issue#7 June2014
#15 Crazy Connection #29 Visionaire Institute Three friends conspiring to take over the SL fashion world.
WrenNoir Cerise on shaping tomorrow’s leaders in SL photographic excellence.
#53 IceWater is Smokin’ Hot #85 LeeZu Scintillating stylings for summer. #103 Danielle Fashionistas #65 Miamai #111 Fierce Covers Wedding and Luxe Collections
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Is it possible to suffer from fashion schizophrenia? I sometimes think so. I am the proud owner of gothic white skin to brazen tan and looks that run the gamut from ultra haute formal to sci-fi. So which is the real me? I am not sure I could tell you. I love them all and feel comfortable in many looks. Does that mean I am unsure of myself or confused? In my defense, I quote Walt Whitman: “I contain multitudes.” In this issue of SL Fierce we will take you from formal to casual mix and match and back again. IceWater, LeeZu, Miamai, the dynamic photos of Wren Noir, Crazy Connections and our SL Fierce models grace our pages of this issue that offers “multitudes” of fashion ideas for inspiration.
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SLF Staff CEO BIANA ADDER STEELE SIRNAH EDITOR SITA WRITER MIELE TARANTAL MICA YOOTZ FASHION EDITOR STEELE SIRNAH WRITERS ALEXA MARAVILLA MIELE TARANTAL SITA WRITER PHOTOGRAPHERS ANDERIAN SUGARPLUM BYRNE DARKLY MIELE TARANTAL STEELE SIRNAH VINCENT DRAKE WICCA MERLIN WRENNOIR CERISE XMARA LUNDQUIST
COVER KOKO MAPIYA MIELE TARANTAL PARADOX MESSMER COVER PHOTOGRAPHER WRENNOIR CERISE
SLF Stylists ADONIS HANSOME ANASTACIA MARKOVA BELLADONNA WEXHOME BRITTAINY COLLINS BONIEFACIO CARLA CARDALINES CHELLE HAWKER DAHRIEL DIMITRI SHINN DOLCESTELLA DRACONIA GAMP LANE GRETEL BULLOCH HIKARU ENIMO HONEY BENDER IVYANA SZONDI KOKO MAPIYA
KIM RONGYU LUKA REQUIEN MALICA PYTHON MEMOLE GIHA MIELE TARANTAL NOC FARSTIDER NYREE SOULSTAR SALEENA HAX SAZZY NIRPAW SERENITY STEELE SIRNAH SUMMER DEADLIGHT TRINITY AIRONAUT WICCA MERLIN WREN NOIR ZIVAAH DARLING
KOKO WEARS ICEWATER ZAC STRIPED SWEATER ICEWATER XANDER JEANS ICEWATER RISE COMBAT BOOTS BROWN MIELE WEARS ICEWATER FIRE -MESH- ZIPPED CORSET - BROWN ICEWATER TERA -MESH- DENIM SHORTS DOX WEARS ICEWATER MIKE DENIM JACKETBROWN/GREEN ICEWATER CHRIS CLASSIC JEANS DRK BROWN ICEWATER RISE COMBAT BOOTS BROWN
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The Crazy Connection Malicia Python, Wicca Merlin and Dahriel join forces in the pursuit of creativity and excellence.
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WrenNoir Cerise and Visionaire Institute WrenNoir talks about beginnings, artistic inspiration, and training the future greats of SL photography.
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Icewater is Smokin’ Hot SL Fierce brings you some sexy looks from one of SL’s hottest new designers.
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Miamai Bridal Collection Beautiful gowns to make your special day as unique as you are.
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Miamai Summer Luxe Spend your summer clothed in comfort and beauty.
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LeeZu and SL Fierce’s Fashion Extravaganza A show celebrating some of the designer’s fabulously fierce creations.
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Styles by Danielle Presenting February, March and April’s Danielle Fashionistas.
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Fierce Covers Our stylists and photographers’ renderings of some of history’s fiercest album cover art.
