Showing posts with label Formal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Formal. Show all posts

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Kallisto - A Dress for a Goddess


Look up into the night sky and you'll find Kallisto there among the constellations. She's the Great Bear (Ursa Major) circling the North Star in the company of her son, the Little Bear (Ursa Minor).  Kallisto wasn't always a bear. Her name means 'most beautiful' in ancient Greek, and she was a most beautiful nymph who caught the roving eye of the great god Zeus. More of her story later. The fashion that I'm featuring is inspired by the myth and is fittingly called Kallisto. It's a dress made for a goddess and is available at GizzA Creations.  

Click on the pictures to enlarge them for better viewing.


Kallisto was the daughter of Lycaon, king of Arcadia, and a beautiful creature of nature who roamed the mountains of that wild country and hunted the beasts of its forests as a companion nymph to Artemis, goddess of the hunt and of young girls. She vowed to remain a virgin as do all the nymphs of Artemis. But that was not to be as she became the object of Zeus's desire. The great philandering god disguised himself as Artemis to lure Kallisto away from the other nymphs. It must have been a most shocking moment for poor Kallisto when her beloved goddess revealed how happy she was to see her. Months later, an angry Artemis banished Kallisto from her coterie of nymphs when Kallisto's pregnancy was noticed while bathing. Kallisto gave birth to a son, Arcas. It was then that Hera, the jealous wife of Zeus, took her revenge and transformed Kallisto into a great lumbering bear. Hera's revenge was almost complete when Arcas, now 16 years old and hunting in the forest, took aim with his silver bow and arrow to unwittingly slay his own mother. But, Zeus quickly intervened to prevent the tragedy by grabbing the bear by the tail and hurling her into the night sky. The god then transformed Arcas into a bear and likewise hurled him into the night sky to join his mother. And so, Kallisto and her son took their place among the constellations and together roam the night sky forever circling the North Star.


The Constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor

Kallisto was designed by Giz Seon, the designer of stylish high fashion at GizzA Creations. Kallisto comes in eight colors: black, red, pink, lilac, golden, aqua, salmon, and pearl. I am wearing pearl. Kallisto sells for L$450. The skirt is somewhat shear. Instead of wearing the white glitch pants, I'll wear white panties to create a look that is more .... charming. It also shows off my legs to better effect when walking or dancing.


The hair that I am wearing is from DrLife and is called Mariko. Yes, this hair was named after me by my dear friend Leena Ying, owner of DrLife. Mariko uses DrLife's All Color system with which you can create a wide range of colors and highlights for the hair, all for one price. Mariko is priced at L$350. The jewelry that I'm wearing is from Artistry by ~E~ and is called Kim. The jewelry at Artistry by ~E~ was highly recommended to me by my friend Lulubelle. The designs by Endra Graves  are outstanding. The Kim set consists of necklace, earrings, and bracelet. It sells for L$375. The individual pieces in the set can also be purchased separately.
  

GizzA Creations
http://slurl.com/secondlife/GizzA%20Creations/131/113/72

Artistry by ~E~
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Le%20Petit%20Trianon/10/11/3751

DrLife skins and hair are available at Mariko, my fashion boutique located on the Grand Rue at Mont Saint Michel:

Mariko
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Mont%20Saint%20Michel/228/118/31

These pictures were taken at Majesterium, a magnificent build by the amazing Patch Thibaud located in Cheval de Mer:

Majesterium, Cheval de Mer

My friend Meimei Shiu also blogged Kallisto (in black) on her fashion blog. She looks fabulous in the dress.

Meimei Shiu
http://meimeishiu.wordpress.com/2012/03/25/my-immortal/



Monday, February 28, 2011

Fashion from Miss Virtual World - Miss Philippines by AlaFolie

View of Venice from the Ponte di Rialto - Dressed in Miss Philippines by AlaFolie

Miss Virtual World is the premiere beauty contest in Second Life. The finalists in the contest all have sterling pedigrees in the Second Life fashion industry - all are popular models in the top agencies and are graduates of the prestigious modeling academies. The pageant that crowns the new Miss Virtual World is a feast for connoisseurs of fashion. Some of the finest designers in Second Life create the outfits worn by the finalists in the pageant, and their creations are eye-popping fabulous. One that especially caught my eye this year was designed by Pixivor Allen of AlaFolie for Fuzz Lennie, Miss Philippines, 2011. Naturally, this stunning fashion creation is called Miss Philippines in her honor.

Click on the pictures to enlarge them for better viewing.


