Two special designs can still be purchased at the Tolerance is the Only Way event. By raising awareness that there is a homophobia issue, a problem that causes more deaths than HIV each year through hate crimes, I hope that programs like this event will help people realize that everyone is equal even if they are different from someone else.
One of the two dresses, the Ranya Dress, works with mesh in a beautiful way, offering a soft muted grey pattern on the skirt and a solid autumn red on the bodice. The belt adds just the right accessory to make this dress suitable for many different occasions.
The long draped layers of the Roman Gown will take you back in time to the world when Rome was the center of it, and every road led home to Rome. You'll feel like a Roman Goddess. The texture of the white shows light and shadow well, adding to the illusion of finery that would befit such a highly revered female in that time period.
Featured Zanze House Couture Roman Gown (TOW)
1. Custom Shape
2. Glam Affair Skin: Jadis
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
4. Emotions: Madame
5. Miamai Catwalk Lashes - Orange Explosion
6. Face Paint: Silver and Gold
7. Sexy Mama Valentine Sculpted Nails
8. Artistry by ~E~: The Noor Set Champagne Diamonds and Gold
9. AP Natalie Touched
Featured Zanze House Couture Ranya (TOW)
1. Custom Shape
2. Glam Affair Skin: Jadis
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
4. Emotions: Fabienne
5. Gaeline Mesh Lashes Fantasia
6. Face Paint: Valentine Red
7. Candy Nails: Chidori Gold
8. jes`Teasing: Tintable Stockings w/ Satin Trim
9. Thalia's Fashion Mesh Leather Boots - Dark Colors
10. Artistry by ~E~: The Dagmar Set w/ Champagne Diamonds
11. AP Trini Belle
My cherished goal, one I've been working towards since I discovered the world of modeling... earn a certificate as a model graduate from the Miss Virtual World modeling organization. They have a stellar reputation. I know that I will succeed at this goal. I also knew going into it that it wouldn't be easy and that it wouldn't happen overnight.
A lot of people have asked me, "What is 105?" It's a three day intense examination led by the Miss Virtual World Academy's staff, and taught by Mr. Frolic Mills, the owner of the organization (and owner of Best of SL as well). There are challenges each of the three days to meet with the final challenge on the third day that includes selection of an outfit that fits criteria assigned the night prior, selection of the proper poses to showcase the outfit, and selection of the right walk for the runway.
For me, and many who I've spoken to who've attended 105, the moment the first assignment is given on Thursday night for Friday's -Day 1-, the work begins. It's something I pour all of my energy into, wanting to do the best I know how to accomplish the goal for Day 1. I spent a good portion of those 24 hours working on it, and maybe a tiny portion for a catnap. Then it repeats, for Day 2, working, heart, energy, urgent hopeful desire that it's 'right'. And little sleep. Then that last day. The big finale.
Mr. Frolic Mills has built his reputation in the fashion industry of Second Life over the past five years. He just celebrated BOSL's 5th year and his 50th birthday about 10 days ago (and what an amazing thing that was!!). He's one of several highly experienced judges for each of the days' work. He doesn't waste time or money, MY time and MY money that I paid to go to this school, by telling me what I want to hear. He tells me what I need to hear, to learn, to grow, to improve. And in my opinion he's remarkable, and so are all the members of the staff I've met through the school.
When I did not pass my review the first time I did 105 in August, I felt really badly. No one likes to fail. When I did not pass my review on Sunday this week, I felt much worse. No one likes to fail twice. But ... I also learned a great deal from both experiences. I know that when I do pass the final review, it will mean something to me, something deeply valuable, and something I know I poured everything into in order to achieve it. I will get there. It's my journey on my time table and I'm doing my best.
I had a sense of shame this time, however, something that was related more to those I work with and work for, and not so personally my own. I felt like I was making those who'd given me the opportunity to work with and for them in the fashion industry - I thought I was making them look bad. It worried me more than the personal failure. I really cherish these people who have given me space, time, work, trust and faith. I spoke to them, apologized... "For what?" one asked me. I explained. I was reassured. And as I said, at any given moment, anywhere I am in Second Life (or off line for that matter) I'm giving my all and doing my best. It's all I can offer.
