Ebonystyle-august08

Suggestions to improve the magazine, questions regarding our issues, reactions to the article featured in Ebony Style Magazine are welcome ! Send your emails today to : [email protected] Patty Cortes, Editor in Chief

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To introduce this article, let me quote Winston Churchill when he was asked about how to become successful: «Never, never, never, never give up.» That is what the owner of Purple Rose Jewelry realized along the way. Even when she was beat down by fierce competitors, even when she was tired with rude assaults of some second life residents, she stood proudly in the adversity, striving to bring weekly her creativity into the pieces of her jewelry. Purple Rose Jewelry was born in-game in 2005 and appears now among the most famous jewelry store in the metaverse. Ebony Style Magazine met the designer of this unique brand, Storm Babeli, who is one of the rare successful black woman businessowers in - world and is also an ebony beauty! We have been amazed by her modesty when she talks about her success story... Read by yourself, you will be seduced by the tropical storm.

You actually are the owner of Purple Rose Jewelry, which is in fact the general brand of a lot of parent companies and other lines of products can you tell us more about that? Yes, I started off in jewelry and branched out a little, to shoes, then clothing skins, etc... But the main thing is the jewelry because I haven’t completely focused on everything else like I did with the jewelry, but hopefully I will soon and I will be able to improve the others. When did you exactly started this venture? On April of 2006, I had vendors around then O had a 512 sqm lot in where I opened the store. I was basically bored and did it to have extra SL spending money. Oh wow! It has been a long time, then. Yes but I have to give it to my customers who have brought me this far. I didn’t expect to sell as much as I did, I mean what I did was really simple: one prim jewelry. But all that motivated me to make more. What is more, most top designers in SL are from around 2004-2005; it takes time to grow for sure.

I did notice earlier that you pronounced the word «bored»... So along the way, did you ever thought about leaving SL? Oh yes! In fact I have been here since 2005 and I wanted to leave SL many times... So I started all over. So finally, what makes you log in over and over again? What are the reasons you why never gave up? I love this place, it is my second life, and I have friends I love like if I could see them physically everyday... You make great connections here. So you succeed having time spared sometimes? Well, I work out of hobby mostly; it’s a sort of therapy for me. I love it, so if I don’t have time for anything else, it’s fine. Let’s talk about your future projects. Do you plan anything special for 2008? A secret project that you would give to Ebony Style Readers as a confidence? Well we did have a secret project that actually debuts today (*) The Purple Rose by Light video, starring the Purple Rose Models, led by one of my best friends, Aliyeh Yifu. (*) note from the editor: the interview has been held in January.(Click here to watch the video) Oh, an exclusive news for us! Yes, it will be on YouTube for viewing also. It depicts all the aspects of Purple Rose: the sim and the jewelry. We have from urban to ballroom to gor in the video, like Purple Rose. The store has a little for everyone, without discrimination. Well now we will change a bit of subject... Imagine that you are forced to close down your store... And to start a brand new third life! How would you look like and what would be written in your «profile description»? Wow good question! Well, I would be dark skinned as usual and it would say something like... Well, that’s a hard question! Because while our profile descriptions is supposed to reflect our experience, I didn’t write anything in my profile since months after I started the jewelry business! So it may just say something simple like... «Don’t rain on my parade!» That’s funny you ask this question cause I had on my profile few days ago the sentence: «I need a third life :/»! Oh, really ? Yes, I took it out to make room for: «don’t send TPs.» I was getting TPs offer randomly - which I hate. Ah yes, fashion designers sounds like harassed

Yes, oh my god... I have had some harassment you would not believe! But I still stay friendly, and talk to my customers. Is that hard sometimes? To keep a friendly chat? Yes, it sounds not real so much the story is incredible... Well, I met this customer once... Who called me «a dirty crook», because she tried to change the color of her jewelry and her hair turned red. So I told her to go to the hair maker, I said that it might be a script that did that... She said no, it’s your fault. It sounds like a newbie mistake... Was she in SL for a few days? No, for months! I was thinking that it could have been someone who was using an alt (*) to mess with me, that this alt wasn’t a «real» person... And you think someone with bad intentions could be behind this alt? Yes, it could have been a competitor. Who knows? She was quiet when I said she was a competitor, she stopped... But yeah, there is a lot of competition around, some watch your every move and mimic it, or try to do it better, which is natural... But goodness, that’s why the video was a secret project, haha! Well, talking about this bad side of the fame... Do you realize that you probably are one of the most powerful black female avatars in SL? Well I know I’m one of the few black business owners in SL... We can sometimes see your ad ranging over 50,000L$ in SL «classified ads»... What means that you are challenging the «big» names of the fashion industry... How do you feel about it? Yes, I bring it down sometimes to save money, haha! I don’t like to throw money around as much as people would think... I do that only when it is needed. do have a few drawing with linden dollars. Some people, who have got SL businesses , have it as if SL was only like a game. I make a real life living off my business and I have real life mouths to feed. So I don’t play with that.

