Asian Futurism

In the past few weeks I’ve been honored to judge the 2015 Colour of Couture Top Model Competition.  COC, founded by Reign Congrejo and Sequoia Nightfire, showcases the talents of Women of Color in Second Life Fashion across the grid including: Aboriginal, African/African Diaspora, Alaska Native, Asian, Caribbean, Latin American, Maori, Native American, Indian, South Sea and Pacific Islanders, and Indigenous heritages throughout the world.

One need not be a woman of color (in RL) to compete in COC.  The goal is to bring awareness and celebrate the different cultures and ethnicities of women across the global community.  Candidates embrace world cultures, have the spirit and cooperative nature to celebrate beauty, intelligence and creativity of Women of Colour, and honor these women for their contributions and achievements.

Saturday, May 9, 2015 at noon will be the 3rd runway show with the theme Junko Koshino, a Toyko based fashion designer who draw inspiration from “Taikyoku” balancing contrast and harmony.  Significant in Junko designs is the juxtaposition of the individual and the group, dramatic theatrical costuming, futurism, technological innovations, and industrial products.  Koshino work ranges from designing costumes for the opera “The Magic Flute” and “Madame Butterfly,” the Broadway musical play “Pacific Overtures” (Nominated for Tony Award), to designing sport uniforms, and interiors.              

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Koshino challenges almost every preconception about fashion materials available for clothing, her garments feature geometric asymmetrical shapes, bright and contrasting hues, various lengths, and unusual fabrics such as: metals, helmeted figures, sculptural forms, cocoons and spirals, concentric circles, ribbed construction, and materials from plastic to metal to cloth. The circle is most important to Koshino, who sees the form as complete and eternal, both ancient and futuristic.

One of the best parts of judging a styling contest is you learn about real life global fashion designers that you were not familiar with and since you studied the designers inspiration you can create your own interpretation. I greatly enjoyed Koshino artistry and wanted to design an outfit that merge traditional theatrical geisha with avant-garde futurism coupled with industrial metals playing with textures and shapes.  In the Junko’s Spring/Summer 2014 Poland Fashion Week runway show, the color palette was primarily silver, black, white, touches of hot pinks/neon lime and metal with large sculpted hips.  Since the circle is the central element in Koshino designs, I selected a collar that framed the face and traditional geisha styled hair with fan completing the form.  Hope you liked the styling and if you have tomorrow, stop by the show and see the COC candidates interpretation.  Taxi please…

• Hair: Sys, Hanayo
• Skin: Belleza, Ria Pale 4
• Make-up: Madrid Solo, Killing Me Softly (Eye) & Saturn Spoke (Lips)
• Dress: Legal Insanity, Phoebe
• Collar/Cuff: Zibska, Varushka (Collar) & Alcmene (Cuff)
• Shoes: Azoury, Cordelia

Steals at Collabor88

I’m a late bloomer.  I’ve been shopping like a mad women for a little over a year and a half on SL.  In the real world, I pride myself on finding steals and deals, some might call me a bargain hunter.  I have been known to crawl under tables at after Christmas sales, or wake up at ungodly hours of the morning, only to stand in line for a Black Friday special, and yes, maybe once or twice I’ve barnstormed warehouse basements for that perfect piece. One of my intentions on writing this blog was to provide a resource for sales, specials and freebies.  I found a great store that falls perfectly in this category, even if it’s not a great mystery to all of you “in the know.”  Collabor88 is a fashion forward destination, where the most well-loved creators in SL get together to bring shoppers a superb selection of their merchandise for low prices.  I scored quite a few deals for 88L or 188L. A new cycle is changed on the 8th of each month.  I can’t wait to share some of my finds with you, because there is still time for you to grab them, as well!

First up is Glam Affair Laurel skin for 188L.  I was at Glam yesterday and the regular price for their skin is 1,000L….the special at Collabor88 is an amazing deal!  I paired the skin with Truth Hollana Brown hair collection for 88L.  A few blogs post ago, I took snaps of the faded and blonde Hollana collection I purchased.  I couldn’t resist the sale, so I purchased a few more colors, I think this style is so adorable.  Truth hair sells for 250L, the bow is a marketplace find and the location is House of Fox.

I paired the hair and skin with the (NO) Ivy Drape Dress, Yellow/Green I got for 88L.  I used a Finesmith necklace and CHoOoz booties in lime green to complete the look.

Another item I purchased was the D!va Hair Mayumi3 for 188L.  There are two styles in the pack with four flower options.  Mayumi3 hair has a braid across the top and two side buns with the option of flowers in braid & buns, only flower in braid, only flowers in buns or no flowers at all.  The two hair style options are side swept bangs or parted bangs.  The Mayumi3 hair is very Boho spring and a compete departure from my normal style.  I wore the Glam Affair Laurel skin and paired it with a soft yellow Boho dress and jewelry set. Photo taken at the D!va mainstore sim.

I also thought the Erinyes Wings in Dragon by BOOM were something I might be able to use for future contest or photo shoots, and at 88L a bargain that I had to bring home.  I paired the wings with Collabor88 group gift, Cassia Glitter mini dress by The Sea Hole in Peridot (Army green).  Join the free group for future notices and to get this cute mini which comes in five other colors.  Pictures taken at The Garden of Shambhala.

And last but not least, I purchased the Glam Affair Oly hat in Black with red branches for 88L.  I paired the fascinator with an asian cheongsam from the marketplace and Truth Hollana hair in lava part of the fades collection. I found the perfect location and one I would encourage all to check out for a tranquil and serene escape, the Mieville Asian Gardens.