Designer Showcase Interviews

 

Hi everyone, Costa Rica Sims Productions will be showcasing this coming weekend Egoisme by Ramses Meredith. I went to have a chat with him leading up to the fashion show.

 

Ramses Meredith arrived inworld 4 years ago, in fact his rezz day is the 26th January, so Ramses happy rezz day from all of us at Costa Rica Sims. His real self hails from Milan Italy, one of the main fashion centres in the real world.

Ramses, thank you for taking time out to chat to us.  What brought you SL?

Mmm well this is funny, I was looking for another virtual game like World of Warcraft, hehe if I think back to when I arrived in SL it was a little traumatic for me at first since the gui interface is not friendly like WoW.

I think it was the same for most of us.

Haha defnitely! But it was a disaster because the use of the keys is very different and so on but I learnt fast. What was most strange for me was the concept of being able to move from sim to sim and needing know about places and being able to find them.

Would you tell us a little about yourself and your time in SL so far?

Well what I can say is I am eclectic, I like to experiment with everything and to learn, I am thirsty for knowledge.  I love to design and play business. In fact in RL I am designer and business man, we can say I have a number of different jobs since I like to push my limits and to manage many things at the same time.  In SL, well I started playing but then I couldn’t find clothes and tattoos to suit my taste, so it was from there that I started with the production of tattoo’s first.  That pushed me into the SL business world, then a year ago I started Egoisme Ltd in RL to work in SL and started to work on clothes, skins and accessories.  As many people know, I am very selfish when it comes to design, everything has to fit me first, if I don’t like what I have designed, I don't feel the need to sell it.  My RL job helps me a lot in SL because I have a base to work from; what’s more I have been using Photoshop since I was 15.

How did you come to decide on Egoisme as your brand name?

As I mentioned previously, because I am used to designing everything first for my "needs" I am ... we can say selfish? So in French the word for that is egoisme, and since for me Paris is still one of moda's capitals, I decided to use this French word for my company name.

What are your inspirations for your designs?

Everything! It can be music, or maybe a nice landscape, everything can stimulate my imagination. I want to emphasise that I don't copy from RL outfits because I am genetically unable to copy, I need to have my soul in what I do so I create by using my imagination and what I am feeling at that moment, as an example, now I am very into fur because I damn love to play with fur textures.

What do you find are the biggest challenges you face as a designer in SL?

To work with prims and the fact that Linden Labs have an algorithm that reduce texture resolutions, you know SL have a cluster of servers called "asset" servers, so to save space every texture is resized till you upload a 2048x 2048. So u need to find new techniques to increase detail for low resolutions

So then what’s your take on Mesh vs Sculpties for the SL Fashion World?

I definitely prefer mesh, but I am waiting for Second Life to upgrade the new system that allows avatars to wear mesh clothes, so I am not going to waste of time with rigging that would allow designs to fit every body size.  For now I will wait to make mesh clothes.

What do you think is the best thing you have done?

This is a new skin I am working on by the way.  But the best thing I have even done is adopt a Kenyan boy. We take part in the ‘feed a smile’project and as company we have adopted a boy.  With 100 lindens you can give a child a meal, so we have donated 10k for this boy.  Next month I hope to adopt another one, so that will be 2.

This is what for me is the best thing I have done for now. I am lucky to have many customers who love my work and this is my way of saying thank you to them. As it is Egoisme that has adopted the boy, it that means every customer has made a contribution. I could give the money from my own wallet, but every customer has built this and I love my customers, they are a great family and they help a lot.

How did you go about deciding what to show on the weekend?

Well following the feeling I have now I would describe it as exotic and furrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr,  hehe.

Oohhhhhh, sounds intriguing.

Hehe, yes!  It’s like when you cook, the fashion is a mix of spices and main ingredients. Like with everything, you need the main idea first and then each shape, each fabric texture is a mix of "spices".

I then asked Ramses if I may take a snap shot of him….

RM: No, you can of course - fixes fast his hair

RM: *winks*

LM: Lol, you look stunning darling, nothing wrong with your hair

RM: Lol, I know! I urged Maddox Dupont to make hair like this. You have to know when I feel an idea, I have to encourage whoever it applies to, to create something for it.

