Ophelia's Gaze: 10 Second Life Fashion Designers Who Should Get Real

There's a lot of coverage for real-life fashion brands stepping into Second Life, and MadamG Zagato was the belle of the ball at SLCC after her presentation on bringing virtual designs into reality. But it all begs the question, could Second Life designers make a name for themselves in the real life fashion world? Without a doubt the answer is yes, but not necessarily every designer. There are many designers who really separate themselves from the masses with their work (selected for creativity and practicality), and who would undoubtedly bring a lot to the fashion scene outside of Second Life.

I’ve selected ten, and in some cases design teams, based on the creativity of their designs, how realistically they could be brought into the flesh-and-fabric fashion scene, and also their popularity within Second Life. The last category has slightly less sway than the first two, however, or else this article would probably be saturated with (let’s be honest) pasties and latex nurse outfits. It’s also worth mentioning that the emphasis here is on design, not technical execution, so I’m showing some items I may not have shared otherwise.

BettiePage Voyager

You might remember BettiePage Voyager and her shop, BP, from part one of my coverage of the Japanese fashion scene. She’s only made more enchanting items since then. She has items that range from ridiculous to ridiculously cute, included ribbon-tied legwarmers, trailing lacy frocks, and softly draped scarves. Her style tends to be fairly simple with unique touches, like brooches and brocade trim. Her technical skills aren’t quite there for SL, but her style shows a perfect blend of convention and creativity.

Caliah Lyon

I first met Caliah when she was organizing a fashion show I was a part of. It was not the greatest experience, and I can admit in hindsight that my initial impression of Caliah was way off. I came across her jewelry shop, Muse, a few weeks later, and I was completely amazed. Her store is tiny, but her designs are probably the best example of truly fine and exquisite jewelry in all of SL. She’s very well known for her Elle Orchids set, featuring dainty flowers, but has since then released even more absolutely inspired work. She has an undeniable gift, and I would die a happy (and probably very poor) woman if I had a real Muse piece in my jewelry box.

Fallingwater Cellardoor

Fallingwater’s store, Shiny Things, has been well known for shoes longer than I’ve been in SL, so it goes without saying she has a right to a spot on this list for that alone. However, she’s also released several incredibly versatile and popular bags, as well as a wide away of jewelry. Far less formal than Caliah, Fallingwater has a feel for the jewelry you wear with a stiff suede jacket and jeans when you go out for coffee with friends. Even her more formal pieces have this deviant feeling to them, like combat boots with a party dress. In essence, her designs are as playful as she is, and that sort of fun is what the world needs more of.

Last Call

I say Last Call and not Ginny Talamasca because I explicitly want to include Lyra Muse, who handles the Covet accessory line within Last Call. Lyra’s a known fan of Japanese street fashion, and it shoes in her style. She can get away with doing things many others would fail at, because of that flavour in much of her work. Ginny and Last Call get mentioned ad nauseum (just like her previous shop, Dazzle) to the point where people clench their teeth. “Last Call, again?”. That’s an unfortunate attitude, really, because Ginny has some of the most interesting designs with some of the best stylistic accents that I have seen anywhere, in first life or Second Life fashions, to the point where it’s practically impossible to just pick three to show. I included an outfit from the men’s line (on a female avatar on the far right) because... well... Most men need to dress better. These men need Ginny’s designs. Badly.

Launa Fauna

This may take some readers off guard, since the majority of Launa’s shop, LF Fashions, is jeans and t-shirts. Launa has a unique eye, though. Her t-shirts feature everything from abstract images to punch lines (including the infamous “I collar your Mom” shirt shown above). Her other designs, including dresses, accessories, swimsuits, sweaters... They’re all just a little bit different. That’s all it takes to start a trend in either world–– something acceptable, but quirky. I think that describes Launa to a T.

Lo Jacobs

The tragedy is that if you’re less than a year old in SL, you probably don’t know Lo Jacobs, Her shop, Luxe, closed about a year ago with the death of Dazzle. Her profile promises that she’s working on new designs and a new store location, but I really could NOT omit her from this list. The outfits shown are quite old and our quality standards have evolved a little since they were sold, but in spite of that I find myself bringing out old Luxe favourites from my inventory every chance I get. Lo was very good with mixing mundane sweaters and dresses with a subtle undercurrent of costuming. I know the Raging Hipster sweaters alone would fly off the shelves.

