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First rehearsal for the grand finale was Saturday and there is a rising sense of anticipation among the finalists. Twenty-two beautiful, stylish, graceful and motivated ladies… and there can only be one Miss Virtual World.

Miss China, Sora Tatham

Sora: I run Agata Model Agency in SL. I put a lot of effort into introducing non-Japanese brands to Japanese and introducing high quality Japanese brands to the non-Japanese residents in SL. Most of the regular fashion shows in SL are held when it’s very difficult for Japanese to go watch. For those brands that I work with, I also help developing vendor posters for their stores. I also train models who can address the above needs and also create poses and shapes.

Kate: What tools does do you use to create poses? Are eastern poses different from western poses?
Sora: I use Poser and Avimator (avimator is freeware – ks). All use the same programs. As far as arm pit poses are concerned, the Japanese culture never cared about that more or less for gowns. In Japan, we don’t wear formal much. Most fashion is casual. I learned that arm pit poses are a “no-no” now that I have more exchange with non-Japanese people.
Kate: Interesting! I was under the impression Eastern culture was much more formal than Western culture.
Sora: Well Japanese are nervous in some areas and strict but as far as formal western gown goes, we don’t have established customs to wear much formal wear (dresses) so we were not aware of the etiquettes for gowns.
Kate: The same way western models would not know the rules for wearing kimonos.
Sora: Yes, yes with kimonos we have very strict rules and we need to use completely different poses and walks. When it comes to kimonos, I think these things will be even more strict than what the Western culture has for gowns so maybe in that sense, kimonos for us is the same as dresses(gowns) in the West
Kate: And you are attempting to bridge the gap between East and West?
Sora: As I said in the first part, I am trying to introduce non-Japanese brands to Japanese residents in time zones that they can actually come to the shows. And the opposite to show Japanese brands, thru an attempt to show brands in time zones that each side can attend and I show Japanese brands in the shows too. The Agata Models have come to Kay’s classes at Mimmi’s academy where she had classes in Japanese, informing them what the West would like to see and how they could contribute as models from the East. The concepts of this East Meets West Show were developed here. My exposure and exchange with non-Japanese people has increased a lot since I became a Miss Virtual World finalist. So it has become easier for me to get more non-Japanese to attend my shows.
Kate: From one who has spent days wandering through Eastern sims, I can tell you easy access is important.
Sora: The show venue is made like a mini-mall. Vendors are set up for the guests to buy on the spot if they wish.

Kate: Congratulations on your splendid showing in the MVW Orient Express photo competition. Should Miss Virtual World be more inclusive of different cultures?
Sora: One thing I really felt strongly is…. in Japan, every citizen has to study English for 6 years. I can read, but I really felt the need to be able to speak the language better. I still have difficulty following what is said.
Kate: You are not alone; sometimes I have no clue what Frolic is saying…
Sora: Most Miss Virtual World events are in a time zone that is very hard for people in the East to attend. The time of the events is also something I would like to see changed. East is not just about Japan. If we can incorporate other countries in the East, that will be great, like India too, when events are being planned. Realistically, Japan is the total opposite when it comes to time. Europe and USA can handle this by shifting the time a bit, but Japan is half a world away, so hard it’s to be included. Japan is an isolated country surrounded by sea (and language and alphabet and time zone -ks). It’s always been isolated from way back in its history. It’s hard for Japanese to be open and outgoing; they are very shy as they have kept their isolation for so long.
Kate: Shy?
Sora: Yeah, maybe Japanese are more introverted its not that they think they shouldn’t self promote. I was very shy too until I became a finalist. The other girls in the pageant have helped me a lot and I have been able to come out more in public in Japan (in RL). We often think its not good to “stick out”.
Kate: Is this why computer translators don’t work on Japanese to English? The language is nuanced, where as English can be spoken with a hammer and tongs?
Sora: Japanese is much nuanced. For example, at Miss Virtual World events, there is so much I want to say but the only translation I can find is THANK YOU. So I keep saying ty ty ty all the time!! I am in fact, trying to say something slightly different. All the nuance is lost (different types of thank you that do not translate – thank you – hang in there, thank you – I will appreciate your help, thank you – I wish you good luck, etc. -kf).
Kate: In a way, Miss Virtual World is giving you an opportunity to express yourself without words in a nuanced, Japanese way, without words, with your style alone.
Sora: Aaah yes maybe that’s true. I put a LOT of effort in expressing my style in Miss Virtual World.
Kate: This Eastern perspective may be strength, an advantage over Western finalists who hope to find a way to influence the judges more directly.
Sora: Yes. There is one more thing Miss Virtual World has taught me. Japanese are so rigid in their thinking.  Not creative. We tend to think “inside a box”. I felt a BIG surprise to see how the other finalists were creative and “out of the box” in how they style and also the size of their thinking scale they can think in a much bigger scale than us Japanese. We tend to get “too small” or “too rigid” which may not translate on a big stage. For example, at the Halloween challenge, I thought you couldn’t be creative. I was thinking in line of what Halloween is from what we usually see. I was so surprised to see how the other finalists were so creative in their styling. And the same goes for everything we see.  We (eastern culture –ks) need to learn to be more dynamic!
Kate: What are your thoughts and feelings about the grand finale coming up; are you ready?
Sora: My preparation for the Grand Finale is moving along. I have my costumes ready, almost ready. On the inside, I’m still nervous and anxious. Japanese are SO bad at expressing themselves. It’s hard for them to say “I am so and so”. I think the Q&A part may be very hard for me. More so than my nervousness, I am looking forward to it.
Kate: Any advice to next year’s applicants?
Sora: Miss Virtual World is a pageant that looks at not just the beauty of avatars but it’s a difficult one to handle unless you are “polished” comprehensively such as being good in your styling sense, choice of pictures, posing. Although I have an agency, there is a lot that I am not yet good at myself and I have learned a lot over this past two months.  It has also been a great learning trigger for me to be with the other finalists and all this will help me in my modeling career in the future.

