Miss Virtual World 2010, Miaa Rebane

Well … it happened … MVW 2010 is over and we have our new queen.  First, I think it’s appropriate to say … wow, ALL the ladies were so magnificent and I personally am glad I wasn’t a judge.  I don’t know that I could have chosen anyone.  Congrats to all the Ladies and to the management and everyone who made it possible.  What a magnificent event.

With that said …

Congratulations Miaa Rebane Miss Virtual World 2010 … now, I need a good pic of you in a white dress and your crown to update this website girl

The Top 5 Runners Up …

• 4th Runner Up, Miss United Kingdom, Ella Quinsette
• 3rd Runner Up, Miss Switzerland, Sabine Blackburn
• 2nd Runner Up, Miss Bahamas, Divine Hunt
• 1st Runner Up, Miss China, Sora Tatham

In addition to the top 5 mentioned above, our top 10 finalists included …

• Miss Italy, Mavi Beck
• Miss Costa Rica, Nisa Constantine
• Miss Holland, Melanie Sautereau
• Miss Ireland, Dancer Dallagio
• Miss Japan, Marry Eel

Way to go ladies!!!  Be looking for the official write-ups coming very soon to this site and in BOSL

All my best,
Filipa Thespian

PS: no one spank me for postin I was excited

The countdown continues! One day remains. All that’s left is the evening gown competition and the Grand Finale performance. This is my final blog entry. I enjoyed the opportunity to get to know and share this year’s event with you all. And I’d like to think, in turn, the blog enjoyed being decorated with the stories of these lovely ladies. All deserve to win, yet there can only be one. I do not envy the task of the judges. The MISS VIRTUAL WORLD 2010 pageant Grand Finale will be held at the Patch Thibaud Auditorium on December 19, Saturday 11AM SLT. There is nothing else like this in Second Life. See you there! Happy Holidays!

 Miss Ireland, dancer Dallagio

dancer: You do not have to be a top model or even a model to be in this competition, even those who are not one of these can become a finalist. There truly is more to this competition than just walking a runway; it’s about style, about taste, about personality, about learning, having the ability to style and showcase designers’ works. Because of my work here in SL, I have a great deal of experience working with many individuals, providing assistance on many levels. I very often take people who are very unhappy and/or frustrated and help them to become frustrated no longer and become quite happy and relieved. I think my skills working with people, and my patience, have served me well in this MVW pageant. I have to rely on my personality to bring humor and other devices into the conversation to de-escalate the situation. I also am quite good at multi-tasking, which helps tremendously. I have yet to go down a runway without quite a few IMs going at the same time.

Kate: The bings!!!
dancer: When I sign on to a very long “barrrrrrrrrrrringggg” tone it can be overwhelming at times *laughs* It does happen quite often, and I just keep them all going so everyone feels they get my complete attention.

