MODELS
Margot Lasalle Blogger of the Month
EDITORS Letter
As we close out another year, I find myself reflecting on a journey filled with both ups and downs. 2025 has tested us, surprised us, and gifted us with moments I’ll treasure for a long time. One of the brightest highlights was my unforgettable summertime with Essy, who spent time with me in real life. And as the year winds down, I’m preparing for yet another milestone, my trip to the USA to welcome the end of the year with new experiences and renewed inspiration.
Of course, not everything was easy. We made the difficult decision to say goodbye to Cosmik Sim, as rising costs forced us to rethink and reduce certain expenses. Yet even in letting go, we chose to protect what matters most. Models Magazine continues forward, strong as ever, and AIM Agency remains active and evolving. Our Modeling School is still running proudly and accepting new students who dream of refining their craft and stepping into the world of fashion and creativity.
This issue also marks a bittersweet farewell. We highlight some of our AIM models for the very last time in these pages, as they move forward toward new goals and new chapters in their personal journeys. We celebrate them, their dedication, their artistry, and their contributions to our ever-growing community.
Inside this month’s issue, we dive into the excitement surrounding the final part of Avatar, and we revisit the magic of the Pandora sims, which remain a breathtaking world to explore and a welcoming community to join.
Our Blogger of the Month is the talented Margot LaSalle, and our featured Photographer is the ever-inspiring Leslie Dallas. We also introduce our January Styling Challenge: “Wild Life,” which we’re thrilled to bring back to spark creativity as we enter a new year.
As 2025 comes to an end, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us, collaborated with us, believed in us, and shared this journey with us. Your presence keeps this magazine alive and growing.
May your holiday season be warm and full of joy, and may the new year bring even more ups than downs, more dreams reached, more beauty created, and more moments worth remembering.
Here’s to a wonderful Christmas and a bright, inspiring New Year ahead.
BonieFacio
CONTENT Staf-
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contact: ModeLSmagazineSL@gmail.com
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cover photographer MARGOT LASALLE
CONTENTS
BLOGGER OF THE MONTH
MARGOT LASALLE
AIM MODELS PRESENT
DRACULA’S CASTLE
PANDORA LIVE BY BONIEFACIO
Blogger Margot LaSalle
by BonieFacio
For our December issue, we are thrilled to spotlight a creator whose passion, humor, and undeniable eye for style have made her a beloved voice in the Second Life fashion community. Margot LaSalle is far more than a blogger, she’s a longtime resident, a former builder and land mogul, an experienced model, and an unstoppable creative force who has transformed her love for virtual fashion into a vibrant digital showcase. From her beautifully curated Flickr feed to her personality-filled blog, Margot brings elegance, playfulness, and authenticity to every post she publishes. Whether she’s styling the perfect look, hosting a runway show in both English and Spanish, or sharing her behind-the-scenes chaos with a wink, Margot reminds us why we fall in love with Second Life fashion again and again. Join us as we dive into her story, her process, her dreams, and the heart behind her unforgettable pixel panache.
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/margot-lasalle/ Blog: https://margotinsl.blogspot.com/
What can you tell our readers about yourself and your blog?
Margot: I’m a longtime Second Life resident who started out building homes and furniture. I even spent over 11 years in the land business, renting out properties like a virtual real estate mogul. Once I sold my assets, I dove into the creative side of SL fashion modeling and blogging. My blog is basically a love letter to virtual fashion. It’s where photography, styling, and a bit of playful personality come together. Think of it as a space where pixels meet panache!
How did you first get into blogging?
Margot: It all started with my love for playing dress-up, only now it’s my avatar instead of childhood dolls. After admiring my own brilliance in the mirror (don’t judge, we all do it!), I thought, “Why not share this magic?” Blogging became the perfect blend of fashion, photography, and occasional rambling about the joy of finding the perfect heels.
What strengths have helped you most in blogging?
Margot: Definitely my eye for detail and my obsessive love for aesthetics. And honestly? Being able to laugh at myself whenever a photoshoot goes completely sideways!
Second Life is a big place. Do you have other interests besides blogging?
Margot: Absolutely! I’ve dipped my virtual toes into just about everything building, land management, modeling, even DJing. These days, I love being an MC for fashion shows. There’s nothing like feeling the energy of the runway. And since I present in both English and Spanish, I’m always happy to grab a mic, step into the spotlight, and rock a killer pair of heels.