Special thanks to Kay Fairey who took time out of her busy schedule to provide her services as a translator and to Sora Tatham for her honesty and directness during the interview. I really felt that I gained something unique in sharing time with both of them.

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.

TGIF! Thank (God/Goodness/Gollygosh) It’s Friday. This is an exclaimation, not only of relief at the end of the work week, but also in anticipation of the weekend! If I recall hearing it first in a movie starring disco goddess Donna Summer… does that age me?

Miss Turkey, Violette Weymann

Violette: I strongly believe that what we reflect here as the personality of a SL Supermodel… in our case a MVW Finalist … is much more than what reflects an avatar. I mean that even if we want to do so or not, our RL personalities are reflected in our avatars. I know to most people I seem a bit cold…distant…

Kate: Cold or shy or reserved?
Violette: Reserved, yes… this is the correct word… not shy… absolutely… but reserved. My way of living and seeing the things requires the respect of listening to others. I really don’t like to talk too much ? I prefer to listen. I would like people know that I’m listening to them actually. I’m not cold.
Kate: How does a reserved lady (such as your self) come to compete in the most famous the most extroverted pageant of virtual beauty events in all of SL?
Violette: My reserve maybe helped me to be chosen in this case, even if this is the most extroverted pageant. I really don’t think that being a finalist comes in one moment or by luck. The pre-finals are hard to succeed because you walk in front of judges that very probably know nothing about you. As in our Real Lives, the first 30 seconds counts a lot in front of someone who doesn’t know you. So there must be a sparkle that reflects us on the runway. I believe it’s just like in a Real Life Interview. Think about a business interview that you do what you do in the very 1st moments… what you pose… what you wear…  what is your avatars expression… I believe counts. And pretty much reflects the personality behind.
Kate: interesting
Violette: What distinguishes me from another to be chosen as a finalist? In this moment, I believe that we reflect parts of our personalities on the runway.
Kate: yes
Violette: The judges don’t know us in person… none of us so our real live experiences. Visions and esthetic conceptions count a lot at that moment.
Kate: No luck involved?
Violette: The luck also helps, but I don’t believe that it’s the pure luck that made us choose as Finalists among all those pre-finalists… all of us had very brief time to show ourselves in front of judges…  X person had 30 seconds… I had 30 seconds… and so on. What I mean to say is that we may have more success when we are able to express better who we are, in the correct moment… I tried the pre-finals three times, and I succeeded to be chosen as the finalist when I was like myself most; not in those times when I thought I would look good, but in that time I felt to look good ..
Kate: got it
Violette: So at the beginning you asked me what I want people know about me.
Kate: Yes I did. And what you want them to know is your belief that SL avatars represent a part of which we are or wish to be.
Violette: Actually, yes. Even in my case that I’m so reserved. Also this characteristic I believe that reflects ourselves in some way, if you want or not.  I’m also outgoing. My friends know how I am. They say that I’m too fun. It’s not how I look like at first approach. I would like that people know that I’m very friendly inside, although I seem too reserved at the beginning, which is for a reason as explained before. This is same in RL and SL.  There is no difference for me. I don’t see SL as a platform where I show myself as a different person.

