Designs of a higher Caliber

Some may think this section is just about Fashion so why is it called 'Design' ?
Because this section is about all kinds of things that are made in SL; some creative, some fashionable and some just truly beautiful and of course some are all three which is where I introduce Aurelius.
Aurelius Draken is the designer and builder of Caliber and Rivendell his furniture is amongst the most beautiful I have seen and I have a lot of it in our home (well before the wedding plans) I decided to chat to him about it and find out more:
Dana Vanmoer: Tell me how it all started, was it Nyre clothing range or your furniture?
Aurelius Draken: It was my furniture, and buildings. We had bought our first property, and couldn't find the things we wanted. Especially not for our library room, so I started making our own. Nyre became interested, and I taught her the basics of prim building, which she then took and branched into clothing all on her own.
I've always lusted after the library from the movie, "My Fair Lady", and since this was cyberspace, it was finally very feasible to realize :)
DV: How you you describe your furniture style?
Aurelius Draken: No matter what Nyre and I build, be it her clothing or my furniture or my structures, there's always one guiding, overriding principle; beauty. That's what we strive for, to make something that the eye finds very pleasing, something that your hand wishes to trace the graceful lines. Each line of furniture comes out of a lot of research and imagination; I try to make the furniture realize a concept, a theme. One line is Elven in conception, another is Victorian (mostly research and immersion in the ideas behind it), yet another is Gorean. The latest line is a Gothic Celtic theme.
DV: Do you ever think about how high prim it is, does it worry you?
Aurelius Draken: Prims are always a worry! I would love to build with complete disregard to the number of prims, but the reality of SL makes that unworkable. I try to be very efficient in my designs, and I use sculpties where I can. It's a balancing act, because while a sculpty may save prims, it causes as much lag as if I had used 10 prims. A lot of people are starting to figure out that sculpties aren't the be-all answer, but they do have their place. Some times, though... a design just has to use to the prims to still be beautiful, and credible. I'm really not fond of 'low prim' furniture that depends on textures, it's an illusion that's swiftly pierced, and once that happens, you're no longer in an immersive environment.
DV: Tell me about the apothecary and medical equipment?
Aurelius Draken: The medical equipment is a case-in-point for what we consider to be the cornerstone of Caliber :) . It's completely customer-driven. We listen to our customers, and prospective customers, actively soliciting their ideas, suggestions, and feedback. Customer service is extremely important to us, Dana. In many ways, we operate by the rule of treating our customers the way we would wish to be treated. The medical equipment began because, a bit over a year ago, there was very little on the market for SL doctors, so we had requests that we responded to. In turn, our customers have been fabulous, and we feel very fortunate in that regard. We hear a lot of horror stories from other content providers, but we've been blessed to have a really great group of customers. We try to be accessible to them, listen to them, and treat them as the VIPs they are to us.
DV: I know you started with several shops what led to a whole sim?

Aurelius Draken: We used to be located with a well-known property renter here in SL, and had a great relationship there for many months. But eventually, it became clear to us that it was time to move forward, so we searched and found a sim at a price we could afford. Once here, we decided to continue with our eclectic notion of blending Victorian and Elven styles together, and this sim really let us be creative in not only holding the new flagship store, but also providing interesting and beautiful things on the grounds for our visitors to enjoy. Our original place was much the same in that regard, we prefer to create an environment that people want to spend time in, rather than depending on contrived methods of traffic creation. Yes, we have a few camping 'chairs' now, but that's as far as we're willing to go. Towards that end, Rivendell itself now boasts a lovely promenade at the store level, horse and carriage rides, a gorgeous night club, and a build of Elrond's House of Rivendell on the ground below, reachable through the 'Elven Elevators'. There's riding paths, and the ground level has become exactly what what hoped for; a beautiful, relaxing place for people to play or take it easy in.
There's lots of places around the 'Net where you can meet people, chat, build communities... but SL permits anyone who has the desire, willpower to learn, and a vision, to bring that vision into virtual-being, with very little effort and resources compared with what it would take to do it in reality. SL is literally a place where dreams can be made manifest, where I don't have to tell you what I'm imagining, I can *show* you. To me, that's just phenomenal, and I can see a day where the next step will become feasible; when someone will figure out a way to make in reality, what we make here.
Aurelius Draken: Pictures don't begin to do it justice. You have to come see it for yourself, sit in it, use it, to see and understand. In our old store, I couldn't put many pieces out, we just didn't have the prims for it. Consequently, my furniture sales were very low.... But here, we have most of it out, and finally, people can see it, and they've demonstrated that they like what they see.

