Fashion in Ret rospect
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Maniera Magazine - Editor Picks - Fashion In Retrospect 2009-2010
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Over the past three years I have had the honor to work with an incredible
staff of writers, photographers and models and met some amazing people along the way. As we approach our third anniversary, I look back on how much we have grown, and how we have developed our own unique style which is Maniera. From our first issue released in Feb. 2009 to our current Men of Style 2011, Aug. 2011, we continue to raise the bar higher each month. I would like to share some of my personal favorite photos this month from 2009 and 2010; images that I feel captured the theme and spirit of what we do at Maniera. I would like to also thank our present and past staff. Your selfless contributions have made Maniera what it is today. Faithfully Yours,
Topaz Joubert
Topaz Joubert Editor Photo - Eira Juliesse
Divas Take the Stage Glamour Unwrapped, Dec. 2009 photographer: AtomicSparkle Skytower Model: Elahna Dryssen
“Inspired by the legendary opera singer and true diva Maria Callas, the concept of the shoot was inspired by my love for Opera and my fascination for Maria Callas. Atomic’s image and talent to put my vision into art form captures the true essence; you can almost hear Callas’ voice.” - Topaz Joubert
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Maniera Magazine - Editor Picks - Fashion In Retrospect 2009-2010
Phenomenal Women Phenomenal Women, May 2009 photographer: Barney Roundel Model: Gloria Gabe
“There are some shoots that just come together: the styling, lighting and the model. Not only does Gloria look breathtaking in the Tres Beau gown, but an added bonus was to have a gown named after me by the incredible designer Kimmera Madison of Tres Beau. This is one of my favorite images shot by no other than Barney Roundel. He is a photographer who really knows how to shoot women. Just breathtaking!� - Topaz Joubert
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Maniera Magazine - Editor Picks - Fashion In Retrospect 2009-2010
East Meets World, March 2010 photographer: AtomicSparkle Skytower Model: Rod Insippo
“One of my favorite all time images. The spread for Black Canary really was a challenge for me to style the shoot as I wasn’t familiar with Visual Kei and Gothic Lolita fashions but researching the genres after this edition I fell in love with the style. Rod looks not only sexy but also manages to look very masculine in a set of high heeled boots.” - Topaz Joubert
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Maniera Magazine - Editor Picks - Fashion In Retrospect 2009-2010
Intergalactic Invasion, July 2009 photographer: Eira Juliesse Model: Ocean Miami
“This is the image where I realized that Eira is one of the most creative photographers I have ever seen. Her first shoot with us, and she knocked it out of the ballpark. Inspired by Bladerunner, it was vital to find the perfect model who had the right face to carry this off and that model hands down was Ocean.� - Topaz Joubert
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Maniera Magazine - Editor Picks - Fashion In Retrospect 2009-2010
Welcome to the Funhouse, March 2010 photographer: Eira Juliesse Model: Glitter Bolissima
“Sometimes you get inspiration from several sources. When I was first shown hair from the designer dianny3636 Aeon, I knew I instantly wanted to do a spread. The inspiration came from the theme, Welcome to the Funhouse, and what I saw in her designs. I saw her hair being fun, whimsical and so over the top. My second inspiration was a song by PINK actually called Funhouse. This was one of the funniest shoots I have done and a true Maniera collaboration. Image shot by the incredible Eira Juliesse, skin by the one and only AtomicSparkle, Glitter Bolissima our lovely Maniera model, and the dress and collar Glitter is wearing was made by me.� - Topaz Joubert 20
Maniera Magazine - Editor Picks - Fashion In Retrospect 2009-2010
Angels Among Us HOPE, Nov. 2010 photographer: Barney Roundel Model: Burningbright Nightfire
“There are times where a simple image can have a powerful impact. I find this is one of the most beautiful images we have ever run. Its simplicity in pose and minimal styling really resonates the theme of HOPE.� - Topaz Joubert
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Maniera Magazine - Editor Picks - Fashion In Retrospect 2009-2010
Glamour Unwrapped, Dec. 2009 photographer: Spartin Parx Designer: Bliss Beningborough
