Judging Miss Virtual World 2010

Second Life is rife with contests, and the mother of all competitions is Miss Virtual World, a Darwinian beauty pageant that the selects the best dressed, most beautiful avatar and wonderful SL personality from more than 1200 applicants. The contest is sponsored by Best of SL brands, with pageant leadership by BOSL owner Frolic Mills. Miss Virtual World draws in participants from across SL society. The SL press was there in force including SL writer Persia Bravin up on stage emceeing the show with her UK friend Dousa Dragonesh. Even I was down in the front row as one of the contest's judges.

Miss Virtual World 2010, Miaa Rebane is very pretty in pink, shown in Picture 1, in a photo by Veronica Krasner. Miaa tells us the story of her winning bid: "The most fun aspect of competing for MVW also happens to be the best moments I had in this competition. It was the time I spent with the girls, particularly when we were backstage before a show and chatting. I've learnt the importance of friendship and have formed many new bonds. We are all different with different backgrounds, from different countries and cultures, yet we have been able to form a bond, and that for me has been the most fun aspect of the contest." Miaa competed as Miss Puerto Rico. All contestants adopted a home country and appeared in show dance outfits fashioned from native themes. See Miaa's MVW blog and Flikr photos for more of this gorgeous lady: http://mvw2010.wordpress.com/

The grand finale of Miss Virtual World was a grueling affair, as you can imagine. Several hundred avis attended at the 4 sim Patch Thibaud auditorium. Lots of lag, avi, and sim crashes were shared by all. It was kind of a miracle that the contestants, judges, and audience braved through it all. But MVW is much more than the grand lag fest that marks its conclusion.

 

Picture 2 shows Aris Earnshaw and Kay Fairey, who attended the MVW finale with me in the judge's booth. I was recruited early this year by Frolic to be a MVW judge, one of about a dozen. Through most of 2009, Frolic scheduled contest phases, about 2 per month. Contest phases included rounds such as best designer fashion, best in swimwear, best in formal wear, and judge’s interviews. Through this process, an original 1200 entrants, were down selected to 160, and then 24 candidates participated in the catwalk fashion shows. From those, the top 10 finalists emerged, and then, this final result:

The 4th place finalist: Miss Canada: Natalia Corvale

The 3rd place finalist: Miss Switzerland: Sabine Blackburn

The 2nd place finalist: Miss Bahamas: Devine Hunt

The 1st place finalist: Miss China: Sora Tatham

Miss Virtual World 2010: Miss Puerto Rico: Miaa Rebane

Congratulations to all the contestants and winners! Miss Virtual World is a long process, requiring a lot of support people, such as fashion designers, photographers, SL skin, shape, and hair designers. Several of the contest phases coincided with designer catwalk events, many designers contributed fashions to MVW. In a sense, MVW is an economic engine driving a lot of activity in the high end SL fashion industry. Great appreciation is due to all contestants and their supporters who made MVW their SL career for much of this year.

By Any1 Gynoid

Miss Bliss Couture 2010

Multi-level competition based on photos, live modeling and objective judging. NO VOTES!

The competition begins June 18th and we will accept entries till July 30th 2009.

Step 1 - Join "THE BEST OF SL Magazine Readers" Group. All notices and results will be announced in this group only, and You've to be in Bliss Couture In-world Group to Join this Contest.

Step 2 - Models will submit photos of themselves wearing a dress or outfit from Bliss Couture. One full body and one headshot 512 X 512 (FULL PERM) each. Full body photos will be judged on styling, while headshots will judged based on visual appeal of the model. Please send your entry in a folder (not a notecard) to Caymon Zhora. Label your entry MISS BLISS COUTURE 2010 (YOUR NAME).

Step 3 - 100 girls will be selected from these entries for a live audition callback. Models should again wear a Bliss Couture dress or outfit and style themselves in a way they believe represents the image of Bliss Couture. Live audition will include a runway walk and will take place over 2 live audition times so all girls will have a chance to be seen.

Step 4 - Pool will be narrowed down to 20 models from the live audition. Since the winner of the competition will be working closely with designer Amutey DeCuir, it is important that the girl herself show signs of reliability and be personable. An interview will be scheduled for each girl to gauge for compatibility between model and designer.

Step 5 - The pool of 20 will be narrowed down to 10. The 10 finalists will all have a photoshoot done wearing the same dress provided to them by Bliss Couture. These side by side photos by a professional photographer will be judged by a panel and will determine the top 5.

Step 6 - The top 5 will all be invited to be Bliss Couture Models, on staff for live modeling, runway modeling, special events and select vendor ads. The 5 finalists will walk in a runway show, wearing all new releases from Bliss Couture. A panel of judges will be present to determine the winner.

Step 7 - From the top 5, ONE lady will be chosen as Miss Bliss Couture 2010. Miss Bliss will be considered the "Face" of Bliss Couture, appearing in most vendor ads for new clothing, and will exclusively be the model in all print advertising for magazines and other media. Miss Bliss Couture will be given priority for all modeling jobs available, only being replaced in the event of her being unavailable.