Kate: Beyond modeling, do you have any other pursuits, hobbies, interests in SL?
Violette: At the very beginning, maybe like most of residents did, I used SL to listen to good music. But it lasted for very short time.   I’m also a model trainer. I love to have objectives.
Kate: So many ladies wish to be models. It must be rewarding to work with so many motivated individuals.
Violette: I don’t see it as a job. All I can teach the ladies are the techniques… the tips.  Modeling is a passion where you must have more than techniques. Strength, determination, the eye for fashion and the right attitude cannot be taught. Helping the ladies on their way is amazing. Since I was also a trainee not so long ago, seeing their enthusiasm makes me happy.
Kate: Yes!  Do you have to continually change teaching methods to keep up with the latest AO technology and LL client releases?
Violette: The new client is too problematic, I would say. But I haven’t had problems with my students so far. I try to teach with all alternatives.
Kate: That makes sense, always good to have a backup plan.
Violette: Yes, as trainers we have to know every different way. The ladies are using all different viewers. We have to be informed of all.
Kate: As you are approaching the end of the finalist journey, how are you feeling about the pageant?
Violette: The finals are so close and I feel a deep enthusiasm for it. On one hand, I’m very curious to see who will be the winner. On the other hand, I’m so curious to see where will I will be. It’s already great to be among 22 finalists, but its human nature to desire for more.
Kate: Do you feel ready and in control?
Violette: Ready, never… in control, always… I’m always this way.
Kate: smiles
Violette: The closer it comes the more I feel my heart beating inside my ears. I can hear it … but as I always said… I love that feeling
Kate: Yes. What advice would you give to an applicant next year?
Violette: Apart of the skills and a good looking avatar, it’s very important to be determined. They must have strength and self- confidence. They cannot improve themselves when the day comes; improvement is continuous. One must always desire success.

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.

Thank you to everyone who is reading and supporting the blog. Additional, comprehensive coverage of the MISS VIRTUAL WORLD 2010 pageant and finalists can be found in the Best of SL Magazine. The staff works very hard to bring the reader a high quality, entertaining, informative and well… Best of SL magazine. After the December issue came out, Frolic Mills stated “In over 2 years I have never seen soo many GREAT comments even 5 hours AFTER publishing! Congrats guys and happy happy holidays!” (I’m sure he was congratulating us gals, too.)

Miss Singapore, Natasja Schumann

Natasja: I have a determined, stubborn and don’t give up kind of attitude. I will never back down in anything that I have set my mind on.  I’m also a caring person who cares for people who are dear and close to me. I am willing to make new friends and also help them whenever they need it. I love to shop, shop, shop and shop some more. I collect new stuff on SL that’s why my inventory has reach nearly up to 100k…oh boy… I love fashion, modeling plus photography. Plus I’m an independent photographer and also Photographer for AVENUE Magazine. I totally love art and history

Kate: Your interests really come through in your pictures. They are always editorial and full of interesting detail. I am looking at your winning picture for the BOSL Express contest (a photograph inspired by the chic and elegant style of the Orient Express). What was your inspiration for this winning picture? Congratulations on the well deserved recognition, as well.

Natasja: My first inspiration is the 1920, looking at pictures and also the fashion that I found on the internet inspired me a lot. Wondering how it would be like if I’m in that century, definitely I’m not going to smoke for sure…but on that time when I made that picture, all I think about is to make it almost the same atmosphere as in the 1920’s. TY for the congrats
Kate: Did you take the picture as well as style and pose or use a photographer?
Natasja: Pose and take the picture myself. Editing all by myself
Kate: You know how amazing that is, right? The other finalists are pulling out all the stops, using the best of everything and everyone…. shape and styling consultants, using three photographers for one shoot… and you are doing it all on your own? And competing at this high level?
Natasja: Yup I know…everyone is using other photographer to do it but naw…I do it myself because I trust in my judgment in making the picture on how I want it to be.
Kate: Well, I think that is your advantage… your strength.., your vision is clear and consistent. I also like very much the gown! So many thought 20’s and immediately went flapper. Yours is a more sophisticated period look. Did you shop for it with this vision in mind?
Natasja: Actually I have that vision in my mind and it takes a lot of time to look for the dress until one day I approached Elettra Gausman if she has any 1920’s outfit in her store. She gave me the picture and boom! This is the one that I’ve been looking for Actually a last minute thing… a few days before the deadline! hehe
Kate: Many of her clothes show that art deco influence.
Natasja: Yes!
Kate: You put a peacock in the picture!
Natasja: I wanted it to be something different. Something other than traditional pictures from the 1920’s: parties, people, dancing and stuff. I hardly saw any photographs with birds.
Kate: For people who would like to see more of your photography work… do you have a flickr page?
Natasja: Yes I do http://www.flickr.com/photos/natasja_schumann
Kate: Is there anything we missed talking about? Something more you would like to say?
Natasja: Nothing I can think of right now. Oh btw I won the OC Face photo contest recently.
Kate: Congratulations! You are on a roll!
Natasja:  Oh… should I say that I do blogging too so that they can take a look?
Kate: Yes yes yes!
Natasja: http://timelessagency.com/
http://opiumsim.wordpress.com/
http://atnami.blogspot.com/
Kate: Busy girl! Your journey as a Miss Virtual World finalist is almost complete. Do you have any advice for someone considering application next year?
Natasja: Never give up on the dream that you set your mind on try until you succeed