I know I like it :) and the texture change table and chairs I absolutely love.
If you are looking for high quality then this is a place to visit, the furniture is displayed all around the Caliber store, see it for yourself and I bet you don't walk away empty handed.
Dana

New Trends - June 1st

Click poster to teleport

Garments of Praise - A Special Virtual World Fashion Event for a Kenyan Orphanage

Event Date and Information:
*Date: June 01, 2008
*Time: 12PM SLT
*Host: Abbie Reinard
*DJ: Giela Delpaso
*Location: Sana Mall Sim (customized amphitheater) still being built
*Auction begins: 1PM (more info on auction at bottom of note)
Two women met during a recent Second Life beauty pageant that celebrated African heritage in the metaverse. Neither model made it beyond the pageant's second round but their friendship sparked conversation about beauty, fashion and charity. Abbie Reinard (model, writer and activist) and Keely LeFavre (supermodel, blogger and businesswoman) are pleased to send you the following announcement:
There is a prophecy in the Old Testament that reads "to give to them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness". It is this bit of the Bible that inspired Abbie Reinard to pursue a SecondLife career in fashion. "I've been working my hiney off in the SecondLife fashion world raising awareness and funds for a tiny AIDS orphanage in western Kenya," she says of her several months of effort. "One of my hopes has been to find someone to host a fabulous event showcasing SecondLife beauty and fashion creativity. Keely LeFavre and Sana Models are being wonderful and bringing this dream to life!"
The charity fashion show will take place on June 1st around mid-afternoon SLT at the lovely Sana Mall. The show will consist of 6 of the hottest SL models showing creations from 4 amazing SL Designers. Immediately after the show, an auction will take place for one outfit from each designer. All donations and proceeds will go directly to the Maseno Project.
The show promises to be something truly special and has attracted designers who rank among the most elite in Second Life's fabulously thriving digital fashion industry: Callie Cline (Callifornia), Giana Paine (GiGi couture) Sissy Pessoa (BAIASTICE) and Bianca Foulon (biancaF.). Each designer is showcasing at least 1 outfit that will be exclusively available for auction after the show.
"I love this show that Keely and Abbie are arranging. It's a wonderful opportunity to use my designs to make a real difference for these children." Garments of praise? Indeed yes! Abbie's excitment is evident, "This event will make such a huge difference in the lives of over 30 children who lost their parents to disease. Keely and I are amazed by the generosity of these stunning designers."
The Maseno Project is an intimate charity whereby people's donations make significant impact on particular lives. "Large charities are incredible and can accomplish so many amazing things! But we still need to pursue more intimate connections with personal relationship. Many small charities would simply dissappear without individuals who come alongside them," says Abbie. Due to the AIDS pandemic, a small village 20 miles west of Maseno has a large number of orphans. Most of these orphans have no means of support from either relatives or the local community. Among the necessities are: proper education, food, basic health care. This is a self-funded integrated community based project to establish education bursary plans for orphans, youth, the destitute and special cases such as the blind, deaf and the lame. And provide health care for the above groups. The centre has one ongoing activity early childhood education program which has 30 children, mainly orphans.
For more information about the Maseno Project visit Abbie's blog at http://masenoproject.blogspot.com or contact All Saints Parish, Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK), Diocese of Maseno North, P.O. Box 16 Luanda for info about the orphanage.For information about the upcoming show on June 1st including underwriting and advertising, please contact Keely LeFavre.Auction information:
*Bidding on each outfit will start at $200L and rise from there.
*All proceeds from the auction and donations kiosks will go directly to the maseno project Via Sana Models.
*Confirmation of monies received and sent will be sent to the designers and you can visit the Maseno Project Blog

