z EXCLUSIVE NOVEMBER 2011
Danse macabre
Elegy of Fall
Close encounters
Eclectic timetraveller
Interview
A tango with mistery
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AVENUE Magazine GizzA Exclusive | November 2011 Featuring Jesika Contepomi Photographer Miaa Rebane Outfit GizzA - Tricot Set [Ultramarine]
Cargo chic
Edge of the world
The femme mystique
64 72 82
Into the tropics
Watercolor couture
Technicolor male
54 92 100
AVENUE | GizzA
Velvet Jacket [Black] Jacket Upper Maxi Skirt [Black] Pants
Styled & Photographed by blackLiquid Tokyoska Modeled by blackLiquid Tokyoska and Cade Nansen
her : Fusion C H I C [Zebra] him : Albion
Domino [Pearl]
Domino [Black]
her : Lordly [Black] Lower him : Lordly
Dotty Maxi Dress A
AVENUE | GizzA
Coat Outfit Male Comfy Boots
Styled, Modeled & Photographed by Cade Nansen
Black Woolen Outfit
Shabby C H I C
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AVENUE | GizzA
BFW Woolen Coat Outfit
Styled, Modeled & Photographed by Kallisto Destiny
Knit Set [Brown] Shirt
La-Di-Da [Champagne]
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AVENUE | GizzA
timetraveller Styled, Modeled & Photographed by Miaa Rebane
Autumn Gown
Showy Chic
Victorian CHIC
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AVENUE | GizzA
rising
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con of style
Written by Xandrah Sciavo Photography by Annough Lykin
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nnovative. Unique. Vibrant. Colorful. Chic. All of these words have been widely used across the grid to describe GizzA, a fashion house co-owned by partners Giz Seorn and Auster Elan, that has created a huge splash in the industry in just under a year, becoming an instant star of style from the catwalks of Second Life® to the closets of some of the most stylishly dressed avatars on the grid. Giz Seorn, the talented designer behind the overnight sensation, dazzles fashionistas and style connoisseurs alike with original fashion in a brilliant color palette, and with a sizable product selection that includes everything from casual chic to haute couture for both males and female. GizzA offers something for everyone. The desire to design clothing in the SL™ virtual medium was designer Seorn’s purpose behind her arrival on the grid. She jumped in with both feet and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon, much to the delight of those who were fast to become faithful customers. With new items being released on a nearly weekly basis, Seorn and Elan keep the masses stylishly dressed, happy and craving more of Seorn’s unique designs. We had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Giz Seorn about her experiences and passions. Read more for a peek inside the mind of one of SL’s most talented divas of design. Xandrah Sciavo: Hello, Giz, and thank you for taking the time to interview with us! I know a little bit about you from reading other
interviews, so I do know that you came to Second Life specifically to get involved in the fashion design industry here. What was it about designing in a virtual medium that appealed to you? Giz Seorn: Second Life is very different from other games in patterns, technique and quality. The quality was the biggest reason I wanted to make this work here. XS: Even for the average layperson, learning how to navigate and function on the grid has its challenges! What were some early challenges you faced with your arrival as a new designer? GS: At first, of course, I had a hard time, learning templates, how to build, and it also took me a while to learn the use of patterns. But I can say I’ve worked hard to learn as quickly as possible. XS: We have established that you had a plan in mind when you came to Second Life to design. Many designers have a vision behind the brand they build. What was your vision when you and Auster Elan began to create the brand, GizzA? GS: This is a really good job to do, and I hoped for my store to be attractive across a large mass of consumers. I am confident about my textures and I still work hard every day to grow as a designer. We started GizzA on 25K and have come very far, and we are pleased to be headed in a good direction. XS: GizzA is a brand that has become very popular in a short period of time, which must be very exciting for you! What do you attribute to the success GizzA is enjoying?
GS: I love to use realistic textures, and this is the most important feature of GizzA. In addition, I also think that customers know that every time they shop, a smiling face will be there to help them. All customers are our friends. I think these two factors combine to make GizzA successful. I am very happy with GizzA’s success, and I rejoice to see the value of my labors. But this is not enough, of course - there are many people who do not know GizzA yet, so as we bring GizzA to them, we will continue to provide quality products and even better services. XS: For those who do not know, you bring with you a background that gave you great preparation for design on the grid. Can you talk a little bit about your real life background and how it relates to what it is that you do with GizzA? XS: “Secret” is the meaning of the word, GizzA. The person behind GizzA is a professional photographer with an educational background in Fine Arts. I think having my education as well as work experience as a photographer have served as good preparation. XS: Are there any real life fashion designers that you admire, or who inspire you? GS: Cavalli, Valentino, and Dolce & Gabbana are some of my favorite designers. There are also many other designers that impress me with their talent, of course. XS: GizzA offers such a range of clothing from casual street-wear to formal wear and everything in between. Of the items you have created for your previous lines, can you tell us a bit about your favorite creations that you have made?