LM: and they don't mind you telling them this?

RM: No they love being involved, I mean I don't order - lies - I "suggest" the best way  - omits  "the best way to survive"

I for one look forward to the fashion show on the weekend! Don't forget to read the press release. See you all there.

Lacy Muircastle

 

Hello everyone.

This week, I have the pleasure of speaking with Zalyn Bailey,

the creative mind behind VoguE designs.

BM > Hi Zalyn, and thank you taking the time to meet with me today.   Can you tell us a little about yourself?

ZB:> Out of curiosity I was brought into this virtual world in 2007, being my first virtual encounter, SL fascinates me. Meeting people from all over the world, loving how creativity is being brought into Second Life without boundaries drives me to pick up the challenge of starting something myself.  The skills I gained from real life benefited me somehow in designing, however I've much to learn and improve still.

Myself and together with my team of staff strongly believed in establishing a high confident level with our customers, whom we defined as independent, confident and chic. Today, the label now has closed to 10,000 members both in-world and Sub. Together we hope the brand is able to achieve more breakthroughs in the near future.

BM > How long have you been on Second Life?

ZB:> I've been in SL over 4yrs, and still loving it.

BM > what do you find as the biggest challenges in selecting the designs and items you produce? 

ZB:> It's rather challenging to create wearable clothes in Second Life, adopting prims and sculpties, taking into consideration the movements of AO and poses. It's also very difficult to design one that marries your ideas with the customers’' tastes, especially here we are referring to customers from all over the world, and travelling isn’t an issue.

BM > Are there any real life designers that influence your creations?

ZB:> There are many influential factors that contributed to my flow of ideas; it can be as simple as from a TV commercial or during my window shopping moments. I specifically love mixing and matching of ideas, to portray designs in my own way.

     

BM > I’m sure you have seen many improvements in all the clothing that is offered on SL.  Do you believe that the introduction of sculpties has made that possible? And what might we expect in the future?

ZB:> Sculpties does changed the fashion scene in Second Life upon its introduction, increases the creativity flexibility as well as making it more realistic. What to expect next of course is no other than Mesh, as well as the increasing competition in Fashion line.

   

BM> Do you have any plans to make use of the new "mesh" that's now available?

Yes, time being due to a huge population still using the non-mesh viewers, I have no intension to go aggressively into mesh. However, that will be the next move for VoguE when the time is right.

BM > The upcoming fashion show this week in Costa Rica will be showcasing some of your new designs for this season.  How did you go about selecting the products we will see this week?

ZB:> I've 3 ranges of collections to showcase in Costa Rica. VoguE Essential, the basic casuals. VoguE Bondoir, the lingerie range. VoguE Dress and VoguE Elegancy, a range specially selected to be the finale for VoguE runway show at Costa. Bulks of these collections are made especially of lace, ruffles and tweeds.

BM > I would like to thank you for your precious time. Do you have final words you would like to share with the residents as to fashion tips or what me might be seeing in the future?

ZB:> Thank you for your time too, Costa Rica has always been one of my favourite, definitely looking forward to the show. VoguE is still improving and striving to be better as an all rounder for our customers.

 

VOGUE FLICKER:   http://www.flickr.com/photos/voguesl/with/6106135027/

VOGUE MAINSTORE http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/VoguE%20Fashion/151/133/32S

VOGUE MARKETPLACE:   

https://marketplace.secondlife.com/products/search?search[category_id]=&search[maturity_level]=GMA&search[keywords]=zalyn+bailey

VOGUE BLOGSPOT:   http://: http://voguefashionsl.blogspot.com/

*******************************************************************************************

VOGUE LOVE, GLAM & FASHION SHOW

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Costa%20Rica/22/204/605

The connection of fashion and music will come alive on

Saturday, November 26, 2011 @ 11AM SLT

when Costa Rica Sims Productions presents the VoguE LOVE, GLAM & FASHON SHOW.

This Show will present key fashion looks of Lingerie, City Chic and Ultra-Sexy Glam as well as never before released items of VoguE’s newest collection.