Why did you start blogging, and what does your process look like from concept to publishing?
Margot: I started blogging to share my love of fashion and connect with other style enthusiasts. My process is equal parts chaos and caffeine. I start with an outfit that inspires me, shoot photos while arguing with windlight settings, and polish everything until it feels right. Motivation comes from loving what I do and knowing someone out there is searching for their next style fix.
How do you keep yourself motivated to maintain your blog?
Margot: I remind myself how rewarding it is to see my vision come to life. And honestly, those “OMG, I love this look!” comments from followers? Pure motivation.
How do you choose the designers you blog for?
Margot: It’s a mix of reaching out to designers I admire and answering blogger calls. But I only blog what I genuinely love. If it doesn’t make me feel like strutting down a virtual runway, it’s a no-go.
Blogging is time-consuming. How do you organize your workflow?
Margot: I keep things simple by sticking to a small group of designers I truly enjoy. It lets me give each post the time and attention it deserves without burning out. Quality over quantity always.
How would you describe your personal style? Any fashion inspirations?
Margot: A mix of classy, chic, and a little edgy. I love switching things up from sleek to daring.
I don’t follow one fixed style; it depends on the mood or moment. While I don’t have one specific fashion muse, I adore Cate Blanchett’s style. She blends elegance with bold choices, something I try to channel too.
How do you attract new readers? What social media strategies work best for you?
Margot: I use platforms like Flickr and Facebook to share eye-catching visuals and fun captions. Engagement is key commenting, interacting, and showing personality. The best strategy? Be authentic. People connect with realness, even in a virtual world.
Where do you get products for review?
Margot: From the designers and events I collaborate with… and from my own shopping addiction. My inventory is a bottomless pit. Truly.
How active are you weekly, and how often do you interact with followers?
Margot: I try to post 2–3 times a week and respond to comments and messages daily. Interacting with followers is one of my favorite things it feels like hanging out with a stylish, global friend group.
What would you like to achieve in the future? Any dreams?
Margot: I’d love to grow my blog into a go-to resource for new SL fashion bloggers. And one day, I’d love to host a virtual fashion show featuring my favorite looks. Dreams are what keep SL magical.
SECOND LIFE’S ECONOMY IN 2025: ARE EVENTS STILL THRIVING, AND IS THERE STILL PROFIT TO BE MADE?
Second Life has always been a world driven by creativity, community, and commerce, and in 2025 that hasn’t changed, if anything, it has intensified. Events continue to dominate the rhythm of SL’s economy, filling the calendar with fashion fairs, décor showcases, gachaless rounds, weekend sales, and creator spotlights. Residents move from event to event with shopping lists in hand, proving that even after more than twenty years, the platform still has remarkable purchasing power. But with so many sales and so much competition, many creators and residents are asking the same questions: Are people still investing money into SL? And is there still profit to be made?
The simple answer is yes, but the landscape has shifted. Over the last few years, weekend sales have exploded in popularity. Happy Weekend, Fifty Linden Fridays, The Saturday Sale, and so many others have changed how residents shop and how creators earn. Shoppers now expect weekly releases, consistent updates, and accessible pricing. Instead of waiting for a big event to buy a single outfit, many residents now shop every weekend, collecting smaller, more frequent purchases. This shift has revitalized the economy while also increasing the pressure on creators to produce regularly.
Major fashion and décor events continue to thrive as well. Collabor88, Kustom9, FaMESHed, Equal10, Anthem, and other flagship events are still highly profitable for designers who offer originality, quality, and strong branding. However, competition is tighter than ever. Event fees have increased, customer expectations have risen, and trends shift faster now, especially with TikTok-style social content influencing what residents want. Yet creators who adapt, those who innovate, advertise, and stay consistent still see significant profits both in Linden Dollars and cash-outs.
Another major change is the rise of micro-releases. Instead of monthly big drops, many designers now rely on weekly or bi-weekly items. Weekend sales, in particular, generate huge traffic. While individual items may be priced lower, the volume of sales often outweighs event-only strategies. For some creators, weekend releases now bring in more profit than traditional events, simply because shoppers love immediate gratification.