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 SL Magazine, a retired SL Mentor and a Miss Virtual World Organization executive. She was last year’s Miss Sweden and winner of Miss Congeniality.

I’m aglow. Here’s hoping all enjoyed an incredible Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends; or at least had as good a time as legally allowed by your state or country this weekend. Today’s interview is with Chalice Carling’s favorite finalist!

Miss United Kingdom, Ella Quinsette

Ella: I’m a very down to earth, caring person that will help anyone with anything if it’s within my capabilities and I love to do so. I am kind and have a good sense of humor. I love fashion and am in my element when styling outfits. I love to mix and match clothes from various designers to achieve the look I want. I like to rise to any challenges set.

Kate: How do you spend your time in SL, any hobbies?
Ella: I usually spend my free time shopping, I am a true shopaholic. I also like to visit new places in Second Life. There are so many beautiful sims. I find it very relaxing going roaming about exploring. I also love to go dancing with friends. Lately I have wanted to learn more about SL photography. It is something I would love to learn more about. Other than that I spend a lot of time styling outfits. I also love all of my jobs in SL they rarely feel like work as I usually have great fun.
Kate: I bet working for Lion is very interesting. (I love the dollhouse and forbidden skins, btw)
Ella: Working for Lion is amazing, she is sooo much fun, but what I love most about Lion is that she’s honest and genuine and very approachable, she’s always thinking of ways to involve her members and listens to their choices, and usually incorporates their ideas into her future plans. She’s crazy and maybe I am wrong for saying that, lol, but normal is boring and I adore her, she knows this. I am also a huge fan of her work. I love all of her skins, each new skin series gets better and better. She truly amazes me.
Kate: Ha, she shocked me… I was dithering over what skin to buy and she came to me and dropped three on me, lol. That was my introduction to Lion.
Ella: Yes, nearly everyone I speak to says Lion has given them skins. lol I keep telling her you’re too kind to run a business lol but she’s fantastic and I think it’s nice she’s generous to everyone.
Kate: I see that you are involved in model education! It must be fun to interact with the new eager, fresh faces.
Ella: Yes, that is one of my favorite jobs, I love seeing the students come all fresh faced, nervous and eager to learn, and then watching them blossom throughout the two week course we run. Finally seeing them in their graduation show is always such a proud moment for me and the other instructors. It’s great when they love to keep in touch and you see how their career grows, there is no feeling quite like it and what I love more is sometimes they teach me too, you’re never too old to learn new tricks. I’m so very proud of all our graduates.
Kate: I find I have to slightly tune how I walk every time SL issues a new client. And it seems like someone is always innovating with poses and AO’s… and now there are several different client viewers…how do you keep up?
Ella: I have exactly the same problems, for shows I always revert back to the main Second Life Viewer; I find that I have the least problems with that, though lately SL seems to be getting laggier than ever before. I use different client viewers for different reasons for example the Emerald Viewer has some beautiful sky options which are fantastic for photography and it has the added feature of having double attachment points which can be really handy and as I say I use the main client viewer for shows. I love going pose shopping, there are so many different pose creators available now and it’s nice to have a wide variety to suit all my needs for photography or runway. I love that everything is always evolving and I am looking forward to the future of AO’s, poses, walks etc. I keep up to date with all the latest places to shop, through friends and groups I am in, everyone is always so helpful to one another.
Kate: Yes… it keeps modeling exciting! Lovely picture in your Lionskin profile picture!

