GOT POP? - a model’s view on the top 50 couture designers in SL

Posted on August 5th, 2008 in Modavia Supermodels, Poptart Lilliehook, Second Life Fashion, Second Life Model, Second Life Modeling by Poptart Lilliehook

Modavia Supermodel - Poptart Lilliehook

 When I first took up my role of V.P. Fashion at Modavia, Dea’s first job for me was to pull together a shortlist of the best couture designers in SL. She gave me about 8 names of her favourite designers to get started with to which I added my own favourites. Next stop was the other 35 supermodels, each contributing their own favourite designer’s name to my list. I then spent the next few months going to every couture show/event and happening I could to try to gather enough nominations from the amassed fashionistas to be able to come to an opinion on the best of the best in SL. I readily concede that, during those 2 months, I was guilty of more indiscrete right clicking on, and scrutinising of, other people’s garments than any other avatar in SL. If you got the feeling that someone was watching you at Miss Universe pageant or at a kMAD show or at the Ewing Fashion Awards, or the ever-popular BOSL events, or pretty much just walking down the street… you were probably right. My thinking was that people vote with their feet (and their Lindens) so if they’re wearing it to a special occassion, then they must like it. My column in the inaugral edition of the Modavia Fashion Directory reflected the final list I settled on after many happy hours of looking, talking, shopping and wearing. My personal take, liberally informed by fashionable colleagues, on the Top 50 Couture Designers in SL.

There are so many fine designers in SL though who we know we might have overlooked or who do one or two things very well but who don’t yet have the breadth of collection to make it into the current Top 50. Our continued quest to honour the designers of SL who bring the finest of creativity and beauty to our SL wardrobes will play out through the year as we seek to add to, and further refine, our existing list - building to a Top 100 of designers by our first anniversary edition of the directory next year.

To this end, my blog site here GOT POP? (htp://www.i.getmodavia.com) will call each month for suggestions in a given category of fashion, say formal shoes, or men’s casual. Suggestions will be judged by our Fashion Review Board made up of Modavia Supermodels and invited guest judges. This is not just another vacuous contest - we earnestly believe that our reviews will act as a buying guide for all SL residents - steering people towards those designers who are truly striving for excellence. Please write to me and tell me about your favourite designer - and in particular, any exciting new talent on the grid that we can showcase. So here goes… these brands got the top votes in my personal straw poll.

  1. Armidi
  2. Baiastice
  3. BiancaF
  4. Bijou
  5. Black Moon Haute Couture
  6. Bolero Collection
  7. Cachet
  8. Callie Cline
  9. Casa del Shai
  10. Cubic Effect
  11. Dare 2 Bite
  12. Designing Nicky Ree
  13. Digit Darkes
  14. Eros Fashions
  15. Freda’s Fine Fashion
  16. Frozen Turquoise Valentine
  17. Haute Style & Co
  18. House of Nyla
  19. House of Rfyre
  20. Icing
  21. Indyra Originals
  22. Innovations
  23. Ivalde
  24. Jador
  25. Jaywalk
  26. Kunglers Fashion Design
  27. Lady Thera
  28. LeeZu Baxter Designs
  29. Maitreya
  30. Mimikri Hot Couture
  31. Minx Shoe Designs
  32. Muism
  33. Nonna Hedges
  34. Paper Couture
  35. Patrizia Blessed Collection
  36. Redgrave
  37. Sartoria Italiana
  38. Serene Sensations
  39. Sherry Yates Fashion
  40. Shiny Things
  41. Simone! Design
  42. Stiletto Moody Shoes
  43. Storm Schmooz
  44. Sven Olbers
  45. SWS Design
  46. The Zoo
  47. Tres Jolie
  48. VictoriaV Fashion
  49. Vindi Vindaloo
  50. Zhao Shoes

Poptart Lilliehook, Vice President of Fashion
Modavia Fashion Marketing

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Wynter Kidd in White

Okay, I have to confess…I have not been in Second Life as much as I have should be…lol.  Silly ole Real life!!  I was hitting one of my favorite stores…Icing.  Planning on doing a blog post with something from her line, however, while on the Mischief Cove…I noticed a new store to me.  If you have never been to Mischeif Cove you are missing out..such a quaint little piece of shops and a beautiful landscape and design.  Great to go there with a friend to sit and chat and then shop!  Okay..anyways, the store.  It is called Haute Style and Co.   I know what most of you are thinking, where the hell have you been Wynter???  I know right!  Uggh…it is so bad.  I am so out of the loop.  This store is so cute, I love her stuff.  I could of bought it all!  Seriously….I could of.  I decided to focus on one outfit today.  I hate wearing white in rl, but thank goodness I have a bought tan in SL, I look GREAT in white.  I love her textures and her outfits that she puts together and edgy and stylish.  I could easlily wear her items to a day of shopping, a fashion show, or on an evening out.  Her items look easy to mix and match to which I love.  Okay…enough talking…here is the pic.  I wish I was a better photographer…I don’t think I do it justice…but here you go..take a look.