So, are people still spending real money in Second Life? Absolutely. Second Life’s user base remains mostly adult, financially stable, and deeply invested in their online experience. Despite real-world economic pressures, residents continue to purchase Lindens, upgrade avatars, decorate homes, and support their favorite creators. For many, SL isn’t a hobby, it’s a lifestyle, a creative outlet, and a social network all in one.
Profit is still very much possible, but it hinges on adaptation. High-quality original mesh, consistent branding, strong social media presence, and clever event participation all make a difference. Creators who understand modern consumer behavior—value, variety, and frequency, are the ones thriving. Meanwhile, residents benefit from an ever-expanding universe of fashion, décor, animations, skins, and environments.
Second Life’s economy is not fading. It’s evolving. While the market is more competitive than ever, it is also more active, more diverse, and more accessible. Events are still packed, weekend sales overflow with excitement, and creators who embrace the new rhythm find themselves flourishing.
In 2025, Second Life remains one of the most unique and resilient digital economies ever built. As long as its residents continue to dream, build, shop, and express themselves, the world will keep turning and the profits will keep flowing. But yes the world is changing and lesser people logg in and are present.
DRACULA’S CASTLE
GET THE LOOK
HAIR | STEALTHIC - GRASP
HEADPIECE / FX | BADWOLF - BANSHEE VEINS HEADPIECE · CHALLIS - BAT AURA
EARRINGS | YUMMY - OVERSIZED GEMSTONE RINGS | INSOMNIA ANGEL - ROSES RINGS
JEWELRY FX | PENDULUM - X [F] EVO X HUMAN DRESS | S&P - KISS OF DEATH GOWN
GET THE LOOK
HAIR | S-CLUB - EMILY
EYESHADOW | KNIFE PARTY - POTIONS EYE MAKEUP
SKIN | GLAM AFFAIR - CLARA (MAKEUP INCLUDED)
EARRINGS | DM VICTORIAN GOTHIC - CRYSTAL CROSS
NECKLACE | DM VICTORIAN GOTHIC - LOLITA’S FUR COLLAR
COLLAR | HJ - DIVA DARLING OPERA COLLAR
ACCESSORIES | IRRISISTIBLE - HALLOWEEN VAMPIRE OUTFIT
(COLLAR, SLEEVES & HAIR ACCESSORY)
DRESS | IRRISISTIBLE - BLIND LOVE RED GOWN WINGS | DM - NIGHTSHADE GARGOYLE WINGS
GET THE LOOK
CROWN | ASTRALIA - PEARLIA
MAKEUP | LANDGRAFF - HUNTER SET · RUBEDO - GOGOTA (SMOKY EYES)
BODY & FACE SCALES | MAD’ - CREATURE
FANGS | CLOVER - PIERCER JAW
HARNESS | ERSCH - BONEY CHEST
HEART | VAE VICTIS - ETERNAL VOW BROKEN HEART
BLOOD FX | VAE VICTIS - VENDETTA BLOODED HANDS TATTOO
CLAWS | L’EMPORIO & PL - OBLIO
SCEPTRE | TEKELI-LI - BLOODLIGHT SCEPTRE
WINGS | FAUNUS - ANIMESH WINGS
TAIL | CYNEFIN - NEMISSA
GET THE LOOK
HAIR | NO.MATCH - NO_I DON’T KNOW
HEADBAND | BL - ESME (GOLD)
EYES | IZZIE’S - IMMORTAL EYES (HALLOWEEN)
MAKEUP | HEXED - SORROW EYESHADOW (BLACK) · HEXEDBLOOD LIPS (FRESH) · IZZIE’S - VAMPIRE BITE R CHEST (BRUISED)