KMADD MENS UNDERWEAR FASHION SHOW

Explore the rich, yet sexy culture of the sun-drenched ancient Mediterranean, as the winged MAD Agency male models tickle your fancy (along with other parts!) amidst the burning pyres and life-like statues of immortal gods on Saturday, May 24 at 1:00pm SLT.
The fashion show, sponsored by several leading SL businesses (VISTA Animations, Material Squirrel, Costa Rica Sims and Runway Magazine) and featuring KMADD City designers, offers colorful and sparkling reminders of the sophistication of Greek and Roman taste and style, from the marbled columns to the richly ornamented terracotta vases filled with fresh blooms. Yet lust permeates the air, with the gorgeous male models making their way through the slow-moving mists spanning the cracked granite. The colliding moods of the show can even be seen in the invitation photo, shot by up-and-coming photographer Damon Varriale, combining elegance with a sizzle.
Please arrive 20 minutes before the start of the show to ensure a seat, and make plans to stay afterwards, as DJ Azu spins the tunes to get your blood boiling and your body sweating
Featured designers: Hoorenbeek Aitui, Brief Encounter, Valiant Vita, MENGB Style, MD Underwear, Muism, Casa Del Shai, Mechanism
Sponsors:Material Squirrel, Costa Rica Sims, VISTA Animations, RUNWAY Magazine

Petal Power

Okay, passing on a little gem here for those acquisitive gardeners out there. I was investigating a very pretty sim (more on that later) when the beautiful ground cover plants caught my eye. Closer inspection led me to Botanica Petal Pushers Garden Centre and a spending spree. The garden centre has a great range of particle emitter plants on sale as well as butterfly poofers and flexi plants and at incredibly reasonable prices…I confess I went a bit crazy. Back at the Cortes shack I got busy with my purchases and the results are here for you to see! Whilst I was in a mood for carpets of wild pansies, those with a darker botanical bent might enjoy the range of carnivorous plants... perfect housewarming gifts for the vampire in your life.

Eshi Otawara and Chouchou together...

16th May at 6pm SLT

Click for full size poster

OMG! a little bit of difference goes a long way

This week I was looking around our office at Ian Bernard, just to see what was nearby and decided to explore OMG! Inc which is right next door to our main office.
I had been here before to their first ever fashion show and quite liked what I saw. So i went to see what was new.
I bumped into Kaddan Yue and we sat down for a chat. OMG! Inc is the brainchild of Kaddan and has been in the pipeline for over a year. Most people know her as a business woman, working for BNT/ACE, so a range of clothing? Where did that come from?
Kaddan Yue: Duchess and myself wanted to run a business, well our own
DV: Duchess?
Kaddan Yue: Duchess Shepherd, she is Co-CEO, Duchess is a designer in real life but not with photoshop she does hand drawings
Kaddan Yue: but I did the research and looked all over sl, to see what was out there. SL is a second life, so my second life is in learning to make clothing, but most important understanding how business works in SL. OMG helps me reach both goals. This is my dream.
DV: The designing or the business side of it?
Kaddan Yue: Well right now it is both, in the beginning it was just business. I am learning to actually make clothing myself, and I love the business end of it.
DV: What makes OMG clothes different?
Kaddan Yue: Well in the company right now, there are 3 and a 1/2 of us designing and we all come for different parts of the world, or USA, so we have a lot of styles.
DV: So the idea is to have different designers all under one label?
Kaddan Yue: Yes, and actually have it work, actually it is working pretty good, although I am the CEO, I am a team player, and we work as a team. We do have issues just like in real life, but that is part of being a professional.
Kaddan Yue: Their are a lot of designers and a lot that never make it on their own, so we are trying to make it together. We each have a part to play
DV: How many designers do you hope to have?
Kaddan Yue: I would like to have 6 solid designers all together.
DV: One section you seen to be missing is evening wear?
Kaddan Yue: Formal wear for women will be out next week, we have some great stuff coming out and feel the key is textures, and of course details.

Kaddan then gave me a sneak preview of some of the formal wear soon to be released and its well worth waiting for :)
I shall be keeping an eye on OMG! Inc, this team will be something to be reckoned with with Kaddans business mind and a good team of designers this is one company worth a visit.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sununu/119/119/51

Dana XxX

"You've had a makeover!"

Discovering prim hair is one of those things that once you do you wonder how you ever got on without it, personally i think i have about 50 styles of hair in many colors.

Yesterday I had a chat with a friend and after I TP'd him he said to me "You've had a makeover!"