Kate: You referred to it but maybe you could say a little more about what you do in SL when you are not a MVW finalist?
dancer: I work with Stiletto Moody as the Customer Service Rep, I do PR, Marketing, Legal, Design Input, and much more for the company. When I have free time, I spend it with some very close friends as well. I’m here in SL pretty much every day, as my job is a real job for a real company. I also help others who need assistance starting out with how to do marketing or PR work, or whom have questions about legal proceedings such as DMCAs. I also shop : )).
Kate: Interesting… your sole means of support is an SL job? Other than the LL guys, I would think that is very rare.
dancer: I’m not sure how many people work for real companies in SL, but when I noticed this Stiletto Moody person and saw what they were starting up, I had an idea that their idea went well with my ideas for the future of the internet, so I joined up on the spot and have been with the company from the beginning. I love shoes in RL, they are one of my passions, so it was easy to transfer that to SL. My professional skills also involve intense customer skills, so that went very well with part of what I do for SM. I love working with people on a one-to-one basis, and helping them learn new skills is a joy.
Kate: I would think it would be very challenging to establish trust in a virtual commerce environment.
dancer: We interact through voice and are fully transparent about who we are and what our backgrounds are in RL, to help to establish that trust. Because it’s a real job, this trust is crucial, as is the communication. I’ve always got my phone, Skype, SL, and numerous email and document programs going at once. I also think the trust issue is something one can be intuitive about initially, whether or not one is about to get involved with someone who is a good person or not, at least it has been for me.
Kate: Yes well, I imagine that would be the other challenge of virtual commerce; the sun is always shining on some part of the world.
dancer: Yes, the hours can get a bit mixed up, since we are all on different time zones.
Kate: It’s not exactly your average 9-5 job
dancer: No, it’s definitely not an average job nor one with easy hours.  I’m always a cell call or text away, and have worked many all nighters when the situation called for it. But also there is inherently some flexibility involved, since I work from home and can set some of my hours. It’s a bit of the best of all worlds for me : ). I have time to fit in most everything I need and take on more. That multi-tasking ability is absolutely crucial.
Kate: And this is sort of an equity investment, in other words, you see the Second Life version of the internet as being a viable means for future e-commerce?
dancer: I see the Second Life model as being a forerunner for the future of e-commerce, not the end product.
Kate: Right. Making real money will have to eventually involve real product.
dancer: There will be many platforms evolving over the coming years, and Second Life is the best of the best right now of these. I have quite a vision for the future of virtual world and shopping as well as other uses. What’s so great about the MVW pageant is that it is also looking to the future and constantly adjusting and improving. Representing designs in Second Life really is a crucial step to having real life designs on a virtual platform. So my presence in the MVW pageant is really a melding of all of those skills.
Kate: As MVW evolves to that broader, more international appeal, do you feel anything could be changed or modified to make the contest more inclusive?
dancer: I really think that the MVW Organization is cognizant of these issues and is evolving to reflect the international usage of Second Life. The very fact that a non-model is a finalist shows that the Organization recognizes that changes are coming and that if you work hard and develop your skills, you can do whatever you really want to here. It truly is more than just a beauty pageant; it’s a total person contest.
Kate: What I mean is… being an informed participant… with both your virtual business and fashion background and also being a finalist… do you have any specific suggestions?
dancer: I think the Organization really should continue to grow as I’ve witnessed it grow; to aspire to showcase top designers, photographers, builders, and other content creators, as well as reflect good judgment in the selection of participants at every level.  Everyone I’ve worked with, or whose work I’ve had the pleasure of utilizing, has been so very helpful, understanding, and patient.  These qualities all point to an Organization that is poised to truly take on the (Virtual) world. There are amazing real life architects doing sets, light designers doing lighting; it’s really a professional team that has been brought together. Kay Fairey has been so amazing in her direction and guidance as well.
Kate: The rehearsals for the finale are happening daily… that means the grand finale is right around the corner… are you ready? How are you feeling?
dancer: I’m nearly ready, and I’m feeling very excited and much honored still to be a part of all of this.  I never dreamed that I’d be selected as a Finalist, so it’s truly such a great experience…and yes, I’ve got some butterflies, just as I have had before going onstage for a ballet performance!
Kate: You have RL dance experience?
dancer: Yes, I have traditional Russian Vagonova ballet training and have performed with a Ballet Company and I have also done musical theatre on the side, and yes, hence the name.  When I joined SL, I had no idea what the term implied here, which has led to a few interesting discussions!
Kate: ha
dancer: Life is a dance, and most things can be seen as dance allegories, whether it’s a production involving many, as a corps, or a discussion between two, like a pas de deux. I think all of my background training has brought me to a place where grace, hard work and discipline, fashion skills, and work ethic all find a happy place. They say dance is a universal language : ).
Kate: Is there anything you wished to talk about in this interview that we haven’t touched upon yet?
dancer: I really would just like to say to all of those involved that I have loved every moment of this, and every person that I’ve met from it. I would love to add that we have such talented designers in Second Life, and I thank each and every one of them for allowing us to showcase their designs. And thank you so very much for your time, Kate; I really appreciate it. Your work on the website truly is a labor of love. You really make a person feel very at ease and comfortable!
Kate: awwww TY!!!! I’m glad you felt relaxed. When people are nervous or frightened the interview comes off sounding fake. So I try really hard to set people at ease. One last question… any advice for next year’s MVW participants?
dancer: I wish to say to future aspiring Finalists to just be who you are. If you stay true to who you are as a real life person, and keep to those values, then you can go as far as you wish. Being you,  not changing, is my best advice. It’s what I have done, and I have made it this far on that, and I’m not planning to stop. I set high goals for myself, and I reach them. Life is about risks and putting you out there; go for it!

Kate Stockholm is a featured columnist for Best of Second Life Magazine, a retired SL Mentor and a Miss Virtual World Organization executive. She was last year’s Miss Sweden and winner of Miss Congeniality.

