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
[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.
Another Model some of you identified is Mimmi Boa. Model#10
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
Very distinctive, too.
Just compare Glitter's skin with Mavi's in last year MVW pageant. Notice anything similar?
Model #14 - Harlee Lane
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.
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
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.
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:
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
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.
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
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.
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?
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#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
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
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.
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
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 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
Next model's poses are a great example for new SL models to know what NOT TO do , ever!!
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.
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 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 KurkaI'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 Cortes13 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 BoomhauerWhat 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.
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.
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