VoguE combines luxurious textures with eclectic details that create amazing designs from Lingerie to Fashionably Chic to Jaw Dropping Glam. Join us as we take you on an exciting journey from Love to Glamour with VoguE!

In 2010 Designers Luana Barzane and Arturcosta Akina created the Amarelo Manga with much determination and a clear goal, launching a brand of swimwear with uncompromising quality. Dream achieved. Today, the respected designer swimwear has appealed to customers of various nationalities, the brand parades in the main walkways of the SL fashion scene nationally and internationally. But now today, The Amarelo Manga by Luana Barzane brings a range of clothes and accessories that you are a woman Special.

BM> Hi Luana J  Thank you taking the time to meet with me today. I understand that you live In Brazil in your real life. Can you tell us a little about yourself?

LB:> I am Brazilian; I'm 23, married to Arthur in real life and work together here in Second Life, where we met. We love what we do in SL, and we have great designs for the RL and SL in fashion, despite working in RL with Technology.

BM> That is so amazing. You met your real life here on Second Life.  Now that’s a story I like to hear. How long have you been on Second Life?

LB:>I have been on SL 4 years and 8 months.

BM> What made you decide to get in the apparel business on Second Life?

LB:> I always wanted to do something in SL, especially in fashion, but never had someone who supported me, and when I met Arthur saw the possibility of realizing this dream that was in common, then take quality Brazilian fashion to the world virtual.

BM> What do you find the biggest challenges in selecting the designs and items you produce? Also are there any real life your designers That Influence Decisions?

LB:> Our biggest challenge is to translate the colors and the concept of quality Brazilian fashion for the second life, as there are limitations. There are designers but real-life influence, but none in specific, filtering out the best in each Brazilian designer and spent this essence for our projects.

BM> I'm sure you have seen many improvements in all the clothing that is Offered on SL. Do you Believe That the introduction of sculpties That has made possible? And now of course, with the new mesh options. What might we expect in the future?

LB:> The fashion in SL is divided into two phases: before and after Sculpt, it brought a wealth of details like never before existed, so as to mesh this will be a revolution for all, and I'm sure in no time memorable things will mesh. I am studying very hard to make wonderful pieces of mesh.

BM> The upcoming fashion show this week in Costa Rica will be showcasing your new Winter Collection. How did you go about selecting the products we will see this Saturday?

LB:> Firstly I am very happy for the invitation of my dear love Roe Woodford and the entire team at CRS. What we will be presenting is a mix of fashion parade autumn / winter with a strong inspiration in international fashion, where winter gives designers developing….. great creations, but with slight touches of our Brazilian fashion.

BM>Well that sounds very exciting. And I know for one, I will surely be attending. I would like to thank you for your precious time. Do you have the final words you would like to share with the residents as to what fashion tips or I Might Be seeing in the future?

LB:> First thank to thank our Heavenly Father, without whom none of this would be possible and also my best friends: Thalia and Roe and the whole team of CRS for their professionalism and excellence in performing their jobs. As for fashion tips, I will quote just one sentence of my muse: "Vista is evil and will notice the dress. Dress well and notice a woman" by Coco Chanel.

Costa Rica Sims Productions presents Amarelo Manga's high-quality, modern and sensually elegant collection for Winter 2011. A collection of pure indulgence with Brazilian inspiration; the trendy labels of Amarelo Manga present a variety of different looks and époques for the forthcoming season. Please join us as we bring to you the finest fashions from Amarelo Manga for Winter 2011 in our state of the art venue created exclusively for this event.

Fashion Show Location:

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Costa%20Rica/16/205/602\

Amarelo is proud to offer for the best dressed woman on Second Life, Summer wear, Beach, Casual, High Couture, Jewelry, Accessories, Shoes, Shapes, Skins and now their brand new Winter Collection.

For more information or to visit her store [AMARELO MANGA]

MAIN STORE:    

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Aloha%20Paradise%20Falls/175/119/22

WEBSITE:

http://www.wix.com/amarelomangasl/store

FLICKER:    

http://www.flickr.com/photos/luanabarzane  

Until next time, I’m Brendan Macarthur,  Costa Rica Sims Estate Reporter

Hello everyone. I have been given the pleasure of speaking with Shinichi Mathy of Shiki Designs. Shiki Designs is known throughout the grid for high-quality fashion for men and women.