The countdown continues! Only three days until the MISS VIRTUAL WORLD 2010 pageant Grand Finale and the next, deserving lady is recognized. The Grand Finale for MISS VIRTUAL WORLD 2010 will be held at the Patch Thibaud Auditorium on December 19, Saturday 11AM SLT. There is nothing else like this in Second Life. See you there!

Miss Latvia, Chirzaka Vlodovic

Chirzaka: Christmas time is coming in Latvia as in many countries around the world. This period of the year is when I become more thoughtful and calm. I am inspired by the glory of lights, Christmas trees and all the rush happening around. If we look from SL side, it is almost the same but this year is different and I can not just sit relaxing at home in front of fireplace. Just try to guess why? Yes, it is the Miss Virtual World pageant. So somehow happened I am here and now one of the finalists of MVW!!!

Kate: Can you say a little about your name? It’s very interesting.
Chirzaka: I would love people, fans and also friends to know about my name. I know Chirzaka sounds kind of exotic and people have a hard time pronouncing it… haha!! So I will say this for the first time now. The story is very simple – in my language it means just Lizard!! I kept it Latvian because I really had no big plans about SL, at first. I never knew this world would soak me up that much. Otherwise, I would have chosen something prettier. The good thing is that nobody else in-world has such a name. I am unique. For those of you who need help with the pronunciation, I am happy to be called, simply Chir.
Kate: When you are not being a MVW finalist… what do you do in SL? Hobbies? Pastimes? Businesses? Sunning on a rock, perhaps?
Chirzaka: As I am very busy in RL, there is not much time left for SL. I built my home and every single thing in it is so carefully chosen that it has taken a lot of time. However, most part of my time is devoted for fashion and modeling. Now it is been year around when I am both runway and print model. This job brings me a lot of joy and fulfils my dream of RL. Recently besides modeling I have been spending time in learning photography. Every time I decide to make a photograph it should be like a piece of art. Basically, SL is my expression of art.
Kate: Things like styling are very time consuming, particularly at the top level of fashion model… like your stunning 20’s contest picture.  How do you balance this against a demanding RL? Have you got any tricks on how to style efficiently you can share?

Chirzaka: I believe in many cases it is intuition. Sometimes it is just a luck game to choose something from inventory and see how it goes together with something else. Sometimes it works surprisingly well and never stops to amaze me. That is why I always and in every minute here feel very thankful to each and single designer of SL. The biggest part belongs to them and styling comes afterwards. I think it is just each individual sense of style how to interpret each outfit. For me it is very depending on the things going around. Like now, inspired by snow covering so many sims and MVW almost in every outfit I choose something wintery, warm and at the same time  keep it elegant.
Kate: I keep trying to make an elegant winter fashion statement with baggy flannel pajama pants, which I wear around the house in RL all the time, but I can’t quite pull it off in SL. A common thread with the MVW finalists seems to be fashion as an art or vocation or calling rather than as a business. If a gown needs a $2000L pair of shoes, it doesn’t matter if the model is only getting paid $1000L for the show. Do you agree?
Chirzaka: I agree with this definitely. Modeling has always been my dream, and here it has come true. So no matter what price is for it I go and take it. I never thought about SL modeling as a subject of money making. This is just the way of living here. I was about to quit SL after a half of year playing and then I somehow landed in Avenue Models Academy. I was so lucky to be taught by Kryptonia Paperdoll, Summer Deadlight and Rusch Raymaker. At the first of the lesson I understood that this was what I have been  looking for. There it was. I still remember what Summer said to us in her first lesson – do not think that you will earn tons of money with modeling, modeling should be a passion. Avenue Agency is my first and dearest one.
Kate: Summer’s light burns brightly in SL. Her insights, wisdom and personality has made a deep impression on many models.
Chirzaka: I was listening to her and was very charmed by her stories about fashion. I did not even notice that she had been talking for almost two hours almost non-stop. I think it was luck again that I had found Avenue with all its great people and teachers.
Kate: Yes! There are so many model schools with dubious credentials and teaching methods… you were very fortunate indeed. Can you talk a little about the MVW experience for you so far?
Chirzaka: First when I heard about MVW was last year when Mimmi Boa was crowned and she was shining from the covers of the famous magazines. At that time MVW was as far as the moon from me. Meanwhile I was learning new things every day about fashion world, finding new areas, entering contests, attending shows, taking part in them. Spring has come and the first audition of MVW announced. I did not have much time for styling but I found a nice combination of  a Paper Couture jacket  (thanks to Ava Lu) and the Unforgettable Gown by Italian designer Klara Waco. There I was on Patch Thibaud Auditorium, the stage that I had seen for many times but never walked on it. After the week we received first audition results and I was shocked. I was shocked in a good way, of course. Since then I have enjoyed every moment of being a finalist. The closer event, the more serious I become. For comparison, at the beginning I was like a butterfly but now like a huge eagle above the stormy ocean. After the show, whatever the result is like… I will be butterfly again )
Kate: Nicely said! You had the first rehearsal for the finale yesterday… it means the pageant will be here soon… are you ready? What are you feeling?
Chirzaka: The first rehearsal was very good and despite some issues with Frolic’s internet connection. We managed to go through 2 sets.  Kay, BlackBarbie were very hard working with us, and of course, girls were fantastic. I will not talk about stages, but sure thing is that nothing has been seen more beautiful.  The most difficult part of the pageant was finding national costume because I wanted something which is both national and fashionable.  Luckily I have found it. Just have added some more things to it and it looks like I was imagined it to be. Before the show I have told myself to breathe slowly and be down to earth. Calmness is my strongest quality.
Kate: What advice would you have for a MVW applicant next year?
Chirzaka: Girls, women, and young ladies – each and everyone – if you have a dream, go for it! I know girls who did not make it this year but I strongly believe if we really want something, sooner or later it happens. Good luck and break a pixel next year, it is worth it!!!
Kate: okies.. Thank you. One last thing… is there anything you wanted to say that we didn’t get to in this interview anything else you would like to say?
Chirzaka: Yes, I will take an advantage to wish everybody Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Let your wishes come true and moon is closer than you think!