Actually I hadn't but it made me think, what had I changed since I last saw him? The only thing I change is my hair, I have had the same naughty designs skin since the beginning (although I now have 2 makeups), any way i tried taking a snap of myself in 2 different styles and seeing how much difference it made.

I was quite surprised at how much it does change your appearance. For instance I can normally be seen with short reddish hair and even just switching between style changed my look drastically. My favourites shown above are the ETD, most people know Elikapeka Tiramisu's fantastic styles, although its a recent discovery of mine, I was always happy with Calla and rarely looked elsewhere. I also like the short Victoria from Frangipani Designs although I have stuck to Onyx LeShelle of Maitreya for a while as my main style her designs are so realistic and move so naturally.

I do like to wear long hair sometimes, usually if I am going somewhere formal. again I usually fall back on my Calla designs, red poppy for not so formal, then Saffron if I feel girly or Poinsettia for a real formal look. I do love the Naughty Designs Angel for both formal and girly. A friend wore the Rapunzel style from Mewf Demina of FreeSpeerit this is fantastically different - I love it for that quirky mood.

Whatever your style changing your hair can make a huge impact and with so many great designers out there its hard to decide. I suppose everyone has their own 'look' and this usually includes the hairstyle they wear the most. Next time you feel like a makeover maybe just a change of hairstyle will be enough.

Dana

Outfit from HAUTE STYLE & CO.

skin from Naughy Designs

Fashion Across 300 Years

Do you like Fashion?

Are you interested in the evolution of fashion? If you are, this is the right show for you. Please join us as we have a fashion show with fashions spanning 300 years! We'll have featured designers such as Alba Rossini, Alisha Couture, Cartunno Couture and Kelineschwein Designs. Music will be provided by Kromus Korobase.

There is some lovely designs being shown that day. Please come show your support for Relay for Life that day, as well .

4-27-08

2-4 pm

Click the logo to teleport!

SLCN.TV TO PROVIDE LIVE COVERAGE OF MEROVINGI FASHION AWARDS 2008

Second Life, April 24, 2008 -- The 2008 Merovingi Fashion Awards geared up this week
with their week-long fashion showcase as a prelude to the fashion awards gala on Saturday,
April 26, 2008, which will be broadcast live on SLCN.TV from 4 pm to 7 pm PST. MFA2008
is hosted by the Merovingi Group, which was established to increase awareness of
international humanitarian efforts within the virtual world of Second Life.
The Merovingi Group is proudly sponsoring the National Breast Cancer Foundation and
Doctors Without Borders during this year's Fashion Awards and have set a goal to raise
$15,000 dollars for the selected organizations, which have made exemplary strides to
improve access to the information and means to seek medical care and treatment for
millions of people worldwide.
Last year's show, helped raise over $5,000 for the American Cancer Society and crowned
the Best New Designer and Best SL Designer. This year, the Second Life community
nominated designers in five categories with the top five accepting nominees in each
category receiving invitations to attend the Merovingi Fashion Awards to showcase their
work. MFA 2008 Awards will be given out for Best Female, Best Male, Best Goth, Best
Furry, and Best New Fashion label.
Partners and sponsors on the roster supporting MFA 2008 are SLCN.TV, RUNWAY Magazine,
MODA Modeling School, 3DG - The Don Duke Development Group, Max March Industries,
and the MHA Group.
SLCNs own duckyfresh Watanabe and Carter Giacobini will serve as Mistress and Master of
Ceremonies for the evening. On hand for presentation of the awards to the top designers
will be Best of SL Magazine's CEO Frolic Mills alongside renowned designers Melania Zhao
and Emma Gilmour. The gala event will be dotted with live performances by SpaceJunky,
Jax Streeter, Thumper Boucher, Moxy Baracuda, and Rosedrop Rust.
The 2008 Merovingi Fashion Awards gala will broadcast live exclusively on SLCN.TV with
simulcast locations across the Second Life grid. Viewers may also tune their browsers to
www.slcn.tv for additional coverage of MFA 2008.