Ella: Yes it does keep modeling exciting. Awww thank you! My good friend Amerique took it Actually that picture was my Miss Virtual World application photo
Kate: So… with the grand finale only a short time away… are you ready? Are you excited? What are your thoughts?
Ella: I am sooo excited, but also very nervous, I know it’s a huge event. I am not ready for it yet no, I still have a few things to prepare, and my fabulous designers are still working their magic from some of my ideas. I can’t wait to see what they come up.  I remember last years finalist and all the amazing clothes that the designers had made, it blew my mind I can’t wait to see what all the designers come up with this year for everyone. I will definitely be going shopping the day after the finals lol. I never thought for a moment I would be up there this year with such an amazing group of models, who each in their own right deserve to win I am so glad I am not a judge lol. I would also like to wish each of them the best of luck.
Kate: Well, this year, you ladies have taken it to a completely new level. It amazes me how hard you all are working on this!
Ella: Everyone has truly amazed me and the challenges this year have really been something for us all too really rises to the challenge. Everyone is so helpful to one another even though it’s a contest it rarely feels like it. It’s been great fun. I love it.
Kate: So is there anything we missed…. anything you would like to speak to before we close?
Ella: I would just like to take the chance to say thank you to the judges for choosing me as a finalist and also to everyone that has helped, supported and  encouraged me before, and during this contest it really means the world to me. So thank you. Thank you to you too Kate for this fantastic opportunity to talk with you and let people know more about me.
Kate: Oh! You are very welcome!!!! One last question…
Ella: Sure ask away
Kate: Any advice you would give an applicant to MVW next year?
Ella: Yes, my main advice would be to never give up. I applied to MVW in 2008 and did not even make it to pre-finals stage, but this was something I dreamed of and with the support of my friends I tried again and amazingly I was chosen as a finalist. So yes my main advice is never give up, if you want something bad enough give it all you have and then a little bit more. Dreams can come true.

The Grand Finals for the Miss Virtual World will be held at the Patch Thibaud Auditorium on December 19, Saturday. See you there!

Kate Stockholm is a senior staff writer 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.

Thanksgiving is a harvest festival celebrated primarily in North America. 38.4 million will travel fifty or more miles from home to consume over 675 million pounds of turkey on Thanksgiving. The day after Thanksgiving, Black Friday,  marks the beginning of the traditional Christmas shopping season when retailer’s profits go from red  (loss) to black (gain).

Miss Costa Rica, Nisa Constantine

Nisa: I am a very down to earth, friendly, unassuming person who is actually quite shy believe it or not.  I do love to meet new people and I am always eager to have new experiences.  I think that natural curiosity and love of learning new things has gone a long way to helping me overcome that shyness.  In fact, that combination of qualities is what has ultimately led me to the MVW finals.  A friend of mine who models contacted me to participate in a photo shoot for a designer.  The designer loved my look and asked me to pose for a number of ads and walk in a fashion show.  I knew nothing of modeling and the thought of being front and center on a runway terrified me.  However, she needed me and I would have a chance to learn and experience something new.  So I enrolled in modeling school and 4 months later here I am!

Kate: Do you have other hobbies or interests in SL? What do you do in your spare time?
Nisa: I love music so I learned how to deejay and I do live broadcasts for 2 internet radio stations.  I love to explore so I spend time traveling the grid, finding beautiful places and collecting LM’s.  I’m now also a chicken farmer thanks to Digit Darkes LOL!  I was shopping in her store a couple of weeks ago and she had a gift out for her customers.  I got it home and it was a Sion chicken egg!  I hatched it and now I’m hooked!
Kate: Can you give the stream URLs for the radio stations? Is there a regular time you broadcast?
Nisa: Oh I sure can.
 
Black Soul Rhythms Radio: 
Saturday 5pm – 7pm SLT
RL:  http://bit.ly/3IMCB6
SL: http://BlackSoulRhythms.neostreams.info:8000

KHNY – HONEY 103:
Wednesday 8am -10am SLT
Friday 6pm-8pm SLT
RL: http://bit.ly/xaYvT
SL: http://apple.neostreams.info:12634

Kate: Tell me more about the styles of music you like. What makes your heart sing and body move? Who are some of your favorite groups or recording artists?
Nisa: I truly love music of all types so I would have to say that music period makes my heart sing and body move.  I listen to just about any and everything.  R&B, NeoSoul, HipHop, World Music, Pop, Rock, Classical there’s even some Country music I like!  Any type of music can make my heart sing especially if I can relate to the lyrics.  I am such a lyrics person!!  Those people who know me best in and out of SL can gauge my mood by the music I play.

