble, always. The best SL Model Agencies will not accept arrogance, disguised in several forms.

- be updated, always. Not only go shopping, but also go and find new designers, tiny shops that have great items and are simply unknown - up to the moment when any 'famous' Model finds them.

- analize your pc behaviour in laggy situations; if your pc can't keep up with lag, you have two choices: quit being a SL Model or get yourself a better pc.

- prepare, prepare, prepare; don't go to a Fashion Show without testing the clothes and a dozen (or more) poses.

- I said this before: forget about Model AOs or Model huddles on the runway. Use manual poses. They won't fail in extremely laggy situations. Models may practice with huddles at home or even practicing with your fellow Models for a show. That is one thing. When you get to the show itself, lag will be huge, that huddles won't work, won't attach, whatever. Use manual poses. And this is a lot of work , isn't it? Chosing different poses - let's say 6 or 7 poses per outfit - it's not easy. It takes hard work. Because in the end, for just one Fashion Show, you may have to select, around 21 poses or so.

That's why it's an art: all the work the goes behind a Fashion Show, sometimes clothes being delivered just 10 minutes before it starts and have poses ready for it? Not easy work. But it has to be done! That's why some SL Model succeed and others don't.

It all comes to one thing: Modeling in SL can be professional or can simply be a comfort zone. And believe me, one or the other are clearly shown on the runway, once the Model steps on it!

Look Elite Models

2010-06-20T16:17:00.000-07:00

Prepare yourselves, because I took many photos of this Fashion Show with Look Elite Models. This Model Agency has different model tags, it's their choice, fine with me.

So, I'll start showing you Look Elite Head Model's photos and no doubt, give my opinion.
When a Model Agency has a head model, that person must be untouchable!! As I remind so often, I'm not judging the person's character or personality. I'm just watching the professional side. The head model must be the BEST: the best shaped, the best model, the best styled, she MUST stand out. Let's take a look at Look Elite head model.

Laura18 Streeter

Laura18 did this entire show using the same brand of poses. Animated poses that were very fashionable a year ago, but are becoming really boring to watch now. Using them for an entire show, it's really really boring.

Here is one more of the animated poses I mentioned.

And again, in a different position of the runway.

The animated pose next, distorted the skirt completely. This outfit needed to be worked carefully, in terms of posing.

Changed outfit, but Laura18 kept the same animated poses. It became really boring.

And again.

Another outfit, the same poses. Again!

Another of those animated poses.

What can I say? This is a huge mistake a head model shouldn't do. New models will watch a fashion show like this and will look up to the head model. Really, SL Models need to be better and better and transform, change, rule the trends, or else they fade, sorry to say.

After the head model, I bring your attention to Look Elite Academy and their trainer. She was one of the models too. Again, the Model Trainer MUST be outstanding. Be different from all the rest and shine. After all, that's the person who teaches modeling techniques. Really, we have to raise up the bar and have outstanding models in these positions,in a Model Agency.

So, here is Bourbon Zenovka

I don't know why Bourbon chose the next walk during this first set. The first set of outfits was clearly casual and sexy, but this walk??? It's awful!! I can imagine again a new SL Model watch this walk on the runway and think 'Cool!'. No, it's not cool at all. It's not fashionable, it's not elegant, it's not certainly sexy. It's horrible to watch!

When she posed, next, the contrast between the next pose and that uncommon walk was appauling!!! If the Model used really different poses - out of the box, even - then, maybe, maybe that walk could be justifiable.

And there comes that walk again!!

See?

With the next set of outfits, Bourbon changed the walk, finally!! The poses could have been outstanding, but they weren't.

There is a very slight - really slight difference - between a sexy pose and a pose that goes beyond sexy and is not even elegant. A good example is the next pose.

The next pose, with this long dress is even worse.

The next one is better.

Again, I restate that I'm not a judge of character, I look always at the professional side of each runway model. I'm really appauled, because there is no reason for SL Model Agencies and Models to be just average or below average, especially when they have a 'certain' position in the Model Agency itself.

Next, let's see another Look Elite Model - Madeleine Dollinger.
Great avatar!!Good pose, very sexy, goes with the style and the outfit.

Madeleine dared to go 'out of the box' with her poses and the result was interesting to watch.

And then, there it was. The same horrible walk again!!

And the next pose with the fingers? Not good, not fashionable at all.

When Madeleine moved, really, this walk is so horrible to watch!

And here she was posing - different poses, original ones, very good!!

Here is another very cute pose, for the outfit. I liked it.

Changing outfits, Madeleine was more average, so to speak. That's what I call 'the comfort zone'. Poses were almost always the same.

Even after changing position on the runway, Madeleine did the exact same pose.

Looking now at Miaa Rebane. Miaa is an average model, as I said before. She works well on the runway, but for some reason, she doesn't stand out. In this set, her poses were very well chosen, sexy and elegant.

Changing outfit, she did good, posing.

Next pose is what I consider an amazing pose! It's stylish, elegant, classy. If it goes well with the outfit - which is the case, here - this next pose is really good.

Romantic pose, good for the dress, the colour, the hair. Good, good.

In no particular order, here is Payton Heron. Payton used one of the old walks. Some SL Models still use this walk now, after being released a couple of very good runway walks. She could have updated the walk.

Simple pose.

Very good pose for a gown, next.

Simple pose, again.

And suddenly, something happened.

Payton posed like this.

It could have been a good pose, if it were combined with other similar poses during this set. I mean, if Payton decided from the beginning to go a little 'avant garde' with poses, this one would have been good. But it showed up as abrupt and it didn't make any sense, there.

And I saved the best for last!! There was a Look Elite Model that rocked that runway. Wow, double wow, triple wow and I mean it!!
Here is Bety Dudek - a Model that I'll follow, for sure. She did an outstanding job in this show!