And this Saturday, we are all in for a treat. Costa Rica Productions will be showcasing some of his new Fall Collection. But, even better, it will feature outfits done in shades of pinks for Breast Cancer Awareness.

Hi Shinichi my dear friend, thank you taking the time from your busy schedule to meet with me today.  Can you tell us a little about yourself?

SM > Hi Brendan. It's my pleasure to be here. Well, I was born in Japan but moved to Hawaii with my parents when I was 5. I stayed there for about 20 years then decided to move back to Tokyo, where I currently call home. I'm a blend of Japanese and Hawaiian cultures.

How long have you been on Second Life?

SM> My rezz date is July 14, 2007 so it feels like a really long time.

What made you decide to get into the clothing design business? And how long ago did you get started?

SM> One of my first jobs in SL was modeling. At that time there really weren't that much variety when it came to men's clothes. One of my friends urged me to try and learn photoshop and create clothes that I like. I studied photoshop for 3 months and launched SHIKI in the spring of 2008.

Did you start with men’s or woman’s clothing and which do you find more challenging to create?

SM> I started out creating men's designs but started created for women soon afterwards. I actually find that they each have their own challenges. Because I'm a guy in RL, I find it easier to come up with designs for men but find it much more time consuming to create a complete outfit for men. You have the shirt, jacket, pants and whatever else you want to add to your outfit. With women it's harder for me to come up with the idea but if I go with a dress, it's basically one piece to make. So it's really the same for me.

Looking at your products, I see a blend of “east meets west” in your creations?  How did that come to be?

SM> My background definitely influences my designs. I live in Tokyo where my senses are constantly stimulated. You never run out of inspiration here. I also visit my parents in annually in Hawaii and everytime I go there, I'm amazed at the beauty of nature and how Hawaiian design is all inspired by nature.

I love the brilliant colorations that you incorporate into your products.  What influenced you to use the blends of colors and designs that you use?

SM> I find blending different colors into one design is a challenge because you can go overboard with the colors so it's a balancing act. I love doing that and spend days trying to come up with the right colors for the final design.

I’m sure you have seen great improvements in the clothing that is offered on SL especially for the guys. Do you think the items offered for men have reached its greatest advancements, or is there more to come. ?  And that also applies to women’s apparel.  And have you taken advantage of the new “mesh” that is available now?

SM> I would like to believe there is more to come for both men and women's fashion in SL. Fashion is limited only by your imagination. I don't use mesh yet as I don't really see the advantage of it yet.

         

As we all know, there will be a fashion show this week showcasing your designs. How did you go about selecting the products we will see this week, keeping in mind the breast cancer theme?

SM> I did a lot of recoloring of my newest designs for this show. I incorporated pink hues into each design that will be seen in this show. A few of the designs you will see are exclusive to this particular show.

I also understand that many of you products will be on site for those in attendance to purchase right on the spot. And that a portion of all the sales will be donated to a cancer charity.  How did you become involved in this great cause?

SM> I've always participated in charity events that I believe in. It gives me an opportunity to contribute to the cause. I have to thank the people at Costa Rica Sims for giving me this opportunity.

Well we'd like to thank you for your involvement and creativity in putting this show together. I noticed you do have a group for your stores. And that you do offer free gifts to your group members. That is a really nice touch. Do you see that incentive works for you to attract more customers?

SM> I don't think it attracts a lot of paying customers but it does help get my designs out into the public. I have immense gratitude to my group members as most of them are loyal in that they return month after month for their exclusive gifts. For that I am truly grateful.

In closing, we would like to thank you for your precious time. And any words of wisdom you may want to offer the residents as to fashion tips or what me might be seeing in the future?

SM> I believe that fashion helps express yourself and says a lot about the person, especially in a place like Second Life. Have fun and enjoy the designs you see.  Always be yourself and express yourself. I am still undecided on the theme for my next collection, but rest assured that it will be different from last year!

MAINSTORE LOCATION

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Shiki/91/153/

So mark your calendars and be prepared to view some of his new collection ….. as Costa Rica Sims Productions presents the SHIKI Fashion Show. And watch your group notices for your taxi!