Prizes -

The top 10 finalists will receive a professional photoshoot, and their choice of any one fatpack of a Bliss Couture dress or outfit.

The top 5 finalists will all become Bliss Couture models, and be hired for various modeling work within the company. In addition to the prizes for the top 10, the top 5 girls will also each receive a $5000L gift card to Bliss Couture.

Miss Bliss Couture will be awarded a specially designed diamond jewelry set from Alyssa Bijoux . She will also be given all future Bliss Couture releases throughout her reign (one year), 10,000L Cash Prize and of course the title of Miss Bliss 2010.

The winner will also receive an invitation to Boulevard Agency and an interview for BOSL Magazine.

Good Luck to all of you and we'll see you on the runway!

Amutey DeCuir
Bliss Couture CEO

MISS FRENCH FARM - SUMMER 2009 contest

You are cordially invited to submit your entry for the MISS FRENCH FARM - SUMMER 2009 contest. The winner of the contest will receive the following prizes:

1> The TITLE of Miss French Farm - Summer 2009.
2> 2 Original Dresses provided by Lestat Reuven and Lemania Indigo.
3> From time to time during her reign, Miss French Farm will appear at events and receive some of the designs created by Lestat reuven and Lemania Indigo.
4> A 2000L Gift Certificate for Lemania Indigo Designs.
5> Her final photo as selected or created by The French Farm which will be displayed throughout her reign at The French Farm.
6> 3000L in Store Vouchers from Quiver Quintessa.
7> MagicMirror will provide a photobook keepsake album for the winner.
8> Chance to be a model for Lemania provided winner can work the hours necessary for inclusion.
9> Crown provided by Dryad Fall for the seasonal event.
10> Misc Shopkeeper prizes
*** Possible other prizes to be determined.
_________________________________

PAGEANT WILL BE HELD ON JUNE 13th at 1:00 PM SL TIME and 10 Finalists will be chosen to participate. Finalists will be notified on June 5th. At that time the 10 finalists will be given a choice of gowns to model in the pageant itself. 1 Winner will be chosen.

The Pageant will be held during The French Farm Summer Garden Party which will include games, prizes, music and a fashion show!
__________________________

Each Entry is required to have the following information:

1. Name of Avatar
2. 4 Photos that HAVE NOT been photoshopped or altered in any way whatsoever. They must be taken in Second Life. Any alterations will disqualify the entrant.
3. A notecard explaining WHY you would like to be Miss French Farm.
4. All entries must be received by no later than June 1st at 1:00PM SL Time. No further entires will be accepted after that date.
5. All entried must be in a FOLDER with the name of AVATAR and ENTRY FOR MISS FF. Send the folder to: LEMANIA INDIGO - all folders MUST BE MARKED AND INCLUDE THE INFO or may not be counted!! BE CAREFUL!!
____________________________

DUTIES -- Miss French Farm - Summer 2009 will be required to be at the next crowning of the winner in the Fall of 2009 and will retire her title to that winner.

Miss French Farm will also be required to attend any events held at the French Farm when possible. This includes concerts, special events and sales, etc. If you are unable to do so, please do not apply.

JUDGING: Judging will be conducted by a panel of Lemania Indigo, Lestat Reuven, Summer Loon, Tapika Tomsen, MagicMirror Faywray and several other judges yet to be determined.


*** Miss French Farm is a very important person to us. She will represent all of us here in her manner and her activities. She will hold the title until September of 2009 at which time a Fall winner will be crowned. We hope Miss French Farm will enjoy her title and her duties.

THANK YOU!

The Fashion entries and fabulous models!

We had some wonderful entries in the design contest, really showing the variety and scope of designers imaginations.
The Winner is shown here designed by Nany Piaggio of Black rose designs and modelled by Alexa Trefoil.
Nany's design can be worn either as a short catsuit or as a swimsuit.
This will soon be available in our main office as well as XStreet.
The Judging panel had a difficult task choosing a winner.
Other entries were Analog Juns T-shirt, unfortunately on the night the shirt did not rez for either James or I when it was modelled by Kyrinnia Demoulins, Miss Venezuala in the Miss Virtual Worlds contest run by Best of SL Magazine.
A huge THANK YOU to all the beautiful models:
Kyrinnia Desmoulins
Lacey Alderson
Gamp Lane
Emi Bade
Mui Mukerji
Alexa Trefoil
and Jonny Tobias Boulevard agencies manager and also Giela Delpaso the wonderful MC at the fashion show.

AVENUE Models Academy Graduation Show Sponsored by Bare Rose

Come out to show your support of the next graduating class of models from AVENUE Models Academy September 14, 2008 at 12 noon slt.
AVENUE Models Academy is proud to announce the second graduating class of its prestigious academy. The class consists of five graduates: Livia Mastroianni, Vera Canning, Maxmillion Carling, Kora Ling, and Sevenstar Amat. The fabulous five will sashay down the catwalk wearing clothing by the one and only Bare Rose. Bare Rose is known for its awesome clothing line with very affordable prices. They carry an assortment of clothing from casual to formal, punk to goth, and even fantasy outfits. The model trainees of AVENUE are excited to be able to have their names associated with a line such as Bare Rose.