NECKLACE & EARRINGS | ORSINI - MARGA SET
RINGS | BL - BLAIR (GOLD)
NAILS | BL - COFFIN NAILS (SHORT)
GOWN | TOKSIK - DESCENT DRESS
PROP | CHICCHICA - KNIFE
GET THE LOOK
HAIR | NOVA - SOUNDS
MAKEUP | IZZIE’S - GLOOM
HEAD ACCESSORY | UNHOLY - VENEFICUS FACE CHAIN
DRESS | SB - MERILA GOWN · CURELESS - VENUSIAN SKELETON
PROP | WITCHCRAFT - CANDLE
FX / COMPANION | CONTRAPTION - RIDE OF DELUSION (GHOST BLACK)
GET THE LOOK
HAIR | WINGS - EF0708
HEADPIECE | LIQUENCE - FLOWER CROWN
VEIL | JUST BECAUSE - LIDDY VEIL
MAKEUP | CLOVER - MEGA LASHES · DEETALEZ - MACABRE BLOOD DROP · THE SKINNERY - VAMPIRE NECK BITE · SUICIDAL UNBORN - TIRED EYEBAGS · SUICIDAL UNBORN - MALEDICTA TINTABLE · THIS IS WRONG - VAMPIRE LIPS BLUSH · 1990 - POISON CLAWS
GOWN | JUST BECAUSE - LIDDY DRESS
STOCKINGS | VIOLENT SEDUCTION - NYX STOCKINGS
BOOTS | JUST BECAUSE - LIDDY BOOTS
ACCESSORIES / FX | SEMOTION LIBELLUNE - SPOOKY
HAND COMPANION · MAGNETIC - MY PET ZOMBIE ·
WARPAINT · CC - SMOKE SHOW MIDNIGHT (PARTICLES) ·
EGOTOMB - FANGZ VAMPIRE
GET THE LOOK
HEADPIECE | AZOURY - ROYAL (MERLOT)
EARRINGS | SIGMA - DESDEMONA EAR WRAPS
NECKPIECE | DB - GLORIANA COLLAR
TEARS | R.O.S.S - TEARS
NOSE | INFLUENCE - NOSE DEFORMER LVL 3
LASHES | VOID - DEMURE (AVALON)
FANGS | EL - FANGS BLOOD
DRESS | PLASTIX - MONARCH
NAILS | JIGOKU - MORGUE NAILS
BIRDS / FX | ZIBSKA - ABADON FULL ORBIT
HANDS FX | BIRTH - ELEMENTAL “WITCHCRAFT”
BOOK | VAE VICTIS - AZA EMPYREA
HEART | VAEV - TELL-TALE RELIC CURSED HEART (GILDED)
SMOKE FX | LULUB - IGNICA BLACK MAGIC (LEFT HAND)
GET THE LOOK
HAIR | RAMA.SALON - SIERRA
HEADPIECE | GHB - KRANZ CROWN
MAKEUP | REVERIE - GOTTCULT
TATTOOS | ONYX - FACES · LILITHE - EKHIDNA
NAILS | FORMANAILS - CHRIS CLAWS
TOP | .ET. - BEDROOM EYES
SKIRT | .ET. - BEDROOM EYES
BOOTS | 1313 - DRAGULA
WINGS | SN@TCH - VAMPIRE BRIDE
ACCESSORY / COMPANION | UNHOLY - CHIROPTERA BAT
GET THE LOOK
HAIR | NO.MATCH - NO_COVER A (SMALL)
HEADPIECE | ACIOS - BITZY HEADPIECE
EARRINGS | VOBE - MALTY EARRINGS
SKIN | NUVE - BASIC BODY SKIN V2 (PALE)
MAKEUP | ZIBSKA - RABAN MAKEUP 12 · ZIBSKA - SAKIKO
LIPS BASE 03
TATTOO | LILITHE - JOROGUMO TATTOOS
OUTFIT | CUREMORE - ARACHNIDA ATTIRE
GLOVES | DERNIER - TATIANA GLOVES
ACCESSORY | NEBEL - WHITE
GET THE LOOK
CROWN | PM - TIANA
COLLAR | TOKSIK - VICIOUS (RARE)
SLEEVES | INSOMNIA ANGEL - BIG PUFF SLEEVES (NOIR)
BELT | ROWNE - HUIZI LEATHER BELT (ONYX)
JUMPSUIT | BOUDOIR - LACE JUMPSUIT 1.2
SKIRT | MOON AMORE - LADY CRUEL GOWN SKIRT
BOOTS & SOCKS | DEAD DOLL - ENDORA
GET THE LOOK
HAIR | EMO-TIONS - MEDUSA
EYES | YOSHI - HOL II EYES
MAKEUP | LEMPIKA - BLOOD · LOA - LEILA MAKEUP SET · GORE-
GLAM - PANTOMIME GLOSS
EARRINGS | SLAVIA - BAT EARRINGS
RINGS & NAILS | RE - ELECTRA SET
DRESS | JUST BECAUSE - SABRINA (BLACK)