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once read that the best talent is bringing out the talent in others. Not an easy task for most people when human nature intervenes and yet with an opportunity to interview the members of the “Crazy Connection” group, and their collaboration this view of bringing out the best in others certainly rings true. The Crazy Connection is made up of three very well known creators on the grid. Dahriel, the CEO and creator behind the pose store PosESioN. Malicia Python, the designer of Silken Moon, and the third person that seals the connection is Wicca Merlin, the CEO and creator of Wicca’s Wardrobe. The decision to merge as a group while still being independent brands grew from their friendships among one another. Dahriel and Wicca blogged together, Malicia and Wicca were long time friends and Dahriel and Malicia were shop neighbors. You could say the connection was perhaps already in the works. However, it wasn’t until Wicca decided to open up her own shop that they got together and formed the label “Crazy Connection.” While they each work separately creating their own designs and products, they join forces to push their brands by supporting and promoting one another. What makes it work in a world where one could say everyone is vying for individualism? Malicia describes. “The key to our connection is that we are real friends, people you show your half done stuff and they honestly give their opinion and kick your ass when you could do better.”
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Story by Alexa Maravilla Photos by Miele Tarantal
On Wicca: Pants, Corset & Bolero: Wicca’s Wardrobe - “80s LSD” Shoes: Redgrave - “Donna” Hair: Amacci - “Pythia” Skin: Silken Moon - “Wicca 3” On Malicia: Dress: Silken Moon Metaphor Hair: Lelutka Vibrato, Skin, Makeup and Nails “Model’s Own” (Silken Moon) Boots Dirty Princess Armor: Enfant Terible On Dahriel: Chest piece and bracelets: Wicca’s Wardrobe - New Age Pants: Wicca’s Wardrobe -Don’t fear the Reaper Jeans Boots:RFYRE Garrison Boots Midnight Skin: ~Tableau Vivant~ Kevin Skin Hair: [INK] Hair___FOGLIA ::Roots Nails: ASS
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This page - Wicca wears: Outfit: Silken Moon - “Paradox” Hair: Vanity Hair - “Meadow” Jewelry: Finesmith - “Midbar” Shoes: Redgrave - “Helena” Bag: Wicca’s Wardrobe - “Coco Bag” Skin: Silken Moon - “Wicca 3” Opposite - Gretel wears: Dress, Hat and Earrings: Wicca’s Wardrobe - Spring Flower Shoes: Wicca’s Wardrobe - Spring Flower Booties Hair: Tableau Vivant - Ophelia / Summer Nails: Nailed It - French Manicure Pastels Set Pose: Wicca’s Wardrobe
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Their individual successes in producing cutting edge, daring and fabulous designs and products could perhaps be attributed to the motivation and respect they have for each other. Not only do they keep each other informed by sharing information that is beneficial to their businesses, they share ideas and fine tune them into something creative and dynamic. I liked how Dahriel expressed it. “This is when magic comes.� With so much synergy in this group, what can you expect from them each in the future? Dahriel, whose work is inspired by real life diva Monica Naranjo, a popular Spanish singer, has plans to keep working on poses for PosESioN, and is currently playing with animations and fantasy poses like mermaids and hopes to make more jewelry. His next project
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This page - Dahriel wears: Pants: Wicca’s Wardrobe - Skeleton Hands Jeans Necklace: Zibska ~ Ezra Chestplate Skin: ~Tableau Vivant~ Kevin Skin - Tone 05 - 1 Hair: ~Tableau Vivant~ Dreadlocks series - Monk Hair Glasses: Air_KOTO glasses Nails: ASS
June 2014 Opposite - Gretel wears: Dress: Silken Moon - Femme Dress / Libertine + Stockings Shoes: Silken Moon - No Mercy Boots Black Skin: Silken Moon - Eclipse Casual Bisque CL Skin + Eclipse Nose Freckles Makeup: Silken Moon - Gold Desire Eyes & Simone Lips Burgundy Hair: Vanity Hair - Love For Sale / Blondes Earrings: Maxi Gossamer - Angelika Bracelets: Mandala - Sinra Zebra Black Nails: Nailed It - Rock Set Pose: *PosESioN*