Shinichi Mathy is the talented Second Life® designer behind the new, exciting and colorful Fall/Winter 2011 collection for Shiki. These stunning creations, for men and women, range from casual wear, to elegant evening creations, to fantasy couture. This collection from Shiki is a must have this season, and will add a bright burst of color to your wardrobe.

 

Make sure you don’t miss this show. What a great opportunity to add to your wardrobe and help this worthy cause.   This Saturday, October 29th @ noon SLT. I'm Brendan Macarthur, Estate Reporter, Costa Rica Sims

MARKETPLACE:  https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/24743

WEBSITE BLOG:   http://shikidesign.blogspot.com

FACEBOOK:  http://www.facebook.com/people/Shinichi-Mathy/100002933121546

 

Hello Everyone......

 

This week, I have the pleasure of speaking with Amutey DeCuir, the creative mind behind Bliss Couture.

Bliss Couture is always on the cutting edge of fashion. 

A high quality gowns specialist, always a step ahead and innovative at all times.

BM > Thank you taking the time to meet with me today.  And I would like to welcome you as one of the designers to the growing commercial district in Costa Rica Sims.  Can you tell us a little about yourself?

AC:> I am simply one of the designers here in Second Life that practices my passion in this amazing virtual world. I run the business with much help rendered from the wonderful people on my team. It allows me to spend most of my time doing what I love - design and creativity.

BM > How long have you been on Second Life?

AC:> I was rezzed in 2007, over 1600 days old in Second Life.

BM > what do you find as the biggest challenges in selecting the designs and items you produce?  Also are there any real life designers that influence your decisions?

AC:> There are top 2 objective attributes before I start any design, "innovative" and "quality". These 2 factors have helped me to keep the freshness and quality of my designs, giving my customers value for money they spend.

In daily life, we are all influenced by things and people around us. I can't say I'm not being influenced by any real life designers, but I see them as an inspiration.

BM > I’m sure you have seen many improvements in all the clothing that is offered on SL.  Do you believe that the introduction of sculpties has made that possible? And what might we expect in the future?

AC:> It's an answer most people already know…mesh. Sculpties do provide a path for more realistic creativity, however mesh will push this to new heights in not just the Fashion trade,  but the all of Second Life. Sculpties have played an important role in my designs, the challenge of blending them into my creativity is always a moment of fun.

BM > The upcoming fashion show this week in Costa Rica will be showcasing your new Fall Fur Collection.  How did you go about selecting the products we will see this week?

AC:> Casual yet elegant, comprises of course with my 2 other objective attributes as mentioned above.  Within this range,  I wanted to showcase the beauty and versatility of fur in the fashion world of SL.

   

BM > I see you have many store locations. How do you like the new commercial district created here in Costa Rica Sims and what made you decide to bring your wonderful clothing line to us?

AC:> I have been with Costa Rica for a long time, it has always been one of my favorite shopping districts. The mall management has been wonderful and understanding, they are constantly actively promoting the mall to enhance the traffic, benefiting all the tenants and designers.

BM > I would like to thank you for your precious time. Do you have final words you would like to share with the residents as to fashion tips or what me might be seeing in the future?

AC:> Others may have known Bliss Couture as a gown specialist, which is apparently what I started off with. Today, Bliss Couture offers Hair, Casual everyday look, Cocktail dresses, Bridal and of course Formal Gowns. It is still growing and I am still constantly learning to make it better.

Every customer’s feedback to me is valuable, it helps me to learn and improve, striving to provide nothing but the best to my customers. That's also the reason why Bliss has an amazing group of people helping me to achieve this mission. To be always around when our customers need us.

Bliss Couture's 2011 Fur Collection is finally out: Dahlia, Lecker, Adiaryz, Lionheart and Ruffles are available in a divine palette of eight colors each. The fur opulent sense of luxury inspired the signature new design for the Fall season, and more looks will be released soon aiming to offer a complete wardrobe full of jackets, tops, stoles, vests, coats to match with short pants, jeans, leggings and bodices accordingly to your day moods and in a wide range of tones. Perfect casual look and breathtaking evening choice, to wear with long elephant-line denim pants or an embroidered material capri, or even with a see-through body. Even if your inventory is already bursting at the seams, Bliss Couture is, simply put, addictive.