modavia-blog_001.jpg

Top and Skirt-HSC Amy

Jewerly-PERSONA Black Pearl Drop Earrings and Necklace

Shoes-Maitreya ChiChi Velvet Black

Skin-Redgrave 06 Beyonce

Eyes-MADesigns SOUL Green 1

Hair-Aden Edie Black

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One Foot Foward

Posted on July 31st, 2008 in EmilyC Carnell, Modavia Supermodels by EmilyC Carnell

Because the last blog entry was written weeks ago, I decided that it may as well be time for an update.  And who’s better to update the blog than I am?  LOL.  I’m only kidding–don’t hit me!  It’s 4:00AM, my time, eastern USA, so if you find typos, know that I’ve made them when I was weak-minded. 

What am I still doing up at 4:00AM, you ask.  Well, I was shopping, asking Dea millions of questions, and trying to figure out which hair demos fit me best at Minnu.  Tonight was my first time trying on the new Minnu skins that were released weeks ago.  And I must say that they’re not as bad as many people have told me they are.  The Gen 2 skin collection, with the shiny, glimmering lips, still remains my favorite skins ever created by Minnu–I was saddened that Minnu retired the collection.  The Minnu Zero skins have much of the same shadings as the controversial Gen 4 collection, a collection that became the topic of many accusive and, perhaps, slanderous blogs.  In a recent interview with Minnu in the Best of SL magazine, Minnu has finally revealed her side of the story–that she has never been sued and that pulling both Gen 2 and Gen 4 was her decision and not due to a legal reasons.  Why has Minnu become the attack of blogs when it is obvious that so many other designers, perhaps, do the same thing as Minnu has–used sources from RL 3rd sites in the creation of their own skins?  A blog has compared the images of both her skins and the supposedly original skin that it claimed Minnu stole; perhaps the evidence was there for hers and not for the others.  But contrary to blog accusations, Minnu did not steal the file template-she used certain parts of the template in the creation of her skins.  It’s kind of hard to explain to anyone without the slightest idea of how skins could be created, but if you check out Minnu’s own blog, you’ll be able to find a statement by her own attorney.

When Minnu retracted her Gen 2 and Gen 4 after weeks of accusations and pressure from blogs and closed her store for the launch of her Zero skins, I had thought that, perhaps, Redgrave has already become the sensation that Minnu had once been.  In terms of popularity, has Redgrave skins become the new Minnu?  In my opinion, yes.  Redgrave has become very mainstream–I see a lot of people wearing them–even some Modavia models.  Redgrave skins have stronger, darker and more pixelate and radiant details than Minnu skins.  The shadings in Redgrave skins, especially in the face, are mostly done with lighting–so some of the Redgrave skin, when looked from afar, seem as if they are discolored from the face.  In terms of body details, I think Redgrave ties with Naughty Designs.  Redgrave skins are also less expensive, though not by much, than other leading brand name skins.  I still believe, however, that Minnu skins are best for modeling–the details are there and evident, yet they’re subtle and striking.  The tone and shading of Minnu skins seem more appropriate for photography to me.  There may be a lot of critics, but in my opinion, Minnu knows how to translate RL high fashion into SL.  She knows high fashion–and you can see this in her photography, in her magazine and profile picture.  But will people ever “forgive” Minnu in order to fully support and appreciate her work?  I don’t know.  I, too, like everyone else, believed half of everything blogs fed me, but what’s theft when the creations in question weren’t actually stolen?  What’s theft when it hasn’t been proven?  Why, as asked by Minnu herself, are people so eager to condemn without clear and distinct evidence, without hearing both sides of the story?  

