ModeLS Magazine 104 - July - August 2024

MODELS

SAFFIRE

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE MONTH

EDITORS

Letter Hello, Readers

Welcome Readers to our July and August issue, where we invite you to immerse yourself in a vivid tapestry of fashion and style trends. Before words are exchanged,

fashion speaks. It’s a silent language

that

era

communicates

affiliations,

becomes a conscious choice.

interests,

and

values.

In

an

of

heightened

awareness,

fashion

It becomes a platform for social commentary where individuals use

clothing as a medium of self expression. As we navigate the ever changing landscapes of fashion,

let’s

cherish the artistry it brings to our lives, allowing us to express our authentic selves with stitch, fold and hue.

Models life

Magazine

runways,

consistently

street

style,

tracks

the

newest

A-list

celebrities,

fashion

influencers,

and

style

social

trends

media,

directly and

from

other

real

sources.

Our fashion landscape is changing, but in the end it all still comes down to creativity. In this issue we have curated an edition filled with mesmerizing photoshoot layouts and insightful interviews.

The models from Amazing Impressions Modeling Agency took the preppy style with its preexisting aesthetics and turned it on its head using blends of hard and soft, angular and airy, masculine and feminine vibes to present delightfully daring remixes of Subversive Prepster.

If you appreciate the unexpected will love this

preppy with swag trend.

Our ModeLS Magazine Style Challenge, issued to all Second Life resident in our May/June issue, was Short Shorts.

This lovely, leggy trend has everyone wearing seriously short shorts and by short shorts we do not mean tailored styles that hit below or somewhere above the knee. Short-shorts can be very sensual yet comfortable as a versatile alternative to the mini skirt, and can be worn from day to evening. We’ll show you the fashion responses from our responding challengees

As the days have grown longer and the sun shines brighter, it’s the perfect time to embrace the spirit of the season and all the adventures it may bring. So, as you prepare to check out of your daily routine, we hope we have given you a glimpse of a summer filled with style, and inspired you to make some unforgettable memories. Whether it’s cruising in a a vintage Mustang convertible, a summer in the Sierras, hiking in the Ardennes Forest, let’s get outside

o i c a F e i Bon

a little more this month. I’m planning my next trip right now.

CONTENT

Staf-

BonieFacio » » » » »

Owner and Founder Editor in-chief Photographer Reporter Marketing & Advertisements

contact: ModeLSmagazineSL@gmail.com

Essy Luv » » »

Editor Model Public Relations

contact: justsoessex@gmail.com

Mel Licious » »

Photographer Writer

contact: mistressgaea@ymail.com

CashmereVanilla » »

Writer Photographer

contact: cashmerevanillacashi@gmail.com

cover

Lidsa

cover photographer Lidsa

Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

ModeLS Magazine and the Publisher do not except responsability for advertising content. Products, advertisement, pages and services mentioned are subject of change without prior notice. Every effort is made to ensure facts are correct at publication time.

SUBVERSIVE PREPSTER

AIM AGENCY SHOWS

ARTIFEX VOXEL

BLOGGER OF THE MONTH

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE MONTH SAFFIRE

COVER STORY

CONTENTS

PBR

GREAT CONTENT

PLAIDS

NEW STYLING CHALLENGE

MEMOLE GIHA

MODEL of the momth

SHORT SHORTS

models READERS

Blogger Artifex Voxel

by BonieFacio

Artifex is a friendly, kind-hearted, and creative individual who enjoys sharing her journey and inspiring others. Her blog started as a fun way to showcase a few pictures, but it quickly grew into a passion. Over time, she embraced the thrill of discovering new themes and presenting engaging content.

She loves fashion and creativity, often blending different styles to create unique looks. Her blog isn’t just a showcase of

my

what

growth

Staying she

of

and

motivated reminded

she

wears;

the

it’s

a

reflection

exciting

future

ahead.

can

be

tough,

but

herself

of

why

she

started and connect emotionally with my purpose.

Engaging with her audience is important to her. she aims to write more and interact with her readers, hoping to spark conversations and inspire creativity. Whether you’re a new or seasoned blogger, she says remember: “enjoy the journey, embrace learning, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. We’re all in this together. Happy blogging!” https://artifexsilence.wordpress.com/

Can you tell our readers about yourself and

and wiped out years of photographic content!

your blog?