Kate: So… let’s switch gears back to the pageant…. you and I have talked about this before, but I think the fans would be interested in your thoughts and feelings about being relatively new to modeling yet thrown into the fast stream and deep currents of MVW!
Nisa: Well to say that this has been a whirlwind would be a huge understatement. It has been challenging to say the least and at times overwhelming. Yet, it has helped me learn so much about myself and I’ve grown as a person due to those challenges
Kate: Yes, I imagine someone on the outside might be very envious of your opportunity without ever understanding how hard you have had to work!
Nisa: Things always seem easier from the outside looking in.  I also think there is a tendency to look at the modeling industry and assume that there’s nothing to it.  I’ve had people ask me how hard it is to dress up in pretty clothes and walk down a runway and back. However, it isn’t as easy as it may appear.  I think we have to be mindful that most things appear easy to do when they are done very well. That is a testament to the skill of the individual walking the runway, taking the photo, writing the article, etc. I think the hardest part of all this was knowing that there were people who had already written me off because I wasn’t well known or as experienced as the other contestants.
Kate:  They were doing you a favor… motivating you!
Nisa: That’s it. It did motivate me.
Kate: So with the finals just a short time away… how do you feel? Have you caught up? Are you ready?
Nisa: I’m very excited about the finals and very happy that the end is near.  I don’t believe that it is ever possible to be “caught up.”  I’m an educator from a family of educators so I’ve always been taught that there is always something to be learned.  There is always room for improvement.  Have my skills improved? Yes, definitely!  Am I the best I can possibly be?  No, absolutely not.  I don’t ever plan to get complacent or rest on my laurels.  There is a poem called “Good, Better, Best” that my parents taught me and that I always teach my students.  My good is better, now I’m working on making my better best which is a lifelong process.
Kate: My music teacher always said perfect practice makes better.
Nisa: lol, exactly.
Kate: Yours is one of the most interesting stories of the finalists to me… what advice would you give to an applicant next year, who is considering entering… but maybe on the fence for one reason or another…
Nisa: Experience is important, but it is not the single most important factor in determining success or failure. I would advise any applicant to follow her dream and her heart.  However, what she lacks in experience she must make up for with her work ethic and willingness to learn.

The Grand Finals for the Miss Virtual World will be held at the Patch Thibaud Auditorium on December 19, Saturday. See you there!

Kate Stockholm is a senior staff writer 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.

Words escape me.  With joy this jaded heart warms again to an in-world performance of original music. Thank you motimotimoti Campese. Today on Up Close and Personal, we meet a finalist who will do something on the blog that has never been done before. Enjoy!

Miss Holland, Melanie Sautereau

Melanie: I’m representing Holland and Holland is the country I was born and raised. I was raised in a loving family, who always was helping others in need and showed me and others the definition of respect. There was a time my mother and me were alone for a few years due several circumstances. I was 8 at that time. I will always remember that time, because we were very poor and sometimes my mother didn’t eat because she had to feed me. She always thought about everyone else, to make them happy. Many things happened in those years and its a detailed story, it makes me stronger and it gave me other and even better standards and values I believe. I really look up to my mother; she’s a very strong, caring and loving woman. She’s a fighter, and so am I. I will never pretend like some one else. What you see is what you get. I’m very reliable and committed with my modeling work and I have an unprecedented perseverance. Every achievement or disappointment makes me even stronger and more energetic. And I always feel it’s like something to learn from. I take my SL very serious and I live this life like it would be my RL. That means that I care about everyone and I have respect for every human being.  I might have a sweet and cute appearance, but I have a strong personality and I know my standards and values. I’m very open minded, always willing to help and my heart is open to everyone…. Many hugs to the fans and thank you! (And I’m kinda nervous about this interview, haha)

Kate: WOW, that’s a first! An RL picture! How do you spend your time on SL? Any hobbies?
Melanie: When I’m on SL I am very busy with modeling most of the time.. Not only walking fashion shows or photo shoots, but I also spend a lot of time with finding the right outfit to show myself off. I lovveee to mix and match different designs and find a perfect combination. I believe that’s one hobby Besides modeling, I also teach. It’s great to learn people everything you know, and when people come to me afterwards and saying “thank you Mel, for your help”. It always gives me a smile, I’m glad to help others. Another hobby is to chat with my friends here. We don’t see each other very often, but I speak with them every day via IM mostly. My friends are very, very important to me.
Kate: Your matching of the copper accessories with the peach gown in the designer challenge II last week was brilliant!
Melanie: Thank you so much Kate! When I saw that outfit, I was like WOW! Dezi Jarvinen did an amazing job with this dress. It has a great texture and it’s very well detailed. I wanted to create a natural look. Normally I go for unusual like big hair or big attachments. But this time I felt the need to keep it simple. And again, it took me a few hours to find this combination. I’m such a perfectionist and it drives me crazy sometimes, lol. But, I enjoy it so much
Kate: Yes, I think that is what impressed me so much, the simplicity, the shoe color and texture matched the jewelry. And I love understated hair. I went out and bought that style right after the show!
Melanie: I heard many people did. Well, W&Y has really great hair for every occasion. You really should check them all!