The modeling classes are taught by models and fashion professionals who teach the model trainees what it takes to make it on the runways of SL. The fashion professors consist of Summer Deadlight (founder of Runway Kidz), Emmz Tzara (Fashion Stylist of Runway Magazine), Kryptonia Paperdoll (Head Instructor and VP of AVENUE Models), Tillie Ariantho (AVENUE Model & Photographer) and Rusch Raymaker (CEO of AVENUE Models). With such proficient teachers as these the model trainees from AVENUE definitely get a step ahead in the world of modeling.

AVENUE Models is known for always delivering very entertaining fashion shows with professional models who grace the catwalk and wow the audience. The opportunity to possibly be ranked in the category of models with such a reputation is huge for the model trainees. They will be sure to step out on the runway and show off all they have learned to impress both the audience and their teachers in order to try to secure a spot within the prominent agency.

Date : September 14, 2008 (Sunday)

Time : 12 noon slt

SLurl : http://slurl.com/secondlife/Royal%20Properties/183/202/224

AVENUE Models' land and build is sponsored by:ROYAL PROPERTIES AND JC DESIGNS
© A WILDER PR INC. PRESS RELEASE SEPTEMBER 2008

RUNWAY Magazine Hits Milestone

Since launching their first issue in March 2008, RUNWAY Magazine has made its mark on the fashion industry in Second Life, distributing over 40,000 copies of their August 2008 issue alone. RUNWAY Magazine's CEO Maggie Mahoney states, "RUNWAY is more than just a LookBook with glossy pictures and a list of where to shop. We offer our readers an in-depth look at the models, the designers, the agencies, and fashion news in Second Life on and off the runway. Our content is truly what makes RUNWAY unique and it is virtually unmatched by any other fashion magazine currently available in Second Life. The RUNWAY staff is top notch and they work very hard to make RUNWAY the best fashion read in Second Life."

RUNWAY Magazine is a monthly in-world publication dedicated to the promotion of fashion, modeling, and design in Second Life®, featuring the who’s who in the fashion world - the seasoned designers, models, and agencies, as well as the fresh new up and coming talent on and off the runway. Covering all the fashion shows and events across Second Life® and bringing the readers the latest news, updates, revues, and slideshows of the designs captured as they happen with not only the in-world magazine, but a digital web version as well.

RUNWAY Magazine prides itself as remaining agency and designer neutral, working in cooperation with all modeling agencies, organizations, and designers to provide them exposure in the Second Life® fashion world.

Ocean Bates, CCO and Director of Marketing for RUNWAY Magazine, shared "RUNWAY is a smart media buy for designers, agencies and the like. Our subscription rates are the most affordable on the market and the exposure is exponential. We had 40,000 pairs of eyes reading RUNWAY in August - that is real marketing at work. Our readers, and our advertisers, tell us that they read us cover to cover - twice. The numbers show we are doing something right and we have just gotten started. We recently implemented the RUNWAY Café, a reader café for residents to relax and enjoy publications from across the grid, not just RUNWAY. We have two open currently - one at InStyle Fashion Mall and a second at Odessa Majestic. One café is currently under construction at the new Haute Couture complex alongside PhotoLife, and we have plans for several more. It is our way of giving a little back to the readers and businesses that contribute and support our efforts."

RUNWAY Magazine also sponsors fashion-related events throughout Second Life. Their involvement in the 2008 MFA Awards helped bring even more awareness to the residents of Second Life on the nominees. RUNWAY Magazine is one of the sponsoring organizations for the upcoming 2009 Miss Costa Rica Pageant and the 2009 Miss SL Universe Pageant.

RUNWAY Magazine also hosts four annual fashion revues with their two most recent - the Bridal Revue in June 2008 and the End of Summer Revue held in early August. Mahoney noted that a Couture Revue is currently being planned for November, as well as the opening of their new headquarters at Bryant Park in October.

RUNWAY Magazine will close out 2008 with their Model of the Year Awards.
"We think it is safe to say that RUNWAY is here for the duration and we want to thank our readers, advertisers, and those who make RUNWAY what it is - the best fashion read in Second Life. We have lots planned and hope that everyone will enjoy and benefit from the hard work we put into each event, each issue and each new endeavor we undertake," states Mahoney.
Copies of RUNWAY Magazine are available in-world from any RUNWAY Magazine kiosk, complimentary on SLExchange.com and OnRez.com, and can also be viewed on their website at www.runwaysl.com.