that you own actually more than a sim? Yes, I own two of them. I got the first sim and soon after a few close friends put up businesses there too but meanwhile I kept working and working and Purple Rose needed more space. It sounds like a fairy tale! But is there anything that you regret in whole your second life? Something that you would do differently if you had to live it again? Well, when I started, I saw this as a «game» and I was really mean to some people. And I think I realized that this is more than a game long after. We are now talking about feelings... And I guess you have dear friends! If you had to leave them a message, now... What would it be? «Thank you all for standing by me, I am not easy.» Haha, short but efficient, I would say! Well, how do you feel at this precise moment? This one now? I am excited to be interviewed for your magazine. Great name you selected... I also feel very proud to be on your first issue! Now tell us more about the last time you weren’t able to stop laughing? Everyday! I have some great friends that keep me laughing! Sometimes, at 2 AM my time I am in here and I can’t stop laughing while I really should go to bed! (note from the editor : Storm is refering to her friend Aliyeh Yifu who is also an Ebony Style Magazine journalist) And most recently, why did you laugh? It was something Ailey did last night, for sure ha-ha! Do you have any particular motto in your second life? Hmmm... Do what makes you happy, that’s it. Oh... Fashion is what you make it! I like that one. Last question for today... What would be your personal message to anyone who is discovering you for the first times throughout this interview? I am not a fashion diva for sure and anyone who would like to know me a little more can say hello!

Special thank you to Storm who took the time in her busy agenda to make this interview!

Well as we are on this subject... I heard

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If you have been on the hip tip of SL major events and its news lately, you will certainly know of Kurvy Rhode, the winner of Miss SL Ebony 2008 pageant! Discover the afterthought of Ebony Style’s very first cover girl, as well as her beauty secrets. Miss SL Ebony talks style here !

So Kurvy, how have been the days after you won the title of Miss SL Ebony 2008? I’ve been great! The first week or so was pretty crazy; I received so many IMs of congratulations and so much support from everyone. It really opened my eyes as to how big this really is. I feel so honored to have been selected to be the first Miss SL Ebony and I’m really excited about the coming year! Now, let’s talk style… If someone decided to open discreetly your virtual bag, what would he find there? My «virtual bag» has a little bit of everything in there, from haute couture to gothic and everything in between. I have a very diverse taste in clothing and what I wear really just depends on how I feel that day.

I have a very long list of designers that I frequent and love finding little unknown treasures. Tell us more about beauty and style secrets that wouldn’t fit in this bag… You won’t find many freebies in there. There are a few quality free items from well known designers, but you won’t ever bump into me shopping at Freebie Island. I’m also well known for being a shoeand hair snob. Shoes have to be well made and proportionate to make it into my bag and hair needs to have quality textures, assembled well and look realistic. How looks like shopping with Kurvy Rhode? (Where do you go, do you have favorite colors for your outfits) Well, I like to hit all the typical places when there’s something new on the shelf and I love discovering new, unknown clothes. There is so much talent out there, I don’t want to limit myself to just the well known’s. For me and for models in particular, it’s important to be unique. To be unique you have to be willing to try new stuff and be open-minded. As far as colors go, I really love earth tones, black, browns, greens and deep redsFor you, what is a fashion statement a fashionista could bank on?That definitely has to be the “little black dress”. It doesn’t matter what the situation that item will always come through when you need it. What is the one million dollar item in your wardrobe that you will never exchange? I don’t know if you would consider this a wardrobe item, but my Naughty skins are something that in my everyday life I would never exchange. Obviously, being a model there will be times that I will have to model skins for a designer, but my skins are part of who I am and I would never change them. Find a (happy) end for this sentence: you can’t be beautiful without…

You know, this may sound cliché, but I am a firm believer that who a person is inside and their attitude has the biggest influence on their beauty. This is especially true is SL, where everyone can be physically beautiful. You definitely can’t be beautiful without a good heart and a positive attitude. And now, about these gentlemen who are wondering how you “pick up” your boyfriends… Could you reveal your dating secrets? Well, to be honest, I haven’t done much dating in SL nor have I done I one any “picking up”, LOL. I met Imy partner, Ebo done much dating in SL nor have I done any “picking up”, LOL. I met my partner, Ebo, over a year ago and we will have been together for a year on June 18th. Before him I had not dated at all. He was my first everything, and will undoubtedly be my last. You might know about the 7 sins… And now the 7 fashion sins exist! Find the names of the absolute nono in terms of fashion and style. Besides maybe dressing inappropriately for whatever situation you are in, (i.e. jeans to a formal event) I really don’t feel like there are any sins in fashion. Fashion is a form of art and an expression of you. I don’t think there are rules to art and self expression. Rules like not wearing white shoes after Labor Day for example don’t really exist anymore. Wear what you like; wear what you are comfortable in; wear what makes you happy. Who really cares what other people think? I don’t. It’s been a few minutes we are together and I’m wondering… Does this girl have any faults? LOL! Totally; I’m not perfect, nobody is perfect. I just try to stay true to myself and be the best that person I can be.

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Hello Mister Dupont, and thank you for taking the time to answer these following questions, cause we at Ebony Style Magazine know that you are busy with some projects! In curiosity, what are these projects?

Smiles. It is pleasure to be here. works for KMADD Enterprise bus tainly has been a wild ride for the ception. Lot of things have chang especially since KMADD City wa we’ve moved our home which w Rica to allow for the expansion glad that KMADD City with its m gners has become shopping dest that are looking for quality male our designers are all hand picke ensures that quality standards But before the expansion goes a planned on September 20th. It is DCity.com where MAD Agency an and female style blog) will finally

I am not familiar with MAD Image. Can you tell us more about that?