Kate: Is your teaching informal or are you part of an academy?
Melanie: Both, sometimes people are coming to me and ask me for advice, tips, etc about modeling.. I really like that. At the EIMA agency, I teach other models about modeling and the runway routine EIMA has. The models there are already well trained, but It’s good to keep on practicing, improving your skills and watching others modeling. Opium recently opened their Fashion Academy, which is very advanced. You can learn about modeling, fashion design, show script writing, styling, etc… I’m going to be Opium’s stylist and I can’t wait to get started.
Kate: I just ran into Mallory the other day. I love her so much. It was so nice to see her again. Maybe it’s selfish of me, but Opium is her vision, I’m hoping she gets re-involved.
Melanie: I got hired at Opium the day Mallory left. So I didn’t get the chance to really get to know her. But you know Mallory is working with Opium again? She’s back, and we’re so glad to have her with us again.
Kate: That’s great! Great news!
Melanie: Yes, it certainly is
Kate: I love it when good things happen in SL.
Melanie: Yes, I agree It always makes me smile
Kate: Melanie, congratulations on being a finalist!
Melanie: Entering the MVW pageant was the best thing I could do in my SL life. MVW gives me the opportunity to be creative. The positive attention is great, and I thank every person who believes in me. I met really friendly girls and made new friends.
Kate: Melanie, your impressive series of challenge stylings for the Miss Virtual World contest have brought you a great deal of attention. One might even say you are among the front-runners. What are your feelings about this? Has the attention made your SL easier or harder?
Melanie: When I decided to enter the MVW I know it would be a tough contest and would be very demanding sometimes. It takes a lot from you as a person. You have to concentrate for 100% and keep your eyes and ears open. When it comes to a challenge, I always pick my outfits very carefully. Of course, I want to win a challenge, but more importantly is to feel comfortable with the outfit. I want to show my own style in every outfit. That’s why I often wear hats for example. I’m a hat-addict. LOL. It’s always hard to know what the judges are looking for. For example, last challenge theme was 1920’s. You can create many outfits matching that theme. So you never know I did my best again, but I didn’t make it. The judges must have had their reasons for not choosing me. I felt disappointed in myself, because I really spend much time on this outfit, finding the right combination again. I thought it would be good enough to make the top 5. But its OK, I’m really happy for the other girls. They really deserved it and their pictures were absolutely fantastic. Really awesome.

Kate: The grand finale is right around the corner… do you feel ready?
Melanie: Ohh Kate… the grand finale. I feel that I’m ready. I have my outfits, I only need to style them. I won’t tell much about it, Its all a secret, haha, but lets say that my evening gown will be a creation of a few designers. I want to show an outfit during the finale that everyone can buy in the shops of SL. And again, I can be creative! YAY! ) I feel very nervous, I don’t know what to expect. On the other side, I feel very excited and I can’t wait to the “big” day and to see all those lovely creations everyone made… And to find out who will be the next MVW. I understand it’s a tough job for the judges to decide who the next Miss Virtual World will be. Let me say that Mimmi Boa isn’t replacable in any way!!! What Mimmi did and who she is, is really a one of a kind. I hope the next Miss Virtual World will follow her steps, on a way how she thinks it’s the best. I want to thank the MVW organization for this beautiful chance they gave to me, to participate in the MVW pageant. Whether I will win or not, it certainly has been a great experience and I will never forget the great time I have so far and what I’ve learned. Also I would like to thank the people who are supporting and believing me. It’s really touching me and I wish I could do something in return. I also would like to thank the ladies, you all are truly wonderful and you all deserve to win. My heart is yours!
Kate: What advice would you have for an applicant next year?
Melanie: For anyone who would like to apply next year this is my advice.. Never change yourself as a person, make sure you stand out and be confident. Show yourself to the world but never become arrogant or disrespectful to others. Make sure you have your very own style… I’m sure everything will be all right then

The Grand Finals for the Miss Virtual World will be held at the Patch Thibaud Auditorium on December 19, Saturday. See you there!

Kate Stockholm is a senior staff writer 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.