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is to make animations for models and builders and while he has many ideas for the future, for now this is keeping him busy. Malicia, who owns Silken Moon, a store name that evolved from the meanings of silken, which stands for beauty and moon for imagination. These poles define her work. As a friend of hers described, Mal can change from goth to cute in 0.2 seconds. Her work is inspired by anything and everything. Sometimes, it is an event like the passing of Elizabeth Taylor that eventually spurred the creation of one skin set called “Drama Queen� that was not representative of her face, but rather the divas she played. She not only vents her creativity into her skins: makeup, nails and clothes can also be found in her shop. As for Wicca, who is usually inspired by music, or a feeling or an imagination out of the blue, states, “Ideas and plans we have a lot, but which ones can be realized only time will
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On this page: - Steele wears: [White~Widow] Sea - White hairbase A&Y Echo Cyber hair 1st ver - White BIOMECHANOID the goggles WW - New Age outfit [NeurolaB Inc.] Activa Ankles Boots Back Nuuna’s Skins B&W Black Male Opposite - Wicca wears: Gown(incl jacket): Wicca’s Wardrobe - “Arminta Gown” Hat: Wicca’s Warrobe - “Steampunk Hat” Hair: Baiastice - “Malvi” Glasses: Crie Style - “Guildio” Skin: Silken Moon - “Wicca 3”
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show.” After years of blogging and making her own poses, when she wasn’t able to find the right poses that she needed, Wicca started her business as a small pose store. With many accomplishments behind her name as runway and print model, blogger, stylist, photographer, how she still manages to find time to make clothing, accessories and poses for Wicca’s Wardrobe, is astounding. To perhaps sum-up her drive. “I am kind of addicted to try and create things that I missed for myself in Second Life and hope others like my ideas as well.” We’ve heard of the concept of “No Man Is An Island.” Well, this trio recognizes that despite their hard work they wouldn’t be as productive or be able to achieve everything they do without the support and behind the scenes work of people like Gretel Bulloch, who works with Dahriel, Sazzy Nirpaw, who works with Wicca and Steele, who works
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On this page - Chelle wears: Silken Moon Eclipse ES Goth No Tears Silken Moon Simone Lips Titanium :Wicked Tattoos: Oriental Style - Light Ink (A) Diety Accessories <DK> Deviant Prim Lashes Amacci Hair Sione (streaked) ~ Black Coal Wicca’s Wardrobe Claw Boots Black Leather MANDALA nails Wicca’s Wardrobe - Don’t fear the Reeper Corset and Leather Pants SM Eclipse Diva Bisque Nat Shine skin
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Opposite - Steele wears: Silken Moon Metaphor Pants Night SM Eclipse Luna Lips Hot Chocolate Silken Moon Amen Flasher Lashes little bones. Eulogy hair Moondance Boutique SlinK Avatar Enhancement Chrome Nails Silken Moon Shirt Chop Zuey The Final Judgement Blk Choker Set Silken Moon Amen Cashmir Black Skin
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with Malicia. “It takes a lot of hard work in the background to keep the train rolling.” For that the Crazy Connection again not only wants to thank their managers, personal assistants, public relations representatives, they also want to thank the support of their friends and customers who also help keep their dream alive. What can we expect from them collectively as the Crazy Connection? “We all have love for the different, controversial, and wild possibilities of Second Life.” If that doesn’t say it all, you can count that with the bursting energies from all three creators you can expect to see them involved in a lot more fairs and events in the near future. A lack of ideas is not the problem for the Crazy Connection; time to get it done and do it all is what gets in the way. Something we can all understand.