Silvery sequined Miss Philippines is shimmering excitement. And Fuzz Lennie was absolutely breathtaking in this outfit; indeed, as any girl would be. I love how its low cut and form fitting elegance grace my curves and combine with strands of sequins to conjure irresistible magic. Delighted would be that special someone that falls under its spell. Miss Philippines comes in three versions: Club (version 1), Formal (version 2), and Mini (version 3). I am wearing and featuring the Club version of Miss Philippines. Each version sells at AlaFolie for L$1000. All three are available for L$2000. Group members get a discount.


Midnight Rendezvous

The hair that I am wearing is from DrLife and is called BaoChai. BaoChai was designed by dear friend Leena Ying and sells for L$350. The skin that I am wearing is also from DrLife. Leena creates the absolute Best Skins in Second Life. Their artistry and details are unsurpassed by any other skin designer. I wear DrLife skins exclusively.


Fascination in Venice

I have already attended a number of events dressed in Miss Philippines. Let me tell you, you'll make a grand entrance in Miss Philippines. I am so thrilled to have this outfit in my wardrobe, and I know that you will be too.

AlaFolie

DrLife Skins and Hair are available at Mariko in Mont Saint Michel
 Mariko

The pictures were taken at Venice Venezia and Villas de Revello. Venice Venezia is an astonishing recreation of the city of Venice that is amazing in its details. These photos are windlight free.

Venice Venezia Showcase City

Villas de Revello


Thursday, January 6, 2011

Russian Snow Princess, Encore

Russian  Snow Princess at Lemania Indigo Designs

The highlight of winter in Second Life are the gorgeous winter scenes found on many of the sims, islands, and properties in the virtual world.  They  provided me a welcomed opportunity to create a new set of photos of my favorite winter fashion - Russian Snow Princess.  This outfit is a wonderful period piece that seems inspired by Tolstoy's Russia. Last year, I featured Russian Snow Princess in this blog, and it continues to be one of my most popular posts. But, I was so pleased with these new pictures that I wanted to share them with you. Well, I thought, why not bring back Russian Snow Princess for another performance? She deserves an encore and another bow. So allow me to present once again for your enjoyment, Russian Snow Princess 

Click on the pictures to enlarge them to their original size for better viewing.


Mariko Nightfire as Anna Karenina

Russian Snow Princess was designed by the marvelous Lemania Indigo, prolific designer and owner of Lemania Indigo Designs. Russian Snow Princess comes with corset, pants, gloves, stockings, footwear, a fur hat and a number of fur pieces, a flowing flexy skirt, and a prim skirt. It currently sells for L$495. You can create a number of different looks with this outfit. For a more complete description of Russian Snow Princess, please visit my original Russian Snow Princess post.


First Snowfall

About the pictures. Usually, when taking pictures for a fashion post, I use default settings so that the fashions are presented as most people will see them in Second Life. However, with these pictures, I wanted to use the winter backgrounds to create moods. To manipulate the color shading, lighting, and contrast of the backgrounds, I went off the default settings. But, in none of these pictures do I use windlight. By windlight, I am referring to atmospheric shaders.



Windlight is used by Second Life photographers to create sumptuous atmospheric and lighting effects. It's great for landscape photography. But, when the picture's subject and center of attention is avatars, I rarely use windlight especially when I want realism. Windlight does not favor avatars. It's harsh light can remove up to fifty percent of the details of a finely crafted skin.  That is why avatars will look like cartoons or plastic dolls under windlight. We are all familiar with that flashlight-in-your-face plastic look that we see in many SL pictures. Now, I understand that some people do like a cartoony look for their avatars. But, in general, avatars under windlight are cold and lifeless, just like a store mannequin. In these pictures, I applied various sky settings in the environmental settings, just like using windlight, but with atmospheric shaders turned off. I am also wearing a soft facelight with a narrow range. I get the mood creating backgrounds that I want. And my avatar is warmer and softer and light falls on me more realistically than under windlight.


Windlight or not, Russian Snow Princess is magical isn't it? Get it at Lemania Indigo Designs while it is still in season. And experiment taking portrait pictures of your avatars without windlight. You may be surprised at how lovely your avatars really are.

Lamania Indigo Designs Main Store
Pictures were taken at Ocelot Valley, designed and owned by Painter Meriman, at Cap Estel, a wonderful public park designed and owned by Maurice Messme, and at the residence of my dear friend, Jaysun Dagger.
Ocelot Valley
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Ocelot%20Valley/108/175/25

Cap Estel

Original Post for Russian Snow Princess


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Thursday, December 16, 2010

A Classic Christmas Rose

Christmas Rose by G Sloane Couture

I love fashions that capture a time and place. And what better time than the joyous Christmas Holiday and what better place than a nostalgic bygone era to which we yearn to return if not for a visit. Christmas Rose is a sumptuous and elegant holiday dress that truly captures those Classic Christmases of yesterday and brings them to our own time. I adore this dress. And I'll be wearing Christmas Rose throughout the holiday season in Second Life. This charming outfit was designed by Geryn Sloane, owner of G Sloane Couture. You can find Christmas Rose in the Christmas Shop located on the third floor of flagship store. Santa Claus is there too. Be sure to sit on Santa's lap to recieve a free gift.

