Diva Designs

I Wanna Be A Celebrity - Week 2!

noreply@blogger.com (Phaylen) — Sat, 09 May 2009 04:06:00 +0000

Don't miss the exciting second episode of the new reality show filmed entirely in Second Life with real Second Life residents! In this episode, someone get sent home before the games even begin - and you'd be surprised to find out who the ones making that decision are.

Tune in to Metaverse-TV in world to watch it on your television or directly from their website. To read about behind the scenes information from a producer's perspective visit Phaylen's website, beginning next week she will be interviewing each cast member as they are eliminated in an exclusive aftershow podcast!

SL Reality Show "I Wanna Be A Celebrity" Premieres

noreply@blogger.com (Phaylen) — Sat, 02 May 2009 04:22:00 +0000

The last 6 months have been hugely busy for me! And now you know why. “I Wanna Be A Celebrity” premiered on Metaverse Television last night at 10pm EST 7pm Pacific! It was so amazing to sit and watch this thing all together in one piece with those who participated - Last night was an awesome opportunity to reconnect with some of them I hadn’t seen in awhile. This was something new to all of us - while I had
been involved in some context with Reality Shows in Second Life in the past (Big Brother) they just seemed poorly executed and missing a key component - that being the value of peoples character, the insight into their Second Lives. There was nothing intimate about things like Big Brother, we were a monkey on Parade accruing votes to stay in the game… I wanted to do something both unique and contributory to Second Life, and I think, along with an incredible team and cast, we’ve made an insurmountable achievement.

Here is the first episode, and here in High Res -
stay tuned until the very end for the trailer of whats to come this season!

You can watch I Wanna Be A Celebrity Fridays at 10pm EST 7pm SLT (Pacific).

Hey Posers - New shops Open @ Tricenter!

noreply@blogger.com (Phaylen) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 02:34:00 +0000

IMAGE Photography and Theatrical poses opens! All animations are - and always will be - 60 Lindens or less. Group poses and Couples poses are 130! Swing by and see some goodness!

AND! The CRUX has been unveiled at the Tricenter! He's cute, not cuddly, and probably stinks, but this new HUD driven Avatar is a MUST HAVE - he talks, he makes gestures AND he sticks out his tongue! You get to customize his colors and modify him to suit your needs.. check him out!

This wickedly curious and mischievous creature is ready and waiting for you!

SLURL to the store! http://slurl.com/secondlife/Zoe/123/48/31

A retirement from design

noreply@blogger.com (Phaylen) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 19:43:00 +0000

Well it's been coming for some time now, I'v not been able to find the time to release anything new for quite awhile, and I'm not really finding my heart is there anymore. 6 years ago I began toiling in the Second Life fashion industry, first by making these beastly prim gowns that were the benchmark of fashion for their time - I was the second prim dress maker on the Grid, so our ability to achieve anything truly fashionable was hit or miss - more often miss; but for their time, enough to make you go "Oh, woooow!" And back then everything was an experiment!

My schedule itself has me booked at least until next summer. Between DiVAS and the new Celebrity show, not to mention the shows in development, plus the book I'm writing, and the photography book I'm shooting now, I need to take something off my plate and this is what needs to go.

SO! Here's whats happening for anyone interested - My store remains there. Everything in the store will remain at their last sale price to make the shop a more affordable alternative for newer resident without much money, but who want nice clothes than then the default. Every article in my store will remain $L50 Lindens, forever, come what may.

NOW - Onto "Celebrity"

The newest reality show in Second life is waiting for YOU! Go to this SLURL and drop in your photograph and notecards into a Celebrity Frame for your chance to be one of the 6 contestants! It will be tremendous fun, so go put yourself in the running!

This blog will remain for archival purposes but I can now be found over at http://www.phaylen.com where you can read about my adventures through the metaverse.

Thanks everyone for being so supportive and thoughtful in my Design exploration. I'm not saying I'll never make another thing if the mood moves me in the (far) future.. but my guarantee everything I make will be at a price point that is affordable to all residents at L$50 - as well as being high quality. I hope that makes an appropriate thank you to the residents in the platform who have given me the opportunity to share my creations with them, it has been nothing less than a joyful experience, and I'm very grateful.

Warmly,
Phaylen,

It's bugging me.

noreply@blogger.com (Phaylen) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 07:06:00 +0000

You know, I'm going to be honest here, friends. I don't usually integrate myself into the politics of the community of Second Life. I am determined, for the most part to remain neutral and diplomatic about most every topic that makes it's way to my doorstep: Not because I feel my opinion is invalid, or because I feel it lacks weight, but because my opinions concerning things/issues/people not directly related to my Second Life experience are my own, and not for public consumption. If I feel something is remarkable, I say it. If I think someone has a beautiful avatar, I say it. If I think otherwise, I keep it to myself - why? What purpose does it serve to hurt someone's feelings? To belittle another individual enjoying their *own* SL experience? To humiliate or lynch someone whose tastes/opinions/interests/ideals differ than my own is not only needless, but it fosters a hostile, over-dramatic, painful environment. Regardless of that fact that our Avatars are hollow - they are operated by real people; People of every color of the rainbow, people with strengths, people with flaws, people deal with very real challenges in the real world just moments before logging in to "get away." These people, You, myself, every green speck on the grid represents a beautiful diversity that only an environment like Second Life can exemplify with such clarity and truth.