MAD Image is relatively new ser gns. As you know we are not on shapes also come with styles as embraces this aspect of our bu clients with personalized image have hired some of the best ma Second Life, like Volcom Praga, tinian Tomsen and Thalia Jie. Th and women for any occasion a MAD Image blog. I am very exc certain aspects of fashion are n and favoritism, where we tend creators regardless of their pop ring several image specialists w readers with diverse style choic

We also heard a lot about MAD Agency shows in the past 12 months, what role do you play exactly?

Ah yes. It’s true MAD Agency has well in the past 12 months and c way from it’s humble beginning hensive about starting yet ano Second Life, and now I am rea it as MAD Agency really has cre in fashion industry and has prov portunity to develop and streng I work as a Creative Director fo ting 360 degrees immersive fas music with Kirk and our DJs to m theme of each show. Success o rides on the team of profession

Many projects are in the siness of ours and it cere past 2 years since it’s inged in the past 12 months as opened. For example, was on our sim to Costa of KMADD City. We are many male fashion desitination of choice for men e designers. As you know ed by Kirk and me which are always maintained. ahead we have big event s for the launch of KMADnd MAD Image (our male y get their web presence.

models, DJs, Kirk as Managing Director of the agency and especially MAD Agency Manager Risa Bright; all of them put in 150% of their time and effort to make every one of our shows an absolute success Let’s focus on your shapes store. Everyone knows that you have a very wide and diversified collection of shapes. So, what are the criterions to make a good shape in your opinion?

rvice offered by MADesinly shape makers as our s well. Well, MAD Image usiness by providing our consultancy service. We ale and female stylists in Nicholai Shepherd, Iushey will help dress men So how does one recognize your persoand will be posting for nal touch? cited about this as often neglected due to politics to embrace all content pularity and size. By hiwe hope to provide our ce to suit any body type.

s been really doing really certainly has come a long gs. I was quite compreother fashion agency in ally glad Kirk insisted on eated a strong presence vided me with great opgthen other skills I had. or MAD Agency – creashion sets and sourcing match the ambience and of MAD Agency however nals that we have – our,

I personally have been making shapes for a very long time now, nearly 2 years. I feel that I have finally mastered it but that has not always been the case. Today I proudly can say that «We do not make shapes, we make people» What I used to do when I first started creating shapes is exactly that - make shapes - where I really wanted to make people. Now that is much harder to do. Apart from technical skills essential to creating anything of descent quality it is a human presence that I struggled with the most. Everyone can make a shape as you can tell from many shape stores that have never been around until MADesigns began. People try to emulate the success of our business not knowing that what we do takes years of experience, hours of hard work and even monetary investment. What many shape creators struggle with is make a shape that is authentic. Good shape needs to radiate life and be real. I believe that our shapes do that. I can say that our shapes are technically correct, meaning of good proportion. We review our shapes every 6 months and make small corrections mainly on the body. You still learn new things every day and sometimes you do not see small imperfections when you first create the shape, so it is important to do that. This in no way changes the shape presented on the photo as we keep all versions in the same pack. Our shapes are also perfectly molded to the skin which is important as shapes are intended for the skin they are worn with and always need to be adjusted if skin is changed and many people miss that point as they are precious about their shape and never want to change it, even slightly. But it is essential to evolve. To bring the shape to life it takes about 4 – 6 hours; from choosing the right elements – from skin, hair and eyes to clothing and accessories to photographing and even selecting appropriate backgrounds. All this will tell a person who is buying a shape what character is like that they are purchasing. Also, when we style the shape we consciously try to give our buyers a small tour of some of our favorite and hard to find fashion stores. In this way not only customer gets the shape but they also learn where to shop as well. I personally love strong profile. My men are men; they are masculine, strong and well built. Of course we have variety of

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pes but even when men are less tall and slim they still look like men. Our women are always feminine mostly with slim built and with perfect figure **ducks down** Well I would like to go back to your point earlier about strong and muscular men. I mean, there are indeed a lot of them and we can also notice thin women. So what would you reply to people who think you are against curvy women in SL?

So maybe soon a special line for BBW (big beautiful women)? There are a lot of people who admit that curvy women need some adjustments to look more realistic.

While we are on this issue, I’ll point out that we are the premiere ethnic magazine in SL dedicated to black culture and celebration of the diversity. We would like to know if you can recommend to our readers some of your products that target not only Afro avatars but also of Asian, Indian and other ethnics? Do they need to look at any special section of your store?

So we heard that you are busy with running of successful modeling agency, releasing new shapes and managing KMADD City sim. While your shape store is described by many people as one of the best and most diversified shapes store, this must add a lot of pressure on you. I’m sure Ebony Style’s readers absolutely want to know what keeps you smiling when you are so busy with all aspects of your business, unless it’s a smile attachment.