The challenge for Day 1 was to look like what I think a model should look like. I didn't save a photograph of this. I think my biggest error in Day 1 was dressing for the wrong season. Even though it's a virtual world, it's a professional setting that feels more real then fantasy, and I need to remain grounded in the reality of the setting and the moment.
The challenge for Day 2 was a little more specific and a more difficult one for me. Anna Wintour is the Editor for Vogue magazine and I learned from Mr. Frolic that she's the inspiration for the woman who managed the magazine in the movie "Devil Wears Prada." I was to create a look that suited an interview with Ms. Wintour. I used almost the whole 24 hours between the assignment and the reveal to put this look together, and I think it was the most successful of my three days. In my opinion, I looked right for a business interview with a well known fashion magazine editor in fall in New York City. It's those moments of success when Mr. Frolic or one of the other educators in the program affirm a look that give me a sense that I'm growing in the right direction and there's hope, a light at the end of the tunnel, and I know - I will achieve this goal.
Day 3 I was challenged to choose a favorite designer, prepare a look, a walk and three poses that would sell the overall outfit to the judges. I chose the designer Christian Seriano from Project Runway Season 4. He knocked my socks off when he was on the show and has gone on to find success since the show. I tried to copy the concept of an androgenous aesthetic in my styling, my walk and poses. I think I took it too far, too masculine, instead of finding something neutral. I think I came close to matching the clothing idea, but not the hair or make-up at all and by the time I posed before the judges, they were already confused as to who I was attempting to portray, not sure about this masculine walk I'd chosen, and probably even more confused by the poses that then followed. So, I didn't pass 105 again.
The look on the left is the Day 2 Challenge. The look on the right is the Day 3 challenge with the smaller photo taken from the web to show the look Christian Seriano sent down the runway. Where do I go from here? Back to 105... until I succeed. And I will.
Look 1:
Custom Shape
Glam Affair Skin: Jadis
Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
Face Paint: Leonore Ochre
Emotions: Karen - Dark Brown
Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Mysteria
Candy Nails: Harvest
Bliss Basic: Shannon Knit Top - Brick
Zanze House Couture: Zaid Outfit Pants and Belt - with a special thanks to Ms. Zoiee Zee who graciously gave me the belt in it's original blank state so I could change the color from silver to bronze.
N-Core: Caprice - Champagne
Artistry by ~E~ - The Necklace from the Dagmar Set with Gold and Black Diamonds and the Earrings from the Caroline Set with Gold and Black Diamonds
Uzuri (a very old jeweler from yesteryear) Bibi Cuff
Chop Zuey New York Girl Hudson Lovers Bangles
Look 2:
Custom Shape
Glam Affair Skin: Jadis
Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
Face Paint: Deadly - Black + Gem Eyes Grey
Emotions: Anushka - Dark Brown
Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Starlia
Noya: Nails - Scull
Gizza: BonBon Blouse - Black
Gizza: Leather Leggings - Black
Chop Zuey - Itsy Bitsy Spider Earrings
{PopTart} Mesh Combat Boots - Pink/Black
Three gorgeous new looks are available at Zanze, all from the Avenue event that happened this weekend to celebrate Avenue's fifth anniversary. Each of these pieces had certain criteria to meet, a color challenge of sorts, and all are great options for a fall wardrobe.
The pants suit, Zaid outfit, came with several layers. The pants and top are both mesh, and figure enhancing. There's a system jacket in another shade of grade below the furry flexi layered jacket that you see shimmering in the photo. It's a refined look, chic and so fashionably current.
The long dress, the Zeina Gown, drapes lightly, loosely falling past the waist all the way down to the floor. This long gown has a prim collar reminiscent of the Elizabethan collars worn centuries ago. It frames the face and encourages your special someone to look deeply into your loving eyes.
Another dress ripples in an hourglass shape, the Zenya Gown, and with that strapless sweetheart neckline, va-va-voom. You're going to turn a few heads when you walk into the room. Flexi skirting sways sensually, and barely caresses your toes and heels as it drops lowest in the very front and very back yet drops only to around knee length on either side. The asymmetrical look at the hem adds to that overall beautiful shape.