The way she presented herself, made me - as a potential client - want to buy the dress, the skin, the hair, everything!

Amazing face, gorgeous avatar, elegant poise.

Bety did an amazing job in this show. If she continues to style up and improve, she will surely be a model to look up to.

In the following set, the skin she chose, the eyelashes, the poise on the runway, the hair, the whole styling was simply amazing!

The photos are clear, right? Bety Dudek stood out clearly in this show. Watch out 'older' models!! She was the star!!

There was another model in this show that I considered the chance of not even mentioning. But I'll just show you a faceshot I took of her and you'll understand why I had doubts about her. It really is important in SL Model world to be good, to improve, to get better, to rule the trends. A good model is not going to wear an old skin, with a bad shape looking like this:

I'm sorry, this lady needs a bodylift and fast!! I'm not going to say her name here. This avatar should NEVER be in a fashion show. She could be in places like 'Classic With Style' but on the professional level, professional Model Agencies in SL must raise the bar, higher and higher and be demanding with their models. I can't think of a reason why this kind of avatar would be a Model in SL, a professional model in an Agency like Look Elite. Maybe I expected too much from this agency.

Anyway, moving forward, congratulations Bety Dudek. You were the star of this show! I'll show you Bety's face again. Now, compare with the previous faceshot. One is a SL professional model, the other shouldn't even be on a runway.

Solo 2 Fashion Show

2010-06-17T09:28:00.001-07:00

Solo 2 seems to be not exactly a SL Model Agency but more of a project.

In this particular show I watched, most of the SL Models were italian. Most of them, not all. And I mean italian - RL.

There is no excuse nowadays to have a Fashion Show where all the staff communicates using a very common SL communicator - dv c. Because everybody has one, even I do. I listened to all the staff communication and I bet almost all the audience did too, cause the dv c communicator is everywhere in SL Fashion. That's how I knew most of the staff was Italian, which is absolutely alright. Just calling the attention to the way the staff communicates.

It would be good to use an encrypted communicator, for the staff to talk safely.
In general, this show was okay, but there were many moments when the runway was completely empty. It could have been lag, obviously, but it can also be some disorganization backstage, because I listened to their communications.

Taking a look at the Models, some did better than others, which is natural. Let's take a look. The photos here are not in any particular order.

This is Arialee Miles

Next is a great pose, for the hat she was wearing, but the pose did something to her skirt.

Here, she kind of lost herself. I know, it's lag, but there are ways to help posing with lag.

For some reason, Arialee doesn't shine, as a Model. I'm not sure if it's her skin, combined with hair.

Maybe she needs to reshape, check her face.

This is Alii Vella, the owner of Project Solo Due.

Nothing special, as you may see. I mean, nothing outstanding. On the contrary, with the next outfit, Alii seemed very 'heavy', not well styled. I'm guessing Alii is not an experienced model.

This is Ranini Farella

I saw Ranini well, not ruthed, so I assume that this is her regular Model shape. There's something wrong with it. The poses were good, it's not easy to pose with this kind of outfit.

When I saw Ranini do the next pose, I froze!! This is not a runway pose. Models should have both feet on the ground. This is a pose for photography, not for runway. A runway Model must know this.

This is Dhalia Joubert

Dhalia did good, posing. I'd only adjust the hat a little, not to cover her face so much.

This is Ellendir Khandr

Models should pay attention to poses like the next one; somehow, the pose distorts her legs and feet.

Next pose is better, similar but a little better.

This is Genevieve Kamala

In my opinion, the previous pose is not a good one. However, the next pose is very good for a long dress.

Again, the hat needs editting not to cover her face so much.

This is Livia Mastroianni

Livia is a good runway Model. Her poses were discrete and very good for each outfit's style.

This is Leandra Breen

Very good Model. Leandra chose the poses according to the outfits she was showcasing.

Very elegant Model, as well.

I took many photos of Leandra, because she really did a great work on the runway, with several outfits.

Next is the only pose I don't like. I call these poses 'lazy'ones, because with both arms open, these poses eventually go well with any gown. I'm positive that if the Model looks for more gown poses , she will find more and avoid these open arms ones.

This is the only male Model in this show, Salvo Waydelich.

As usual, Salvo is an outstanding male Model in SL.

He can do any style, wear any outfit and look very good in them.

I know it can be easier or more difficult easier for male models, depending on the perspective; there are substantially less poses for men than for women in SL. The same with clothes. Men have a hard time finding quality clothes. I applaude the male models that go beyond that and really create a style of their own.

Solo2 Show was not good nor bad. It was okay. One thing to correct would be not to leave the runway empty so often and change the communicator. At the moemnt, SL Model Agencies know better - use an encrypted communicator.

See you all next post.

Maniera Institute of Style - Graduation Show

2010-05-25T02:56:00.001-07:00

Taking a look at another Model Academy in SL - Maniera. I watched a graduation show.

There were four trainees. In spite of some poor choice of poses, this was in general quite a good fashion show to watch. The four graduates did quite well, actually.

This is Chloe Panthar

I saw Chloe's avatar ruthed, so I won't comment on shape or attachments; however, this outfit next could have had more 'out of the box' poses. The style allowed a bit more eccentricity, but in all, the pose is quite alright.

This next pose is not so good. Doesn't seem natural at all.

With more formal attire Chloe did good chosing poses.

This is Sazzy Oh

I'd like to call your attention to the pose above. It doesn't look good with the outfit's style. A little after, Sazzy chose to use the same pose, as you'll see.
Next outfit also allows a more eccentric pose, but she kept it simple. That's good. One thing I didn't like here was the shoes. It depends, however, if the designer made a specific request. If not, these shoes weren't a good choice to style this outfit, in my opinion.

See here the repetition of the first pose.

In this set, Sazzy chose also simple poses to showcase this elaborate outfit. She did well.

Again, it's a good pose, hands out of the skirt, etc, but it could be better.