“Spartin Parx, one of the original Maniera photographers, never ceases to amaze me with her creativity. When shooting editorial shots of subjects she has the ability to tap in and pull out the true essence of the person. The image she shot of Bliss Benningbough of HOB proves that assertion. Known for her endless hard work as a designer, Spartin was able to bring that to life in this image.� - Topaz Joubert
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Maniera Magazine - Editor Picks - Fashion In Retrospect 2009-2010
Six Degrees of Separation, Feb. 2010 photographer: AtomicSparkle Skytower Model: Candylicious Forster
“This I believe is the edition that changed so many things for us at Maniera. When working with real life designers it’s very important to be true to their RL brand. We studied the real life images of boudoir, and I believe we captured it. I want to thank both Čičko-Karapetrić and Morana Saračević for trusting us and giving us the opportunity to feature their designs.” - Topaz Joubert
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Maniera Magazine - Editor Picks - Fashion In Retrospect 2009-2010
Six Degrees of Separation, Feb. 2010 photographer: Eira Juliesse Model: Imani Enzo
“This is another favorite image from the boudoir spread. When working with more then one photographer for a spread it’s vital to have cohesiveness, a flow. As you can see Eira and Atomic were able to succeed in that. One image flows to the next, and they never lose the vision of the spread.” - Topaz Joubert
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Maniera Magazine - Editor Picks - Fashion In Retrospect 2009-2010
Virtue Hope, Nov. 2009 photographer: AtomicSparkle Skytower Model: Angel Watkins
“When I think about the last three years of publication, two images stand out to me. Our 2009 Hope edition was a risk, a challenge and a lot of sweat and tears, but at the end we produced one of the most beautiful pictorial spreads.“ - Topaz Joubert
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Maniera Magazine - Editor Picks - Fashion In Retrospect 2009-2010
Strength Hope, Nov. 2009 photographer: Eira Juliesse Models: Isabel Brocco, Apollo Call, Ricoracer Flux
“Another powerful image by Eira. The quote that was paired with the image from Mandela just makes this amazing image much more powerful. Still to this day, this image just captivates me.” - Topaz Joubert
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances freedom of others.” - Nelson Mandela
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Maniera Magazine - Editor Picks - Fashion In Retrospect 2009-2010
Decadence, Oct. 2009 photographer: Eira Juliesse Model: Lora Undercroft
“Our inspiration was the new line of luxury travel wear designed by the fabulous designer Sonatta Morales. This image takes you to a time where traveling was glamorous. The backdrop and props were a stroke of genius; just all around a stunning photo.� - Topaz Joubert
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Maniera Magazine - Editor Picks - Fashion In Retrospect 2009-2010
Decadence, Oct. 2009 photographer: Eira Juliesse Model: Rhonda Pennell
“Also from our Decadence fashion spread. I just love how Rhonda looks in this shot. Easy to see why she is in such demand as a model.� - Topaz Joubert
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Maniera Magazine - Editor Picks - Fashion In Retrospect 2009-2010
Men of Style, Aug. 2010 photographer: Eira Juliesse Model: Harsch Sharktooth
“There is beauty in silence and simplicity. Some of the most powerful images are those with a simple plan background. The photo I believe really captures Harsch: quiet, strong and one of those models a camera just loves.� - Topaz Joubert
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Maniera Magazine - Editor Picks - Fashion In Retrospect 2009-2010
Lady Godiva Tribute Exceptional Women on the Digital Grid, May 2009 photographer: Spartin Parx Model: BlackBarbie Bravin
“Exceptional Women of the Digital Grid was our first edition devoted to all the exceptional women of Second Life®. Our Lady Godiva image from our Women of Pop Culture is still today one of our most popular images amongst our readers.” - Topaz Joubert
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Maniera Magazine - Editor Picks - Fashion In Retrospect 2009-2010
Alter Egos Dark Side of Beauty, Sept. 2010 photographer: Eira Juliesse Model: CandiO Contepomi
“From our alter ego pictorial, I love the dark coloring, the pose, angle... it just screams FIERCE!� - Topaz Joubert
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Maniera Magazine - Editor Picks - Fashion In Retrospect 2009-2010