Discovering Versace style in Avenue Models

I’m a lucky man. People have been telling me that getting a job on this paper is almost as difficult as convincing the person you’re talking to that you’re not also dealing with 10 other IMs at the same time, i.e. it’s tough, almost impossible, and you’ve got to be the most convincing person on the block. But, I wrote a piece, they liked it, and now it seems I’m getting a shiny nameplate to put on the door of my very own SLN office.
Before I actually screw the nameplate onto the door, my conscience tells me that I really ought to write another article just to make sure this isn’t just a virtual dream (but isn’t SL just that anyway? OK, let’s not go there!)
Your cub reporter gave himself a very quick avi relook to appear something like Clark Kent, the Superman hormones hidden beneath a neat suit. And those famous Clark Kent glasses?…nah, best not to over-do this for now. And I set off on the reporters’ trail.
I wanted to discover fashion on SL. What makes it happen, and how does it work? A good starting point might be to go back to the people involved in the show I covered last week and really get to know what makes them tick. And maybe some thoughts of my own too, if my editor lets me get away with it.
So I began with a very smart and determined lady. You want style? You want precision and ambition? You could do no better than to call Rusch Raymaker, head of Avenue Models.
This is one very impressive lady.
The first thing that strikes you when you meet Rusch is the uncanny resemblance between how she looks in RL, and her avi. When I asked her how she'd managed that, she said that she'd just kind of projected herself onto her avi, what she was in RL was intrinsically what who was in SL too. Now I know there is a new service which can actually project your photo into your avi (read about it in Neuron Bandit's article this week on avatar customisation), but I'm sure it wasn't that. It's just that there are some people who seem to get things just right, all the time, and without even trying.
Annoying for the rest of us!
Rusch set up Avenue a while back, and then left to do whatever it is that people seem to do in some weird place referred to as RL, and has now returned, with a vengeance, a woman with a mission.
Avenue’s building is almost intimidating, it’s so….fashion. Think Versace, and think of those beautiful Italian palazzo around Lake Maggiore, and you’ll get the general feel of the place.
Rusch led me off to start our tour of the premises. We began with the Models gallery, where clients can get to see the pictures of the models on Avenue’s books.
Your eager reporter was more than delighted to see some of the most amazing looking women in SL, and started wondering whether and when he’s actually get to meet the models. I may get back to that later, but I promise you, meeting the models wasn’t my main motivation for the interview.
There are over 30 models in the Agency; and Rusch, who probably knows the contents of her web site by heart, told me that they “celebrate beauty in its diverse varieties from glamour pusses to naughty nekos to even goth and vampirellas”. Actually, her web site also mentions “walking on the wild side on a tight leash in latex or leather”, but maybe sensing my growing interest in the photos I was seeing, Rusch probably decided to leave that bit out. Wisely, maybe.

We passed through a flowery area that was meant for people to “chill around” in. Do people really just “chill? I have no idea. But the area was really soft and flowing, femme even. A total contrast to the dark black metal and fire of the show I’d been at a couple of days before.
We went on to the runway pool. Avenue hold shows there, where the models walk on runways surrounded by water. I couldn’t help thinking that with their long legs, and those amazing strides, wasn’t there a risk of falling into the pool? Rusch smiled, no, the models were all very experienced, and that never happened.
Seemed like Superman the rescuer would have to stay hidden beneath his Clark Kent suit.
And then we got to the Spa Lounge, where models and friends can hang out. The most wonderful place, with luxuriant couches and spas. Did I mention Versace? Just visit this area and you’ll understand. Your reporter couldn’t help noticing the different pose-balls in the area. “Cuddle”? And then he got back to thinking about the 30 models. Would it be possible to sneak back under cover of night? Lost in thought, while Rusch was already really far, waiting for me to catch up with her.
We went on to the Photo Studio, a huge place, with ceiling to floor, wall to wall panels, radiating light. The neat trick is that all the panels are programmable, letting you put any texture you want in there. Amazing possibilities for photo shoots. There is a team of 8 photographers in Avenue Studio and they cover models’ portfolios, events such as weddings and commercial work too.
I asked Rusch what was the most outrageous shoot they’d done to date in the studio, not at all thinking about those walking on the wild side aspects that she’d forgotten to tell me about before.
Rusch Raymaker: lol hmmmm a model on a horse?
A model on a horse! Hiding my disappointment (the Queen of England regularly goes and reviews her mounted guard whilst sitting on a horse, it’s no big deal, really), we moved on to check out the runway in the sky, built on floating clouds. It’s for shows, and the academy classes are held there too.
So we finally got on to subject of Rusch’s famous modelling school, the Academy, the place where beautiful women go to discover how to transform themselves into glamour goddesses.
I was going to have a lot of questions about that, and I also wanted to get a very clear picture about what the people like Rusch are doing for fashion in general in SL. This was the time to get comfy in Rusch’s spacious office and begin a serious discussion.
But I’ve run out of space for this week, so I’ll be back next time with what I learned about the SL fashion business.
And if you’re reading this article, it means not only I managed to get it past my editor’s watchful eye, but also that I did finally screw that nameplate onto my office door.
Like I said, I’m a lucky guy.
Hamlet Kornbluth

Drama at JCNY contest: we tell both sides

On Tuesday I received a strange story, now this does happen but we don't always print them. This however was well written and expressed one side of a story, so I did what any reporter would do I contacted the other side to get the full picture.
One thing I do wish emphasized is that none of this is written by me, I will not print the whole story but will try to show both sides, even after being accused of writing it, I still wish to be fair:

"Many weeks ago JCNY launched a "SL Reality Model" contest. The format is familiar to every Second Lifer: each week JCNY would choose a group of 9 models and open the voting booth for the public. Each week 4 models would get enough votes to move on to the next week while others fell to the side and were bid farewell. The final week, the model with the most votes that week is the winner. Simple enough.We all know that voting in SL would make Chicago's famous Mayor Daly ("Vote early. Vote often") proud.
I began watching the JCNY contest after hearing the very well respected photographer and Vogue Models owner Evely Lane complaining (in a nice way) about how one of her models had been treated less than fairly during one of the weeks. Let's be honest, everyone loves gossip! Having never been to JCNY, I figured I'd check it out. During that week I voted a few times for various models and struck up conversation with some of them. Everything seemed normal and professional to me.
During the next week, one of my new friends, Vixie suggested I contact one of the other models Pocket Arai (whom I had refused to vote for because she seemed so popular). She informed me that Ms Arai's agency was looking for models for an upcoming show. "Coolness", I thought, and so I contacted Ms Arai and she agreed to take me on as a runway model. I say this for the sake of transparency. That week, my friend Vixie failed to "make the cut" but Pocket proceeded, as did others for whom I voted.
The final week came without much incident. But it was on the third day of the final week that Pocket made a comment to me that "Rainn is attempting to force me out of the contest." I had seen this contestant Rainn, but honestly I don't vote for blonds very much and she was a lovely blond model. I thought Pocket was being overly sensitive and probably paranoid. Just in case something juicy was happening, I began to stake the place out, day and night.
I was not to be disappointed. What happened over the final 4 days of the JCNY contest can only be described as disgusting entertainment. Lets just say it was like Jerry Springer's show on whiskey and steroids.
The formerly quiet, professional place was now buzzing with people. Harassment of noobie JCNY customers and voters was joined by constant trash talking in the open voice channel (I have 100's of pages of chat logs and 90 minutes of recorded vocal dialogue to back this up). The competition had boiled down to two contestants, Pocket and Rainn. Both had been fairly popular during previous weeks. Both have been in SL for some time and have a nicely developed network of friends (these networks form the bedrock for popularity contest voting). It was no surprise to see that Pocket and Rainn were running neck and neck.
Rainn seemed to be in control of the veritable reign of trash-talk while Pocket remained quite quiet in open chat. And there was plenty of griefing.
On Friday, April 4th Pocket let her AV stand while she was AFK. In Pocket's absence, Rainn's friends hung a sign over Pocket's head that said such slogans as "Hacker", "Slut" and "Stinky". Rainn encouraged her friends and laughed along with them. Later, one of Pocket's friends began griefing Rainn. What had been an orderly display of fashion modeling had decayed into complete madness.On the final day, Pocket pulled ahead and established a 100+ vote lead and by 6:00pm SL time (the end of the contest) she had won the popular vote by over 150 points.
It was shortly thereafter that JD Hansen, the owner of JCNY announced "POCKET IS DISQUALIFIED…"
JD continued her explanation as to why she'd disqualified Pocket:
"THE STORE HAS BEEN WATCHED BY OUR CUSTOMER REPS, VOTING HAS BEEN WATCHED, THE NUMBERS HAVE BEEN WATCHED. THERE WERE MULTIPLE AVIES TP'ING IN AND VOTING AND TP'ING IN THE SAME SPOT. REPORTS WERE SENT TO US FROM VARIOUS AVATARS, NEW SAME DAY ALTS. WE WATCHED THIS FOR 2 WEEKS. WE'RE JUST PLAYING FAIR; CALL IT WHAT YOU WILL. WE WILL PLAY FAIR, WE'VE BEEN DOING THIS CONTEST NOW FOR OVER 7 MONTHS AND 2 YEARS IN SL WE'VE ALWAYS DONE THE RIGHT THING AND WORKED DAY AND NIGHT FOR EVERYONE HERE. WE KNOW SOME OF YOU THINK THAT THE CONTEST IS ALL ABOUT TRAFFIC BUT ITS NOT, BECAUSE WE HAVE NOT MADE ANY MORE LINDENS, MORE LAG LESS SALES; SO THATS BEING CLEARED UP NOW WE CAN ANNOUNCE WINNERS…"
I tried to get an answer explaining which of the contest rules explained Pocket's disqualification. Her response? "We had multiple incidents, documented accounts, and witnesses proving alts and bots in the store. The voting machine was getting votes for "person in question" even when no avatars were present. The truth is we know there was foul play. We dealt with it in the best manner. The decision was made and we stand by it. The next two in line as winners Split the 50,000L in a fair and just conclusion to our 30 day event. This is SL and were just people like everyone else and we feel the right decision was made and stand by it. We do not support cheating of any kind."
In an interview today, JD Hansen stated that no rule of the contest had been broken but that cheating had taken place. When pressed on what that cheating was, she stated it to be "votes appeared in the voting box without any avatars present". And again stated that Pocket's group had cheated because the voting machine would tally votes for Pocket while nobody was present.
I brought this matter to the delightful Arthur Corrigible, the creator of the voting box used at JCNY. He stated unequivocally that it is impossible to change the way the machine works without breaking the entire SL security system. Can someone tamper? "No, only if SL system is unsafe" (he is French). He seemed dismayed that his work was the scapegoat for JD Hansen's machinations.
Linden Labs concurred with Arthur stating that "SL has not suffered any security issues this past month".
What might explain the invisible voter phenomenon? When pressed for opinion, Pocket stated that many of her friends were tired of "being harassed" in the voting area and had taken to voting from the TP zone at JCNY. I tried this style voting on a similar voting box at Evely Lane Photography and was able to vote from at least 80M from the box. In addition, while 5 SLers (including me) where standing near the voting box at E.Lane I had 2 friends TP to Evely Lane's TP Zone, zoom in to the box, vote and leave. All 5 of us standing at the box saw the votes appear and not one of the others noticed my friends' presence. They had managed to TP in, vote and leave in 10 seconds. I can't imagine anyone would need to take more time than that at JCNY. "