You see, I knew you would bring that up. I started with what I love first, Patty. It is always good to start with what you are passionate about as that is what you know the most and what you can express easier. For example, as my male collection grew I realized that some guys do not like to be so big, muscular and built so I made slender shapes, thinner and softer guys and I loved it! They were a challenge as I have never made them before. I guess we have limited time to create all that we imagine. You also need to remember that I am a businessman first. I make what people would like to buy. The variety is then further enriched by dabbing into other forms and for this I always rely on customer requests and feedbacks. My female collection is in no way finished, being only a third of the size of what we got for guys. But curvy is something I already began to embrace with shapes like Yvonne and few others. indeed everything is possible. I have actually made custom shapes that were BBW, I can make them but hell I can not dress them! Most clothing is Second Life is targeted to slimmer women, this is because when you start making shape bigger you also begin to stretch the mesh our shapes are made of and this can distort clothing terribly. Also, most people are not good at adjusting attachments and when you are styling BBW you are adding customer support to it as well if you are using prims that need to be fitted. What we do offer though is free body adjustment with each shape, so if your body is not to your liking you can always get it professionally adjusted with us. Absolutely. Kirk Claymore, my partner was the first to suggest we make INTERNATIONAL MEN collection. Second Life is made up of such a diverse group of people from all around the world, so this was an excellent idea. It was a logical direction for MADesigns as we pride ourselves on diversity we offer. Kirk’s INTERNATIONAL MEN collection (situated on level 2 of our store) is almost complete with major countries covered and most of South America, Asia and Africa. I also have female shapes that can fall in this category on level 3. We had plans to make International Women but the problem was clothing and knowing what these women would wear since we do not create our own clothing and only few designers do. Hehe, never a smile attachment that is for sure. Kirk - my RL and SL partner keeps me always smiling! We just celebrated our 1 year wedding anniversary and in spite of tough year in Real Life and Second Life, we have been going stronger than ever. Without him and support of our friends and MAD Agency family things would have been much harder. He is heaven sent, most loving, loyal and kind man I know and we just happen to work well together. Together we managed to create a community; our friends as well as KMADD associates know what I am talking about. What makes me smile is our ability to better the lives of so many people - if only in appearance if not in opportunities and to bring the spirit of community back to Second Life. Second Life is often filled with drama and being able to bring positive energy back to it, is definitely what keeps us both smiling. I think that it is

So, is Maddox Dupont happy of his Se- the only thing that after all the business is done, will make us come back here and that is important to keep this game alive. cond Life, so far? Haha ! Hey - I’m French.

Absofuckenlutely - pardon my French.

Sorry but I never heard about this word. Haha and that was not it? Darn! Sometimes bad words can tell of strong emotions we hold. Kirk and I are continents apart. SL is the only connection we have till we meet. I am loving what I do, who I am with and what we have created. I am very proud of my Second Life achievements and experience, yes! Hehe, can’t you tell? Erm, a bad question now. I have been too No such a thing! Well ok, try me. nice so far... Do you have a stalker?

So it is a secret tip to avoid them?

Hahaha! If I can only stay in one body - I would have one! Most of the time they would not recognize me, they would wonder, «Is that the same guy?» I love wearing my shapes, it is my way of living many different lives and personas while advertising my product. I am only in my own body when I go to events or when I am with Kirk. Kirk gives me such a hard time about my ever changing looks; he thinks he is cheating on me. I say baby it’s me, Maddox DuPont! Yes, buy more shapes!

It sounds like I’ve unmasked your real Har Har Har! «KMADD’s evil agenda», I can see the title of goal behind your shapes business, Mister your next article. But really, I am quite surprised that I am not DuPont. the only one who enjoy changing so much. I have enormous number of customers that are addicted to my shapes, some of them I met have 20+ shapes just on one account. I am not sure if it helps them keep the stalkers at bay though, the opposite is usually reported back to me. Hehe. But they love it. What makes me laugh is when I am actually finally myself and someone would ask me: «I love that shape, which one is that one?» Tell me, what would you say to people who are discovering you through this interview or who already are your addicted customers?

You are not alone! Hahaha. And thank you of course! But I know most of my addicted customers. They become friends over time and I love to reward their loyalty from time to time with other things I release – like eyes as of late and free profile photos. If you are one of them, contact me so that I can personally thank you for your support and get your feedback.

And a final word for your future clients? Here it comes..... Good shape, immaculate styling changes your Second Life forever! One word of warning though... You will definitely be stalked! And one more: «looking good can be addictive» Maddox is considering putting this warning on his vendors. So, dear readers of Ebony Style : Are you ready to get noticed in MAD Shapes?

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Whether you’ve just arrived in this wonderful virtual world or you’ve been here for some time and are ready to express your uniqueness and individuality, Ebony Style is going to be your ticket to diversity and style. As a fashionista in-world, I’ve learned how to find great deals on clothes, skins, hair and shoes. So, my goal is to share this knowledge which will help us all break the mold, increase avatar diversity and acceptance, and make Second Life as visually diverse as our first lives. That sounds like an easy enough task but you’ll find that diversity does not usually come cheaply or easily. My job is to help you find a way to transform effortlessly into an ebony avatar as it is to become an avatar of a different race. On this journey to helping you create your own personal style, the style that will make you unique and beautiful in your Second Life, the first stop is showing you the basics which are mainly the easiest ways to find those wonderful freebies and dollarbies. While freebies are essentially free for grab, dollarbies, as the name implies, cost L$1. First thing is get some Linden dollars. To save time, I exchanged about US$ 2 which equals to about L$ 500 which is a fairly substantial sum when not paying more than L$ 1 per item. Alternatively, if you rather not import any money in-world, camping is always an easy way to gain some linden dollars in exchange for some of your time. The typical camping rate is about L$ 1 per 15 minutes but if you’re lucky, you might find a camp that offers L$ 2 every 10 minutes. Now to the fun part: Shopping! The first stop for every new avatar is usually the Freebie Island or Freebie Warehouse. But being the fashionista that I am, I know that going to such places

is largely a waste of time as th low. So, I began at the Fabulous able to find nice dark skins, An AO), poses, clothing, shoes and was the Free Dove, a popular fr clothing, jewelry, shoes and etc a single dark skin. Though the o clude dark skins, I find it rather a popular store, any popular sto for those wanting dark skins? I ideal for the store’s business. I h