I hope you enjoyed this insite into one of Second Life's renowned designers. Costa Rica Sims Productions presents Bliss Couture fashions in a High-energy Ultra chic fashion show that will be sure to keep you entertained from start to finish. Join us for a runway exhibition of the new Bliss Couture Fur Collection and VoGuE Cosmetics at our fabulous state of the art venue created by Mr. Ewan Crumb exclusively for this event. Saturday October 8th  @ 1:00pm SLT. 

Till next time...........I'm Brendan Macarthur reporting.

BLISS COUTURE ON MARKETPLACE

https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/19161

BLISS COUTURE BLOG SITE

http://bliss-couture.blogspot.com/2011/09/bliss-couture-narissa-dress.html

VISIT BLISS COUTURE IN OLD COSTA RICA SHOPPING DISTRICT AT:

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Old%20Costa%20Rica/109/25/26

Hello everyone,

Recently, I had the privilege of chatting with Icemocolo Voom of Muism, who will be presenting his latest creations at the Costa Rica Sims Designer Showcase on Friday, July 15th at 4pm slt.

Icemocolo has been developing one of the most iconic brands in Second Life since May of 2007. Muism offers vibrant fashions for every mood, stlye and season. In addition to an array of beautiful creations, Muism also carries accessories, skins, hair, eyes and shoes.

I've seen your shop; there is attire and accessories there for nearly every taste and level of dress, from casual to formal. What are some of your inspirations for the clothing you design?

I have lived in various places throughout Europe and Asia and a lot of what I do stems from that, as well as just looks that I would personally wear. I love fashion and music, and am often inspired by fashion from London and parts of Asia. I don't create anything that I wouldn't want in Real Life, so my product is entirely my taste as far as fashion goes. I like to create classic pieces that never go out of style, so they tend to be versatile with many different tastes in Second Life.

If you had to choose, what would be the one single outfit or garment you consider to be your favorite?  

I think as I progress over the years, my preferences change. I am constantly looking for ways to improve my techniques and make things that haven't been made before, so each new project holds a special place with me. I put a lot of effort into what I do and I enjoy doing it, so I don't think I could single out any one project as a favorite over the others.

You will be showcased at the next fashion show in Costa Rica Sims.  Can you describe the clothing and what at influenced your selections?

I will be showing my Summer Collection which includes some modern accessories as well as some stand-out pieces that the blogging community has been excited to see. I'm showing the new retro vests and brand new jeans with special sculpted options to suit our new Muism boots as well. Those are just a few of the many new items that will be revealed at the show for the first time.

Do you have experience in the fashion design field in Real Life, or fashion design this something you do just in Second Life?

I have taken courses in Real Life that were fashion related. It is something that has always been an interest and passion of mine. When I realized I could create and illustrate my own textures and designs in Second Life it was a great outlet for me to do what I love.

What are some challenges and rewards for you as a fashion designer in Second Life?

There are plenty of challenges creating in Second Life. Things don't always translate well when uploaded to Second Life from Photoshop or when I am creating my sculpts, so sometimes it takes a lot of adjusting to get the items exactly as I wanted them to be. As far as rewards go, I love getting positive feedback from my customers. I'm always open to suggestions as well, but I really love hearing when people are happy with their purchases. There is also a bit of financial reward too. The many hours that go into everything I create is almost like a second job for me.

What can costumers expect from Muism in the future?

I am constantly coming up with new ideas and brainstorming for new projects. I don't really ever have a set plan for what the future brings. I create what I like and what I'm inspired to do. The options are really endless for what the future may hold.

Is there anything you would like to tell the residents of Costa Rica Sims?

I hope to see you all at the show!

Be sure to attend the Costa Rica Sims Designer Showcase on Friday, July 15th at 4pm SLT to experience the new summer collection from Muism, and don't forget to visit Muism at the Costa Rica Sims Colonial Shopping District.