This is Lovis Timeless

This next outfit is extremely difficult to pose with. We have to agree on that.

But here, next pose was not so good. I do admit it's very hard to find good poses for this amazing outfit.

This is Shae Sixpence

Shae did good. Simple poses, for a simple and casual outfit.

And she did good again. This kind of outfit - extremely creative - is always a challenge to style and pose. I'd like to call your attention to the choice of 'shoes' here. If this was Shae's choice, awesome choice! Very well styled.

Again, take a look at her 'shoes'. Great pose, also.

This option was rather obvious. By chosing this next pose at the end of the runway, Shae chose a 'comfort zone' pose. I see this pose a lot, with gowns, in several fashion shows. She could have done better here, being more creative in this pose.

Finally, the formal outfit.

Simple, clean posing. Perfect!

I cannot rely much on my graphic card, but to be absolutely perfect - as far as I can see - Shae needs to make some adjustments to her shape. I didn't see her ruthed at all, so I assume I was seeing correctly and confirmed with my raw photos. Shae needs to reshape. If she does, she may become an excellent avatar.

Overall, being a graduation show, with only four Models, it was actually very nice to watch. Good to know that some Model Academies in SL do value quality in the training. Maniera trainees did good.

D'ior Graduation Show

2010-05-18T01:42:00.000-07:00

Model Graduation Shows can be good and entertaining, especially for more unexperienced SL Models. They should attend, if possible, even to compare Model Academies by the work presented during the graduation show. It's a good tool to learn by observing what a SL Model should or shouldn't do.

D'ior presented a Graduation Show with two model trainees, having on the runway also members of the staff, a Model and a Top Model - it was written in their tags.

You'll see ruthed avatars and for that reason I won't focus on shape or attachments. This post is all about posing. That's what I ask you all to do - take a look at the posing and how poses were used in relation to their style and outfit.

I will only refer to three names, here.
First, take a look at this first 'Model's poses. The photos shown here are not in the sequencial walk order of the graduation show. Each set is a 'model' or trainee in different poses.

Set A

The avatar is clearly ruthed but we all can see in the above photo, the two "victory fingers" on this pose. Never to be used on a runway! The next pose is good for a photoshoot, not for runway as well. Keep both feet on the ground, unless you are leaning or supported by some kind of prop.

This is the same 'model' using one of the looped animated poses, over and over.

See what I mean?

Set B
In this case, this 'model', did this the whole show. Animated looped poses, non stop. Obviously, whenever there was a transition from one pose to another, the movement was quick and not smooth.

And again

Set C

This 'model' or trainee didn't use animated poses, but all these poses don't 'sell' the designer's outfit.
Another 'model' posing in equilibrium - if we keep this real, the RL Model needed to have extra balance skills. Again, both feet are expected to be on the ground.

and again

and here an armpit pose, legs crossed in a strange position!!!

Set D

Here is another 'model' - armit pose - not good.

And here is the same 'model' wearing a long dress - or a gown, if you prefer - again with an armit pose!!!

Set E

In this case, I'm going to tell you this avatar's name, because she actually did a good job in this show, both adjusting poses well with the outfits she was wearing and styling.

amethys Inglewood
Good pose for this kind of style, simple and 'clean' pose

amethys in a gown.

As the outfit changed and so did the style, she changed to different poses and made good choices.

The poses were well put together along with the style of what she was wearing. In general, she passed a good image of herself with her work.

Set F
This is Cafee Maximus.
In this graduation show, she had a Top Model Tag. Besides that, D'ior's CEO publicly presented Cafee as being trained and shaped by herself - mariella Spitteler.

And here is the result:
Cafee chose always animated looped poses - non stop.

Here she is presenting a different style - in a gown and the same kind of poses. This is the beginning of the pose and

the pose continues

This is just an example of the show finale. Cafee right up front, not posing!! Using her ao!

I really don' have much to say, after showing you this photos.
There was no description of any of the outfits; mariella was just saying the names of the 'models' and she went way over the top when she presented Cafee Maximus as her 'masterpiece' - so to speak.

In my personal opinion, the best on the runway was amethys. Simple, 'clean' posing, adapting her style to the outfits she was wearing and consequently adapting the posing as well.

When posing, always adapt poses to the style you are wearing; there are new posemakers in SL updating poses constantly. When you find new poses, use them well, pose in a smooth way. That means practice, much practice before walking the runway. Keep trying poses, see how they bond together, if you have both feet on the ground, no armpits or tip of the toe poses. Think about elegance and style. A good SL Model is always practicing 'behind the scenes'. Some people have a great sense of poise, others need to keep working on it.

See you next post.

Good SL Model Training

2010-05-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

I 've been to several SL Fashion Shows, some of them were SL Academy graduations. Next post is about one of them.
I felt the need to address to this one in particular, because of the low standards of quality, in my opinion.

SL Model Academies can be 'good' or 'bad'; by this, I mean have quality in the training or no quality at all.

Quality SL Model training would be, in my opinion:

* Prepare a SL Model to what's coming up for him/her (in every way possible, from the difficulties of finding a good and steady job; to the money that needs to be spent by a model trainee and a SL Model; to shaping and editting attachments - runway poise - the most important for me - and a huge number of topics could go on here. )

* When it comes to poses, and runway poise, it worries me a lot. While some SL Models have clearly improved, others seem to be stuck in what I call 'the latest trends' : animated looped poses that are new; obviously, in SL this happens all the time. New designers, new styles, new poses. And this is great!

* If new poses are available in SL, the Model should practice them. Not only use them because they are new. Use them with quality on the runway. There are some animated looped poses that have been launched a couple of months ago in SL that are being used on the runways not in the best way. They can be used, of course. But well combined with other poses, to make all movements smooth.