HEELS | N-CORE - KATE
ACCESSORIES | STOC - NIMIESH BAT (BLACK) · CHALLIS - BAT AURA · P240 - GHOST (WHITE)
GET THE LOOK
HAIR | NOVA - SOUND (NATURAL KIT)
EYES | LANDGRAFF - UNEARTHLY EYES
SKIN | VELOUR - DRACULA TONE
MAKEUP / FX | WIHK - MARTYR BLOOD TEARS
SURAVI - ANIMATED TEARS
TATTOO | SAXO - DEAD VEINS (FACE & BODY)
FANGS | MXS - VAMP FERA
JEWELS | RAWR! - PENANCE SET
DRESS | TOKSIK - PLACID DRESS (BLACK)
BOOTS | CULT - LAURIE
AURA FX | GIZ SEORN - ANIMATED BATS
GET THE LOOK
HAIR | EMO-TIONS - CONNY (BUN + HAIRBASE)
HORNS | LE’LA - HAG GODDESS
EARRINGS | APIKA - FEROX HANGER
CHEST PIERCING | YSORAL - LUXE CLEAVAGE PIERCING LAUREEN
BELLY PIERCING | SECRETS - CRISTIE PIERCING (GOLD)
COLLAR, CORSET & SLEEVES | LE’LA - RAZAKETH COSTUME
BRA | LE’LA - HAG GODDESS
GLOVES, HEELS & SKIRT | LE’LA - BLACK HESTIA COSTUME
GET THE LOOK
EYES | RANDOM BODYFIRE - SCARY EYES
OUTFIT | IRRISISTIBLE - MISTER BURTON CANE | AKA - MESH CANE BOOTS | A&Y - DEUZ BOOTS
GET THE LOOK
HAIR | TRUTH - SOIREE
EYES | LILIBEL BEAUTY - HALLOWEEN
SKIN | VELOUR - BRUJA (EVO X, DRACULA)
NECKLACE | SLAVIA - PAOLA CHOKER
NAILS | ALASKAMETRO - DEAD CUTE NAIL ART
DRESS | RUXY - MILDRED
PARTICLES | SEYDR - HALLOWEEN 2024
ACCESSORY | DE WARPAINT - MIRROR
ELVAZ MACPHERSON
GET THE LOOK
HAIRBASE | BRABOS - CONNOR
EARRINGS | AZOURY - NOCTE BELLUS
NECKLACES | CALIGULA - LION KING · OLD TREASURES - CTHYLLA
EYESHADOW | ALASKAMETRO - LENORE
TATTOOS | TASTIC - BLOODY FACE · BA BA - OOPSIE HANDS · STAR
CROSSED - LOVE BITE · GHUX - BODY BLOOD
SKIN | ALEXANDER - SCREAM · FAUNUS - GHOST FANTASY
SHIRT | MORFEU - URIEL
PANTS & BOOTS | CONTRAPTION - DECK CREW JODHPURS AND BOOTS SET
CLAWS | BONE DADDY - MEN’S TALON NAILS
PARTICLES / FX | PARTICLE STATION - SCARY SWAMP FOG
GET THE LOOK
HAIR | BOUDOIR - POMPADOUR (BLACK)
SKIN | DEETALEZ - MORTICIA (LEL EVOX, BLACK GHOST)
CHOKER | CENTOPALLINI - CAMEO CHOKER (BACCHUS)
GOWN | IRRESISTIBLE - HALLOWEEN GOTHIC LADY OUTFIT
GET THE LOOK
HAIR | .SHI HAIR - UNDERCUT
EYESHADOW | GOREGLAM - MOTH
NECKLACE | HJ - FAERIE QUEEN COLLECTION
EARRINGS | E.MARIE - ADRIAN EARRINGS
SEPTUM | LF - MICAH
RING | KUNGLERS - CELIA
GLOVES | YAYA - ROSE GLOVES
TOP | PANDORA - VELIKA TOP
SKIRT | MADAME NOIR - ELENA SKIRT
HEELS | GOS - MICHELA SLING-BACKS
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read up about the styling
2. Join ModeLS Reader group
3. Make sure your styling & picture is stylish and be inspired
4. Send your picture and styling card to modelsmagazinesl@gmail.com “”before THE DATE ON THE PICTURE”
subject : ModeLS Magazine Styling challenge (your name) styling card (example) HAIR | brand name - item name NECKLACE | brand name - item name TOP | brand name - item name PANTS | brand name - item name SHOES | brand name - item name
