D
istinguished writer Margaret Meade once proclaimed, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world…indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Well, maybe they’re probably not changing the world at large, but the team behind the legend that is Chantkare is certainly changing the world of fashion. The brainchild of fashion icon Applonia Criss and her partner Long Pausch, Chantkare was born as the result of the two wanting to share their love of fashion with the Second Life® community. It didn’t take long before the brand took off, and more members were added to the team as the brand itself expanded. With Criss doing the main designs, Pausch became the Creative Director, but soon his duties expanded to include designer, photographer, builder, sculpt maker, and even texture creator. Criss put her eye for greatness to use and eventually added ToniT Oh to the Chantkare team as her right hand, handling everything from press releases to advertising for the brand. The last but seemingly perfect fit to Chantkare was newly discovered designer, Boston Westland, who added his menswear savvy to the already legendary brand. With the team now complete, and the brand at its height of success, it is a wonder that Criss managed to bring together the best of the best --working so fluidly and so diligently, yet still able to laugh and play together like old friends. As she puts it, “Always keep positive
"Dare to be different. Dare to be unique."