Miss SL Ebony 2008 - Third Cycle

**SATURDAY 26TH APRIL AT 8 PM PST**

* EXCLUSIVE : In association with Chan Dejavu and Dejavu Isles, the beauty pageant next cycle will be a special 'unleash your creativity event' ! Indeed, a painting by Fabienne Arietti untitled 'Female Eyes Open' have been selected and the aspiring Miss SL Ebony 2008 will use their imagination to talk about it...
* HOW WILL IT BE JUDGED ?
The 15 girls still competing for the title will answers to the the following questions : - What does this painting inspire you ? (on the official poster) - How do you see cultural diversity and cultural identity in the metaverse ?
DIFFICULTY :
Models will have 5 minutes maximum to give their answers during the event. They will be judged upon their communication skills and their ability to follow strict guidelines (timeline for the speech.) Chan Dejavu is the special judge of this cycle !
* WHERE WILL THE SHOW BE ? http://slurl.com/secondlife/Motown%20City/32/194/23/

At the end of their performance, we will announce the 5 girls who will access the final step of Miss SL Ebony 2008 and get a chance to win over 100,000L$ ! There is excitment in the air... and also stress. If you can feel it, it means that you absolutely have to check this event out.

Tangled up in Blue

Oohh, I love spring. A smile starts to play about my lips when I see crocuses valiantly battling the February frosts and now, when the leaves are just bringing forth that acid froth of green…well I’m grinning from ear to ear. And I can’t get enough. Having planted the RL vegetable patch, I’m out there daily, scouring the earth for the first specks of green shoots. But it’s a slow business…and there’s only so long I stand watching bare earth before the neighbours start thinking that I am doo-lally (hmmm…make that more doo-lally). So here I am, looking at how to turn my SL garden into a real spring garden


Heart Garden Centre is the obvious port of call for me. It’s kind of the gold standard for SL plants in my opinion, and it has kept me stocked with daffodils and snowdrops through the first dark months of the year. Now I am wallowing in drifts of candy pink and white cherry blossom and swooning at the intense blue of single stem hyacinths in terracotta bowls.


But I am already thinking ahead to May and here creators Lilith and Dolly Heart excel themselves…I can festoon the porch of my home with climbing wisteria, place gracefully drooping standard trees in pots for Italianate elegance or use more relaxed and natural spans for bigger spaces. Although most of Heart’s trees are available as saplings, young or mature trees and there is a lot of choice for summer, winter and autumnal foliage, I still think there could be more to capture this beautiful time of year. Please ladies…more for the spring collection!! For now, I have to satisfy my spring lust with red and yellow tulips in 12 packs which I’ll strew about the garden like some animated Proserpine in heels.

At the Bellagio

Last night saw me at the Bellagio Since I knew Edo Tone was showing his Tuxedo collection, plus I am always looking for ideas for my own wedding dress.
They really know how to put on an event here, Edo's suits were worn to perfection my special favourite the classic tailcoat (shown on the right):
The Tailcoat is the "King of formal wear." The Styles of Edo tailcoat is made from a fine worsted wool fabric with the trademark waist-length jacket and classic flexi-tails. According to the international formal dress rules, this evening coat with matching simple, black, worsted wool pants also has a crisp white wingtip collar shirt, an elegant white bow tie and matching white vest. Simple and refined, the tailcoat is worn at the most formal occasions. Suitable for an audience with royalty or for the most formal wedding or event, this is the evening coat that sets you apart as a discriminating, proper gentleman.
Styles of edo is nominated for Best Male Fashion Label at the Merovingi Fashion Awards, I will certainly be voting for him! Click the link above to add your support to this talented designer.

The exquisite gowns of Kimmera Madison of Tres Beau certainly complimented Edo Tones suits.
What a talented lady.
The detail in these dresses is stunning. From simple elegance to extravagant huge trains, even launching a a special edition gown called Bellagio (shown on the main news page), named for the fabulous Bellagio hotel and sim. A cinderella inspired gown of Taffeta and lace. Loads of layering, bows and flower accents. The Headpiece consists of pearls and flowers and a flowing lace veil. The dress also converts to a corset set with stockings and panties for the honeymoon !!For the fairytale bride with a naughty side choose Bellagio!!!!
The dress that especially caught my eye had to be Vivienne (shown far left), named after Kimmera's Mother. A traditional gown in Ivory Satin trimmed with Ivory lace. The embroidery on the bodice extends down into the full skirt and continues around to the train.
The dress itself is beautifully designed, but the reason it caught my eye is that it is an almost exact replica of the dress I myself married in 10 years ago in RL. I have to congratulate Kimmera on a design that is as beautiful today as it was then.
Dana