Click on the pictures to enlarge them for better viewing.


I have recieved such glowing compliments wearing this dress. Christmas Rose comes with a rose shirt with fur cuffs, a Christmas ribbon skirt, a golden sash, and a golden neckwrap. It seems like it was designed with a gorgeous gift wrapping for a Christmas present in mind. Christmas Rose sells for L$500.



I do feel like a beautifully wrapped Christmas present in this outfit. Saying that, I can just hear my more flirtatious male friends (you know who are) saying that they can't wait to unwrap this present. Well, naughty boys don't receive presents on Christmas. They get coal in their stockings and a right cross to their jaws.



The Christmas Fashion Wreath that I am wearing about my hair was designed by Precious Restless, skin and fashion designer and co-owner, with her real life twin sister Vitabela Dubrovna,  of Boudoir. This wreath is a free holiday gift from Boudoir. It's wonderful, isn't it. Thank you Precious and Vitabela.


G Sloane Couture Flagship Store:

Boudoir:

Photos were taken at my home community of Ocelot Valley and at the residence of my dear friend, Jaysun Dagger

Ocelot Valley:

Related Post:

Russian Snow Princess (December 17, 2009)




And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace,
good will toward men.


MERRY CHRISTMAS

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

New England Autumn

New England Autumn by Lemania Indigo Designs

My first fashion post of the new year is another lovely creation from Lemania Indigo Designs called New England Autumn. This bewitching dress was designed by Lemania Indigo, owner of Lemania Indigo Designs, and sells for $395L. Lemania Indigo Designs has long been one of my favorite places to shop for fashions. I love classic Hollywood and much of Lemania's collection is inspired by the stars and films of Hollywood's golden age. Her fashions span that magical range from the novel to the iconic. I always come away from Lemania Indigo Designs with an outfit that delights.

Click on the pictures to enlarge them for better viewing.






New England Autumn is one of my favorite formals. I am always delighted to have an occasion to slip into it because I know that I'll be absolutely glam. The one shoulder design creates a look that is classic and sophisticated. And the finely embroidered pattern on the dress displays the wonderful oranges and browns of autumn. You will certainly make a graceful and stunning entrance in New England Autumn. And you'll love how this dress shows off your curves. After all, without sex appeal, there is no fashion.













I used various locations at Opar, my country estate, for New England Autumn's photo shoot. I was so pleased with the result that I placed the pictures on display in Lemania Indigo Design's group on Flickr. I didn't realize that  I was entering Lemania's weekly photo contest. So I was taken by surprise and thrilled when told that one of the pictures had won the contest. The winning picture is below.  The picture is windlight free.

My Contest Winning Photograph

Posing with my picture at Lemania Indigo Designs








It has been a real pleasure bringing this exquisite dress to your attention, My Dear Readers.  I have found quite a bit more fashion magic that I will be bringing to this blog and its syndicated posts in the coming weeks and months. It should be an exciting and entertaining sojourn in the world of Second Life fashion.

Mariko Nightfire











Lemania Indigo Designs Main Store:

Previous posts for Lemania Indigo Designs:
Russian Snow Princess

Photos were taken at Opar, my personal estate.


Thursday, December 31, 2009

2009 Mariko Magic Honor Roll

It’s the year’s end and also the completion of the first year of Mariko Magic: Fashion in Second Life. And I'm very happy with the attention and success that the blog has enjoyed over this year. Mariko Magic is not your typical fashion blog. It's never about what is new in the stores. It’s about the thrill of finding that special outfit that creates magic for us. Grace and Sophistication. Sensual and Sexy. Cute and Whimsical. There are many elements that mix and flow to create fashion magic. It takes a special talent to get it just right. Over the year, Mariko Magic discovered and featured a rare collection of magical fashion designs.  Each post in my blog is a homage to the design and its creator. And, at year's end, I'd like to feature the entire collection once again for another round of applause as the 2009 Mariko Magic Honor Roll.  So, in alphabetical order, allow me to present this year's honor roll:

Click on the pictures to enlarge them for better viewing



     ALB Dream Fashion
     Item: ALB Anna
     Designer: Analee Balut



         Argrace
         Item: Argrace Beanie
         Designer: Rika Owen
         Item: With You (top)
         Designer: Air Winx