I was lost, set adrift! I had nothing but fragments

I like to think I am a funny and kind person.

of ideas. But, after crying and cursing for a good 3

Friendly with a loving heart and a creative spirit. I

days, you realize you have deadlines to meet and

take my blog seriously but I am always thinking of

yes you can ask for a grace period but you got to

new themes for it just to change it up sometimes.

get back up and go so I did and thankfully, I am

It is a place I hope inspires others but I also use

still here with a new server that hasnt failed yet!

it as a reflection of where I have been and how

What I learned from that time was that BACKUPS

far I have come in all these years. What a great

ARE NON-NEGOTIABLE! Between external hard

adventure that the future is not set!

drives, my handwritten notes and the cloud, I am pretty covered. While I think fondly of past posts and

Describe how did you first get into blogging?

images, I embrace the chance to begin anew and I

I started blogging for fun, to show off a few

have! Setbacks are just stepping stones to growth.

pictures. Then the bug hit and I was blogging for stores that I frequent and events that I enjoy

What was your greatest failure and what did

attending. It started as a “Hey I got these pieces

you learn from that?

from this place” but then I began to take it more

One of my most horrific experiences as a blogger

seriously and worked on my presentation. A few

was when the hosting server of my images crashed

bloggers I follow really inspired me and they still

and wiped out years of photographic content! I

do and I am still afraid to ask questions but I do

was lost, set adrift! I had nothing but fragments

it anyway. There is no ‘secret sauce’ to blogging,

of ideas. But, after crying and cursing for a good 3

If you enjoy it, then do it but always be willing to

days, you realize you have deadlines to meet and

help out others. We were all new at one point.

yes you can ask for a grace period but you got to get back up and go so I did and thankfully, I am still

Can you tell me some of your strengths that

here with a new server that hasnt failed yet! What

really helped you in blogging?

I learned from that time wwas that BACKUPS ARE

Goodness, strengths! How much coffee do you

NON-NEGOTIABLE! Between external hard drives,

have? Seriously though, I would say my strengths

my handwritten notes and the cloud, I am pretty

are consistency, you want to keep up with trends

covered. While I think fondly of past posts and im-

and present them to the audience in a way that is

ages, I embrace the chance to begin anew and I

engaging. Passion, I mean a genuine enthusiasm

have! Setbacks are just stepping stones to growth.

for it. The audience can tell if you just dialed it in. Also a thick skin for criticism, Bloggers receive

Second Life is a big place, do you have any

feedback—both positive and negative. Try and

other interests besides blogging?

develop resilience and learn from constructive

I have been thinking of adding writing to my blog

criticism.

posts and being more engaging with my audience.

I may need some work on that though. I have

What was your greatest failure and what did

various RL interests that help me a great deal-

you learn from that?

knitting to help me embrace peace and quiet

One of my most horrific experiences as a blogger

myself and I sketch and do some freelance graphic

was when the hosting server of my images crashed

design but nothing I do now equals to what I have seen in SL. I always feel I am one second behind.

Why did you start with blogging? Describe your

writing

process,

from

concept

to

publishing. How do you stay motivated?

I started when I logged in one day and really liked what I was wearing (this was way back when, the pre-mesh days) and I took a photo of it. I had no idea about shadows or depth or bringing warmth to an image. No idea! But I Googled everything from how to post a picture to what does copy link mean. It was all so new then. Then I thought of why shouldn’t I do this? I love fashion, I love making an outfit out of 2-3 very different pieces.

I have worn hats as chest pieces for goodness sake! I clarified my purpose and set my intention. i wanted to share what I did with anyone that would look.

How do you motivate yourself to keep the blog up and running?

Staying

motivated

remember

why

you

can

be

started

tough, and

but

connect

emotionally to your purpose. Blogging helps you learn skills like web design, social media marketing,

and

content

management.

Embrace the journey. My process is unique: I let images speak for me, though that might change.

I brainstorm, tweak designs, and constantly ask, “Does this work?” If I love the result after some time, I post it.

The fashion industry has a lot of bloggers, how do you get in contact or how do you pick the designers to blog for?

I’m an easy-to-please blogger who follows designers I like to keep up with their new pieces. I blog about various styles, from dark and editorial to sweet and cute. If I like something, I’ll post it. If a designer I like holds a Blogger Search, I’ll apply.

The worst that can happen is they say no, and I’ll keep trying. Don’t be afraid to try—if you fear failure, you won’t be ready for success!

Model Memole Giha

by BonieFacio

Memole Giha, an Italian residing in the picturesque region of Sicily, enjoys the constant presence of the sea and a life filled with nature and animals, especially cheerful

her

beloved

disposition,

dogs.

Giha’s

Known

passion

for

for

her

fashion

extends beyond the real world into the virtual realm of Second Life, where her journey began unexpectedly.