* Right now, SL Models must be thinking - what do you mean 'smooth'? sometimes, in a huge lag fog, how can we make the moves smooth?
I know it's not easy. But, just a hint? During a SL Fashion Show, don't use model huds or aos. Never, ever. If your Model Trainer tells you to use model huds or aos during a fashion show, you have two choices: try using a model hud once in a show and next show try not to use it and see for yourself what works best.
Again, you may now be asking yourself - if I don't use a model hud or some kind of ao on the runway, what do I use?
Why not trying to use your poses manually? Nothing like trying it, right?

You'll see what I mean in my next post - I watched a SL Academy graduation show and these issues can be clearly seen.

Coming up - next!

Fashion Critique SL Continues

2010-05-06T12:08:00.000-07:00

My blog will continue until I decide to stop posting, as long as I follow Blogger's rules and T.O.S!

This is my own choice, since I do NOT allow anyone to threaten me! Let's make it clear!

I want you all to know that after my last post, I have received a threat that 'someone' has reported this blog to Blogger, being 'harmful and anonymous'.

I want you all to know this, I have the comment with the threat, but I won't publish it. By the way, the comment was left also anonymously (with a Blogger account that leads to nowhere) - so, I guess I'm not the only one anonymous, clearly!

Come on, please!! We all know Agency Report website, where I personally commented twice and someone soon started using my blog's name to instigate drama and insult other people!

The reason I'm posting this, is to inform all SL Fashion community that nobody can upset 'certain people' in SL, without severe consequences! Or so they think!

No matter how controverse my posts can be to some people, I really hope that SL Models do appreciate my comments on runway poses and editting attachments.

Please, take into consideration that this blog is non commercial (as you all can see I don't have any ads here), so I'm not after money - go figure! Nor popularity, for that matter!

Also consider that this blog does not spam. Everybody can read it or not - it's your own choice!
In no occasion have I ever used foul language, insulted anyone or instigated any kind of violence!

This is very explicit in Blogger T.O.S., namely in the content part. If you want to, you all may read Blogger TOS yourselves.

If someone wants to threaten me, be my guest! I'll just sit back, eat my popcorn and enjoy the show!

As a reminder, again I state - I only write my opinion here and in no other website. Comments here are welcome and moderated by me. I only have one condition - be polite!

And that's all ;)
See ya'll on my next post, folks!

Graduating from a Model Academy

2010-04-25T02:29:00.000-07:00

It's very rare that I comment on the way a SL Model Agency or Academy is run. It's their own prerrogative how the Agencies manage and represent their SL Models or teach future SL Models.

One of these days, by mere chance, I actually came across a Graduation Diploma from a very recent SL Model Academy, that left me uncomfortable, I must say.

Here it is, I found it in a Flickr account and removed the name of the SL Model. For this exact same reason, I don't link the image to the Flickr account. I want to focus on the Diploma itself, not the SL Model that graduated.

It's highly conceited from this SL Model Academy to highly recommend ANY graduate to represent ANY Agency in SL. It's presumptuous and self-centered.

From what I've seen, every SL Model Academy has its own way of teaching and traning a SL Model. Every Agency is different from the next one.

How can a simple Model Academy highly recommend a graduated Model to represent ANY Agency in SL , or, for that matter, ANY designer?

It's highly irregular, I must say.

If necessary, a Model Academy can rate a graduate Model; it can state that she or he graduated with honours or with an outstanding ability. But to recommend a graduate to ANY other Model Agency in SL? That's absolutely condescending.

Meaning, how can a Model Academy state that this or that particular Model is recommended to work in another Agency, that may be run with different specifications?

SL Model Academies have their names out in SL. Some are already very well known and this particular Academy in NOT one of them.

To create a Group in SL called the Best of Second Life, only means that we need to pay L$100 and, there it is!! A Group that condescends other people's work, by 'highly recommending' their trainees to ANY SL Model Agency or Designer?

It's outraging!!

So, SL Models, watch out for this kind of attitude when you look for an Academy for you! Just by looking at this diploma, we all can tell that this Academy enhances the egotistic part of a SL Model, not necessarily meaning quality, but for sure showing an attitude of 'we are the best' - which may not be true.

As always, my advice is to run away from this kind of Academy or Agency. Their actions speak for themselves. I've had access to other SL Model Academies graduation diplomas, but I don't have the images. So, if you do have your diplomas and feel good about sharing them, do so. I'll remove the SL Graduate Model's name from it and show diplomas from other SL Model Academies here.

Then, you can see for yourselves and make you own opinion about this. I'm stunned!

PS - Let's think real for a second? Imagine, RL, a College Graduate in, let's say, Physics. Does the Graduation Diploma state that the Graduate in question is 'highly recommended' to work in any Laboratory in the world? No way!! The name of the College itself is recommendation enough! Its status among its peers!! That's what counts!

I read something in a SL profile a while ago that said something like this: to be in SL is like having lots of money in RL - brings out the real personality in you. Ain't this so right?

SL Models 'must dos'

2010-02-26T03:49:00.000-08:00

Time runs fast, in SL.
Faster than in RL. It's hard to keep up with the latest trends.

Who runs the 'show'?
I mean, what must a SL Model do to be updated? Better even, how can a SL Model be a Model to follow and not a follower?

First, keep working with yourselves. It takes a lot of time to actually be different from other SL beautiful avatars. Most shapes are modifiable, this is a good start.
It's really about common sense. What can a SL Model do to be different? To be herself or himself? Skins are very common among SL Models, even male Models. Shaping it makes the difference.

Forget about the 'famous' SL Models or those who like to wear 'top model' tags. They will eventually fade away, if they don't keep updating themselves as well.

Focus on yourself. What can you do to make yourself different from the rest?

Actually, I've been wanting to write about this: there is a sensible difference in SL between High Fashion Models and regular Models.
I can feel this when I watch the catwalks. There is a kind of 'european' look that is very rare in SL. I clearly saw this when I watched Avenue's Modern Gypsy Fashion Show.