I had intended to visit Minnu when it had first reopened with the Zero line, but was bogged down by my preparation for the fashion show and after party that I was planning to celebrate the official launch of our new shapes at Beautify, Inc.  The fashion show was the first show that I had ever produced with my business partner.  We virtually started from scratch, with the information we knew from our own experience with modeling.  There were a lot of sleepless nights, mostly due to the deadline and many last minute decisions, such as moving to a new sim, building a venue, etc.  We had less than a week to pull off the show because it had taken us longer than we thought to secure a designer, especially during and after the 4th of July weekend.  We moved at the last minute due to drama with our neighboring stores.  I never expected so many obstacles to overcome in the production of the show.  The funny thing is that it was a two women show-my business partner and I were both able to pull off the show on our own, with little to no help from anyone else.  Hard work and a miracle.

For a first show, the show went relatively well, even if there were heckling from people next door.  The fashion show had conflicted with a neighboring launch party; while I had informed the owner next door about the shouting of our announcer days before the show, the warning seemed to have eluded her guests.  Drama aside, we had a good turn-out and slide-show pictures of the show and after party with DJ AZU can be found at the following link: http://flickr.com/photos/tillie/sets/72157606135354250/show/

The fashion expo featured shapes by Beautify and featured fashions by Amanda Bolero of the Bolero Collection, Avagardner and Barbra Kungler of Kunglers Designs, and Forda Fairlane and Moxie Polano of Haute Couture & Style.  All the designers were chosen for a reason-the quality and creativity of their designs spoke to us.

Okay, I’m finished with my rant?  Bored?  I thought so.  At least I was entertained. :-D

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Hello again everyone:) Today.. MM skins:)

Posted on July 7th, 2008 in Barbarella Fuosing by Barbarella Fuosing

It has been sometime since I posted.

I was.. and still am in a quandry over MMskins.. I was not sure if it would be ethically correct to buy after the recent events. However, with trepidation I went to the store and picked up the demos. To be honest I expected to hate the skins. Ever since Gen 3 I have not been a lover of MMskins.

Are the skins great? Well if I am honest - no. They are good… and I love the makeups for modelling. The lips are good. The nose is pretty average. The ass (always important, lol) is good. What I find them lacking is detail. Compare them to the latest Redgrave skins and they fail.. but not many skins do compare very favourably Redgrave IMO.

Each skin gives 3 versions.. with different coloured eyebrows. I like the blonde eyebrows - they are different and give an entirely different look to the face.

Recently I have been using the Redgrave latest skins - which I adore. I have always liked Redgrave skins, but even the pale ones have not been light enough for me. Thankfully, the latest ones are. I will continue to wear the Redgrave and RAC for everyday use (and modelling) but I do hope to be able to use the MMzero skins for catwalk shows.

In case these do not show here is a link to my flikr where you can see more of the skins:)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22533403@N05/

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Modavia SuperModels in Runway’s Bridal Revue

Posted on June 20th, 2008 in Giela Delpaso, Payton Heron, Poptart Lilliehook by Belle Lefavre

Modavia would like to congratulate several of our Modavia SuperModels who were asked to participate in RUNWAY Magazine’s 2008 Bridal Revue.

RUNWAY Bridal Revue

RUNWAY Bridal Revue

RUNWAY’s Bridal Review - the Bridal event of the year - will be held this Saturday, June 21, 2008, at 5 pm SLT. The show will feature 19 of the top SL models including Modavia SuperModels: Summer Deadlight, Cherie Parker, Giela Delpaso, Ally Geer, Poptart Lilliehook and Payton Heron!

The show will include bridal designs from Jessie Jensen, Kimmera Madison, Lapointe & Bastchild, LeeZu Baxter Designs, Lillee Rochefort, Madison Winthorpe, Miko Omegamu, Nonna Hedges, Pinkdiamond Peel, Sascha Frangilli, Sissy Pessoa, Styles of Edo, VictoriaV McMillan, and Vindi Vindaloo, as well as shoes, hair and accessories by Enkythings, Tigerlily Koi, Petal Meg, and Zhao Shoes.

Come early to make sure you get in! Landmark is here.

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Modavia is Thrilled to Welcome Ally Geer and Elysium Eilde

Posted on June 14th, 2008 in Modavia Supermodels by Belle Lefavre

For Release: June 10, 2008
Contacts: Belle Lefavre
Vice President of Public Relations, Modavia
BelleLefavre@gmail.com
Release also available at http://www.i.getmodavia.com/

Modavia is Thrilled to Welcome Ally Geer and Elysium Eilde

Second Life….June 14, 2008…. Modavia is thrilled to welcome two new members to our fashion family. Ms. Ally Geer, sister to models everywhere, has accepted the position as Vice-President of Models with Modavia. In addition, Elysium Eilde of Second Look Studios has also afreed to shoot a significant portion of Modavia’s next Fashion Directory.