The above is an edited version, meaning I have cut out some unneeded parts, but I have not changed the contents or the context. JD Hansen had this to say when i spoke with her, (after we got over the fact that I did not write this):

[2008/04/08 11:30] JD Hansen: first of all, Im no programmer so I dont know how this box was made and I do not hold the maker responsible for anything I saw happen with the box nor a linden labs security break.
[2008/04/08 11:31] JD Hansen: btu I do know what I saw was odd and unethical for our contest. What I saw was the vote machine working in Pockets favor with no one in range of casting a single vote. Also numerous reports from my staff, customer reps, live models, and customers over the period of two weeks before our decision. All of this info was collected, I didnt believe it myself until I went to investigate this happening myself
[2008/04/08 11:33] JD Hansen: When I did look into it, everyone was right. I saw the machine getting votes on in her favor. Anyone with a conscience would have made the same decision and do whats right in the light of the situation.
[2008/04/08 11:34] JD Hansen: I did what I thought was right. I do not support any for of cheating regardless of how technology is or is not used to achieve it. Seeing it myself. Lead me to do the right thing. Which I did and stand by my decision. which was in no way influenced by either mob present at the awards.
[2008/04/08 11:36] dana Vanmoer: but do you think its possible that this person was right and you just did not see those voting?
[2008/04/08 11:36] JD Hansen: Like I said Im not a programmer. Im not saying its a perfect system but I do know we wont use it again. I only know what I saw as a business owner I did what was right. And I will not support cheating or foul play of any kind in SL.

This morning the following press release was waiting for me:

Important Lessons Learned from REALITY MODEL CONTEST.
Announces return to old contest format
The JCNY Reality Model contest ended on this past Sunday evening with much dissatisfaction and drama. It saddens me that this occurred, when my business is about providing special tokens of affection for couples in love. Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than having a successful business that allows me as a builder to fill this special niche.
Cheating, name calling, and intimidation of all sorts, whether by a contestant or voter, had no place at JCNY. I stand by my decision to disqualify the person who received the greatest number of votes. I witnessed a manipulation of the vote, and whoever was behind it, whether the contestant or not, my only option was disqualification.
The JCNY organization is not about causing anyone misery. We love fashion, we love being able to provide that fabulous and special gift. The fashion business is not always nice, but we strive to have a business that is an expression of love. JCNY is excited to have Riann as our spokes model next month. We expect that she will exemplify the spirit of what our business means. We wish Pocket and her supporters the best and acknowledge their heartfelt expressions of disappointment.
As a result of the outcome of the contest, the JCNY organization will no longer hold "vote based" contests. We are returning to the "judged" format with clear contest criteria and qualified and neutral judges. I have tossed the voting machine in the trash, though it saddens me that my effort to bring greater "participation" turned into an exercise in anger and accusations by all sides. It was an experiment with a lesson all vendors should take careful note. Though obvious in hindsight, "popular votes mean winning and losing sides." That is not good for contestants, not good for the voters – all of which are your greatest asset, your customers.
We hope to put the JCNY Reality Model contest behind us, as sad lesson learned, and move to the next competition and a beautiful year for you all in Second Life.
Thank you for your time.
JD Hansen
JCNY Collection

I leave you to make up your own minds on what happened and what you would have done.
Dana

Creativity Trends and Cool Hunting

Accademia Montenapoleone 5 (the first real world fashion Academy to get a Second Life) would like to announce the beginning of fashion oriented classes held in Second Life by the Academy's teachers, all of which are accomplished professionals in the real world fashion field.

The first public class will be held on Tuesday, April the 8th, 2008, at 8:00 PM GMT (12:00 PM PDT SL time) and will be held by Prof. Manuela Rubertelli (in her Avatar form Mikado Rubble). The class subject will be Creativity Trends and Cool Hunting, Spring/Summer 2009. At the end of the speech there will be a Q&A session for everyone interested in further clarification and discussion.