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On this page - Chelle wears: Silken Moon Simone Lips Silver Silken Moon ES Butterfly Gray Moondance Boutique Diamond Spider Claw Silken Moon Equinox Dress Vanity Hair: Cohimbra HP-Platinium Chop Zuey Widow Walker Slv Set SM Eclipse Bisque Casual Abs Skin
Opposite - Sazzy wears: Wicca’s Wardrobe - Spring Ivy Gown Green with Spring Ivy Armlet, Bracelet, and Earrings Hair - booN SEL740 hair chocolate Hair Accessories - Wicca’s Wardrobe - Spring Ivy Earrings Modified and Duplicated Makeup - *Glance Skins - Sigrid - June - Glossy 09 Lipstick [mock]Ivy’s Tendrils [eyeshadow only]
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Besides bordering on a bit crazy, working together has been a wonderful, intense and emotional experience as well as productive for all the connection members. Giving each other mutual respect, and validating their own need for creative space and pushing each other time and time again beyond their own ideas is only one way how they each bring out the talent of the other. Indeed a rare thing to do. It looks like the future holds a lot in store for this group. In their own words. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Come, see and enjoy! Be a part of the Crazy Connection!â&#x20AC;?
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On Boni Icewate Icewate Icewate black
On Hone Icewate â&#x20AC;&#x153;Janina Shoes: Hair an Ayashi Necklac Glow St Belt: vin Ginny T
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ie: er Frank T-Shirt gray er Zikz Cargo Pants gray er Rise Combat Boots -
ey: er “Tera”” top and a” Faded Jeans CandyDoll “Oxygen” nd Hat: - “Rocki Hair” ces: LaGyo and tudio ntage SL by Talamasca
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Apollo is wearing: Icewater - Brain Grenade Hoodie - red Icewater - Zikz Cargo Pants Icewater Charles Combat Boots black Adonis is wearing: Airflow Knit Cap(Black Border) Jarythâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Barber SHop Hairbase Evian Tintable Model Beard Simon Viva Las Vegas Facial Hair Ice Water Jim Rolled Cuff Jeans Dark Blue IceWater- Nick Double Layered Hoodie White [TRB] Combat Boots
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Zivaah is wearing: IceWater Kayla Belted Dress Slink Ilse Heels - White Accessories: MANDALA SITENNOAH watch & bracelet white *BOOM* Ahoy - Sailor Cap *LODE* Head Accessory - Ceri Band [white] Pure Poison - LouLou Jewelry Set [LeLutka]-MALEFICENT hair Summer is wearing: Icewater Lilith Corset Dress and Corset Belt Icewater Charles Combat Boots Izzieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stars Tights JANE Lil Piggies socks [RA] Runaway Nicki Hair by Headband: Diablo Band by RO (Remarkable Oblivion)
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Carla is wearing: IceWater Kate Bustier IceWater Lilly Unzipped & Strapped
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Hikaru is wearing: Icewater Johnny Leather Jacket Icewater Xander Mens Jeans Icewater Charles Combat boots ACTION Darmody Hair [MANDALA]SITENNOAH Bracelet and OKAKI Bracelet/Black
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Take your photography to the next level.
