FASHION IS ART
WRITER: NONGE KOOLHAAS PHOTOGRAPHERS: ONLY DIVA SL
From the early days in Second Life™, fashion has been a major part of life on the grid. Designers are constantly innovating, and style is ever changing. One of the most important parts of this has traditionally been runway fashion shows, which were completely revolutionized by the late great Frolic Mills. His vision and eye for talent transformed the fashion industry into something that was truly remarkable. While his passing has left a hole in the world of runway and modeling. Those who worked closely with him are carrying on his legacy. Only Diva SL is one group of models who learned from, worked with, and were inspired by his vision, and we are honored that they have agreed to sit down with us today.
Nonge Koolhaas: What led to the formation of Only Diva SL?
Nemesis Azul: I suppose the emergence of a joint blog is due to the changes that have taken place in the fashion world of Second Life™.
T here was a golden age that gave us rollercoaster-like adrenaline rushes. That’s no longer the case, and I’m not sure if it’s because of the obvious changes in the virtual world (as with everything in life) or because I’m now a veteran model and my virtual modeling experience needed a different kind of adrenaline rush.
I like taking photos with friends. It’s something I’ve been doing for a long time. That’s how the idea came about.
T here is a group of models in Second Life™ who could be called “The Dinosaurs” because they have been walking in high heels on the pixels of Second Life™ for many years now.
T his longevity is undoubtedly an advantage that we must take advantage of, as it makes us a kind of authority or role model and gives us the opportunity to share the knowledge we have acquired in the world of virtual modeling with
models who are just starting out. Jeanie Waydelich: We missed that sense of fashion glamour the more professional looks created by great names from the golden age of the Second Life™ fashion industry. We wanted to keep alive the memory and style of what was once the stage for fierce competitions and major investment!
NK: I see a pretty nice team here, lets go around and tell us how you got started in Second Life™ Fashion.
NA: I saw a fashion show by a designer from many years ago (20082009), Miss Wethersby. I loved it. Without knowing anything, I asked her to be part of her modeling group and, for some strange reason, without any knowledge or anything, she let me join. That was my first encounter with fashion. Then I enrolled in a modeling school and learned the basics. Then I started my own modeling school and agency. Then I devoted myself to blogging, participating in contests, and experiencing all facets of the fashion world of Second Life™.
Ponchituti Boucher: I love fashion in
both lives; in fact, I walked the runway several times in my Real Life many years ago, so when I found out I could be a model in Second Life™ I decided to give it a try. It was 2007, but at that time, everything was very basic. It wasn’t really modeling. So I quit. A couple of years later, I met the man who created the modeling world in Second Life™ as we know it today: my mentor, friend, and brother, Frolic Mills. He gave me the opportunity to study at his academy through a scholarship. He helped me refine my look and put me on the right path. Frolic gave me the opportunity to work with him on all his businesses and introduced me to the best designers, models, builders, and producers. I can proudly say that I started with the best, and since then, I’ve tried to be a better fashion model and modeling instructor every day, not just for myself but to honor his memory and legacy.
Diana Balhaus: On December 2006, I created this account, after months of getting acquainted with these pixels, looking for things to do I met someone; Debbiedoo who asked me if I was interested in modeling and the journey began, this was August 2010.
Lali Arbizu: I was friends with Ponchi almost since I entered Second Life™ and somehow, we were always interested in the fashion opportunities that Second Life™ offered, I was a regular to the Runway Camps walking the neverending runway to make some lindens to buy pretty clothes! But it wasn’t until 2009 that we met Frolic Mills and our love for fashion flourished.
JW: I started in 2010 with a modeling course at the MVW Academy. Afterwards, I participated in beauty and fashion contests, and in 2011 I launched my own blog, which is still active today.
Lolita Paragorn: I’m a French fashion
model who began my career in 2011. I trained at the prestigious BOSL Academy, under the direction of Frolic Mills. Over the years, I’ve earned several distinctions, including the titles of Miss Virtual France and Miss Essence of PurpleMoon.
My passion for fantasy-inspired fashion led me to join the renowned Fantasy Angels. In 2013, I expanded my career by becoming a fashion blogger, which soon became a second passion. Since then, I’ve successfully balanced runway appearances with digital content creation.
Beyond modeling and blogging, I’ve also held managerial positions at Orsini Jewel Care and Magnificent, two established brands in Second Life.
Today, I am seeking a more balanced lifestyle, focusing on creative projects I truly enjoy, while mentoring and supporting young models at the beginning of their careers.
NK: How do you choose who is involved?