5. You will get contacted by email so keep an eye out !!
Living Pandora
Becoming Na’vi on Second Life: Pegase & !Great Na’vi Forest! Pandora, nAvitarr
By BonieFacio
Stepping onto the soil of Pandora in Second Life is not just a visit, it is an identity shift. When you teleport into the Pegase Sim or the !Great Na’vi Forest! Pandora, nAvitar region, you enter something that goes far beyond world-building or scenery: you enter a living roleplay ecosystem shaped by community, lore, and imagination. These regions are fully immersive roleplay (RP) environments inspired by James Cameron’s Avatar, inviting residents to become Na’vi, the indigenous people of Pandora, and experience life through their culture, customs, and spiritual worldview.
A World That Breathes Light
From glowing flora and floating seeds to towering sacred trees and moonlit jungle paths, Pandora in Second Life is a sensory dreamscape. The forests pulse with bioluminescence, water shimmers with alien energy, and every path feels like a discovery.
Pegase and Great Na’vi Forest are designed for exploration as well as storytelling, whether you wander solo, encounter other travelers, or join ceremonial moments with Na’vi clans. You do not simply “tour” these sims. You inhabit them.
What It Means to Play Na’vi
Roleplaying a Na’vi in Second Life goes far beyond simply putting on blue skin, it is a commitment to living fully in character. Na’vi culture is rooted in harmony with nature, deep reverence for Eywa (the spiritual life force of Pandora), and a way of life built on tribal identity, ceremony, and spiritual connection. Technology is used sparingly or not at all, and the Na’vi social structure emphasizes community, interdependence, and belonging. Within the sim, players step into roles that reflect this culture: they may become members of a clan, guardians of sacred forest territory, hunters, healers, travelers, scientists, or even characters involved in ongoing conflicts. The style and depth of roleplay vary from light, situational interaction to deeply immersive narrative arcs shaped over time, but the foundation remains the same, respect for the world, for the lore, and for each other.
Becoming Na’vi: Investment & Identity
Becoming Na’vi in Second Life is not a simple “grab a skin and go” experience, it is a process that requires time, intention, and often a financial investment. To create an authentic and respected Na’vi presence within roleplay-focused sims, players typically invest in a high-quality skin and body, a custom shape or mesh detailing, and essential features such as Na’vi hair, ears, and tail. Tribal clothing, accessories, and culturally appropriate adornments further complete the look, while joining sim groups or clans helps integrate your character into the broader community. Learning the lore, understanding roleplay etiquette, and engaging with the cultural expectations of the Na’vi are equally important parts of the transformation. Some sims offer beginner avatars or free starter kits, but most players enhance and refine their appearance and story over time. Becoming Na’vi is not about achieving visual perfection, it is about committing to immersion and embracing the identity fully.
The Heart of Pandora: Community
Pandora only truly comes alive because of its people. Unlike most Second Life destinations, Na’vi roleplay sims thrive through strong clan relationships, event-based roleplay, cultural storytelling, shared mythology, and the mentorship of new arrivals. Here, you don’t simply wear a group tag, you belong. New Na’vi are often welcomed, guided, and gradually integrated into the culture through interaction and experience, learning the ways of Pandora by observing and participating in daily life. Over time, players become part of evolving storylines that unfold across weeks, months, and sometimes even years. And while many choose the path of the Na’vi, others step into the role of humans, scientists, or RDA-style characters, adding tension, contrast, and complexity to the narrative world. This mix of perspectives creates depth and drama, allowing Pandora to grow into something more than pixels on a screen, it becomes a shared memory, shaped by everyone who walks its forests.
Becoming Na’vi: Investment & Identity
Pandora is not a “grab a skin and go” experience, but a world that asks for dedication, creativity, and intention. Becoming Na’vi involves time and often a financial investment, especially for those who wish to appear authentic, detailed, and fully accepted within serious roleplay communities. Players typically invest in a Na’vi skin and body, custom shapes or mesh detailing, hair, ears and tail, as well as tribal clothing and accessories that reflect the culture of Pandora.
Joining sim groups or clans and learning roleplay etiquette and lore are just as important as visual appearance, shaping how your character moves through the world socially and culturally. Some sims offer beginner avatars or free starter kits, but those who truly commit to Pandora usually continue upgrading their look and story as their character evolves.