The class will be held in English language and is open to everyone that would like to attend, for free. Especially encouraged to attend are Second Life designers and fashion professionals that would like to broaden their knowledge of Real World fashion and gather inspiration for their upcoming creations.

To attend the class just teleport to the Accademia Montenapoleone 5 Classroom at this SLURL: slurl.com/secondlife/Montenapoleone/80/72/23

Make sure to turn on your streaming audio by pressing the play button on the bottom right of your screen, so that you'll be able to hear the speech by the teacher.

The class will be moderated by the Academy's Administrator in Second Life, Shiryu Musashi. Any enquiries about it and about further classes can be directed to him via IM.

Also, to receive timely info about classes and other initiatives by the Accademia Montenapoleone 5, you can freely join the "Accademia Montenapoleone 5 Update" group, that will be used to spread such news.

Bellagio holds its first ever fashion event

This Sunday night saw me struggling to get into SL for a very special event, now normally I avoid fashion shows (after all who can see anything in such laggy situations) but this one i felt instinctively would be different and with five designers unveiling their new spring lines how could I resist! The five designers: Indyra, VictoriaV, Styles of edo and Milady-Rachel darling, with shoes by Melanie Zhao showed at Bellagio's first ever show in a stage setting reminiscent of ancient Greece.

First we saw VictoriaV's stunning range, this electric blue model being a favourite of mine, a stunning cocktail dress that could be worn anywhere, which was then followed by VictoriaV's luxurious gold embroidered wedding dress with long flexi train and veil a dress most brides would dream of wearing.

Next up was Rachel Darlings of Milady 'Avalon' a gold and black long gown comes with many different wear options as well as being very finely detailed. 'Alex' comes in many colour options, its a short cheeky number with lace cutout detail on the top and skirt accessorised with gloves and flexi scarf it is a delight in red, gold, green and black.

Edo Tone from Styles of Edo showed that he doesn't just make the perfect suit he can also make the cocktail dresses to compliment them with these two 'little black dresses' with satin, velvet and lace detail. I loved the black and grey strapless cocktail dress and its now on my shopping list (one of the reasons James doesn't like fashion shows)

Indyra of Indyra originals showed us what spring is all about with some amazing victorian creations this black and white is most striking but I personally loved the baby pink (not shown here) there is just something so elegant about a woman in a top hat. Indyra didn't stop there though and also showed some dazzling evening gowns and short sassy dresses which showed to perfection her flair for colour and texture.

I was honoured to be invited backstage before the show and met up with Alissa Weston who together with partner Wyntir Jewell have just opened their new modelling agency: Premiere Modeling management. It was an eye opener to watch how these ladies practiced before a big show and to actually watch them from backstage was amazing and I thank you for the opportunity to see how the professionals work. Until you have actually been there its hard to understand how much goes into a show - from counting steps to perfect timing that to us, the audience, just looks like a model walking around a catwalk. It certainly looked effortless on the day so I guess all the practice worked :) I look forward to hearing much more from these talented ladies.

Dana

X

FIRST FUSHION: REAL-WORLD FASHION EMBRACES THE SECOND LIFE FASHION WITH THE EWING FASHION AGENCY

The Ewing Fashion Agency and the Amsterdam real-world based Artist Advice fashion promotions agency pool their creative vision to realease a unique real-world, Second Life fashion event.

At 11.30 AM SLT on the 25th of February 2008, the Ewing Fashion Agency and the Amsterdam-based real-world talent managers, The Artist Advice will hold a simultaneous real-world and Second Life fashion show called First Fusion. The show in Amsterdam will be held at the uber fashionable De Balie on the world-famous Leidseplein, where as the Second Life event will take place on the sim of the event's premiere sponsor, First Meta. First Fusion is one of the few simultaneous real-world/Second Life shows that have been attempted because of their sheer complexity. First Fusion will be filmed for Fashion 360 Television and presents a look at the world through the seasons in different parts of world, cultures and ethnicities. The show, featuring the new and innovative collection of the Amsterdam-based fashion house Femis Fashion represents an exciting new development in the fusion between real-world fashion and Second Life fashion and has been made possible by four talented SL designers - Nicky Ree, Aphrodite Outlander, Sysy Chapman and EFA Design Awards finalist, Indira Bekkers.

First Fusion's main sponsor, First Meta, will be creating a setting that captures, the atmostphere and charm of the real-world setting of Amsterdam and De Balie. The Artist Advice will take care of the real life part in Amsterdam, where the people will be able to no only watch the live show, but also enjoy a live stream of the Second Life show, which will be broadcasted by Meta.Live.Nu on a big screen and via De Balie's internet site.

Ewing Fashion Agency's CEO commented, "This is really an exciting development for fashion in Second Life and for Femis Fashions and we are proud to be part of the event development team". To receive further event information and landmarks, or real -life location address, please join our in-world group called the EWING EVENTS VIP LIST.