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Miamai Shae Model: Anastacia Markova Photo by Vincent Drake
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Miamai Julianne - Moonlight
Model: Belldonna Wexhome - Photo by Vincent Drake
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Miamai Gille Dust Model: Kat Dassin Photo by Miele Tarantal
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Miamai Alendra
Model: Calista Ella - Photo by Vincent Drake
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Miamai Julianne - Moonlight Model: Dolcestella Draconia Photo by Miele Tarantal
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Miamai Ygraine - Passion Model: Kim Rongyu - Photo by Vincent Drake
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Chelle Hawker wears Miamai Luxe Stephanie Photo by Steele Sirnah
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Chelle Hawker wears Miamai Luxe Anita Photo by Steele Sirnah
Chelle Hawker wears Miamai Luxe Gipsy Photo by Steele Sirnah
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Photos by Wicca Merlin
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February Winner - Prettyparkin Rexen Prettyparkin Rexen, the winner of the February Styles By Danielle contest, found SL like many of us - via a TV program. Although Rexen has a superlative sense of fashion style, she doesn’t consider herself a model per se; rather she just loves taking photos in SL because the creative possibilities are endless. Rexen has a refreshing look on why all of us in one way or another want to model in SL. “I think every woman in SL is just reliving part of her childhood and playing dress-up...or Barbie. The main reason I model is because I love the creative people behind the creations of SL and love using them in my images to express my mood or simply to show off their beautiful designs.” Rexen decided to enter the Styles for Danielle contest because she saw Eva Luxury’s picture and loved her gown. After visiting Danielle’s Main Store, she fell in love with Dani’s creations and decided to enter the contest. “Winning the contest was amazing! It was the second time that I entered a contest and honestly thought I had no chance of winning. When I got the notecard from Dani telling me I won… it made my day!” For Rexen’s winning look, she wore the Styles by Danielle -Estelle Lace Cream gown and Amberly Skin by Glam Affairs, jewelry by Alienbear and hair by Lelutka. “I guess I had the winning style because Dani liked the way her gown looked on me … I never really thought I had the winning look… so winning was a pleasant surprise.” Rexen has great advice that she follows avidly when entering a contest. “If you decide to enter the Styles By Danielle Contest, have fun with your styling and never be afraid to try something a little different.”
Stories by S
March Winner - JJ26 Ragu JJ26 Ragu - better known as Jay Jay - won the prestigious Styles by Danielle Contest in the month of March and we at SL Fierce want to tell you about her journey to success. JJ26 found SL like many of us have: through a friend that quit playing SIMS to join SL. Naturally curious, JJ26 checked out SL and is proud to say that six years later she is still “addicted”. JJ26’s modeling career evolved in a unique way. “I was doing women’s roller derby in SL and kept seeing women modeling on posters and in ads and that really intrigued me.” After a quick search in SL on modeling schools, JJ26 enrolled in the DMC. “I really wanted to be part of something exciting, and something that challenged my mind. I knew modeling would make me work hard for success and that one of the rewards would be to work with so many talented women and men from around the globe.” JJ26 first entered the Styles by Danielle contest December of 2013 after seeing an ad for it in when she was in the Charleston Belle Pageant. After placing second and third, JJ26 decided she did not want to give up until she won this prestigious contest. “ I entered the Styles by Danielle Contest because I love to be creative with my stylings. It is so easy to be imaginative with the clothes created by Danielle and that is one thing I loved about this contest.” JJ26’s winning look was inspired by the imaginative appearance of a chic ballerina. “The frilly top and pants were perfect for the look I was going for and I pulled it off by embellishing it with ballerina hair and shoes, making it all flow together perfectly. I think I won this contest because it was an original look, it was a outside the box style as opposed to something that was plain.” As for the March winning look, JJ26 wore: Gigi Ash full outfit from Styles by
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Danielle, Slink Ashia point extreme ballet shoes in black, makeup by MONS, hair TuTy’s BALLERINA (double buns in luminous blonde), Blackliquid hood in white pearls, and skin by Swallow. Winning Styles By Danielle in March proves that if you don’t succeed the first time, try, try again and never give up if you want something badly enough. “Winning this month meant so much to me. I was so happy that I awed the judges with my style and hard work. The reason it meant so much to me is because, I kept on going and didn’t give up, and each time, I competed my styling improved – it was a very rewarding experience.” JJ26 has great advice for future candidates, “Be unique, think outside of the box don’t be plain, and if you don’t get it the first try keep pushing for it, working hard always pays off in the end.”
April Winner - Rehana Sejian Rehana Seljan is Styles by Danielle’s April winner. She found SL on a SNS website and having had some experience in 3D chat she decided to join because there seemed to be so much to experience in SL.