              Armidi
              Item: Lima Trenchcoat
              Designer: Juju Armidi



       Baiastice
       Item: New Yippie (top)
       Designer: Sissy Pessoa






             Bijou
             Item: Gig
             Designer: kotobuki jewell



         DrLife Silk Girl
         Item: Skins
         Designer: Leena Ying
 

          INDI Designs
          Item: Rebecca
          Designer: Jamie Holmer
 

        Jador Fashion
           Item: Apala
           Designer: ziamola Loon

Lady Thera's Art & Fashion
Item: Vincent Van Gogh Spring Blossoms
Designer: Thera Taureg
 

Lemania Indigo Designs
Item: Russian Snow Princess
Designer: Lemania Indigo
 

   Madame-Haute Couture
    Item: More or Less
    Designer: Madeliefste Oh
 

     MEB Fashions
      Item: Anette
      Designer: MariaElena Barbosa
 

MEB Fashions
Item: Sorbonne
Designer: MariaElena Barbosa

Prism by Journey
Item: Fierce
Designer: Journey McLaglen

Staged Skin and Fashion
Item: Staged Summer Suit
Designer: Dezi Jarvinen

TRUTH
Item: Tropicana Halter Dress
Designer: Truth Hawks

And  lastly, I want to thank you, the readers of Mariko Magic and its syndicated posts. I write to inform and to entertain and to share with you the magic of fashion in Second Life.  I am looking forward to your readership in Mariko Magic's second year.

Thank you,
Mariko Nightfire


Thursday, December 17, 2009

Russian Snow Princess

Russian Snow Princess at Lemania Indigo Designs

I have been wanting to photograph this fabulous creation for some time. The outfit is Russian Snow Princess and was designed by  Lemania Indigo, designer and owner of Lemania Indigo Designs. Lemania is a highly prolific designer, and the main store of Lemania Indigo Designs abounds with gowns, dresses, and outfits influenced by Lemania's love of Classic Hollywood movies. The collection is a unique blend of retro, nostagia, and modern that will appeal to women of style.

Click on the pictures to enlarge them to their original size.


I first saw Russian Snow Princess in a series of photos featuring my friend Annyee Lindman who is a model at Lemania Indigo Designs.  Annyee, modeling the outfit, was breathtakingly lovely in the photos. That was last February, and Russian Snow Princess had been withdrawn to make room for the spring fashions. Happily, the outfit is available once again for this winter season at a price of $560L. With winter scenery coming to many sims, I now had the opportunity to take my own set of photos of Russian Snow Princess.




A snow princess needs lots of pretty snow. As if bowing to the demands of the princess, my dear friend, Jaysun Dagger, created a magical winter wonderland around his island residence. Jaysun has a discerning artistic eye for the beautiful and the sublime. I am  thrilled over how well Russian Snow Princess photographed against Jaysun's gorgeous winter scenes. As always, my photos are marvelously windlight free.

Russian Snow Princess comes with corset, pants, gloves, stockings, footwear, a fur hat and a number of fur pieces, a flowing flexy skirt, and a prim skirt. By enlarging the photos, you can appreciate the exquisite details of this extraordinary creation. And imagine making a beautiful statement strolling the season's winter sims dressed in Russian Snow Princess. There are other looks available with this outfit that are very suitable for indoor wear. By replacing the large flexy skirt with the prim skirt, you can create a look that is elegant and sophisticated. I love dressing down to just the top and pants to create a casual sexy look that is perfect for snuggling against your special someone before a warm fireplace.




I was feeling very Anna Karenina. So I also wanted to photograph Russian Snow Princess in a European city with an appropriate historical ambiance. Jaysun brought me to the perfect backdrop. Second Life is wonderful. It even had falling snow. It is a homage to Bruges, Belgium by the talented SL builder, Painter Meriman. Very picturesque, Bruges is called the Venice of the North. I got the ambiance that I wanted. The period buildings along the recreation of the city's canals made for a great photo session.





I do hope that you enjoyed this long look at Russian Princess. Be sure to explore the extraordinary breadth of fashion magic at Lemania Indigo Designs. At the mainstore, there are very friendly and helpful models displaying the day's specials. The specials are very good deals. And there is always a nice group of devoted customers, self proclaimed SL Divine Divas, at the store. It is a fun place to shop, and I might see you there.



Lemania Indigo Designs Main Store:

Painter Designs:

The photos were taken at the residence of Jaysun Dagger and at Painter Designs. I would like to thank Jaysun and Painter Meriman for allowing me to photograph their properties.