Now that I’m done with the mo of the places I got started, I’ll portant point: know your resourc It’s just a matter of knowing w recommend creating an accoun Rez.com as they both allow yo wide variety of sources as quic using these particular resources i ble. You’ll never know when yo

In addition to online resour and OnRez.com, keeping up is a great way to keep you o bies available out there. The b to group members or those f res. So be prepared to do a

he quality of most objects is very sly Free Headquarters where I was nimation Overrider (referred to as d freebie pack hair. My next stop reebie spot with a plethora of hair, but I found that they did not offer owner might not intentionally exr disappointing. Why would such ore, not have a product available In my opinion, that might not be hope this will change in the future.

ost popular freebie places, mostly turn your attention to a very imces. Freebie is abounding all over. where to look for and find them. I nt with SLExchange.com and Onou to search for free items from a ckly as possible. My advice when is to gather as much stuff as possiou might need it and hey, it’s free!

rces like the SLExchange.com with SL publications and blogs on top of the high quality freebest freebies are those given out found around your favorite stolot of shopping and exploring.

FASHION APPENDIX SPECIAL FREEBIES PLACES - THE FREEBIE ISLAND - THE FREEBIE WAREHOUSE - THE FABULOUSLY FREE HQ - THE FREE DOVE FASHION CENTERS AND SHOPS - GLANCE FASHION CENTER - COCOLUV - FLEUR SKINS - DIVERSITY HAIR - HOUSE OF HEART - SH*T HAPPENS - LF CHAI - PIXELDOLLS - BLOWPOP - ETD - TESLA - ALADY - BIJOU WEBSITES (FREEBIES AND MORE) - SLExchange.com - Onrez.com

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«This outfit is made mostly from dollarbie items found at the respective stores of each item. Some are single items like the bracelet, pants and shoes. The rest come in packs with many things including alternate colors for the outfits, different skin tones and different hair colors. Whenever you see and can afford to buy a one dollar fat pack, my advice is to grab it immediately! The skin that I found as a limited time offer for newbies came from Fleur Skins where it’s a part of the Vivant skin line. There is also men’s skin pack available for free. My hair came from Diversity Hair, which has fat packs frequently available for L$1. It’s good to hang out around and look at stores for such items regularly. The shirt I’m wearing is actually the top of a dress that came from another store called Sh*t Happens. Separating dresses into shirts and skirts, and mixing and matching them are a really easy way to create a different look.»

«I’ve created some styles using the resources mentioned above. This outfit stem directly from just exploring in SL. I was about to find this amazing hairstyle in a store called Cocoluv Hair which only costs L$1. The rest of my outfit that I’m wearing, including my skin, can be found at the Fabulously Free HeadQuarters except for the jewelry that came from the FreeDove.»

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« For the third outfit, I used online resources to find groups with special limited time offers. These are the best source for quality items. The hair I wore called Feral was found by subscribing to the House of Hearts’ group. The skin is Indigo from LF Chai group.»

«The store called Bijou provided the aptly named Diva. Lastly, I’ve used a combination of all these items to create a sexy and fun look, which is made possible with a great group gift halter dress from PixelDolls. The nice skin came from BlowPop which was offered for free as a review demo. The hair, Solaera from ETD, is a fat pack that costs only L$1. Tesla Store offered these deliciously red shoes in a lucky chair.»

Clothes are not all one needs to move around beautifully. Face lights, prim eyelashes and AO are all a must. A great place to find those things is at Alady or SLExchange.com. In future articles, I’ll provide you with as much information and advice as possible but for now, this is a great start on the way to individuality. Normally, it takes weeks to learn these things but with Ebony Style help, you will be looking fabulous for less in no time. At first, you may feel overwhelmed or disappointed because you can’t find that particular look you want but do not get discouraged. There is a saying that my mother used to tell me that I find fitting: “You can always tell a great cook because they are able to walk into an empty kitchen and prepare and amazing meal”. That is how you have to think when creating a style: mix and match your clothes, dresses and costumes to create your perfect look.