Her initiation into Second Life fashion commenced with a chance entry into the “Miss Italy” beauty contest. As a newcomer, Giha secured an impressive fourth place, igniting

a

fervor

for

virtual

fashion

that

continues to burn brightly. This initial success spurred her dedication to modeling, ultimately leading her to establish

NovaEikon,

an

agency

dedicated

to

training aspiring models.

Throughout her career, Giha has been affiliated with numerous

agencies

and

competitions,

each

contributing to her deepening expertise in fashion.

One standout moment in her career was during the Miss Virtual World competition, where her “wow” outfit garnered

significant

acclaim.

Memole

remains

committed to her goal of continually learning and sharing her fashion knowledge, both in real life and within Second Life, inspiring others to follow their dreams and cultivate their passions.

Hello and thank you for taking the time to talk

Let’s get into your favorites.

to us. Our readers are very interested in who

1. What is your favorite personal style?

you are, where you come from. Can u tell us a

So if I’m talking about personal style, real is

little bit about who is behind the avatar?

casual chic, on SL it varies. I’m fascinated by fantasy

I am Italian and I live in Sicily, a beautiful

fairies in the woods, or a style like Lolita Gothic.

region, where I can enjoy the sea 365 days a year.

I love nature and animals and I have many dogs.

2. Who are your favorite designers?

My personality is very cheerful although, like

Dead Dollz - Kiddo Oh, eclipse design -Thetra

everyone, I go through some ‘down’ periods.

Blackheart, UTOPIA@Design** -Elisabetta Hyun,

Fashion is one of my hobbies, which I pursue both

lucia esposito - swallow, Atrophia - neo1991,

in real life and in Second Life.

Salvy Barone - RichB., VESTA, The emporium&PL Brunhild Uriza, and many others!

What was your first job intention when you came into second life? How did you feel about

3. Who are your favorite places to visit?

the fashion industry?

I don’t have a particular place, it doesn’t matter to

It happened by chance, like all the most

me!

beautiful things in the first and second life. It all began with a beauty contest, in one of the most

4. What is your favorite Movie?

famous Italian lands. From there it awakened

The Devil Wears Prada, I had never seen it and

my passion for fashion in Second Life, a passion

on the occasion of a MISS SL competition Frolic

that endures. The first login into Second Life

had us do the devil wears prada as a challenge, I

catapulted me into the orientation island of

played the role of Adrian Grenier, and dear Frolic

Itland. There were some billboards where a

was Miranda Priestly, he noticed who was perfect

beauty contest was advertised “Miss Italy”. Even

in their role.

though I was a newbie I decided to participate. I remember that period as full of amazement for

None of us are able to achieve success

all the new things that I slowly managed to learn.

without some help along the way. Is there

Against all odds I ranked fourth, and from that

a particular person who you are grateful

moment on I never stopped,

towards who helped get you to where you are?

How did you decide to be a professional model?

What are your hobbies and interests besides

Who or what inspired you?

Second Life?

It may seem absurd that I did everything alone.

It’s working in environments where I feel

The competitions certainly helped me, for me the

stimulated and can constantly learn. I love jobs,

challenges were a way to increase my knowledge

where I can contribute my own ideas and be

in the fashion field. That aside today, would I par-

creative. I am particularly interested in working

ticipate in another competition? due to personal

for foreign agencies, where I could further test

experiences I will only do it lightly and without

myself

commitment for sure. My decision to be a professional model? I earned it with respect, seriousness, punctuality and a lot of commitment.

Are u currently in an Agency? When did you sign with an agency? What agencies are you currently part of?

I am currently the owner of an agency called NovaEikon, we train models. The first agency way back in 2007 was itland fashion, which made me fall in love with SL fashion. From there there was a succession of various agencies, moda italia agency, ElaCor where I began to teach the art of modeling, Jen Top models, K.V.Models and Jador Fashion Model who introduced me as a personal model for her brand to Frolic Mills.

From that day I began to be part of various agencies.

Can

you

share

the

funniest

or

most

interesting story that happened to you since you became a model?

A very memorable moment for me was during the Miss Virtual World competition. Frolic had given us the assignment to make a “wow” outfit.

I did my best and when he was reviewing us he had me come to the front. I thought I had done something wrong, so I was worried. But I went to the front and he said “This outfit is WOW” I was surprised and happy that I had succeeded with the assignment. It is something I will never forget.

Tell us about your education: Have you attended

fashion

modeling

courses?

What related courses or studies have you taken? Does it costs a lot of money? or can you teach yourself?

What advice would you give someone starting out?