Kate Stockholm is a featured columnist for Best of Second Life Magazine, a retired SL Mentor and a Miss Virtual World Organization executive. She was last year’s Miss Sweden and winner of Miss Congeniality.

The countdown continues! Only 5 days until the MISS VIRTUAL WORLD 2010 pageant Grand Finale and the next, deserving lady is recognized. The Grand Finale for MISS VIRTUAL WORLD 2010 will be held at the Patch Thibaud Auditorium on December 19, Saturday 11AM SLT. There is nothing else like this in Second Life. See you there!

Miss Japan, Marry Eel

Marry: I have been registered with Agata Model Agency ever since it was established.  Right now, I do about 1 or 2 shows a month, but I also get involved in planning, getting brands, venue management….etc together with other models. Overseas and Japan has a big time difference.  So the opportunities for Japanese users to watch an overseas show are limited.  In that sense also, we are trying hard to create shows where we target not only Japan but overseas people so that Japanese users and overseas users can both enjoy the shows. I also feel that the time I spend to create something together with my fellow models is important.  I look forward to working with more people.

Kate: Lovely pictures! What else do you do in Second Life?
Marry: Right now, I am focusing on MVW and to get it over with, but I like to dance.  So I have a group with my friends and I dance sometimes with Afro hair.  Lol. The group name is Afro Regiment.  Lol
Kate: My favorite Japanese musician is Motimotimoti Campese. His band is Step UP! I love his voice!
Marry: Yes, I know him Kate!
Kate: I think he is getting famous.
Marry: I think he WAS famous in Japan but now getting famous outside of Japan too.
Kate: Touché! Marry, yours is a wild and wonderful name in English. What was the inspiration?
Marry: Thank you, Kate. RL dog’s name is Merry. I wanted to take that name but I made a typo and ended up Marry, LMAO.
Kate: Funny! How did you learn about MVW?
Marry: I heard about this contest from my model friend Apollo Call. I thought I would try it.
Kate: It must have been very challenging! What would you say has been most difficult so far?
Marry: It’s the most difficult to think how I can show my inner side, and how I can get people to understand me.
Kate: How have you tried to overcome this challenge?
Marry: As Miss Japan, I try to communicate the Japanese culture. I want to show the discreteness of Japanese in this contest. I think how I should interpret that myself.
Kay Fairey: Not sure if that answers your question, Kate.
Kate: I think she means she wants to convey something of the Japanese esthetic. Took me a while to look up yukashi.
Kay Fairey: Yes, but was that what you wanted?  I mean to overcome the challenge?
Kate: Well, I think fans would like to know if she was doing anything specific or deliberate… mindful that there is this challenge to overcome… does she have a plan?
Marry: For me, the hardest thing is the language barrier. Even if I can’t speak English, fortunately I have had people who are willing to help me. I am grateful to them. They are the reason I have been able to come this far. I am also trying types of outfits and hair that I had never worn before and rediscovering myself.
Kate: What are your thoughts and feelings about the grand finale coming up? Are you ready? Do you think the judges will see and appreciate your inner side and the Japanese culture you represent?
Marry: I have been working on MVW over this past 3 months towards the Grand finale, and now I am in preparation of my national costume and evening gown. I am looking forward to showing my national costume and Japanese esthetics for the fans.  I believe that the costume will express Japanese culture well.
Kate: Have we missed anything; anything else you would like people to know about you?
Marry: Yes, I think that in SL the most important thing is to enjoy SL.  Everybody is equal in SL. I hope all others enjoy SL too.  First and foremost, I want others to enjoy themselves. 
Kate: Do you have any advice for future MVW participants, perhaps from your side of the world?
Marry: No matter how hard the issue may be, if its fun, it can be overcome and we can continue.  I think it’s important to always think how to express ourselves.  But for those who might apply next, I hope they will get used to English as much as possible.  The rest will be their will power.
Again, many thanks to Kay Fairey for her skill in translation. Without her gracious help I would have been unable talk as freely and easily to our asian finalists and would not have had the opportunity to get to know these gracious ladies.