Styles of Edo

Our friend Edo Tone will be very busy this week and justifiably so, his mens suits are the best - if you need a suit for any occasion this is the place to go (I even managed to persuede James to go shopping there this week). Firstly:

~Bellagio's Wedding Extravaganza~
Showcasing Styles of edo and Kimmera Madison Wedding Dresses
Hosted by Premiere Modeling Agency and Bellagio
The Heart of Style
Sunday, April 20, 2008 at 3 pm sl time.
Followed by a party at Caramel Lounge
Bellagio
Join us for the fun!

Then of course the:

~ Merovingi Fashion Awards~
Sunday, April 20 at Noon
The Merovingi Fashion Awards Fair opens and voting begins!
Styles of edo was nominated for Best Male Fashion Label.
Wednesday, April 23:
Best Male Fashion Label Show
Starting at 8 pm, Styles of edo will appear at 9:30 pm

WIN AN iPOD NANO!
Voting in ALL five categories automatically enters you in a drawing for one of ten iPod Nanos! There is a voting sign in each category area.

Rezzable invites you to 'Cascade'

Rezzable is a rl company that has come to sl to create imaginative sims. "Cascade" their newest sim houses one of their largest clothing lines and opens on Monday.

Click the poster to Teleport over for the opening event. 2 shows on Monday the 21st will see the grand opening with Timeless modelling agency displaying a brand new, never before seen, line of designs.

Hope to see you there!

An April Wedding Event

As spring comes with hope of new life and new beginnings, Bellagio Second Life is proud to present a fashion event that celebrates the beauty and promise of a spring wedding.

Please come join us as we feature the stunning work of Kimmera Madison of Tres Beau Weddings and the elegant work of edo Tone of Styles of edo.

In association with Premiere Modeling Management, Bellagio Second Life presents a Wedding Extravaganza on Sunday, April 20th, at 3 pm slt at the Bellagio Runway on the Isle of Dreams.

We hope you can take the time to enjoy this special event with us. If you have any questions, please contact Pat Hartono, Fashion Consultant or Alix Abruzzo, Owner

Pat Hartono
Bellagio, Isle of Dreams (89,131,22)

Colour change furniture innovative and stylish!

Ever want to change your colour scheme? But after spending so much on everything you really don't want to replace it all?

This is the option for you if you are easily bored or like to theme your room on your mood.

Colour change furniture; a simple command changes it to any one of seven colour options, as you can see from the images this works really well with the stylish furniture made by Adonis Action.

This would be perfect for themed parties too in clubs and lounges and bars that often have to change their look quickly.

Not all the furniture seen here is colour change some is just stylish but it all works wonderfully together.

Check it out for yourself HERE

click images for a larger view

Poptart Lilliehook joins LeeZu Baxter Designs as Chief Marketing Officer

LeeZu Baxter, CEO, founder, and the creative powerhouse behind the LeeZu Baxter Designs brand announced today that Poptart Lilliehook will be joining LBD to head up the couture fashion house's marketing arm. Poptart is a top SL model and seasoned marketing professional who brings a robust track record in advising RL companies in both the FMCG and luxury brand sectors. "As well as bringing a wealth of RL experience to the role", said LeeZu Baxter, "Poptart will also bring a keen understanding of the couture market in SL. We believe that this unique skill set will add enormous value to our brand going forward".

Poptart, who currently holds the role of VP Fashion at Modavia Fashion Marketing, will be responsible for all marketing, public relations and promotional activity at LBD. She replaces Payton Heron who has left LBD to pursue other opportunities.

BIANCA F. RELEASES FATA SKINS TODAY

Bianca Foulon, owner and designer of the bianca F. line of Italian designed women's apparel, accessories and skins, today releases her newest generation of skins for the women of SL. This new skin series is named “Fata” and it comes in five different skin tones Sahara, Moka, Bronze, Cioko and Ivory. These skins are now available at the flagship bianca F. store
Bianca has refined the facial features and paid close attention to the female form. The result is very realistic and feminine skins that are edgy, yet so delicate. Each skin tone comes with 10 make up choices and demos are complimentary. "I tried to make these skins so close to my own natural skin and hope that women will view them with great appreciation," states Bianca.
In appreciation of the support of the many members of the bianca F. group, Bianca is pleased to offer a gift of one of these newest skins to the group.
This newest collection of skins will be presented in a show on Friday, April 11th at 2 pm PDT in cathedral Piazza del Duomo

NEW OWNERSHIP FOR ASpiRE!