This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Giz Seorn of GIZZA CREATIONS. This BOSL award winning creator caters to fashionistas everywhere whose tastes appreciate compatible colors, dance of opposites, effect of curves along with great quality and style. Join me in learning more about this talented designer.

Giz thank you taking the time to meet with me today.  And I would like to be one of the many to welcome you as a designer to the growing commercial district in Costa Rica Sims.  Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I am professional photographer living in Turkey. I graduated from the School of Fine Arts. I live in conjunction with art each day of my life. When I’m not working, I get restless therefore I thoroughly enjoy my job on Second Life and watching Gizza Designs rise in SL...just as success in real-life :)

How long have you been on Second Life?

I started my SL in March 2010. So I can say I'm still very new in here :)

How did you end up designing clothing on Second Life?  And how long ago did you get started?

I remotely followed SL for a long time. The process of designing clothes, I started on a different virtual world site, but that site was not realistic. So I decided break into Second Life because it is more realistic. I came here just to do this job :)

What do you find are the biggest challenges in selecting the designs and items you produce?  Also are there any real life designers that influence your decisions?

When I am creating my designs, I do not ignore the possibilities of SL..so I don’t encounter big challenges in here..but when trying to make different designs I sometimes I have to change what's in my mind for to avoid making the same design...I don’t want to hear , people say “This collar belongs to Mr. X or this skirt belongs Miss Y" :) Of course I love drawing inspiration from designers in real life..I love the contrary lines in Valentino and Gaultier designs.

I notice that you cater to both male and female clothing. Which do you find more exciting to create?

I think Women's designs are more flamboyant and more widely ranged, therefore this makes them more enjoyable for me create. But I also create casual or special outfits for the males. When they wear my outfits and I see them happy; this image is a great pleasure for me :) I believe they can find anything for themselves at Gizza Designs!

I’m sure you have seen many improvements in all the clothing that is offered within SL.  Do you believe that the introduction of sculpties has made that possible? And what might we expect in the future?

I love to use different sculpties in my designs. it can give very different looks to outfits. In the future, my outfits will consist of different patterns and mesh patterns more comfortable for the wearer. SL is developing every day in this sense. The clothing sector is constantly being renovated in SL. Better tools are waiting for us to discover :)

The upcoming fashion show this week at Costa Rica Sims will be showcasing your designs. How did you go about selecting the products we will see this week?

Yes, this is very exciting for me :) Because Costa Rica Sims is very important to me.  I love Costa Rica Sims..I always enjoy being here. Now there will be a fashion show here presented by Costa Rica Sims Productions, so I am very excited :) I intended to do a fashion show with the summer breeze for Costa Rica...Lively, breezy and colorful.

 I see you have many store locations. How do you like the new commercial district created here in Costa Rica Sims and what made you decide to bring your wonderful clothing line to us?

As I mentioned a bit ago, I love the air of Costa Rica Sims....its look and feel, its people's smiling faces and the historical touch. it’s a very different community. We were planning a big store here, and we have found our spot and settled in  :) I am very happy and proud to be a resident of Costa Rica Sims.

I would like to thank you for your time. Do you have final words you would like to share with the residents as to fashion tips or what me might be seeing in the future?

Gizza Designs are only at the beginning of the road….crawling like a baby :) We have many plans and gradually are doing them. Particularly, I have a need to learn many things..this is a “never ending learning process” for me. I love when customers say "was this dress created for me".  I will keep on creating outfits when my customers say such things to me  :)  I love to be friends with my customers, solve their problems and it is always a pleasure to chat with them  :) And I will continue to do so :)

If you want to find male or female clothing or accessories, Gizza is surely a must. Mark your calendars and watch for notices as Costa Rica Sims Designer Showcase Show….presents the The GIZZA Creation.

This Saturday, May 28th @ 2:00pm SLT

So take a "sneak peek" for yourself and have a first had look at what this amazing woman has to offer us, men and woman! Visit her store in Costa Rica Colonial Shopping District

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Old%20Costa%20Rica/169/242/25

Hello everyone. I have been given the pleasure of speaking with Shinichi Mathy of Shiki Designs.

Shiki Designs is known throughout the grid for high-quality fashion for men and women.