Kate Stockholm is a featured columnist for Best of Second Life Magazine, a retired SL Mentor and a Miss Virtual World Organization executive. She was last year’s Miss Sweden and winner of Miss Congeniality.

The countdown continues! 7 days until the MISS VIRTUAL WORLD 2010 pageant Grand Finale and the next, deserving lady is recognized. I just attended the second rehearsal. Everyone is working around the clock to make things “just so”. The mood is tired, but upbeat. The sets are beautiful. The ladies are beautiful. The Grand Finale for MISS VIRTUAL WORLD 2010 will be held at the Patch Thibaud Auditorium on December 19, Saturday 11AM SLT. There is nothing else like this in Second Life. See you there!

Miss Sweden, Butterfli Sorbet

Butterfli: I have worked very hard to where I got. You have to work from the ground up. Sometimes it is who you know so it is always good to network. I started hosting at SL Illustrated, then Frank’s and while at Frank’s I really started to get into modeling. JCNY is a great way to start and entering as many competitions as you can. Going to school for modeling is a plus. I had the wonderful teacher in Tula Howlett, she was the greatest mentor anyone could have.

Kate: Hej! Hur mår du?
Butterfli: Jag mår bra, tack! Hur mår du?
Kate: Jag mår också bra, tack! So nice to talk to the next generation Miss Sweden! When you are not modeling… do you still host? Any other hobbies or businesses in SL?