JW: The participants were chosen among names and people who have made and continue to make a difference in fashion, whether through blogs, editorials, or runway shows. The intention was also to make the blog a place of memory, bringing together many behind-the-scenes stories!
NA: It is definitely a choice based on affinity and admiration. But there are three factors that were undoubtedly required to be in this group: Belonging to the old school of Second Life, being a very good stylist, and having a recognized track record.
NK: How do you keep up with the latest fashion trends?
NA: We are all curious about trends,
admirers of the art of dressing, attentive to what is happening in Second Life™ fashion, but also in real life, which in the end... is what will be reflected in many ways in the virtual world.
JW: I follow magazines, major brand websites, seasonal fashion shows, and even street fashion, and I try to bring some of that into what is created in Second Life™. Personally, I miss haute couture in Second Life™ ...
LA: I am always looking at Haute Couture Fashion Houses runway shows in real life and I follow some Haute Couture accounts in Instagram; they provide a wide range of information very useful to keep me up to date with the trends.
DB: For latest trends there is a lot of research into real-life fashion.
LP: On Second Life™, everything moves at lightning speed! Before you can even think about chasing the latest fashion trends, rule number one is clear: make sure your viewer is fully updated. Then comes the fun part! The countless events across the grid are like showcases for all the newest creations. Clothes, accessories, skins, hairstyles… you name it! No wonder we all end up becoming true virtual shopping addicts.
PB: Investing a lot of time studying and updating myself. Let me explain. In Second Life™, we models have a lot of work, because on the one hand, we have to be up to date with everything that is trending in the fashion industry in real life, but at the same time, we have to be up to date with all the trends in Second Life™, which is extremely complicated, because unlike in real life, here we have to be up to date not only with fashion, but also with body parts, skin, poses, and many other things that real life models don’t have to do.
NK: Where do you get inspiration for your fashion?
PB: Inspiration is everywhere. You find it in cities, in nature, in music, in art, in mythology, and in every person who lives on this planet. That’s why it’s so important to do research, even when you think you’re intimately familiar with a fashion style you want to style; trends can surprise you. No matter how many years you’ve been doing this, you always learn something new, even in areas where you think you’re an expert. I don’t think there’s such a thing as an expert in anything, but that’s just my opinion.
NA: Ahh, that question can have many answers. Inspiration can be everywhere for me. From an inexplicable moment when it seems like the muses are whispering in my ear as if by magic... To a song that leaves me feeling emotional. I must also confess that sometimes there is no inspiration, and I can’t think of anything to do.
JW: It may sound funny, but I love drawing inspiration from perfume commercials by major brands! I think perfume ads really elevate you... laughs!
LA: Instagram™, You Tube™, Specialized Fashion Magazines
DB: My inspiration comes from worldwide fashion weeks as well as seasonal events.
LP: Inspiration can strike anywhere: on Pinterest™, in everyday life, or even from a single piece. Sometimes, all it takes is a small detail for our imagination to take flight and turn into a complete styling vision.
NK: What is your process for setting up fashion photo shoots?
JW: First, I organize my real life and Second Life™ schedules, then I do a quick curation of items using Flickr™
Ponchituti Boucher
and Marketplace, and afterwards I try to combine everything — without it all ending up looking like a Christmas tree! laughs
NA: Many photographers, many methods, many visions = More variety. We have different ways of organizing ourselves. We even started out one way and now do it another. Some prefer backdrops, others prefer the real landscapes of Second Life™, and others (like me) use Photoshop. Depending on the time, we proceed with different types of photography.
NK: How do you see the state of the fashion industry in Second Life™?
PB: That’s a tough question that requires a very long answer, but I’ll try to be brief. I think the fashion industry isn’t going through its best moment. Residents in Second Life™ are real people, so our Second Life™ is affected by whatever’s happening to us in real life. It’s no secret that the world has been suffering an economic recession that has forced everyone to make financial adjustments. We no longer have the same financial solvency to invest as much money into Second Life™ as we did before. This has forced designers in Second Life™ to use sales and marketing tools that were unthinkable a few years ago. Therefore, many of them have opted, among other things, to create items just because they are on trend and not because they truly like them. Not to mention the great designers, with enormous creative talent, which couldn’t survive the transition to the mesh era. But we must be positive and believe that sooner rather than later the world of fashion will shine again.
NA: Like everything in life, it has spiral cycles. It is born, grows, reproduces... and changes! The fashion
world has changed a lot. It is no longer like we experienced it, “The Dinosaurs.“ The dome that presided over Frolic Mills, our mentor and driving force, no longer exists. There are different visions of modeling in Second Life™ now, and I would even dare to say that there is less of an audience. We need to inject energy into it in many ways. This creates many opportunities for creative minds.