GS: This question is a little difficult to answer because it is like being asked to choose the favorite of your children! However, some of the ones I am most pleased with among all of them are Shalwar, Faust, and Hot-Headed. XS: Because of your innovative design work and the sensational splash GizzA has made in the SL fashion scene, you have received a lot of exposure in magazines, and we’ve had the wonderful opportunity to learn a lot about you and GizzA. I would also like to know a little bit about Giz Seorn, the mastermind of a woman behind the brand. What things would most people be surprised to learn about you? GS: I graduated from Faculty of Fine Arts, where I studied stage decor and costume design. I acquired over ten years of real life design experience. Then I went on to take courses in photography, and I soon after began working as a professional photographer. Professional photography was the right decision for me because it enabled me to become Giz, an artist. XS: Although you came here specifically to design clothing, have you found other things to do here that you really enjoy outside of designing? GS: My favorite thing is to take pictures outside of designing, and I love to take pictures of our own products. XS: I am sure that there are a lot of aspiring designers who admire your work and for whom you serve as an inspiration. What advice would you give to a new content creator who is trying to make their mark in SL fashion design?
GS: I advise aspiring designers to avoid copycatting and to create their own styles because being yourself, is being different. If one’s designs are made too similarly to other designers’ clothing, they will not stand out as unique. To create an original brand, one must create their own styles, colors and textures. XS: As you continue to expand, GizzA is sure to remain a Second Life star in the fashion world. What do you see in GizzA’s future, or what goals do you have? What sorts of things can your loyal customers look forward to? GS: GizzA is not a company that places only five to ten outfits per season in their store. Our customers usually only need to wait a maximum of three to four days to find a new product from a brand they have come to know very well. I always try to stay in the habit of keeping our designs fresh. Customers know they can find all kinds of clothes in our store, which I think is also a big plus. XS: Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions for us - it is always a pleasure for AVENUE Magazine to spend time talking with you. As we part ways, are there any last parting words you would like to share with our readers? GS: We would like to give our customers the good news that we have been under the long process of creating a brand new winter series, and they can look for it to be coming soon! Our friendly, helpful staff is always here to provide the best service possible.
Indeed, Giz Seorn and Auster Elan not only provide fabulous fashion for SL™ consumers, but GizzA is well-known for offering excellent customer service, providing an exciting and inviting shopping experience. With several locations throughout the grid, including a store at Couture AVENUE and GizzA’s new main store location, shoppers can find stellar fashion for any occasion. We at AVENUE are most certainly looking forward to what Giz Seorn will be bringing to the grid in the season to come, and we are grateful for the opportunity to learn more about this dynamic designer who is creating cutting edge fashion trends in our world on a daily basis. The next time you’re in the mood to be stunned by fabulous designs, visit GizzA’s main store at GizzA Creations [128.129.22] or get exclusive designs and colors at GizzA at Couture AVENUE [105.178.22]. A
AVENUE | GizzA
Yula Inspiration
Styled & Photographed by blackLiquid Tokyoska Modeled by blackLiquid Tokyoska and Cade Nansen
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Sophistic Gown [Cream]
her : Sophistic Gown [Black] him : Barong Tagalog Shirt [White] and Flax Pants Male [White]
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AVENUE | GizzA
Western Outfit
Styled, Modeled & Photographed by Boe Cortes
Western Shirt [Red] and Grunge Jean [Blue]
Summer Outfit Vintage Male
Summer Outfit Floral Male
Summer Outfit Male
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AVENUE | GizzA
her : Sport Pant [Blue] and Safari Tank [White] him : SportPant Male [Blue] and SuedeShirt Male [White]
Styled & Photographed by Brie Wonder Modeled by Brie Wonder and Liam Netizen
SportPant [Olive] and SuedeShirt Male [Champagne]
him : SportShort [Black] and MilitaryTank [Black] her : SportShort [Champagne] and HankyBlouse [Olive]
SportShort [Champagne] and SuedeShirt [Olive]
SportPant [Brown] and SafariTank [Champagne]
SportShort [Olive] and HankyBouse [Champagne]
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Rococo Shirt [Black] and Flax Pants [Cream]
AVENUE | GizzA
Styled & Photographed by Cade Nansen Modeled by Cade Nansen and Kallisto Destiny
Faust
Barong Tagalog Shirt [Blue] and Flax Pants [White]
Barong Tagalog Shirt [Cream] and Flax Pants [Black]
her : Insanity Female him : Insanity Male
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AVENUE | GizzA
Styled, Modeled & Photographed by Kallisto Destiny
Gardenia Cocktail Dress [Sequin]
Gardenia Cocktail Dress [Black]
BonBon Blouse [Black] and Oriental Pants [Zebra]
Dark Age
BonBon Blouse [Cream] and Oriental Pants [Plume Petals]
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AVENUE | GizzA
Styled, Modeled & Photographed by Miaa Rebane
Breeze Dress [Floral]
Breeze Dress [Zebra]
Biker Jacket and Flirty Dress [Blue]
Biker Jacket and Flirty Dress [Pink]
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AVENUE | GizzA
MonoKini [Ocean]
Styled, Modeled & Photographed by Strawberry Singh
Wild Attack Outfit
MonoKini [Retro Brown]
MonoKini [Ocean]
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