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Bodies of stick-thin Twiggy and disproportionate Pamela Anderson are a passé in Second Life. Have you ever met Khitten Kurka when walking across the grid? If yes, then you couldn’t help but notice how different she is from the avatars you’ve seen and how this difference makes her beauty shine. Proudly representing the rare Big Beautiful Women (BBW) in the metaverse, Khiten knows exactly how to manage her wardrobe to look fabulous for less. In this issue, Ebony Style Magazine decided to name Khitten as our Ebony Style Icon for her flair in fashion and the gracefulness she carries as a curvy lady. In the following interview, we talk to Khitten about her sharp sense of style as we try to get some of her best-kept fashion secrets. Do you follow trends with a real interest or do you feel more like a trendsetter? I think a little bit of both. I do pay attention to what the current trends are in terms of colors and cuts but I tend to take «bits» of things and roll that into my own style. So how would you define your style? I would like to think my style is more urban refined, current, contemporary, yet with a subtle mix of high fashion. Tell me, where do you usually shop? Goodness, I shop everywhere, haha! And my poor wallet can bear witness to that. It really depends on what effect I am looking for. I usually shop at Ivalde, G.L.A.M, Paper Couture, Frozen Turquoise Valentine, Immortelle (before they were absorbed into Armidi) and a host of other places. My inventory is literally a mish mash of designs and I just make things work for me. But I do tend to shop at smaller places most folks don’t frequent. What does the Ebony Style Icon of the month title inspire you? Well for starters, it means someone or many someones appreciate my weird eye and color, haha! I mix up my look so often and that may not be as appealing or stylish to some as well as others. So I think being named Ebony Style Icon probably means that someone sees my overall fashion sense and style, and thinks to himself “yes, that makes sense. She gets it... fashion is real, wearable, and maybe I can pull it off too.” It’s an honor and I am very humbled. So, thank you! We would like to know if you have set up any “style budget”? Well I spend on fashion daily and I am not ashamed to say I do grab the good freebies but on average, I spend around 500L$ a week. I tend to visit my usually hangouts like Rosemar, ETD and AnnaH just to pick up something new. Then I will visit some of my higher end places to check the latest there. Not so much shoes and hair as I have tons of that stuff. There are some awesome dollarbies and cheapies which I like to add them for flair and to change the look of thins. For instance, I will put a dollarbie pair of earrings with a 400L dress! What did you picked up during your last shopping session? Haha! These shoes today from Paper Couture which are older model shoes but they worked with the outfit. I didn’t want to wear my teal color shoes since my jewels were so bold. I also picked up some dresses this morning from Ibizarre. I wanted to grab

some of their new releases so I spent about 500L$ there. So, I buy when I am in the mood. But I do tend to shop more on weekends. What are the fashion items you can’t live without? My aviator shades from Last Call (note from the editor : Last Call is a clothing line that has been officially closed by the end of march 2008) my shoes and and hairstyles from ETD which is my go-to favorite, and my hairstyles from Fetish (note hairstyles from Fetish (note from the Editor : Fetish is a store specializing in hairstyle and runned by Imani Moseley). And my skins from Rosemar and Sin Skins. Oh yes, my diamond studs from Cailyn’s. Can you explain to us what you mean by the expression, “go-to favorite”? ETD is my go-to favorite place. Need shoes? ETD. Need hair? ETD. I tend to be very brand and designer loyal. Maybe to a fault sometimes, haha! You are actually among the few Big Beautiful Women who are top models in SL. How are you feeling about this experience so far? Well, I don’t even see myself as a model, so I take your statement as a total compliment. As for my size, I certainly get remarks on my shape all the time and most of them are positive. Many folks have IM’ed me saying they want my courage. So in some way, I find that inspiring. Now when I start to get some more work, especially print and store ads, then I can tell you how it feels to be a model in SL! The best compliment and the worst compliment you ever heard? The best from a man and a woman, separate times, who called me “sexy”. The worst, someone called me «a black lump of coal.» I can laugh at it now. Beyond the beautiful model that you are, do you feel like a role model ? Well I have made some impacts on people in SL, especially female AV’s that struggle with how they present themselves. Personally, I do feel like a represent for the curvy, ebony AV because honestly we do not see too many of them especially in the right body proportions. I am curvy all over. Not just in boobs or booty, haha! So when I am out on the grid or interacting with people, I know I represent a different look - dark and curvy. And in those moments, I do feel like a stand up for those AVs like me or those who want to reveal themselves but are afraid of doing so. I am pretty sure that Ebony Style Magazine readers would like to know what is Miss Kurka’s beauty secret ? Haha. Number one, remove all stress from your SL experience. Keep you open, healthy, and happy to new experiences. Secret number two: have an arsenal of skins with different makeup options. I find that I play with different looks across two designers and that keeps me looking fresh and current. Third, invest in nice manicure and pedicures. They can take any outfit from 0 to 100 in no time. Fourth, invest and work prim lashes. I am not the biggest fan of them but they can really add to your facial definitions and fifth, find about 2-3 hairs that work for you and all your outfits. So no matter where you are and what you have to change into, you will always have the right

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Pictures : extract from Khitten Kurka stunning virtual portfolio

look. Anything more than that is confusion. Haha! Now I have like 200 hairs but I can go to 2-3 hairstyle that work with everything I wear and the one I am wearing now is one of them! About the other 5 secrets, I will keep safe with me. Haha ! You are sure... sure? Even if I offer 1L$? Umm hmm... The vault has closed, haha ! Could you please leave a message for Ebony Style Magazine Readers ? You are unique. Your style is unique. Embrace the power within you and let it shine! You are a diva, so go on and work it! And for the gentlemen? Your power is alluring. Your stature is commanding. Keep your head up and step tall. Be the king you were born to be!