All the SL Models were very styled, very tall, thin and 'european like', so to speak.
It was probably the only Fashion Shows I watched in SL that looked like a RL Fashion.
High Fashion, high style, detailed. It looked like a real collection. I have photos of the Show, but I've been paying attention to several Flickr accounts and the snapshots there are more accurate than mine.

As I mentioned several times, the Designers' creativity helps. A lot! Plus a group of impeccable SL Models, all styled the same. It was a sight for sore eyes!

What does this have to do with the 'must dos' for SL Models? In this case, what I saw was a very 'smooth' Fashion Show, which means that there was a lot of work backstage, I'm sure! A very professional team working together: SL Models, Designer, the Model Agency, the text announcer, the music on the runway. Everything was connected.
Everybody on the audience was focused on the Designer's outfits, It was a real collection!

Another 'must do': find the best Model Agencies in SL. It doesn't matter if a SL Model is represented by 10 Agencies, if none is outstanding!

This may take time, training. Another 'must do': patience. It goes along with professionalism: if a SL Model tries to get into as many Model Agencies as possible, what happens when you find yourselves not working , dealing with unprofessional teams?

Eventually, some SL Models are out of work!
How can this be, if you are represented by several SL Model Agencies? Still no work?
Think real! Think quality!

Some SL Models prefer to 'climb up' the fast way of contests. Watch out, because right now, there are so many contests that nobody really cares who won. Not to mention the voting contests!

Again, think real! think quality!
Improve yourselves all the time.
A 'good' look is your own look. Work with that. Rule the trends!

From what I've been, soon every SL Model will be wearing a certain brand of jewelry, because some 'famous' SL Models are wearing it. Make a difference. Don't do it! The same with hair. Mimmi Boa ruled the trends! She did! Every SL Model started to wear the same hair brand - don't do it!

This is the most important 'must do': find your own shape, work on it constantly! Don't follow anyone. Rule the trends! Be impeccable in your own style.

What can you do - as a SL Model - with a freebie shape? Do you know how to make your own shape? Do it!
This is the best thing about SL, you can recreate yourself! Do it!

New York Fashion Week #1

2010-02-23T23:34:00.000-08:00

I had the chance to see some of the NYFW Shows with Image Models. Some Shows were more pleasant than others.

I particularly remember one of the Shows, that showcased lingerie.
To model lingerie may be one of the most difficult things, both in RL and in SL. If the Model isn't physically elegant, it all may be ruined: what I mean is that high fashion lingerie is always elegant. If not showcased properly, the Model and the underwear may look 'ordinary' and 'slutty'.

There are so many things to consider: the SL Model must find the best skin ( most of the body is shown), the best shape, the best hair, and - this is a must - the best shoes.

And here, I'm talking about classic lingerie. Let's see some of the raw photos I took.

This is Tonya Coppola

Tonya has what I call 'Mimmi Boa's look'. This skin and shape is very common in SL Models. I honestly don't know why. It's a matter of just observing and many SL Models look like Mimmi (when she was MVW).
In the overall catwalk, Tonya was regular.

Again, since this was a lingerie Fashion Show, poses have to be carefully selected. The next pose twisted the model's body. Not good.

This is Anabela Ravinelli

Anabela is a SL Model that has been on the runways for some time. Personally, I don't like her shape and the skin choice was poor. She did well with posing, though.

Also the hair could be better. Lingerie is really hard to showcase, in an elegant way.

This is Annabelle Fleury

Annabelle was the most professional SL Model on the runway. She is also one of SL Models that has been working for quite some time. I expected more though.

Poses!! Poses!! This pose was not a good choice! The next one ruined the negligé's skirt.

Speaking of poses, this is Tia Ryba.

Quite a pleasant avatar, as we can see.

Change of skins, eye colour.

And then, posing was simply terrible!!
What kind of pose is this?

And this one?

And she did it again! These poses aren't good for lingerie. Hands too far apart from the body, head looks weird.

Tia was the worst SL Model in this Show. It was clear that she was trying so hard to be different, that she messed up. It's almost as if we could feel her thoughts: let's show them new poses, no matter what poses, even if they made the outfit look bad, as long as they were animated and different. Not a SL Model to hire if the Designer and the Model Agency want elegance.

But, now that I think of it, Tia Ryba has her own Model Agency! Oh well! I'll say no0 more.

Opium Models - Metaverse Reloaded Fashion Show

2010-02-14T10:33:00.000-08:00

This was a great Fashiom Show! Rather long, actually, but worth the while!

As I have already mentioned here before, when the Designers are extremely creative, this is what the audience gets: more focus on the outfits, skins and less on the SL Models.
Hence, I removed the Models' names.
If you couldn't watch this Show, just take a look. The set was great too.

Now, the SL Models here had the change to really go out of the box with posing. Some of them decided to stay in their 'comfort zone', others really stood out in creating a 'persona' with the outfits and skins they were given.

You'll see that some SL Models are smiling. Anyway, since I don't know if it's my viewer or not, I just mention it the way I saw it.

The 'old' Models and the 'new' ones

2010-02-11T09:23:00.001-08:00

I started paying attention to SL Models and the Fashion Industry, quite a while ago.
I do remember the time when Miss Virtual World (2008) was Isabel Brocco and I also remember the big boost when Mimmi Boa was elected MVW 2009.
Mui Mujerki was also considered the Best Female Avatar back then. These three SL Models are still walking the runways.
Besides the beauty pageants, I do remember well when just the name Mimmi Boa would attract people to Fashion Shows.

In SL, these three Models, could be considered 'old', being however consistently good as runway Models.

After MVW 2009, we all watched many SL Models trying to 'look like' Mimmi Boa. Actually, she was one of the avatars we would (at least I did) identify at a distance, not even looking at her name.