Sita Writer
Seljan discovered modeling when she came across an ad for models by the Dione Fashion Agency in an SL community classified ad for Japan. “I met Kay Fairy who trained me from scratch. I built up my experience by appearing in a live stream TV show called “The Runway” by SL TV in Japan. I also started to walk in runway shows and to enter various contests outside of SL Japan to improve my skills. In 2013, I was Miss Hong Kong in the MVW pageant. I enjoyed this experience I would never have gotten elsewhere. Seljan’s reasons for participating in the Styles Danielle Contest were two fold; it gave her the opportunity to show off her individual style as well as showing the SL community how much fun it is to wear Styles by Danielle. “ It’s a really fun contest. I have always loved Dani’s clothes since her D-Design days and when I saw the contest’s announcement, I decided to join because it is fun for me to think about how to style her fantastic designs.”
As for the inspiration for the winning look, Seljan explains, “I wanted to highlight the concept of Japanese beauty and so I styled with a wabi in mind for the formal look and for the casual look with an iki in mind. In Japanese, wabi is a concept that means simple and minimalist, while iki is a concept meaning sophisticated coolness. I think my style fused with Danielle’s styles and made it a winning factor.” Seljan recalls that at the time she was involved in the Japan Fair and that it made her think of her Japanese culture. “I think the Japanese culture pushed me to victory. For me, winning this contest meant a big thank-you to Dani who has always been so good to me. I feel like I was able to pay her back for some of her kindness by winning this contest. I also believe this win will help me to be more confident in developing my skills as a model.” As for advice to future contestants, Seljan thinks that those that enter the contest already love Styles by Danielle. “No matter how difficult the styling would be, it is important to always stay true to your feelings, if you do that, the path will slowly open its course. And, even if you are not involved in SL fashion it is important to treasure what you like because one day, it might lead you to good things.”
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Story by Miele Tarantal
COVERS
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ow does a musical artist grab your attention? Often first with sound - a curled
finger of a tune, a lyric, heard through an open window; a primal communication of drumsticks tapping out the rhythmic leitmotif for a song that moves your core and soon your whole body; a fearless voice finding its way through a crack in a carefully guarded place, seducing and nurturing startling revelation and overwhelming emotion. But sometimes, it’s an image that draws us in – most often, the cover art of a new album, giving a tantalizing hint at the experience within. We love our music – more than entertainment, it’s our friend, our drug, our salvation. The best rock music embraces the controversial in sound and lyric concept, evoking powerful reactions through its exploration of sexuality and social issues, sometimes inspiring global changes in how we think and act, and healing parts of us that nothing else can touch. In the continuing effort to bring you “fierce”, SL Fierce turns its eye to some of the greatest album covers by some of the greatest rock and pop artists of all time. We hope you will enjoy these images, the result of careful styling by our models, transformed by the magic trickery of our photographers to evoke that original art. In the interest of time and space, many favorites have been omitted; a continuation of this series is intended for future issues. First off is artwork inspired by Elvis Presley’s eponymous debut album. It’s easy to forget, since so much music has come since (including the mind-blowing brilliance of The Beatles), and in the aftermath of his gradual decline in mental and physical health, how controversial and exciting an artist Elvis was. He was the grandfather of rockabilly. He sang like a black man, in the South, at the beginning of the Civil Rights movement in America. He moved his body onstage in ways that made women swoon with desire and inspired jealousy and hatred in young men, who would organize gangs with the intention of confronting him when he arrived in their town. He was the embodiment of sex and passion in a time when sexual conservativeness was at an all-time high. Elvis was the original musical H-bomb. Long live The King. Model: Adonis Hansome Photo by Anderian Sugarplum
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ew bands have been as influential on punk rock and rock music in general as The Ramones. They had a unique energy and style that is still exciting and fun today. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s streamlined, unadulterated, pure rock and roll, and their look for their first album cover encapsulated this concept perfectly. Models (from left to right) Kat Carter (Ramones: Johnny, far left), Miele Tarantal (Ramones, Tommy, 2nd from left), Honey Bender (Ramones: Joey, 2nd from right), Calista Ella (Ramones: Dee Dee, far right) Photo by Byrne Darkly.