LP: Fashion is a playground in constant motion. Designers keep pushing the boundaries of creativity, bringing unique pieces that cater to every taste. Whatever your personality, there’s always a style that speaks to you. But when it comes to mix & match, the rules get stricter: mesh clothing has to align perfectly. A challenge that can sometimes feel limiting… yet it’s also an invitation to reinvent yourself. And us, the models? We embrace these challenges with elegance — because adaptation is part of our craft
LA: I have mixed feelings about the Fashion Industry in Second Life™. Technology in design has provided designers with great tools to make outfits look more realistic, but I miss the old days when mix and match were easier and helped a lot with creativity. I miss the grandiosity of Runway Shows as well as the great Pageants and Competitions. We really saw creativity to the max. I miss the elegance and poise of the old days.
JW: Right now, I feel fashion has become a bit lazy, with too many short and sensual outfits, leaving haute couture somewhat forgotten at best represented by the few brands that still keep this department in their stores. Another point is that haute couture is often associated with a strange outfit, an updo hairstyle, and some kind of hat… But to me, it’s much more than that: it’s
about colors, textures, and compositions. Unfortunately, casual wear has taken over, and all the clothes seem to have shrunk! There are holes everywhere!!!
NK: What changes would you like to see, and how can those changes be achieved?
JW: I’d love to see more elaborate, refined pieces, almost tailor-made, inspired by major real life brands not just by stores like Zara (nothing against it) but I miss something more sophisticated and intricate! I think designers could eventually develop more along these lines… There are young ladies eager for challenges and an LGBTQIA+ audience that also loves haute couture! Please, do more for us! laughs
LA: I would love ELEGANCE and SOPHISTICATION to come back to Second Life™ Fashion. We can show body flesh, but we can do it with sophistication and style.
DB: My opinion I would like to see more classical clothing rather than sex bomb; my pixels are bashful and do not like many designs created.
LP: Meaningful change can only occur when there is genuine intent. Some agencies are already leading the way by innovating and finding new ways to engage audiences during fashion shows. Equally important, however, is acknowledging the value of the model—allowing them to express their individuality and creativity, rather than reducing them to the role of a mere ‘clothes hanger’.
PB: In my opinion, bad taste, vulgarity, and sexualization have taken over Second Life™ in recent years. And designers have had to adapt and create based on that harmful trend. I would like to see elegance, good taste, beauty,
and brightness come back; all that fabulousness that allowed us models to walk the runway with grace and pride. Facilitating change is not an easy task, because how do you get someone to change a mentality where the priority is sexuality and not sensuality or elegant? How do you teach good taste or common sense? Unfortunately, almost everything can be taught; others, you either have them, or you don’t, as simple as that.
NA: More platforms for models to showcase their work. More opportunities for our work to be seen. Greater promotion and opportunities for models. More beauty, photography, and styling contests. More paid work.
NK: What is the difference between “Runway Fashion” and “Everyday Fashion”?
NA: There are many differences, especially in everyday fashion, which is conveyed by different people according to their different personalities. On a catwalk, the aim is to convey the designer’s vision, which turns the model into an actor, part of a work of art. It doesn’t matter if the clothes are uncomfortable; the goal is to dazzle while saying that “something.” In everyday life, comfort is important, depending also on the person’s line of work.
NK: How do you choose which designers to work with?
NA: We always seek out designers who are on a similar wavelength to us, so we can work more comfortably. When the styling is personal, each of us chooses clothes, accessories, etc. from the designers we like. Our blog has a section with brand recommendations, which is based specifically on our tastes.
DIANNA BALHAUS
NK: Who are some of your favorite designers?
NA: I like several! Moonamore, Dernier, Vesta, Kunglers, Purple Moon, Salt & Pepper, Azoury, Amitono, nono... they don’t all fit in this interview, I like many from different categories.
JW: My favorite list and I apologize in advance if I forget someone but since 2007 in Second Life™ my memory has started to fail a little… here it goes: Azul, Kunglers, Baiastice, GOS, Real Evil, Truth, Bombom, and so many more! I also know a few that fell out of my good graces… laughs! But about that, I can’t say a word my lips are sealed!
NK: What is your most memorable show you’ve done?
LP: Over the years, I’ve had countless experiences — some unforgettable, others less impressive, and a few quite disappointing. One that immediately comes to mind is the Fantasy Angel casting. I also cherish the memory of PurpleMoon, where I had the chance to perform the French cancan on stage. Gradually, certain agencies began to open new doors by encouraging models to innovate in the way they walk. It was no longer just about walking, but about telling a story through every pose, every movement. This approach adds a deeper artistic dimension and truly enriches the model’s role.