Featured: Zanze Couture Zaid Outfit
1. Custom Shape
2. Glam Affair Skin: Jadis
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
4. Emotions: Yvonne
5. Face Paint: Spirit v. 3
6. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Mysteria
7. Finesmith Nails: Silver
8. Artistry by ~E~: The Christy Set
9. N-Core: Casting - Graphite
10. AP MuMu Queen 3
Featured: Zeina Gown
1. Custom Shape
2. Glam Affair Skin: Jadis
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
4. Face Paint: Full Make-up Stormy
5. Oceane Lashes
6. Noya: Halloween Manicure - Scull
7. Emotions: Loreen
8. AP Nani 2
Featured: Zeyna Gown
1. Custom Shape
2. Glam Affair Skin: Jadis
3. Poetic Eyes: Quicksilver
4. Emotions: Lala - Brown
5. Gaeline Mesh Lashes: Starlia
6. Face Paint: Kay - Purple
7. N-Core: Eternity - Dots Edition
8. Candy Nail: Chidori Gold
9. Artistry by ~E~: Archduke Joseph Set
This has got to be one of the most clever prints I've seen for Halloween. At first, all I saw was flowers...
...but the longer I looked, the more I realized there were skulls and flowers mixed together. There are several different color choices for this dress and all of them played the same trick of the eye for me at least. It's like one of those pictures that looks like a vase one second and the next it's two faces looking at one another. The ruffled hem is cute and falls just above the knee to make it a playful length for romping in raked leaves or trekking through the scariest of Haunted Houses.
My thanks to:
Face Paint
Emotions Hair
Jewelry by Jake
*New Boots - Ankle Boots from Urban Cherry
Sexy Mama Nails
No matter where you go in Second Life, there are creative people putting their all into designs that end up touching all of us. The building, the clothing, the lighting, everything... it's all there because someone's brilliant mind made it so. At Zanze Couture, the variety and beauty radiates in each piece.
The air outside is crisp in the mornings finally and with that cooler air comes all sorts of new fabrics and styles. I love the plaids and heavier materials and this coat dress looks perfect for autumn! The green with gold and blue accent match wonderfully well, and you can wear your favorite boots or heels, a pair of leggins or just wear it alone. So many options are yours when you get this new item from Zanze.
The shape of this gown drew my attention from the moment I saw it. I wanted to work with it, play with it, style it and wear it! It's more than just a sleek gown. It's got pizzazz. The brilliant blue hue stands out in a sea of all the dark tones that are out for fall, and will make you feel like the belle of any ball.
My thanks to:
Face Paint
Emotions Hair
Ten Boots (1)
N-Core Heels (2)
Chop Zuey (2)
Sexy Mama Nails
You cannot beat the deals you'll find at the BeStyle sponsored Gypset Market. Designers all over the grid showcase their awesome talents and offer items at a discount to tempt you to get one of each. This month, ZE House of Couture offered a great bohemian look at Gypset. (ZE House of Couture @ Gypset)
A gorgeous paisley pink and green print hugs your hips. A cropped long sleeve top falls just below the breast leaving the abdomen exposed. This design works perfectly for this time of year, with the long skirt and long sleeves, but still has remnants of summer shimmering in both the choice of color and the expanse of skin showing. The handbag accessory comes for either right or left arm with a special pose programmed in so you can toss all your new ZE purchases in your bag as you shop!
Many thanks to:
Face Paint
Emotions Hair
N-Core Shoes
Finesmith Belly Jewel
Artistry by ~E~ Jewelry set
Candy Nails
It's truly a privilege to work with new designers. I see talent in all sorts of directions and work with people who are passionate about their personal investments in Second Life.
ZanzE provides elegant couture in all sorts of styles. I chose a pants and top for my first blog from this house in the autumn browns that are so hot this fall. The high waisted pants will go with almost anything you wish and the muted tones of brown in the sweater also have that malleability that you look for in great clothes that match many things. Paired together, they work awesomely for fall styling.
I love roses. Passionately. This beautiful tea length dress offers the perfect rose print and there are other floral prints in this design to choose from as well. I couldn't pass up this gorgeous pink on blue. And look at the texture of the gown itself. It looks like it's in motion. For a 3d world where illusion and artistry make us believe all the more, designs like this really add to our Second Life.
Many thanks to:
Face Paint
Emotions Hair
::PM:: Jewelry (1)
Artistry by ~E~ (2)
N-Core Heels
Sexy Mama Nails