However, no one has even tried to 'look like' Mui Mujerki. It's close to impossible! Nor Isabel Brocco, fo that matter.

They are part - and always will be - of the 'rising beauty' empire in SL.

Every time I watch a Fashion Show where I can see Mui Mujerki or Isabel Brocco, these two SL Models are absolutely discrete. No fireworks when they walk on the runway with their usual elegance and poise. I don't hear the audience screaming their names, as they do with Mimmi, even nowadays.

These ladies are part of what I call 'the old school' in SL, regarding Modeling. They obviously learned how to be a SL Model by themselves, because at that time, there weren't SL Model Academies to learn from.

These days, we have the 'new school' of SL Models. The new MVW - Miaa Rebane is going through the same process as Isabel Brocco, in terms of popularity. She may walk on the runway, but I don't hear the audience screaming her name, with the same proportion as people did with Mimmi. People do scream her name, but I saw Miaa walk and she wasn't that good, actually.

Talking about Fashion Industry in SL. I'm really glad to see that Beauty Pageants are now less important to SL Models. Maybe a couple of Models that need attention do apply to Beauty Pageants of any kind.

I still say that the best SL Models are the ones that are discrete, they work the runway with a certain poise that is clearly distictive. It does take time for an avatar in SL to be good at this. It takes time to prepare and work on their shapes, skins, to create their own identity. It's hard in SL, a place that allows us all to recreate ourselves - again, I have mentioned this a lot and keep repeating this: a beautiful avatar doesn't mean a good SL Model; female or male. It does help though, when we have beauty and good poise at the same time.

Every day in SL , a couple of dozens of Models are popping up. New names [ in some cases, the pbk is the same, which means new name, alternative account]; new SL Model Agencies; new SL Model Academies that offer training at low cost.

Looking back, the SL Fashion Industry is now more focused (I'm glad to notice this) in chosing the best SL Model for a certain designer's brand. Not necessarily always the same Model or the most popular. With the increased number of SL Models, quality is now more important than ever.

Not necessarily poularity, but quality - and these two may not go hand in hand. It's becoming easier and easier for some SL Models to be good. I'm afraid I have to say that the best SL Models I've seen out there are names that go back to 2008. They have the experience, the knowledge, the poise and a certain maturity that stands out. For that, there is no need to be popular, but to be good on the runway.

I'll show you next a very good Fashion Show I watched, took my usual rough photos. I'll remove the names of the SL Models again. You may be the judges yourselves.
Again, in this Fashion Show what was really important were the designers, not the SL Models. That's how I watched it. You may see if on the next post.
As usual, I'm around ;0)

BeStar Models - Lhuminal Fashion Show

2010-02-02T11:08:00.000-08:00

Taking a look at BeStar Models.

This Fashion Show was quite good. The focus was on the outfits and skins, rather than the SL Models, which unfortunately we see often in SL.

If I remove the names of the SL Models, you'll see what I mean. Each set of photos belongs to the same SL Model.

Set 1
In this set, the SL Model could have been a little more 'out of the box' , in relation to the poses. This Fashion Show was all about urban, underground, grunge style; the theme itself allowed bolder poses; bolder and still stylish.

Set 2
Again, we can see rather 'simple' runway poses. I remind that also the skins were showcased here.

Set 3

Set 4

Set 5

Set 6

This was the SL Model that stood out, by being the 'less comfortable' on the runway. The next two photos show the exact same pose, just changing the side. She appeared to have much more lag than the others.

No need to mention this horrible armpit pose, next. But I mention it anyway.

Set 7

Set 8

In general, the most positive aspect of this Fashion Show was the focus on the designers, as it should always be.
I'm guessing that by showcasing skins, the SL Model changing his/her usual look, it gets the audience to focus on the outfit itself.

What remains, then? The general Show. All our attention goes to the Show itself, the feeling we got from it, was it active and dynamic? How was the routine? Was it appealing? Will we run to the stores to get those outfits, or at least to take a look?

As a client, I was curious to see some of those skins, although I didn't go shopping after the Show. SL Fashion Industry really needs to get the focus right. The SL designers are the most important, not the SL Models.

Once the Show gets the public attention to the creativity (or lack of it) of the designer, the goal was achieved! Let's not forget that a model is a mannequin - a body that holds thousands of possibilities, creatively speaking. That's why being a pretty doll , as a Model (SL or RL) really doesn't matter. [it matters if the SL Model emphazises beauty pageants].

What really matters - and this is extremely difficult in SL - is to be able to tell immediately who that avatar is, without seeing his/her name above the head. This is extremely rare, in SL. That's why I took the names out, in the beginning.

In general, this show was good; it could have been outstanding if all creativity was used, regarding poses and even the SL Models walk or routine. It just needed a little more dynamics and really go out of the usual 'comfort zone'.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The SL Models were:
Set1 - Dahlia Joubert
Set 2 - Lilly25 Connolly
Set 3- Mimmi Boa
Set 4- Payton Heron
Set 5- Phillip Dollinger
Set 6- Tayra Dagostino
Set 7- Tesan Lane
Set 8- Veronica Krasner

MWC - A Slave For You Fashion Show

2010-01-25T01:36:00.000-08:00

Warning: Some of the following photos include partial nudity. Be aware of that when you watch this post.

Here is a Fashion Show by MWC - Models With Curves. The theme: A Slave For You. It's natural you will find partial nudity.

Again, I look mostly at SL Models's poise. The way they chose poses, walks, according to the theme of the Fashion Show. It's more than obvious that some more extreme poses should be used in a Show like this. Let's see if MWC Models really were up to this challenge.

I will not post here some MWC Models' photos, because really, everybody in SL Fashion Industry should raise the bar! So, you'll see only some of the Models in this show.