The first thing I ask aspiring models is: Why do you want to become a model? This question is fundamental to give advice on how to start being part of this world. Usually in my agency we do a very in-depth interview to understand the

Everything I know about the world of fashion is

status of someone’s inventory, their personal taste

part of an experience acquired over the years.

and style and many other things. In the end, if we

I have trained models who are recognized as

understand that the perspective student is

Professional models by many agencies. My only

strongly motivated to undertake this path, we

diploma was given to me Ad Honorem by Evane

recommend taking a modeling course

agency, who recognized my validity as a teacher and model.

What do you prefer: Modeling, blogging, print

Where do you see yourself in a year from now? Do

work, photography, competitions? and why?

you have any dreams or goals you want to have

I love modeling and showcasing my creativity by

achieved

photographing the outfits I create and the won-

A life without dreams is like a garden without flowers. I

derful landscapes that this second life gives us.

have so many that I can create an endless meadow. In Second Life, my main desire is to continue my fashion

What do you think about the competition in

journey, always learning and sharing. Each new piece

this industry, and the relationships models

of knowledge feels like a dream come true.

have with each other?

Competition energizes me, but envy, though

If you could change something in the fashion world

unfounded, thrives in fashion like in real life. I

in SL what would it be?

don’t understand envy, and it saddens me that

fashion can be elitist and doesn’t always recognize

others feel it, especially in an industry meant for

merit. Greater transparency would improve fashion

entertainment.

competitions in Second Life.be wonderful if fashion weeks returned to SL.

SUBVERSIVE PREPSTER ALL POSES SPONSORED BY ARMONIE

SHORT SHORTS ALL POSES SPONSORED BY ARMONIE

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Read up about the styling 2. Join ModeLS Reader group (secondlife:///app/group/5239fef3-47e7-e856-26e0-9a667c2f1394/about) 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 PANTS : brand name - item name 5. You will get contacted by boniefacio to make appointment for the picture if you are selected

Understanding Physically Based Rendering (PBR)

BonieFacio

Physically Based Rendering (PBR) has become the norm in 3D graphics due to its ability to generate more realistic and visually appealing textures. In Second Life, the use of PBR improves the overall visual experience. This rendering technique simulates how light interacts with surfaces, resulting in a more natural appearance.

What is PBR? PBR, or Physically Based Rendering, is a shading model used to create realistic textures by simulating the physical properties of materials and how they interact with light. It considers factors such as light reflection, refraction, and diffusion to produce images that closely resemble real-world materials. PBR relies on two primary texture maps: the Albedo map (which defines the base color of the material) and the Metallic-Roughness map (which defines how metallic and rough the surface appears).

To

take

full

advantage

of

PBR

in

Second

Life,

you’ll

need

to

adjust

your

Firestorm

viewer settings.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your viewer is optimized for PBR: •

Update Your Firestorm Viewer : Ensure you have the latest version of the Firestorm viewer installed, as PBR support and related features are included in recent updates.

•

Enable Advanced Lighting Model : Go to Preferences by pressing Ctrl+P or through the Avatar menu. Navigate to Graphics and check the box for advanced Lighting Model. This is essential for PBR to function correctly.

•

Adjust Shader Settings : Still in the Graphics settings, increase the quality of shaders by

sliding

the Shaders quality to high or ultra. This enhances the rendering of materials and lighting effects.

Ensure Atmospheric Shaders and Shadows are enabled for better environmental interaction with materials.

•

Optimize Object and Mesh Settings: In the Graphics tab, adjust the Object Detail and Mesh Detail sliders to a higher setting. This ensures that high-quality PBR textures and complex meshes are rendered correctly. Under Preferences > Graphics > Hardware Settings, ensure Anisotropic Filtering is enabled for sharper textures at oblique angles.

•

Texture Settings : Go to Preferences > Graphics > Hardware Settings and increase the Max Texture Memory to allow more memory for high-resolution textures. Ensure that Texture Quality is set to high to fully appreciate the details of PBR textures.

•

Experiment with WindLight Settings: WindLight settings control the environmental lighting and can significantly impact how PBR materials appear. Adjust the Sky and Water presets to find the optimal lighting conditions that highlight the PBR effects.

Conclusion: PBR can be demanding on your system. Monitor your performance using the built-in FPS meter and adjust settings accordingly if you experience lag. Life elevates the virtual world to new heights of realism and immersion. Just remember to optimize your system to enjoy PBR.

Photographer Saffira

by BonieFacio

Could you share some details about yourself,

I’m sure many of our readers will be intrigued to

including

your

beyond

photography?

hear how you actually make your pictures regarding

let

know

your

windlight, size of the pictures, pixels. Do you have a

background and the specific areas of photography

favorite that you always turn to? And what do you

that you concentrate on?

think makes the best angle to take a picture?