Thank you taking the time from your busy schedule to meet with me today.  And welcome as a designer to the growing commercial district in Costa Rica Sims.   Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Well in RL, I was born in Tokyo but raised in Hawaii. I decided to come back to Tokyo where I currently live today. Most of my family lives in Hawaii still so I do go and visit them once a year.

How long have you been on Second Life?

I’ve been in Second Life since July of 2007.

What made you decide to get into the clothing design business? And how long ago did you get started?

One of my first jobs in SL was modeling. Back in those days, there really weren't that many clothing choices for men. And other than blue, black and brown, the color choices were very limited. I decided that I wanted to help take men's fashion to another level in SL.  I launched my first collection in the spring of 2008.

Did you start with men’s or woman’s clothing and which do you find more challenging to create?

I started with a small collection of men's casual wear. I gradually started to create women's clothing during that same year. I actually find the level of difficulty the same. Design-wise, I find it easier to create men's clothing because I'm a guy. With women it's easier to get creative because of the variety of pieces women wear. At the same time, if you go overboard, it can just start to look ugly and messy.  For men's clothing, it's hard to get as creative and unique and that can be a challenge.  In the end though, they are both equally challenging for me.

Looking at your products, I see a blend of “east meets west” in your creations? How did that come to be?

East meets west describes my clothing exactly. I lived all over the world during my life and used to travel extensively for work and pleasure. I used to make a yearly visit to Paris, New York and Bangkok. Last year it was mostly Singapore and Taiwan for me. I'm influenced by what I see and because of traveling so much and living in both Tokyo and Honolulu; my sense of style reflects that.

I love the brilliant colorations that you incorporate into your products.  What influenced you to use the blends of colors and designs that you use?

I look to nature for my color palette and the colors that I use depend on that particular season.  With every collection, I work around a theme. I do love colors but my last fall-winter collection was all black and white with absolutely no colors. The latest collection is about combining the colors of the tropics with an urban feel. Last year's spring collection was about using more muted colors with lots of denim. The collection was called urban country. So I guess I choose the colors depending on what my theme is for that season.

I’m sure you have seen great improvements in the clothing that is offered on SL especially for the guys. Do you think the items offered for men have reached its greatest advancements, or is there more to come. ? And that also applies to women’s apparel.

Things have definitely improved especially for men. I don't think perfection is ever achieved and there will always be ways to improve.  I am sure that when mesh arrives, it will once again take clothing to the next level.

As we all know, there will be a fashion show this week showcasing your designs. How did you go about selecting the products we will see this week?

All the designs shown at this week's show is from my newest collection. In fact, half of the collection is not sold in stores yet.   The theme is "tropical urban" and it's a collection that I enjoyed creating.

I noticed you do have a group for your stores. And that you do offer free gifts to your group members. That is a really nice touch. Do you see that incentive works for you to attract more customers?

I think so. I believe fashion is an integral part of the SL experience and I think free gifts are great for newbies. I also have loyal customers who purchase my designs and I like giving them something that they could add to their inventory. Without my group members SHIKI would not be here so it gives me great satisfaction offering those free gifts.

How do you like the new commercial district created here in Costa Rica Sims?

I think it's very well designed and just beautiful. I feel privileged to be a part of the Costa Rica community.

Shiki location @Costa Rica Sims - http://slurl.com/secondlife/Old%20Costa%20Rica/15/43/26

In closing, we would like to thank you for your precious time. And any words of wisdom you may want to offer the residents as to fashion tips or what me might be seeing in the future?

My only tip would be..to be yourself and have fun with fashion! As long as there is Second Life, SHIKI is here to stay.  Stay tuned for more!

Shinichi Mathy is the talented Second Life® designer behind the colorful Spring / Summer 2011 collection for Shiki. These stunning creations, for both men and women, range from casual wear, to elegant evening creations, to fantasy couture. This collection from Shiki is a must have this season, and will add a bright burst of color to your wardrobe.

So mark your calendars and be prepared to view some of his new collection themed “Tropical Urban” as Costa Rica Sims Productions presents the SHIKI Fashion Show. Saturday May 14th @ 5pm SLT.

For more information on Shiki Designs, visit

http://shikidesign.blogspot.com/