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MALE STYLE 101

By Rawly Rousselot

OK, fellas, listen up, because I am about to make it official. There are three things that we all own that we should never wear, or at least not wear in public, or in mixed company. These three things are bling, smile attachments, and penises. Bling is so incredibly over, it’s almost unnecessary to mention it. Smilers are just as tacky as bling, but fading slower, so it is my duty to push them face-first down the stairs to obscurity. As far as penises go, every man should have one, and a good one, but you should never ever wear it if you are not planning on using it immediately. You would be surprised at how many people run around in CTRL + ALT + T all the time. Now that that is out of the way, let’s get on to the three things that every man should wear all of the time. These three items are what I call the «three S’s», and they are shape, skin, and shoes. Because these are things that you will wear constantly, they should be of the finest quality. Let’s start with your shape. While most modeling agencies will tell you to avoid the pumped-up, steroid-filled, muscle-bound look, let’s face it, some of us actually like our masculinity, and have no desire to pursue that androgynous circuit-boi image that seems to be so popular with all the male-model types. Your shape is up to you. You have two options. Create your own, or get one from a good shape designer. There are many shape stores in SL, but the only one that I feel comfortable recommending is MAD Designs. In the folder that comes with the shape, you will find a styling card that tells you where to get all the other things to complete the look presented on the display board for the shape. This store has a huge collection of looks, and categorizes them based on things like ethnicity, body type, or lifestyle. Most good shape designers are also available for custom work, or personal styling assistance, if your pockets are deep enough to satisfy your need to tailor your individuality.

Once you get a shape that you feel comfortable in, you will want to wrap it in a skin that does you justice. For the most part, you get what you pay for. A good skin these days will set you back around L$2000, and that is just for one skin. Many designers offer package discounts, offering something like 4 or 5 different facial hair looks, at a discounted rate compared to buying the skins one at a time. Most of the best skins stores offer each style in African skin tones. Out of all the skins that I have sampled, I have found that the ones from Abyss, Naughty Designs, DragonFly, FNKY! and Minnu Model Skins to be the best in terms of quality and style. Not every skin is going to look equally good on every shape, so get the demos, try them out, and see which one suits you best. When shopping for a skin, it is in your best interest to take the time to evaluate all of them carefully. Just because a skin is expensive does not mean that it is a top quality one. A common problem for many skins is the lack of even skin tones throughout the skin, or an appearance that is not entirely seamless. You will probably be thinking the skin is still rezzing after you put it on, but you will eventually realize that the skin is not very well-executed. It is also best to make the rounds and collect all the demos, and then try them on at home, where lag and privacy are under control. You will want to remove all your clothing, and be able to rezz properly, in order to give the skins an adequate inspection. Another reason to get all the demos and sample them before purchasing is to compare the way they look on your shape. Some skins will make you look much older than others, while others do not have a very modern appearance. Then there is the dreaded «off-duty drag queen sucking on a lemon look», a common problem in male skins that were designed by women. While their female skins may be flattering, plucked eyebrows and puckered lips are not exactly elements of masculine style.

Are you hawt yet? If your answer is «yes», then stay tuned, and next time I will tell you about the best places to find shoes.

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I’m not usually one for contests. I don’t typically like being judged, especially superficially. I have always been a person that believes that the content of one’s character and inner beauty are much more important than their outer beauty. Of course in a beauty-centric world like SL, beauty contests are inevitable. Being part of several modeling groups, I am always receiving information about upcoming contests. Voting contests, photography contests or designer contests. Most of which never get a second glance from me. When my friend JT passed me the notecard for the Miss & Mr. SL Ebony pageants, I was intrigued. I read it more than once. I visited the website and became convinced that this pageant had a great idea and was something I could get behind and support. What could be wrong with promoting ebony beauty? When I submitted my entry for the Miss SL Ebony pageant, I wasn’t sure what to expect but I had a strong feeling that it was going to be a very different experience than any other beauty contest I had entered. And it was. Not only were we judged on our beauty, but also on how we carried ourselves, our ability to express ourselves and our awareness of the world around us. When I entered the pageant, I stated in my ‘motivations card’ that being Miss SL Ebony 2008 would be an accomplishment I would carry with pride, and it is. My hope is that I can use this opportunity to help bring awareness and change to the grid. Thanks to all the girls who competed with me in the pageant. You all were incredible and very stiff competitors, I might add. Thanks to the judges for challenging me and giving me this opportunity. Most of all, thank you to all my friends and family who were there to cheer me on and continue to support me in all my endeavors. In future issues, I’ll be covering skin and hair care beauty tips, so please stick around.

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Every month, we are looking for a leader of the black community who shares the same passion in promoting ebony culture in Second Life. There is no better way to encourage the culture than by managing an arts festival in this virtual reality. Fatimata Nozaki realized this project by launching The National Black Arts Festival in SL to showcase the talents of ebony performers, writers, thinkers, filmmakers and visual artists of African roots. This SL venture started in 2007 but as her slogan suggests, such a good project will continue well into the future: “Connect, Be Inspired and Be Transformed in 2008!”. Ebony Style Magazine caught up with Fatimata to have a quick chat with her.