Butterfli: Well, I have an agency for new models as well as Top Models…it is called The “Element” Agency. I started it to work with friends and new models. I also co-own Whispering Ruins Nightclub with my RL husband of 24 years CapUSA Skytower. Both have been a great success. My first show with the agency was with my very good friend Elisea Carter of Gold in the Night. She is one of the best Italian Designers on SL.
Kate: I noticed an “RIP” next to your profile pick for Cindi Messmer… she seemed like a very close friend… can you talk about that?
Butterfli: Oh I do not mind at all. Cindi was my very first SL Best Friend… we both worked together at Frank’s. She was the sweetest, most endearing, loveable person you could ever meet. She was a DJ. I was her Maid of Honor at her wedding. She passed away in August of an inoperable brain tumor. We always thought there would be time to meet, but we never had the chance. It came on sudden and took her. Her mother in real life Jazzie Rossini…is also another treasured soul. I miss Cindi so much. We had the best times…
Kate: This tumor took her relatively young?
Butterfli: she was young in RL, a few years younger than me lol but we won’t say.
Kate: Nonsense, many women marry at 9 or 10, I am sure…
Butterfli: She is laughing at me right now I’m sure. She really was a great soul. She really supported me. She was at my graduation at LeBelle Facon. She would have been at the MVW to cheer me on but
Kate: I am so sorry for your loss. You are very brave to continue on like you are…
Butterfli:
Kate: So, I heard there was a clarification on the rules about skins at the MVW finale rehearsal… are you out shopping?
Butterfli: No. I feel they picked me for me. Why change?
Kate: Changing as a reaction rather than a plan does sound like maybe a bad idea.
Butterfli: Well, we were told in the beginning not to change. Now we can…  I don’t want to.  I am Fli. It’s different when it comes to fashion shows…but this competition is for who we are as a MODEL.
Kate: You are saying MVW is more about you being you and bringing a unique viewpoint on fashion and beauty and style to the pageant?
Butterfli: I agree. Sure we can change skins…but was that you coming into this competition? I am fine with me
Kate: I suppose when you feel that way,  it doesn’t matter what the rules say or don’t say. Being authentically you is what’s important… even in this interview… finalists who get frightened or nervous and try to blend disappear… They do themselves an enormous disservice.
Butterfli: I totally agree…being chosen with the look you had and have is the biggest flattery!
Kate: Well, I think they look at someone else, another finalist, and say… yikes, she is really beautiful!
Butterfli: yes
Kate: Imagine looking around and saying that to yourself 22 times! Being a finalist is very unsettling.
Butterfli: but like in RL…it is still the person from within
Kate: Things are coming down to the line with the pageant… are you ready for the finale? How are you feeling?
Butterfli: I am great…I know there are better models than me…but I am very confident with who I am…I am Fli…a model who gives 200%, helps with those who need it…and have friends in the pageant who I hope win! lol
Kate: I caught a bit of the rehearsal today… how is the choreography? Does it look like it will be doable in lag?
Butterfli: Actually yes it is a pretty doable lag…it is an OUTSTANDING set WOW! There really is hardly any walking which is always good. I think Frolic took lag into great consideration!
Kate: Is there anything that we didn’t cover in the interview that you would like to add?
Butterfli: I would just like to add… that the models in this competition are the most wonderful models, kind and endearing as you can get. As I said there are friends of mine who I would love to see win…there are some I have just met I never knew before and think to myself…wow she is amazing. This competition is more than just winning. It is about learning, making friends, helping those who need it and the exposure you get…it really has been a wonderful experience wow!
Kate: What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying to the pageant next year?
Butterfli: Well honest truth now… be prepared… even if you think you have done it all…you have not once you get here. You learn new things constantly that not even an Academy can teach you. Be prepared to make sacrifices…in both SL and RL. Always be available! Yes you will need extra lindens. You will need to network with designers and creators. But please, please remember to prepare yourself!

Kate Stockholm is a featured columnist for Best of Second Life Magazine, a retired SL Mentor and a Miss Virtual World Organization executive. She was last year’s Miss Sweden and winner of Miss Congeniality.

Nine days and counting… Today is the start of the single digit countdown to the pageant. The Grand Finale for MISS VIRTUAL WORLD 2010 will be held at the Patch Thibaud Auditorium on December 19, Saturday 11AM SLT. There is nothing else like this in Second Life. See you there!

Miss Russia, Agtaope Carter

Agtaope: I m very proud that my fans support me because they think I have some qualities for being a good Miss and I would like all to know that I’m very passionate. All  I do, I do with passion and I want to thank them  all for trust in me I LOVE YOU ALL ty for be here for me ))

Kate: Besides being a MVW finalist, what else do you do in SL?
Agtaope: I’m in love in fashion. I use most of my time for BESTYLE MODELS AGENCY where I am CEO. I manage shows.  I try to create fantastic ones for the beauty of the fashion to showcase all the work of the designers. I work hard but its  pleasure for me. All my free time is for the love of my life my husband Tesan Lane “Mister SL International”. We are doing here same job and I can say that I have find my soul mate in this fantastic person. Tesan is a gorgeous Top Model yes but he has the most beautiful soul that I have never meet in my life and like you know we have only one life because behind each avatar there is  real person )
Kate: Have you been with your husband long? Is it purely an SL relationship or does it go further?
Agtaope: We have been together for a long time as friend first and after we fall in love. It’s a fantastic relationship with a deep true love and what I want to say now is that I have only one heart and here in SL I don’t play a game with  relationship like he doesn’t play too. We are in love yes !!  A REAL and Passionate Love and I can say that  Agy is an extension of me.  It’s me all the time. Cocteau a French writer one wrote ”There is no love there is only PROOF of love.” My husband is the illustration of this quotes each day in my life the real one like the pixel one he proves his love for me each day ))
Kate: I see… so to you, SL is an extension of RL instead of a game?