Melancholia Roux

The reason why I included this SL Model's photo here is the next pose. Why did Melancholia choose a pose that was clearly created to hold something on the right hand - a purse, an umbrella? SL Models must consider this, all the time.

Rosy Moonites

There is something wrong with Rosy's shape. Just take a look at the next photo, taken from the back. Working constantly with the shape is also something a SL Model must do all the time.

blackLiquid Tokyoska
Something that blackLiquid has in her favour is her avatar. It's unique in SL. It's clear that she spends a lot of time working on her shape. She looks excellent, imponent. That makes us look at her and catches our attention - in this particular show it wasn't really difficult , because the other SL Models were really below average.

Looking at her face.

But, (there is always a but) her poses could be better chosen. This SL Model may rely too much on her beautiful avatar and may be 'lazy' when it comes to chose poses. Working in laggy places, like SL Models do, they need to be careful with what they are wearing (ao's, huds, walks, etc), because if they don't do the 'homework' this kind of thing may happen: a great avatar like blackLiquid can end up using this (in)famous 'sexy walk'. I hate to see it on a catwalk.

There were more SL Models in this Fashion Show. I will not publish any word or photo of them, because their performance was really bad. From shaping, to styling, to poses (and I'm taking into consideration lag, of course) that I would be lowering the bar too much.

I hope blackLiquid improves herself as a SL Model. In her profile, she mentions she is (or was) a RL Model. So, she should be much better in performance. But to be a RL Model (if that's true - we will never know) doesn't mean to be SL proficient or efficient. And that's what I talk about here: how do SL Models keep quality that can be somehow 'compared' with RL, with the SL tools they have? I guess this is easy for some and extremely difficult for others.
The question arises again: if some SL Models are really good with the tools they are given, why aren't others, that have the possibility to use the same tools and work on them, personalize them and most of all - master them.

I was paying attention to this particular SL Model - blackLiquid. I'm getting more and more disappointed with her. You'll see why on my next post.

How do SL Models 'earn' popularity?

2009-12-19T06:24:00.000-08:00

I have opened moderated comments here. One of the comments I have received is from a SL Model that thinks she is 'popular'.

Very well, then. From now on, I'll refrain from posting any photos of any SL Model that has this kind of attitude. Yes, I will not 'publicize' ladies that believe that winning SL Beauty Pageants or a few SL Photo Contests, will suddenly 'transform' them into 'Queens of Absolutely Nothing'.

Popularity is not the same as being a good professional in whatever we do. Beauty Pageants do not make a good SL Model. There has been a great misunderstanding regarding this in SL.

Again, popularity is like respect. Must be earned.
Most of the best SL Models I have seen on the runway are absolutely discrete about their activities. They just walk the runway with style and elegance. And that is something you just have or you don't.
Elegance and style include personality, even in a metaverse world such as SL.

By the way, I was paying attention to Modavia Autumn Casting. I'll post here the names of the chosen SL Models soon.

Kabuki Naughty and Nice Fashion Show

2009-12-19T06:04:00.000-08:00

This was a well produced Fashion Show. The set was beautiful. This photo I took doesn't really show the beautiful set. It can give you an idea, if you missed it.

I took lots of snapshots, but for this show, I'll just show you a SL Model that really was fierce and outstanding. I don't think I have seen her before. She caught my attention from the beginning. She may be a SL Model to follow up and see what happens to her.

Let's see her.

blackLiquid Tokyoska

With an amazing image and unique style, blackLiquid really caught people's attention in this Show, even though there were other SL Models that have more 'popularity' in SL. Again, I really hope she keeps progressing as a SL Model with a humble attitude.

I caught her with a not do good pose , next. The hood covered her face.

In general, this was a great Fashion Show to watch, very well produced and an outstanding SL Model. She has my attention ;)

There is a Winter Fashion Week going on in SL

2009-12-19T05:27:00.000-08:00

I managed to take a look at Eccentric Fashion Show.
These Shows are relatively simple, one SL Designer each day. Here are the SL Models in this Show.

This is Elyana Carver

Elyana showed some issues with her poses. What I mean is that there are so many pose makers in SL that there is no reason for a SL Model to keep making mistakes like armpit poses (out of a 'dramatic' production Fashion Show) or the usual hands inside primmed skirts. Poses need to be practiced, like shaping and chosing a good skin.

I caught Elyana with a smile, on the runway. It can be lag, or not.

This is Koffie Juniper

Besides the ruthed shape, which is a very common SL issue with lag (I know that) , I just want to show you Koffie's poses. And I will say no more ... just watch.

When Koffie changed outfit, think as if you were a SL Designer. Do these poses inspire you to buy this outfit?

Let's take a look at Lileaka Magic

Among the other SL Models , she did relatively well. In such a simple show, I'm sure there were mode poses to choose.

This is QueenBrat Bracket

The same SL issue, ruthed avatar. Again, looking only at the poses. QueenBrat had severe problems standing. Even with lag ( and it was laggy) we can tell that homework wasn't done, here.

This is Sazzy Oh

Sazzy chose the same pose, over and over again, with several outfits.

And finally, when she changed to a different pose, she chose a back pose, covering her face completely.

As I mentioned before, this was a simple Fashion Show, with some basic mistakes, related to poise and poses. Lileaka Magic was the SL Model that was ok, but still not outstanding.

Agency Report

2009-11-26T07:22:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine warned me that someone was using the name of my blog in the Agency Report website, making believe it's me.

Unfortunately it was true. It is not me!

I left a comment there. In fact, I left in general maybe 2 comments.
There are quite a few, written with the name of this blog, which is not my blogger ID.

From now on, I'm opening moderated comments here.

I do not have any personal interest in offending any SL Model. I observe.
I realized that there are some "mistakes" I have pointed out that are due to SL issues, lag, glitches, etc.

However, I will continue to observe. Many issues, concerning professional attitudes of SL Models, come to my attention. Most of those I don't mention here. Others that I consider extreme, I do.