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avid Bowie is the epitome of a rock icon. One of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest musical and artistic voyagers, it was entirely appropriate that his first great musical success was a song about an astronaut who cuts ties with his last Earthly attachment to venture into the unknown. With a career that has fearlessly embraced the most provocative subjects using and influencing all forms of art, from music to theatre to fashion, spanning four decades, he continues to inspire artists of all kinds. Model: Paradox Messmer Photo by Byrne Darkly.
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here are some artists whose work, if you have the bravery to embrace their message, can transform your life. The poetry and music of Patti Smith is passionate, unfiltered and intense, infused with the essence of how she thinks and lives. Artists of all kinds of the past and present consider her one of their greatest influences, giving them the courage to begin their careers. Her first album, Horses, is still as challenging and full of revelation as when it was first released. SL Fierce salutes this beautiful, fearless, incredibly fierce artist! Model: Saleena Hax Photo by WrenNoir Cerise
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f she did not already exist, and if one were to try to visualize a human form that is the quintessence of “fierce”, one might very well conjure up Grace Jones. Her challenging but undeniable beauty, incomparable fashion sense, fascinating covers of others’ music, transformed by her voice, vocal delivery, and performance style, have continued to inspire artists to this day. We feature here art inspired by one of her most influential albums, Nightclubbing. Model: Steele Sirnah Photo by Miele Tarantal
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eginning a solo career when you’re still a member of one of the world’s greatest rock bands couldn’t be the easiest thing to pull off, but that’s exactly what Stevie Nicks did, and did it with equal greatness. Her prolific songwriting as a member of Fleetwood Mac resulted in a backlog of songs that the world needed to hear, as proven by her many awards for them. That voice, the mystical aura that surrounds her, and her own unique sense of style, combined with her passion, make her one of the world’s favorite performers. We hope you enjoy this rendition of the cover art from her first solo album, Bella Donna. Model: Trinity Aironaut Photo by WrenNoir Cerise
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he may not have set out to do it, but there is no denying that Madonna Louise Ciccone has helped to change the world. Over the course of her career, she has helped to change the way women think of themselves, how they should be allowed to behave and how they should expect the world to treat them. Her contributions to feminism have been progressive and game-changing, exploding boundaries for women everywhere. Uncompromising, sexy, powerful, gorgeous, disciplined, brilliant, and so very, very fierce. SL Fierce brings you an interpretation of the album cover for Madonnaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first album, True Blue. Model: Gamp Lane Photo by Anderian Sugarplum
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any great artists and other geniuses have originated in New Jersey, but one could argue that the success of Bruce Springsteen has been enough to give the state all the glory it needs. His humble beginnings there produced one of the greatest rock musicians in history, and he has never left his roots behind, delving into them for inspiration repeatedly for songs with a universal appeal. Throughout his career, Springsteen has involved himself philanthropic activities. Most recently, Springsteen has become an advocate for same-sex marriage. We love you, Boss. Model: Dimitri Shinn Photo by Miele Tarantal
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ade is proof that quiet and classy can get you just as much attention as loud and crude, sometimes even more. Early in their active period, the lead singer of this multi-platinum certified band, Sade Adu, became the first African-born artist to appear in front of a live audience of 75,000, and an estimated worldwide television audience of 1.4 billion in 170 countries. The cover of their fourth album is stunningly beautiful, earning it a place in our collection. Model: Ivyana Szondi Photo by Xmara Lundquist & Miele Tarantal
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anet Jackson – Singer-songwriter, dancer, actress, record and film producer, clothing designer, author, philanthropist. And she does it all so well, with class and grace. SL Fierce presents art inspired by the cover of Janet’s Rhythm Nation, an album that marked her first fierce steps into true adulthood, embracing social issues, becoming a fashion icon, and breaking sales records all at once. There’s not enough room to list all of her accomplishments here, but they are truly astonishing. “Fierce” can only begin to describe Miss Jackson. Model: Nyree Soulstar Photo by WrenNoir Cerise