Have you seen the 2010 MVW Fan Contest? A grand prize of 10,000 lindens and at least ten of the couture collection from the evening gown competition? Now fans of the pageant can win, too! Click on the Fan Contests tab in the upper right hand corner of this web page to learn more!

Miss Germany, Wenadrenia Soderstrom

Wenadrenia: I want your blog readers to be able to open my book and see into my life. I am a very simple person. I love peeling away the layers wallowing in all the experiences that come to me. The biggest thrill for me is to hear someone say I made their day brighter. Finally, I enjoy catching someone off guard making them laugh so hard that they giggle for the rest of the day.

Wenadrenia: There is so much to Second Life that I could not possibly do every thing that interests me. I like participating in charity events, helping those around me. I share my art though my building and jewelry. Every texture I set or stone placed helps me bring fashion and beauty to everyone’s day. I like dressing up. I can be anything from a roaming alien to a chic modern catwalk diva. I enjoy many things. I place my building and Jewelry on top. I express myself through it and I get to be with my RL and SL husband, Jens.
Kate: Can you show the readers one of your favorite jewelry sets and describe what your inspiration was?

Wenadrenia: My most treasured jewelry collection is called the Mary Loise. I hold this close to my heart. It is not my most popular piece but it brings tears to my eyes every time I see it up on the wall. This set represents a strong woman that touched many lives including mine. This woman was a first in our family to go out into the work force in the early 40’s and achieve a professional status and in my eyes set the standard for every successful woman today. She was my grandmother. She cared for me when my own mother didn’t want me. Even though she worked full time in a man’s industry she always found time to teach me the finer things in life such as shopping and nails, knitting and tatting. I always felt as if she put me or anyone else around her who needed something ahead of herself. This set was made from a set of earrings that I still possess today. They are exactly like the earrings in the picture. This set is as great as she was. My grandmother was such a fashion smart woman but this was something in her wardrobe that didn’t really go… The stones are fire opal and yellow citrine. I used to sit and look at her, watching the colors sparkle as she talked or moved. Once in a great while I would get to play with her jewelry. I always picked this pair of earrings to wear. The fire opal reminds me of her personality. All of 5′4″, she was a spit fire working circles around at her job. The yellow citrine was so bright I used to hold them up to my eyes and look through them seeing the world in its sunshine haze.  She only wore them when she had a tough day ahead or if we where going out for that once a month dinner at a restaurant. My most vivid memories are of her power earrings. I will wear them on the final day of this pageant. Every girl needs a pair of earrings like these… winks.
Kate: It sounds like you and your grandmother were very close. She wore the earrings based on the challenges of the day rather than whether it matched her outfit?
Wenadrenia: I guess we all have the favorite item in our house or wardrobes that make us have a great feeling when worn.
Kate: Wow! Great story
Wenadrenia: Well she was a great lady. I wish I could of shared her with the world.
Kate: I’m sure you make her proud, too.
Wenadrenia: smiles… thank you I hope I do!
Kate: We are going to shift worlds to modeling.
Wenadrenia: ok
Kate: Do you have and advice for a new model? Styling, for instance… many new models have the general idea down… but seem to miss on the details.
Wenadrenia: I would first advise them to pack up one newbie outfit, skin, shoes, hair jewels and save it. Take a picture of you from the first days in modeling. Take that folder and pack it away… but don’t delete it. Then look around. There is so much fashion. They can experience it all. Don’t be afraid to take a chance. Modeling is not fast food… you can’t drive up … order a degree in modeling, slap on a great outfit and wing it on the runway. You have to take your time. Learn, watch, remember, work, and then lead. This is a fast growing industry. In the two years I have been here it has blown up. I always say take your time. It is not going to go away. Be happy with your growth and if you insist on being a DIVA pull out that folder I told you to build and put it on. That is where you started.  And remember to help others no matter if they like you or not. They will remember that you gave that helping hand once and pass it forward.
Kate: Is there anything about you we left out or you would like to say in closing?
Wenadrenia: Whether I win or lose I will be me. I am here to help anyone that needs it. I love to make a happy face. Making a difference is not that I am Miss Virtual World. Making a difference will continue long after that pageant is over.  Please remember to look at your monitors. Remember that you are a real person sitting there typing interacting and talking to others . It affects people’s real lives. I am so honored to be able to be a part of this Miss Virtual World event. I would like to thank the other ladies, Frolic and the judges for allowing me to participate. In my heart being a finalist is winning.

The Grand Finals for the Miss Virtual World will be held at the Patch Thibaud Auditorium on December 19, Saturday. See you there!

Kate Stockholm is a senior staff writer 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.