Ally Geer was named a Modavia SuperModel in April of this year. In addition, Ally is also an InStyle Top Model, former president of ASpiRe, the face of RH Designs by Rebel Hope and RH Engel, stylist for Shiny Things by Fallingwater Cellardoor and has been named one of the 25 Most Beautiful Avatars of Second Life by Best Of Second Life Magazine. Although Ally has a lengthy resume and is a very busy person, she’s always been a great source of information and advice for other models. “Ally is never too busy to help a new model. She’s a constant source of inspiration and encouragement for models everywhere and I am so very honored she has chosen to take a larger role within the Modavia Team” commented Modavia CEO, Dea Mills.

Elysium Eilde’s photography speaks for itself. She is a renowned SL Photographer and her work both in-studio and on-location is simply incomparable. Elysium is currently the co-owner of Second Look Studios where she specializes in model portfolios and promotional photography for creative businesses. Elysium has photographed top models for the [ida] agency for quite a while and will continue her amazing work with Modavia.

Mark your calendars now ladies and gentlemen! Modavia’s next amazing show will be on July 12th! It’s still a secret for now but this is not a show to miss!
###

For additional information please contact:
Belle Lefavre
Vice-President, PR
Modavia Fashion Marketing
BelleLefavre@gmail.com

Note to press/media: Photos are available. Please contact Belle Lefavre. Also, If you would like to be added to the the Modavia VIP Press Distribution list please feel free to drop a notecard to Belle Lefavre or send an e-mail to BelleLefavre@gmail.com. This list utilizes a Hippo Group (Sub-o-matic type group) so it will not take up a group space but will ensure that you receive all notices in a timely manner.

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Post-show Party Location Change

Dear Friends -

It is with a heavy heart that we must announce a change in our event line-up tomorrow. The post-show party with DJ Kromus was originally scheduled to be held in Bellagio’s club caramel. The party will now be held at the show venue immediately following the show.

If you have not yet heard the news, Bellagio will be leaving Second Life. This beautiful and amazing build has been the backdrop for many notable events in the recent months and it’s presence will surely be missed. Our thoughts are will all of the Bellagio management and staff as we know they must be devastated by MGM’s decision.

Modavia is presently working toward partnership with an RL entertainment brand to further ensure the best opportunities for our family of models, designers, photographers, guests, and staff.

Sincerely,

Dea Mills and the entire Modavia Staff

(Revised invitation is below)

 

 

Modavia-Jador Fashion Show

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Modavia Presents “An Italian Affair - The Love Affair with Fashion”

Posted on June 11th, 2008 in Fortunate Szondi, Modavia Supermodels, Second Life Model, Second Life Modeling by Belle Lefavre

For Release: June 10, 2008
Contacts: Belle Lefavre
Vice President of Public Relations, Modavia
BelleLefavre@gmail.com

Modavia Presents “An Italian Affair - The Love Affair with Fashion”

Top Italian Designer Ziamela Loon of Jador Showcases her Fabulous Fashions in a Stunning and Unforgettable Show

Second Life….June 10, 2008…. Modavia will present “An Italian Affair - The Love Affair with Fashion” on Saturday, June 14th at 3 pm SLT. The show will be held in an amazing venue specifically built and created to reflect the timeless beauty of Italy and to showcase the amazing work of Jador designer Ziamela Loon.

Modavia’s Senior Producer Fortunate Szondi has combined a beautiful build, amazing audio, one of SL’s top announcers and of course the top Modavia SuperModels and Models in order to present the 36 designs that will be shown on Saturday. Ziamela delivered the designs last week and as Fortunate began to unpack the boxes an abundance of “oohs” and “ahhs” could be heard. When asked about the designs Fortunate commented “I was completely amazed at both the number of designs provided as well as the diversity of Ziamel’s designs. The designs are classic, yet modern - beautiful and stunning and I am honored to be working with such a talented designer.”

Modavia chose to center the theme of the show around Italy, which is Ziamela’s home. The influence of the fashion mecca of Milan is evident in Ziamela’s designs. Just like the famous Italian city, the designs are modern and edgy while still maintaining a classic beauty and style that is so difficult for many designers to capture. In order to highlight these influences a custom set was created for the show. “Just when I think I’ve seen the most amazing builds and backdrops available, something new comes along and amazes me. It’s the beauty of Second Life! We can create the exact environment to highlight the beauty of the designs and textures. From landscaping to lighting, from oceans to mountains - whatever is needed to provide the perfect setting is available! I am again amazed by the work of my team in creating a setting that will amaze the audience and add to the stunning presentation of the Jador designs” were the feelings expressed by Modavia CEO, Dea Mills.