My own Na’vi avatar is built with a Txanwetseng mesh tail with Sinwave HUD, a +Vamppyr+ Na’vi body skin, Uniltaron nose components, the Txanwetseng Anurai clan outfit, S.Beck headband, a height booster, hair by No.Match and custom-made eyes, and a Noche Porter black loincloth. Female avatars can also explore the latest EvoX skins in multiple skin tones available at the nAvitar location in Second Life. Becoming Na’vi is not about chasing perfection it is about committing fully to immersion and allowing your character to grow into the world of Pandora.
Do we meet you there? Give us a hollar if you like help to become an na’vi or join us.
Bonie
PhotographerLESLIE DALLAS
by BonieFacio
This month, Models Magazine is proud to present the brilliantly witty and endlessly imaginative Leslie Dallas, a Second Life photographer whose work blends mood, atmosphere, and storytelling in unforgettable ways. With a background in advertising and a love for SL’s quirky, imperfect charm, Leslie captures moments that feel intimate, cinematic, and beautifully human. Whether she’s sculpting light, chasing shadows, or stumbling into the “one perfect angle” that refuses to let go, Leslie approaches virtual photography with both technical curiosity and authentic artistic joy. In this interview, she opens up about her creative roots, her process, her favorite pieces, and the spark that keeps her returning to the virtual lens.
Could you share some details about yourself, including interests beyond photography? What areas of photography do you focus on?
Leslie: Currently? Not many SL interests beyond photography… but hope springs eternal that there’s someone smart, sensitive, and twisted just enough out there. Someday, my Prince will come. I point my little SL camera wherever and whenever the mood strikes. I try not to repeat myself too often and look for new and different expressions each time.
Have you undergone any formal training in graphic design? What sparked your interest in SL photography, and what do you find most captivating or challenging about it?
Leslie: I worked in advertising for many years in that tricky game we call RL. Not as a photographer, but in graphic layout and copywriting for print. I think my SL photography definitely benefits from seeing how images are chosen, cropped, and composed. I stumbled into photography in SL through modeling. I was lucky to work with three uniquely talented shooters over time, each taught me specific things and patiently answered my endless questions. The biggest challenge? The limits of SL itself. But that’s part of the charm. You can fix almost anything, alphas, wardrobe malfunctions, but if you fix too much, you lose the odd, quirky funkiness that makes SL… SL.
What three words describe your photography style?
Leslie: Nothing specific comes to mind! I’ll let others decide that for me.
Many readers are curious about your process. What are your favorite windlights, sizes, or technical settings? And what make the best angle for a picture?
Leslie: That’s the funnest part of SL photography… being able to “dial up” the sun, shadows, angles, poses, all exactly how you want. There’s no single angle, light, or pose that works best. For me, it’s about creating a feeling and then capturing it. Often, I start building a pose and scene, and very early on I stumble into the angle. And then I’m stuck! I finish the entire setup trapped in that angle, try adjusting an earring’s dangle when you can’t zoom in.I also spend a lot of time lighting shots… with photography systems, simple lights I’ve made, and SL’s natural lighting (which, honestly, was so much better before they changed it a few years ago… am I being negative?).
Is there a specific photograph that holds a special place in your heart? What makes it stand out?
Leslie: You can’t ask for just one! Like everyone else, I’m invested in all of them. They reflect emotions, ideas, and whatever was happening in my SL at the time. But… okay, okay, I’ll choose.
1. Sunset Shot (2024)
A random summer shot that received a lovely response. Playing with dappled, dramatic sunlight is always fun and relaxing.
2. Snowy Pickup Truck (Older Favorite)
This one is a favorite because the truck with fresh snow piled on it is one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen in SL. I love how item creators and sim builders put so much heart into SL, it’s inspiring. I stumbled onto this scene and thought, “This truck needs to be shot!” Then I rummaged through the closet and built a story around it.
What projects are you currently working on? Any future areas you’d like to explore?
Leslie: I just took an 8-month break from SL photography and recently returned to shooting and posting on Flickr. If there’s still a community that cares about this strange little SL/Flickr photography world, I’ll keep at it.
Q: Any final message for our readers?
Leslie: Just my sincere thanks to everyone who takes the time to fave or leave a kind comment. That encouragement is what keeps me engaged. And thank you to Models Magazine for reaching out, so fun!