Maitreya

I say Maitreya, as it is a team effort, but I refer specifically to their shoe line, headed by Onyx LeShelle, the brutal truth being that they are the reason I come back to the store over and over again. Sculpted prim shoes from Maitreya are like a drug, just like most women will tell you real shoes are. Sleek lines and unique colour and pattern options make these shoes so desirable that Christian Louboutin could have some real competition.

Mimi Coral

This will no doubt be the most surprising addition to the list. Mimi’s the very low-profile designer behind <3 Cupcakes, a shop that started off with a limited range of Gothic Lolita attire and has recently been expanding into flowing gowns and red carpet worthy dresses... And of course more sweet, frilly, Gothic Lolita influenced creations. Her work is very feminine, and very pretty, and maintains the feel of a young girl dressing up as a princess, without being too over the top and gaudy. Mimi has really hit a strong point in her own aptitudes as a designer with her move towards more womanly clothing.

Nicky Ree

Nicky’s done everything from wedding gowns to haute couture, and recently designed a line of very striking dresses inspired by historical east-Asian costumes. Some of her work has been a bit “out there” but her passion for it and her commitment to her own designs makes them a success in the end. She has a great deal of creative integrity, and her creations are so distinctly “her” because of it. Nicky’s not a sell-out. Her designs may be the least practical on the list, and the hardest real life sells, but that creative integrity is undeniable, and there would definitely be room for Nicky and her style on the runways.

Tuli Asturias

Colour is your friend, and Tuli Asturias of Tuli has wholeheartedly embraced that idea. Her work is lighthearted, moving fluidly from businesswear to clubwear, even ballgowns and lingerie, and never losing her signature spark. Her work is great to get you out of your comfort zone, another example of being wild without necessarily being weird. Tuli’s been at the SL design game for a relatively long time, and she’s had time to perfect and hone her look. In many ways her work is like Mimi Coral’s and Fallingwater Cellardoor’s–– Fun and feminine, and a little bit special.

It’s important to note that I deliberately avoided designers who design fairly typical clothing. WHile they would be welcomed into the fashion world with open arms, the true beauty of fashion is in the differences and unique quirks the designers bring with them. This is the most important part of a designer’s work, and is what keeps every line from looking the same.

Iris Ophelia covers and creates metaverse style for New World Notes.  Visit her blog for a view at the source.

Comments

[Roslin Petion]

Great list, all of those content creators are amazing. I am especially blue that Lo Jacobs *still* hasn't managed to return to content creating. Her style was a perfect match for my own. I loved how her outfits always felt so pulled together and complete without being to matchy and I know there are a good number of pieces I never got my hands that I would love to snatch up now if I had the chance.

[Onyx LeShelle]

I feel unbelievably honored and humbled by being mentioned among such great designers <3

[Caliah Lyon]

I echo Onyx's statement above - it's been an illuminating and quite rewarding experience for me since I first opened Muse, and I'm very happy to be included in this list :)

[Jane Doe]

I think a lot of the list you compiled was right on the mark. But there is a couple on there that makes me think,"What the heck?!?!"

[Tuli]

I feel honored to be mentioned here, my jaw dropped to the floor =D
Thank you for appreciating!

[Nicky Ree]

Wow, thanks for putting me on the list with other bunch of great designers, I am honored and humbled for being mentioned. Thank you all.

[Vint Falken]

My human wants the 'I collared your mom' t-shirt.

[Moebius Overdrive]

LF rocks like a rocking thing!

[Lyra Muse]

Oh wow.. I had no idea about this until I found it on Caliah's blog. Thank you so much for saying what you did about not only me, but designers I cherish as well. You write excellently, I might add. :)

[Tatiii Radek]

Hi there,

Do you know if there is any real life fashion brands are in second life? I mean girls style, dresses, with rich textures, brights, movements in the clothes? I know Nike is there but it's not what I am looking for, I want find good RL clothes that bring us the brand experience in SL. Do you know any? Thanks.