A signature of Modavia’s shows is the unusual and fresh approach. An approach that engages guests and dramatizes the genius of the designers. Although it may happen one day, Modavia has yet to produce a show with a traditional catwalk, choosing instead to allow the models and the audience to interact on a more intimate level. This allows the guests to feel as though they are a part of the production and also offers the ability to see the remarkable detailing in the featured designs. In addition to the more intimate show, guests will also be able to get up-close and personal with a few of the Modavia Models as they model the designs at the after party at Bellagio Second Life’s amazing club caramel.

As many know, the Bellagio hotel was inspired by the Lake Como resort of Bellagio in Italy so it was the natural choice for a party inspired by an Italian designer. The party will feature selected Modavia Models and SuperModels wearing a few of the featured designs as well as the phenomenal DJ Kromus to fuel your listening and dancing pleasure! The featured designs will be available for purchase as always and although we aren’t certain rumors of an absolutely fabulous gift bag have been circulating.

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Modavia’s Knockout Fashion Show at Bellagio make Front Page of SL Herald!

If you haven’t seen it yet click on over to the SL Herald where Modavia’s Knockout Fashion Show at the Bellagio has made front page news!

When you read this article please keep in mind what the SL Herald is known for. This is a quote taken from their website “the Herald is often called a muckraking tabloid or worse, but its loyal readers (numbering several thousand per day) love — and often love to hate — the unique service it provides: to take a good, close, often snarky look at the online worlds that are becoming a more and more important part of everyone’s offline lives.”

Modavia and Bellagio Second Life Herald

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Modavia Photographer Search!

Posted on June 10th, 2008 in Modavia Supermodels by Belle Lefavre

Modavia Fashion Marketing - the parent company of the Modavia Fashion Directory - is searching for the TOP 3 FASHION PHOTOGRAPHERS in Second Life!The Modavia Fashion Directory is the FIRST, Second Life Guide to the Who’s Who of Top Fashion in Second Life, featuring The Modavia Supermodels - The Most Popular Virtual Models in the World.The Modavia Fashion Directory delivers a monthly presentation of the work from top Second Life fashion designers, as presented by The Modavia Supermodels and the fabulous photographers who capture their beauty and style.

Three photographers will be chosen from the entries and each of these photographers will win exclusive contracts with Modavia. You will be contracted to complete approximately ten (10) 2-page spreads for the directory each month. You may also be asked to photograph shows and events if you desire. Additionally, you will be photographing the top models and clothing from the top designers in Second Life. What more could an SL photographer ask for?

How to Submit Your Entry:

  1. Create a folder titled Modavia Photographer Search - [Avatar Name]
  2. 2. Include one (1) 2-page spread as an example of what you would create. Visit getmodavia.com, go to the Designer’s page, and either view the Flash version or download the PDF version of the Designer’s Brief for a sample/example of some things we might use.
  3. You may also include up to ten (10) photos of your work photographing top SL fashion. Photos must be full perm so they can be distributed to our judges.
  4. Title your photos - Photo # (example: Belle Lefavre - Photo 1)
  5. Include a notecard with the following information-
    1. Avatar name
    2. Language(s) Spoken
    3. Time Zone and times usually in world and available for work
    4. Three (3) professional SL reference including at least one designer and one model you have worked with.

Drop your folder on Belle Lefavre before midnight SLT on June 20, 2008.The top 6 submissions will be displayed at Bellagio Second Life Lobby. The winners will be announced on June 28th.

*Note: The purpose and desire of this contest if to find the best photographers in SL to photograph fashions for the Modavia Fashion Directory. Entry into this competition indicates your desire to work for and with Modavia on an on-going basis. Each photographer will be responsible for approximately ten (10) 2-page spreads per month. If on-going work with Modavia does not interest you or you do not feel that you can complete this work on a timely and consistent basis, please do not enter.

If you have any questions please fell free to contact me. IM, Notecard, or E-mail is fine. Have fun! I can’t wait to see your photos!

Belle Lefavre
VP, Public Relations
Modavia Fashion Marketing
BelleLefavre@gmail.com

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