Livia Mastroianni
Q. What is your current role with AVENUE, other than modeling? A. I am show producer, stage manager, designer liaison for AVENUE Models and marketing agent for AVENUE Magazine. My responsibilities include planning fashion shows, managing staff, developing show/stage concept, choreographing, sourcing designers and keeping in touch for the coordination of models and outfits, selling advertising space to designers. Q. How does this role help you in your modeling? A. This role helped me a lot to understand what happens backstage and made me feel even more responsible as a model. I understand now the effort and hard work that are behind each fashion show, and trying to be perfect when I model is a duty towards both designers and staff. Moreover, I have the chance to network with designers and listen to their needs. I see this affects my choices when I model, as I’m getting used to studying what a designer wants and trying to fit as good as possible. Most importantly, doing this job has developed a great sense of “teamwork” and makes my modeling experience more complete and enjoyable.
Q. What inspired you to pursue a Second Life® modeling career? A. I decided to enter the modeling world one year ago. Fashion is one of my passions in both lives, though at that time I was just enjoying Second Life®, working as host and dancer and exploring music scenery. But I realized I could actively participate in the fashion industry. I did a random search for modeling agencies and AVENUE got my attention; their new modeling academy sounded very professional and covered interesting topics, so I made the decision to invest my time and Linden™ there. I was a model-noob and I had no great expectations except for experiencing a new aspect of Second Life®, but by the end of my 2-month training I was totally fascinated by modeling and I had a first insight on how magical, frustrating, fulfilling and wonderful it would be. Q. To what do you owe your success so far? A. All my AVENUE trainers shared their knowledge and experience, and I owe them a lot, as they showed me the sparkle and let me uncover a hidden, or new, passion of mine. I owe everything I am now to the people I’ve met so far in my work path, first of all Rusch Raymaker who believed in me. People can be great teachers even if they don’t intend to, and a good watcher and listener can absorb precious information. After one year, I can say that my achievements happened because I’ve always been eager to learn and improve. After you get confident on the runway and receive the first recognitions, it’s very easy to settle for your skills and believe you made it... but the truth is, there’s no final goal but constantly improving and showing designs in the best way possible. 60
Q. What is the biggest challenge you face in modeling? A. There are hundreds of valid professional models around now, and only few get the chance to be at the very top. The first challenge I faced is learning how to handle competition by keeping a positive attitude and being confident of my own skills. Sometimes it’s easier said than done, but modeling down-to-earth is very rewarding for the precious relationships and connections you develop. That said, MY challenge is with myself, trying to improve my technical skills, my style, fashion choices and being constantly updated on new trends, sometimes trying to make them. Q. How would you assess how your career has gone so far? A. My modeling career proceeded gradually, and I’m very happy about it. I have now some good experiences as a runway model; that is what I love most, and I’m so glad to be part of professional agencies where I have the chance to work with lovely people, each with their own personality, style and way of working. I participated in a few modeling contests and always learned something from them, especially when I didn’t win. The latest competition I took part in was Elegance SL™, and I loved it. I keep working often as a runway model, and the best recognition is the appreciation of fellow models and designers I work with. For the future, I can’t ask anything but going on as I’m doing now and living this dream. Q. What aspirations do you have beyond modeling? A. Beyond modeling, what occupies most of my time in Second Life® is being a show producer for AVENUE. I