Dear Fatimata, what do you think of this title, black leader, we give you and what inspire you to become one? First, let me thank you for this opportunity. I am humbled by this recognition. Hmmm... Being a leader is a tricky thing. While some of us are natural born leaders, it’s the time and experience that move us into good leader and great leader status. What I have learned in my experience is that 50% of what I do is lead, 25% of what I do is build consensus and 25% of what I do is follow…! What I mean by that is that it’s not all about you so it’s always a give and take. What is our common goal? How can we reach that goal together? How do I as a leader inspire you to be the best that you can be for this moment and for your next moments? And how do I learn from my interactions with you? So leading to me is about teaching, listening, sharing my expertise and experiences, engaging my team and being on top of my game. How do you help promoting black culture and beauty in SL? The goal of the National Black Arts Festival in SL is to promote and celebrate the artists, art and culture of Africa and the African Diaspora. Through dynamic programming and transformative experiences we want to engage, cultivate and educate all residents of SL. I strongly believe that art connects people, builds bridges between communities and provides a mirror for people to realize their own creativity. With the help of world-class performers, writers, thinkers, filmmakers and visual artists, NBAF in SL hopes to expand and broaden the perspectives of SL residents - connecting, inspiring and transforming them. Tell me a bit more about the arts festival, its programme and cost incurred to participate. In November 2007 we launched in SL with a free concert at Acropolis Gardens featuring jazz trumpeter, Russell Gunn. It was very successful. Our in-world publicist, Ranena Oliver did a wonderful job of getting the word out and the groundswell of support from the SL community was encouraging. In 2008 we will present a National Black Arts Festival concert series which will include artists such as Julie Dexter (UK grown Soul Singer), Vinx (Vocal and Percussion Genius), and Joi (the Funk Diva) and others. In addition we will produce some spoken word events, literary readings, staged play readings, dance performances, visual arts exhibitions, film screenings and a dialogue series. Most of the events will be free but some will be paid. It will depend on costs connected to producing each event. I am looking for an underwriter as we speak. You seem to be a real business woman! What do you do when you are not working? Is there such a thing as not working? What a novel idea ! I do for a living what most people do for fun so it’s sometimes difficult to draw lines in the sand between work and play. I love to check out incredible music, theater, film, dance, art, books, poetry and unique performance art. I love spending time with my family and friends. I love to travel. Dakar, Senegal is my favorite place on the planet right now in RL and I have found many wonderful spots to chill in SL. I am making a commitment in 2008 to do a better job of balancing my life. Touch base with me in December and I will let you know how it worked out. Is there any project that you would like to realize in 2008? There are always projects that I want to realize. Second Life has so many possibilities. So I am looking forward to being my most creative self and just seeing what unfolds. Do you have any message to give to the readers of our magazine? I encourage readers to add the National Black Arts Festival in SL to their experiences this year. Balance your club/party time with a visit to an arts/cultural event. When we step outside of ourselves and our routines we always grow.

Every month, we are looking for a leader of the black community who shares the same passion in promoting ebony culture in Second Life. There is no better way to encourage the culture than by managing an arts festival in this virtual reality. Fatimata Nozaki realized this project by launching The National Black Arts Festival in SL to showcase the talents of ebony performers, writers, thinkers, filmmakers and visual artists of African roots. This SL venture started in 2007 but as her slogan suggests, such a good project will continue well into the future: “Connect, Be Inspired and Be Transformed in 2008!”.

Hey Midori you are the cover girl of the first issue of Nappy Hair, so tell us what is your favorite hairstyle these days? I prefer long and wavy .. its more of a free flowing style ... much like my spirit. What are your must-have hair cuts for this summer ? Well ... I recently found a style at Magika called «Dream» that I absolutely adore. Its long and flowy and off my face :). We love your natural makeup and would love to know what are Midori style secrets to ko keep a natural overall appearance? (including skins, outfits, shoes, manicure…) Yes I am a very natural woman therefroe my look is always very clean and natural. My skin is a photorealistic skin . I have a manicure of very detailed prim nails from CandyNails. I shop at a variety of different boutiques all over Second Life. I dont have to go with whats popular but what suites my fancy. I like natural jewelry as well and Earthtones has very fine wood jewelry and other natural stones. Also jewelry from SwallowTail, Shiny Things and Viva La Glam (Pearlie Pedro). My style would be accurately described as sexy casual coutoure chic :). I dont mind mixing styles for the right look. Do you have a favorite shop where to get your hair do’ ? I have discovered some unknown - well not as well known as ETD or lets say Analog Dog or RAC , hair styliists such as Shop SEU, Magika, Random, and Bishwear.

What is a hair drama for you ?

LOL hair drama? Well I have been in S Life a long time. I come from the days hair came in 2 or 3 seperate pieces and before flexi or sculpties, so I have learn how to manipulate a style that I like to EXACT specifications. That is to say mo few prims here and ther and other adju ments - moving back, up or down. Als tinting if necessary. And how do you solve it ?

As stated earlier I generally just take th matter into my own hands and make a adjustments. Any hair tips to share with Nappy Hair ders ?

It’s always a great idea to take a demo fore making a final purchase. Also be s to check the permissions, if a hair is no exact shade or color tinting is a great o to achiever the right color. The final word of this interview ?

Everyone is striving for individuality in cond Life as well as a way to show thei sonalities. One way to achieve that is t what we wear and how we style our av Just have fun with it. There are so man designers and content creators, establi and up and coming and surely there is that has something to fit your style. H Shopping! :)

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Diversity Hair, a brand that most people in SL has come to know as a luxurious composition to enhance your look. This braid is extremely shiny and comes across as ‘Pantene’ hair in the version of SL. I really liked the texture of this hair and the thickness of the braid that in my opinion looked more realistic than the analog braid. The braid sweeps over the shoulder to create a romantic feel to it but can also be worn in any casual setting. The end of the braid is flexi and has a natural movement to it that gives it this realistic feel to it. There is a headband that also comes attached to this hair that I liked as well. It does not distract from the hair, rather it pulls the entire look together. The back has a swept look that goes off to the side of the head. The bangs are straight down the forehead just touching the eyelashes. This beautiful braid lies gently across the shoulder and establishes a distinct look. If you’re looking for a thick braid with bangs in your forehead this is the route to go.

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