Agtaope: SL is a game where you can choose to be who you want you can be a dog , you can be a fairy, you can be evil or you can be what you can imagine to be you can create your own world. Each day there is an extraordinary possibility to create in the world as you like. I’m a teacher, passionate by fashion. I can express this in RL, but I can’t manage show and  models. In SL I can )
Kate: As we discussed when we set up the interview, you are not in SLT time zone. Do you find this a challenge for your fashion shows?
Agtaope: No  I don’t think so because I always do all this work managing this but it’s an easy problem to solve with motivation.
Kate: Well, I was thinking more about drawing a crowd… I think still the majority of SL people are on or near SLT… I was wondering if publicity or attendance was an issue with your shows. What you do to bring the people in?
Agtaope: I’m in European time zone and I work in fashion industry in this time zone. Bestyle is Italian but international but most of our designers are European time and when we have done bigger shows we have done what’s necessary for good publicity, everywhere at every time.  We have a big team with people for all time zones.
Kate: I see. Do you think MVW could change anything to be more inclusive or fair to participants from different time zones or different languages?
Agtaope: MVW is the biggest competition in SL and English is the most common international language. Speaking English is necessary to reach the more people possible and to represent MVW in SL.
Kate: So you wouldn’t recommend changing anything?
Agtaope: No I really don’t. It’s a colossal work. It would be easy to make critical without solution. I think all the team is doing a fantastic work.
Kate: The grand finale is near! First rehearsal was yesterday. Are you ready? How do you feel?
Agtaope: Oh yes it’s soon, omg, I’m stressy. In my head I think all the time of what I am missing. I want to be the best as possible. I have fire in head, haha, but I will do my best. I’m so honored to be part of the fantastic MVW pageant. It is a dream in a dream. Part of me is walking the finale already. I’m so happy already… but stressy… )
Kate: I haven’t seen the choreography yet… do you think it will be a difficult walk?
Agtaope: I don’t think so. I have modeled for a long time and I have a lot of experience. The only big problem is the lag. If I have a wish, it would be to not invite lag to the finale.
Kate: You can’t predict if SL wants to pick on you
Agtaope: No I cant, lol, for sure. I have a secret, Kate; don’t repeat to anyone… for sure, lag will attend the finale!
Kate: It’s no secret. I believe he has a confirmed reservation.
Agtaope: Ha-ha!
Kate: What advice would you have for someone who is thinking of entering the pageant next year?
Agtaope: I would say to this person to work hard and to be patient its a hard competition and you need all your potentiality for be in and I would like to repeat that the more important is to participate not to win because all candidates are fantastic…and all this gorgeous models can try to join next year )
Kate: okies… thank you… this has been fun. Is there anything you would like to add? Anything we did not cover already in the interview?
Agtaope: Yes I would to thank you, Kate for all the time you took with me today and then you helped me when I was real busy and when I was late. I want to thank you for your understanding )
Kate: Well, you were very flexible, too, and I appreciate that. I think we got your message out, so everybody wins.
Agtaope:  ty )

Kate Stockholm is a featured columnist for Best of Second Life Magazine, a retired SL Mentor and a Miss Virtual World Organization executive. She was last year’s Miss Sweden and winner of Miss Congeniality.

Of course, everyone immediately associates December 8^th with John Lennon. Looking a little deeper I discovered it is also Bodhi Day. According to tradition, this holiday celebrates when Siddhartha Gautauma resolved to sit under a tree and meditate until he found the root of all suffering. After several hours, I imagine that was whatever root he had sat upon… a little something for everyone on this day.

Miss Mexico, Lovena Allen

Lovena: I’m just a normal, down to earth, fun loving girl who happened to find a passion for this fabulously fashionable world and that I’m always eager to help them find the same love of this industry….simply by just asking….I’d show them why this is such an amazing and intricate part of a fabulous Second Life. ~smiles~

Kate: So can you share some of the other things you do in SL, hobbies or businesses?
Lovena: I have a few other “passions” as well…of course the shopping is just beyond words. I also work as Model Manager at Bliss Couture and blog for Bliss as well. I’m a model trainer at Trendy, another fashion venue. I also model for Opium Fashion Agency…so I keep extremely busy. The most important “hobby” I have would be spending time with my partner, Brent Constantine. He’s the smile on my face ~smiles warmly with a look of bliss~
Kate: That’s nice. Honestly, I could never make a go of an SL relationship. Too virtual, I guess, for me.
Lovena: It is very difficult at times. The trust one has to give to the other to know they aren’t doing things behind your back was the biggest obstacle for me. He’s helped me tremendously to learn how to not be so….jaded and to not always expect the other shoe to drop…so to speak. I’m a very lucky woman
Kate: That reminds me I need a pair of white Maitreya Gold. I love those shoes.
Lovena: lol. You and me both. ~winks~