LA: I’ve enjoyed all the shows that I have walked on since the very beginning as well as the shows we have produced in One-on-One Modeling Agency. However, we organized and produced a show where the runway was shaped as the infinite symbol placed between two sims and models crossed sims while walking. It was pretty amazing and challenging.
DB: In the old days, I belonged to Miss Virtual World and BLVD agency, created
by Frolic Mills, their shows and contests were very challenging, my memory takes me back to a Miss Virtual World where I represented Venezuela, no mesh body and a lot of prims on the outfits and jewelry, in the new era a Second Life™ we had complexity of over a trillion.
JW: It was the Neo Japan challenge at Miss SL 2018… Honestly, I believe that was when I surpassed my own expectations! I remember if the information was actually accurate that I scored a perfect 10 across the board! And if it wasn’t, I’m still happy, because it motivated me to keep improving!
PB: An impossible question. Fortunately, I’ve had a beautiful career of which I’m deeply proud. I’ve had the opportunity to walk with the best models, for the best designers, and at the best events ever organized in the fashion and modeling industry in Second Life™, so naming just one or a few would be unfair, inappropriate, and untrue. I can only say that I feel blessed to have been allowed to participate in each one of these shows and events. The above includes, of course, all the designers who have honored us with their trust by choosing One-on-One Modeling Agency to organize their shows and events.
NA: I have many fond memories. Too many. My first modeling jobs with Miss Wethersby were an adventure I experienced with great excitement. Modeling with avatars of girls playing Disney princesses for Celestinas. Fashion Week at BOSL... phew, too many to count!
NK: Are you looking for, or accepting new members, and if so, how would one go about applying to be a part of it?
JW: We have a permanent feature called Divos of the Month, but we feel it still needs more engagement from the
Flickr community! Our intention is also to discover new talents. And to join the team, we will soon be reaching out to well-known and long-standing names in the Second Life™ fashion industry!
NA: That’s right. Unfortunately (or fortunately?), we are real people, moving through this world as our real lives allow us to. And right now, some of our members are going through changes in their lives that prevent them from staying active. That’s why we are considering inviting more members, always under the initial scheme used to recruit the first members.
NK: Do you have any shows coming up?
NA: Yes, right now, I’m doing the styling for the casting of the BOSL Halloween show. I like to style ahead of time, at my own pace... but sometimes a lot of things come together at once and it makes me a little anxious.
NK: Where can our readers find out more about you?
NA: From OnlyDivasl, there is our blogspot: www.onlydivasl.blogspot.com, as well as our social media accounts on Flickr and Facebook.
Chef’s KISS
–Real Recipes from a Real Chef–
WRITER: RAFAEL SINAVVA
Fall inspired meals call for hearty and healthy comfort foods, and pupkin spice everywhere. Enjoy the crisp autumn air and a warm blanket.
PumPkin Pancakes
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flower
3 ½ cups teaspoons baking powder (not soda)
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup milk (any type will work)
1 cup pumpkin purèe (not pie filling)
1/3 cup strawberry jam or puree
¼ cup brown sugar, packed
1 egg
3 tablespoons butter, melted butter and maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. In a second medium bowl, whisk together milk, pumpkin, brown sugar, and egg until smooth. Make a well in the center of the flour ingredients, add the wet, and stir gently until combined. Gently fold in melted butter.
Heat a griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Grease with oil or butter if you prefer a crispier pancake. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately ¼ cup for each pancake.
When bubbles start to form on the first side, carefully flip and brown the second side.
Repeat with remaining batter (you should have about 8 pancakes depending on thickness).
Serve hot with butter and maple syrup.
Add nuts or fruit as a topping for extra flavor.
Cover leftover batter and store in refriderator for up to 4 days.
Ingredients
6 boneless,
3 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh thyme, parsley, or chives for garnish
Brown sugar Dijon chicken Thighs
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or oven-safe skillet. In a small bowl, mix Dijon mustard, brown sugar, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Place chicken thighs in the dish and spoon the sticky mustard mixture evenly over each piece, making sure they’re coated and nestled snugly.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, basting once halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and glazed with gooey, golden sauce.
Notes:
T hese chicken thighs are tender, juicy, and coated in a sweet and tangy sticky glaze! Store leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.
Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or rice for a simple, satisfying dinner.
3. Make cheescake filling: Lower the oven temperature to 280°F (140°C). In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Add sour cream and mix well. Whisk the eggs in a small bowl, then gradually add to the mixture until smooth. Sift in the cornstarch and mix until combined.
4. Make the crumble topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix well.