Information about the Ewing Fashion Agency: Ewing Fashion Agency (EFA) is a fresh, energetic, dynamic and industry focused fashion promotions agency founded by Una Ewing, specialised in the development, creation and management of business and PR and marketing solutions, concepts and promotional campaigns for real-world and Second Life fashion designers and professionals.

Information about The Artist Advice: The Artist Advice is an artist management agency founded in Amsterdam in 2005 by Jennifer Delano. Today, the team consists of seven motivated employees who energetically manage the development and careers of hundreds of artists.

Mannequin Model Search part 2

And The Winners are...
#3 Aleida Rhode
#2 Alize Decosta
#1 Wynter Kidd


But because the voting was so tight as all were wonderful models a special honor was handed out to the other 6 hopefuls .....Deuce Barthelmess, Davey Hullabaloo, Polaris Benelli, Emma Arbizu, Mcooter Graves and Turlututu Chaffe....they are all now models with Mannequin.

Congratulations to all involved. We should be seeing them all within the next few weeks as they start their new careers in SL by showing us the latest styles.

Photo by reporter Dashwood Dayafter

Avenue Inc opens in heaven

This place has been designed with great care, the atmosphere being the most important factor

apart from the runway itself of course.

With 83 people present it was a wonder the models could even walk but they did a great job showing their skill and professionalism during the entire show.

The opening fashion show featured Apple May Designs, Ravenwear, Indyra Originals and Szentasha Fashions in a spectacular setting which showed the designs to their best advantage.

After the show we were encouraged to join in the party and dance away with DJ Marko Beery or take a look in the mall to buy some of the outfits we had seen so well displayed.

AVENUE MODELS is a subsidiary of AVENUE Inc, founded by Rusch Raymaker, that specialises in customised fashion shows at Heaven's AVENUE or gracing their shows at clubs and venues and are also available for print, promotional and commercial assignments.
Click here to read what this great company has to offer.

Congratulations on an impressive launch you all did a fantastic job, I hope to be attending many more shows with you.

Dana XXX

★ AVENUE MODELS ★

30 September 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Rusch Raymaker, CEO of AVENUE Inc Annette Wilder, PR Manager of AVENUE Inc
Re: AVENUE MODELS Opening Launch and Fashion Show --------------------------------------------------------------
Come October 6, Saturday at 11am, AVENUE Inc will be launching with a Fashion Show Extravaganza and party headlining their modelling agency, AVENUE MODELS. AVENUE MODELS is set to be the premier modelling agency boasting the finest female models in SL. The opening fashion show will feature some of the most talented and established fashion brands namely Apple May Designs, Ravenwear, Indyra Originals and Szentasha Fashions. Straight off after the party, guests can groove along with london-based DJ Marko Beery (aka The Suit) of Dogglounge Radio with a slick serving up funky soulful house beats.
Set in Heaven's AVENUE, a sky runway concept created by Rusch Raymaker in collaboration with model and builder Kim Dench, will be the uber venue for fashion shows and events that will leave its audiences spellbound and talking about it the days after. Come and rock this town with us with the slickest fashion runway show and party with the hottest models that you will ever meet in SL. Its only just beginning...expect the unexpected and only the best!
Date : 6 October 2007, SaturdayTime : 11amVenue : Heaven's Avenue (Maria Christine 160, 63, 199)
Guests coming for the show are invited to preview the models portfolios in the Gallery (Maria Christine 154,44,22) at the agency.
AVENUE MODELS is a subsidiary of AVENUE Inc, founded by Rusch Raymaker, that specialises in customised fashion shows at Heaven's AVENUE or gracing their shows at clubs and venues and are also available for print, promotional and commercial assignments.
AVENUE Inc is an all-female run talent management agency specialising in fashion, photography and events. Its other subsidiaries include :
> AVENUE Studio , backed by a team of professional female photographers, is an original studio concept that has one of the most sophisticated customisable holo deck system with the capacity to shoot portraits, fashion, groups and even transport vehicles such as cars or planes. Studio portfolio works can be found in Avenue Models Gallery.
> Heaven's AVENUE, sky runway for AVENUE MODELS monthly fashion shows and designer partners
> AVENUE, a mall that features designs and works of Avenue Models as well a the best that SL fashion has to offer. Fashionista and model must-haves under one roof. Tenant openings are still available. (Opening end October 2007)
> AVENUE Sky Deck, a chillout bar in modern luxe for all fashionistas
> AVENUE Coast, chillzone by a beachside pool
Landmarks:-
AVENUE Inc (Maria Christine 178, 40, 22)
AVENUE MODELS (Maria Christine 154,44,22)
AVENUE STUDIO (Maria Christine 144, 48, 302)
Heaven's AVENUE (Maria Christine 160, 61, 199)
AVENUE Sky Deck, (Maria Christine 155, 47, 321)
AVENUE Coast (Maria Christine 175, 21, 21)
For more information, please contact Rusch Raymaker (CEO) or Annette Wilder (PR Manager) of Avenue Inc.