My bloggerID is Fifth Avenue, which I chose you all know why - one the most famous Fashion Avenues in the world, in Manhattan, New York.

Please, disregard any comment in AR coming supposedly from me.
Actually, if we think about it, a blog like this is not a SL Model Agency, so it shouldn't even be in AR.

I will accept and post polite comments; delete all rude or dramatic situations.
I don't have any intention, as I mentioned so many times here, of being a character critique. I may make a comment about professional attitudes that I know of. And believe me, I know a lot of situations that would increase the dramatic situations some of the Models (unfortunatelly in RL too) in SL love to display.

Every SL Model, experienced or not, should go to as many Fashion Shows as possible and see, behind frindship or loyalty, would I hire that particular SL Model if I were a Model Agency CEO? That is the question I ask all the time, when I watch a SL Fashion Show.

Let's talk about it. Moderated comments are possible from now on. Be polite.
Again, I remind that only here I make my coments of what I see and my opinion about SL Fashion Industry. Not anywhere else.

I'll be around, as always ;)

Modavia Fashion Week - Last Day

2009-11-03T03:47:00.000-08:00

I had forgotten that I have in my archive some of the last day's Modavia Fashion Week Shows' photos.
In each Fashion Show, only three SL Models were on the catwalk, if I remember correctly. You will see photos of Modavia Models mixed, in no particular order, mixing the Shows too.

Just a good example of some of the best SL Models poise on the runway (and some of the, let's say, not so good Models).
Considering that Modavia is a Model Agency that has a strict casting for their Models, well, let's take a look at their Models.

This is Anessa Stine

Very "clean" and simple. Anessa is a good example of a Professional SL Model with a good attitude.

Great poise. Styles differently and well.

Let's take a look at Anessa's SL profile.
Simple profile, no "diva" attitudes. The Models' profiles tell their story and show what they are after in SL.Clean profile. Anessa gets personal in her picks. No reference to any training.

This is Barbarella Fuosing

Regular SL Model. Good choice of poses through the Show.

Barbarella's profile
Barbarella defines herself as a "supermodel" in her profile and she's back to modeling, after retiring. No model training mentioned.

This is Kay Fairey
Kay is one of the best SL Models, ever. She has poise, she has personality and character on the runway. Never goes unnoticed. Great work done on the runway! Outstanding!

Let's take a look at Kay's SL profile.
No model training mentioned. Kay's profile is all related to SL Fashion. No "diva" attitudes in her profile.

This is Mavi Beck
Regular SL Model in this Show. Since we're taking our stardards up high, being Modavia a very strict Model Agency. Mavi, here, was regular.

Mavi's SL profile

In her picks, she tells potential clients, to drop her a "notecar" (yes, there is a d missing) for modeling offers!! Only in SL would a Fashion client ask a Model "please, can I see your resume? I want to hire you!". This kind of attitude amazes me!

This is Payton Heron
Payton is a very versatile SL Model. She can adapt easily. Again, we are setting the standards higher, here. She did very good in this Show.

Payton's SL profile

She has quite a professional SL Model Profile. No training mentioned.

This is Poptart Lilliehook
Poptart is, like Kay Fairey, one of the best SL Models. Absolutely "clean"; no mistakes on the runway. Outstanding and very chic and fashionable!

Just kook at her face! Poptart has a unique look. No SL Model can copy such a personal look. Extremely well shaped and styled!

Looking at Poptart's SL profile
So far, the most professional SL profile I checked, regarding Fashion! No "diva" sayings, no contests won or beauty pageants to refer to. Excellent!

This is Risa Bright
Risa was below average in Fashion Shows like these. Not to mention the lack of poise and general fashionable style and shaping.

When I saw this pose in a SL professional Model I almost fell from the chair! Armpits in a gown like this???

Let's see Risa's SL Model profile

Her front page profile is not "styled"for a High Fashion SL Model. Her photo is kind of childish and not styled. No training mentioned. Just compare this profile with Poptart's.

This is Tiffany Dragonash

Tiffany is a versatile SL Model. She can walk the runway with several styles. However, when wearing formal, she could be a bit more styled.

Cheching Tiffany's SL Model profile

Quite good profile. Personally, I wouldn't mention beauty pageants, though, or any kind of contests won. They are no certificate for a good SL Model. A Model is not just a pretty face.

This is Wenadrenia Soderstrom

About Wenadrenia, I don't really know what to say. Just by looking at these three raw photos, we can see that there is something wrong about her shape (I'm not telling what, but I know what it is) . The use of the same old Glance skins make her look a lot like so many other avatars in SL. Wenadrenia is not "chic", not fashionable. Maybe good as a "catalogue Model". On the runway, she wore heel sounds in her shoes. Her poses were too dramatic and not elegant at all.

She looks like the girl next door. Not a Professional SL Model! She can move on the catwalk; in fact, she moves too much to show the new "poses" she has found. Even if they are not appropriate for the Show or outfit.

Here, with this hair, her shaping problem is clearer. Not fashionable and chic at all.

It has come to my knowledge, by reliable sources, that Wenadrenia dares to demand certain outfits when she is casted for a Fashion Show. If the Agency doesn't give her what she demands, she threatens to leave and not be in the Show. What an attitude!! I so wish this was RL, so that this kind of Models knew what Fashion World is all about!Wenadrenia brings a bad name to all SL professional Models.

Let's see her SL profile
As you see, she has so many Agencies she works for!! Why don't I see her more often in Fashion Shows? She mentions a beauty pageant in SL, in her profile. I guess that's her Glance skin and her pretty face that led her to a contest like this. Again, this does not make a good SL Model. No Model training is mentioned.

I loved the three Shows that Modavia provided us, in their Fashion Week. As I said, excellent professional SL Models worked well, and some didn't.
That's life! Even the Second ;)