While most people I know now in SL knows me for

It really depends on the mood of the picture, I

my photography, I didn’t really start shooting in

have made almost all of the windlights I use, and

SL untill a few years ago. My biggest contribution

sometimes I just turn it all off in pitch-black and

to the [meta?] world has always been building and

set up my own lighting to get the effect I desire.

scripting. Sometimes just for chaos. Before SL I

I typically shoot in 4k but have gone larger in some

was a graphic designer and a website designer/

cases, and just like with lighting I feel like the

scripter so naturally after first starting to shoot I

angle is dependent on the picture, but I tend to

used my old tools of the trade. I feel like I have

imagine a person as the camera and what they see

a broad specturm of ideas that don’t manage to

before I shoot.

Additionally,

interests

could

you

us

correlate to any one particular area. I do a lot more “model” shots than scenery.

Is there a specific photograph you’ve taken that holds a special place in your heart? If so, could you share

Have

you

undergone

any

formal

training

in

the link and tell us what makes that particular image

graphic design, or do you have a background in it?

stand out to you?

Additionally, what sparked your initial interest in

This photo is abit of some of my newer work and

delving into photography within Second Life, and

what I feel like I am capable of. Apart from just

which aspects of virtual photography do you discover

the details and editing I put into this, I had a

to be the most captivating or challenging?

feeling I wanted to portray. Of all the things that

I am self-taught and have had many years in

we go through in life, the ups and downs, there are

graphic design prior to diving into SL’s vast

small moments where we may just forget those

photography world. I’ve been in SL for over 16 years

things and just be free from it all. Even if it’s just a

now, and back in the begining there was photogra-

fleeting moment in time, while we may be the

phers but the amount of depth and detail we can

closest to true happiness in that moment. I wish

achive now in SL is what really drew me into the

we could all get more opportunities like this.

art. I saw what other extremely talented photog-

son that decided to do pictures and then I did it. On

raphers were capable of and I became driven to

my work I’m mostly trying to show something real

make my own mark on the virtral world. I think

on screen, despite being a virtual reality, so there

the most challenging part is injecting depth and

is a connection between the environment and my

life into a photo, not just a souless screenshot but

avatar. Sometimes I’m photographing a situation,

an image that can tell a whole story on its own.

sometimes I’m trying to translate a feeling of mine into an image. The goal of my photography is to

What 3 words describe your personal photography

express feelings I’m unable to do with words, so

style?

it works as therapy. Music is my main inspiration.

Captivating, meaningful, soulful

Lastly, could you provide insight into the projects currently occupying your creative focus? Are there particular areas you wish to explore in the future?

Additionally, do you have any aspirations or dreams within your photography journey, and do you believe you’re making progress toward achieving them?

Currently I am still mostly occupied in SL with photography. Being in SL for as long as I have, I’ve done almost everything there is to do, I’ve built, scripted, ran stores, owned businesses, all that jazz. For my photography I feel like I am still not “there” yet, there’s many more emotions I would love to portray and many more stories I’d love to share. I have been considering working on sort-of a “light novel” of SL photography in which I tell a continuous story, but it’s taking me a lot longer to set it up just the way I imagine it.

Is there something else you would like to say to our readers?

Anyone can be an artist! There is nothing that somebody knows that you cannot learn. If you have an idea, a dream, a want, go for it!

I’m a quiet introvert psychology student that enjoys the silence and the calm of my home and gets annoyed by the chaotic noisy world outside. I’m just a normal person that decided to do pictures and then I did it. On my work I’m mostly trying to show something real on screen, despite being a virtual reality, so there is a connection between the environment and my avatar. Sometimes I’m photographing a situation, sometimes I’m trying to translate a feeling of mine into an image. The goal of my photography is to express feelings I’m unable to do with words, so it works as therapy. Music is my main inspiration.

New and exciting oppontunity awaits you!

We do live shows with Designer items, as well as, Fun shows for models to display their most creative creations. We are always looking for new and upcoming designers, or established Creators.

Contact Jenni Eros, Owner ReVel Talent Model Management

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Garden%20Eden/158/158/3202

COSMIK CLUB is Hiring!

Positions: DJ’s and Managers Working Hours: 08:30 AM - 04:00 PM SLT Join our vibrant team at COSMIK CLUB and be part of the ultimate entertainment experience! We are looking for talented and enthusiastic DJs and Shift Managers who can also DJ/HOST to keep our dance floors buzzing.

Contact BonieFacio [APPLICATIONS]

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