*Duality, Inc - A Second Life® Based Promotions, Marketing and Publishing Companythat Caters to the First and Second Life Fashion Scene Acquires Long-Time SL® Fashion Empire, ASpiRE!*

Aspire, one of Second Life's original fashion magazines and modeling agencies has been purchased by Duality, Inc. Duality, a first-life corporation that operates out of Second Life, came on the scene with the launch of Depth Magazine in January, 2008. Duality is also the parent organization for Duality Photography; Posture Poses and most recently, Miss SL Universe 2008's print modeling agency, Doll, Inc. Duality co-founder and CEO, Kristianne Matfield, has been a player in the SL fashion publishing scene since shortly after her arrival in SL in July of 2007. Beginning with her personal fashion blog, Matfield quickly became the go-to girl for First/Second Life marketing companies searching for assistance in event planning, hosting and management. Matfield joined the staff of ASpiRE! Magazine in November, 2007 as a staff writer before launching her own magazine with her partner, the accomplished photographer and Duality co-founder and President, Benderoverand Hammerer. Before long, Aspire founders Bianca Darling and Trina Noland asked Matfield to step in to the role of Aspire Magazine's Lead Stylist and then, Editor-in-Chief.

"There's no denying that Aspire has long-held the role of virtual fashion promotion powerhouse. Bianca and Trina brought to it a vision that allowed it to succeed in the way that it did and I was honored to become part of the team," says Matfield. "When I recognized that their time in Second Life was limited and fresh competition was picking up almost daily, I wanted to be sure that Aspire didn't lose its place as leader of the pack."

Duality, Inc has slowly been gaining momentum behind the scenes, too. Their first magazine, Depth, rushed on the scene amid significant mystery and hype at the stroke of midnight on January 1st, 2008. A new, fresh approach and a rogue staff of two (Matfield and Hammerer) was out of the norm for the SL magazine scene. Duality also parented Matfield's and Hammerer's side businesses, Duality Photography and Posture Poses. But that's not all. Babyhoney Bailey, Miss SL Universe 2008 and the grand prize winner of the 12Avatars Calendar competition, had been working on her own to start a new and inventive approach to modeling in SL by focusing on print work versus runway with agency Doll, Inc. Bailey's ideas are countless and she and Matfield began working together. In a bid to recapture some of the excitement and fresh vibrancy that Aspire was known for, Bailey joined the Duality team as Vice President and Doll, Inc became a fourth facet of the growing company.

"Anyone who's met Babyhoney Bailey knows that she is full of fantastic ideas. Her long-running and successful experience in the SL modeling world makes her a natural choice for the position of Agency Director in the modeling facet of Duality. I'm truly excited about the plans we have in place for the Agency," Matfield explains.

Matfield, Hammerer and Bailey recognize the work they have in front of them and want to reassure the current staff of Aspire's Magazine and Modeling Agency that everyone who wishes to remain a part of the team and is ready to work as hard as they are to propel the company to new heights is welcome:

"The first step," says Matfield, "is regrouping all of the staff and making sure we're all on the same page and everyone is left feeling confident about our plans and motivations moving forward. I foresee that happening in a series of meetings over the next several days. I know that mergers and acquisitions can leave anyone feeling unsure of the future and before there are any visible changes in the structure or face of Aspire, we want to reassure all of the loyal staff, vendors, advertisers and partners that Aspire has very positive things in store for its future. Bianca and Trina both worked so hard to make Aspire the top agency and magazine through their integrity, loyality and dedication. I speak on behalf of my partners when I say confidently that we are proud and honored to be able to continue their legacy and are anxious to build a working relationship with all of Aspire's existing affiliates."

At this time, the SIM, Groups and staff structure will all remain unchanged aside from the addition of the new management staff. Any notable changes will be posted on the Aspire blog (http://www.aspiresl.blogspot.com/) when they occur. A staff directory will be provided in the coming days.