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ISS Alive! was the breakthrough album for this iconic band. Capturing the excitement of their sensational live performances (which included features such as Simmons spitting “blood” primarily raw eggs and food coloring - or “breathing fire” - spitting flammable liquid at a torch; Frehley soloing as his guitar burst into flames - light and smoke bombs placed inside the guitar; Criss’s elevating drum riser that emitted sparks; Stanley’s Townshend-style guitar smashing; and pyrotechnics throughout the show) was difficult to do, but this cover went a long way toward doing it, saving their label from bankruptcy and jettisoning the band to super-stardom. Models: Wicca Merlin (Gene Simmons) Steele Sirnah (Ace Frehley) Chelle Hawker (Paul Stanley) Miele Tarantal (Peter Criss) Photo by Miele Tarantal
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solo career that eclipses the success an artist once had with their band is so rare, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remarkable. Bjorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strength as a singer, writer and performer was on excellent display when she was a member of The Sugarcubes, but as a solo artist she has expanded like a supernova, creating transformative music and art experiences that defy genre, going so far as to inspire new technology for use in her compositions. The cover for Homogenic is an example of the boldly whimsical and surreal style of this transcendent artist. Model: Miele Tarantal Photo by Anderian Sugarplum
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ina Hagen has been performing since a very young age, beginning ballet studies at the age of four, and becoming known for her classical singing abilities as early as 9 years old. But Hagen fiercely pushed beyond classical boundaries, using her skills as a springboard for recordings of some of the wildest vocal performances ever created. SL Fierce chose the cover for Big Band Explosion to represent Hagenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intensely colorful and joyful presence in music. Model: Wicca Merlin Photo by Miele Tarantal
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he White Stripes, as famous for their embrace of absurdity and adherence to minimalism as they were for their music, were one of the most innovative bands of the aughties. At their worst, they were the aural equivalent of an otherwise charming yet directionless improvisational sketch experiment; at their best, they captured soundscapes and emotions with a freshness and authenticity unlike anything heard before. Part of their bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s aesthetic was embracing a color palette of red, black and white in any art associated with the band as a form of branding, to excellent effect. The cover for Get Behind Me, Satan, The White Stripeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fifth album, serves as a striking example. Models: Brittainy Collins & Luka Requien Photo by Byrne Darkly
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iz Phair’s lyrics have always been blunt, bitingly funny, often alarming, and at times sexually explicit. After the success of her debut album, widely regarded as a masterpiece, it appeared that she struggled to write her music and form her public persona to the expectations of her label, with mixed results. Her final album, released to the public via a link on her website, was rejected by her record company, generally panned by the critics, and caused her to lose her contract. But one can argue that it was an incredibly gutsy thing to do, exposing the album in its untouched-by-the-bigstudio form. Even the harshest critics acknowledged, from the exasperated, raw and unrefined chaos of that album, shone the brilliance that had always been there. Is it too much to hope that, instead of fading away, she will rise from the ashes with new work? Not at all – her newest album will be released this month. SL Fierce celebrates with art inspired by Phair’s debut album, Exile from Guyville. Model: Wicca Merlin Photo by Miele Tarantal
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ur collection wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be complete without art inspired by a cover from the incandescent Lady Gaga. A completely fearless and enormously gifted performer, inspired by and joining the greats who came before her, Gaga constantly reinvents herself, totally committed to provoking, delighting, startling, and entertaining. Her career so far has been consistently marked with charitable acts and a striving to be as connected with and appreciative of her fans as possible. We look forward with eager anticipation to experiencing more of her work, and to the new talent that will surely arise from her legion of Little Monsters, to whose wings she has given courage to fly. Model: BloodyMistress Serenity Photo by Miele Tarantal
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