Kate: I love your blue picture! I was very happy to learn that Mallory Luke had returned to Opium… how is that going?
Lovena: Thank you! It was indeed a definite blessing. She’s an amazing woman and knows so much about how to make a business successful. As for how it’s going….Opium has been and is continuing to put on multiple shows a week and some even repeating shows. They are definitely on their way to being THE #1 agency across the grid.
Kate: That’s great! I hope they make a lot of money!
Lovena: Yes, I feel much honored to be a member of the Opium family
Kate: How do you like representing Bliss?
Lovena: OMG!! It has been the most exciting, humbling……I really have no words to describe how much I love my job at Bliss Couture. I feel like Amutey DeCuir is by far the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. She’s generous and sincere, she knows no enemies. Her designs are impeccable. I truly am blessed she took a chance on me.
Kate: Her gowns translate well to the runway. Just the thing for a MVW finalist!
Lovena: snickers with a wicked smirk and ponders a moment “hmmmm…Well, just between you and me…yes, she’s absolutely helping me with my gown as well as my traditional attire. The woman is a designing genius and I’m so excited for the actual pageant just to walk around in my outfits…lol
Kate: That’s an incredible advantage. You are very fortunate.
Lovena: lol….to be perfectly honest…long before I even made it as a finalist….it was decided she’d be doing my gown
Kate: Nice. Would you like to talk a little bit about your model training work at Trendy?
Lovena: Well….I work there with another finalist, Preciouss Metall. We both are the model trainers there and we basically just coordinate the walk for the shows held there. My best friend, Jillian Convair is the CEO and it’s more like a bunch of sisters playing dress up when we do shows ~giggles~
Kate: That sounds like fun. Okies… time for the serious stuff…
Lovena: looks worried “uh oh I thought that was the serious stuff” chuckles
Kate: The grand finale is almost upon us. Are you ready? Are you nervous? What are you thinking about?
Lovena: Yes, I’m basically ready. I have a few poses to put in my AO but other then that…tweaking is all I have left if I come across a better one of something I need. I’m only slightly nervous. I knew going into this that the things leading up to the finale would be my weakest points. I’ve always loved all forms of modeling but I worship that runway. I respect it and what it stands for and in return *knocks on wood* so far lag has been just an annoyance rather then an enemy. As for my thoughts…I try not to over think or stress it. I know me and when I over analyze…I start messing things up. I’m happy with what I’ve got put together and know I’ve done my best and that’s all I or anyone else can be expected to do.
Kate: Is there anything which you wanted to cover but we haven’t talked about yet?
Lovena: Well, I did want to say that I’m so beyond honored to be a finalist and to be among the absolutely breathtaking women that are also finalists. The things I’ve learned from them have been priceless things that I myself would have never thought of. They are all so talented and special and each one have their very own something that makes them so stunningly beautiful that any of them would make a wonderful Miss Virtual World. I may not be as experienced…or as well known….but I can assure you that there is not another finalists that is more dedicated or determined and although I may not know everything about this amazing industry….I know I could and would do everything possible to represent the Miss Virtual World Association as well as the modeling industry with the fire and passion like no other has.
Kate: For the person reading this… thinking of maybe applying for MVW next year… do you have any advice or suggestions?
Lovena: I can only say this….If you are sincere in your desires, truly passionate about wanting something, determined to not stop until you’ve achieved your goal….AND….not go with what the in crowd is wearing or following the latest releases as most do….you’re guaranteed to make it and will most likely win. It’s easy to go to your favorite store and buy the newest release and click replace outfit….but if you can do that with let’s say, 3 or 4 of your favorite outfit(s) then you’re already strides ahead and well on your way.
Lovena: Mix n match is so in right now, lol.
Kate: lol

The Grand Finale for MISS VIRTUAL WORLD 2010 will be held at the Patch Thibaud Auditorium on December 19, Saturday 11AM SLT. There is nothing else like this in Second Life. See you there!

Kate Stockholm is a featured columnist for Best of Second Life Magazine, a retired SL Mentor and a Miss Virtual World Organization executive. She was last year’s Miss Sweden and winner of Miss Congeniality.