I am disturbed by the influx of negative blogs that have seemed to pop up recently. Blogs intended to tear people down, deconstruct targeted individuals, vilify them and negatively impact their Second Life experience... and this new media fad serves no purpose other than to rally a bunch of Hive minded people to draw the same conclusions and conduct themselves in the same remorseless, unsympathetic fashion.

It seems to have become more popular to be renown as "The great antagonist" than to be a champion of the efforts of our gridmates. It's easy to say "Phaylen, if you don't like these cold blogs, don't read them!" And I don't intend to, most certainly, but I'm most certain I can't be the only human being sitting behind my desk asking myself why... or how someone can ethically justify such behavior. Do we really discredit the power of the internet that much? Do we enjoy the tabloidesque aspect so much so that our own humility has taken a backseat and we enjoy seeing someone stoned to death with words? Is it the fact that we are sitting behind avatars, for the most part anonymously, that makes us believe we don't have to accept accountability for our actions and impact on another person?

Second Life was once about a collaborative experience. It was about celebrating your efforts and the efforts of those with whom you shared the experience with. It was about learning, about discovery, about being awed and certainly, sometimes about being offended, but more than anything about our shared world and what it represented in the greater scheme of things. We are in this together. Our world is not exclusive to us, but our experience is entirely and we control our own destiny in Second Life- why should that privilege be used to create negative, disruptive, hurtful blog posts about a person or people aside from the fact that one simply can. Anyone who has been the target of another individuals agenda understands that the implications and effects don't stop at the log-off screen. The consequences one pays for hanging off your sword are very real. In my own past I've been targeted - AND accused of targeting others in what has fortunately been my only experience with such things. It is so hard when something you love so very much, a world you depend on so much for enjoyment, for relief from day-to-day Real Life trials, becomes ugly and marred by the callous efforts of an influential blogger with Hive minded readers.

To that end, I say to those who don't feel compelled to write about only the things and people they despise, congratulations for remembering the world and it's contents consist of more than just you and yours. To those who communicate solely with the intention of imposing yourself and your negative reactions on another person to cause them strife, embarrassment or humiliation, I believe your talents are grossly misused. It is one thing to be constructive, it is another to exalt yourself as you deliberately and cunningly step on someone else just because you don't particularly enjoy their brand of participation or creation in Second life. Your mother wasn't incorrect when she said, "If you haven't got anything nice to say, don't say it at all."

I'm not so naive that I think we should all run through a field of tulips holding hands. Part of what makes our world so enigmatic and thoroughly addictive is the fact that it is cohabited by hundreds of thousands of other DIFFERENT people. We may not subscribe to or approve of their choices/tastes/expressions/endeavors but that doesn't give any of us grounds to obliterate someone who possesses those differences. We certainly don't have to take to our blogs and celebrate them, we don't have to lie if asked what we think - but what purpose does it serve to step out of our way, out of our experience and into that of another just to wreak havoc on them? Is that what Second Life is about now? Rather than creating and customizing our own unique experience, has it become about affecting that of another persons in a public, hurtful way?

Look, this is my opinion. It's the last I'll share so publicly and indiscriminately because I don't think the weight of my words hold any more value than another writers, and I don't want to risk this blog post being perceived as an attack on any one person or persons out there in the metaverse. It's not. I respect what people choose to do with their efforts, and I'm quite liberal - but somewhere there has to be a line. Somewhere, at some point, someone had to ask why.

~Phaylen

The Glimmer Dress - 50 Linden Sale continues

noreply@blogger.com (Phaylen) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 04:13:00 +0000

And ends this week. To close the season I have released "Glimmer." Glimmer is a fun, fashionable dress for any occasion. It comes in three colors, Red, Burgundy and purple. The Burgundy is the X-mas Special Edition and comes with a pair of boots with fur trim.

These have been introduced, along with everything else in the store, for 50 Lindens until Friday and new stock arrives :)

Enjoy ladies! Have a happy Holiday Season.

~Phay

Massive Sale - Everything 50 Lindens

noreply@blogger.com (Phaylen) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:44:00 +0000

Same as last year, before I roll out the winter line next month, I mark down everything in the store to 50 Lindens for a VERY limited time. Starting today, everything is priced to 50.

SLURL Here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Zoe/109/41/38

New Couture: Alurra

noreply@blogger.com (Phaylen) — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 21:46:00 +0000

It was time for a new couture dress, it's been a VERY long time since I've created anything along the lines of glamour, which is a little surprising to me given that fact that at one point - that's ALL i did. Wild, crazy Avant-Garde event dresses. It's what ushered me into this great big fashion world over 5 years ago. It not entirely a big secret that I paraded around in menagerie of the gaudiest glam gowns I could possibly create for the first several years of my Second Life®. Every day was dress up. Interesting to see the evolution of my own taste - in some cases I'm looking back at my old shit and thanking God!

So, this is Alurra, she a slimline sequined dress with a gathering at the bust. Can be worn with or without the included wrap which frames the shoulders and face. Again you'll see I'm not a fan of symmetry. Check it out here at this SLURL

Seeing Spots?

noreply@blogger.com (Phaylen) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 04:34:00 +0000

Then head on over and pick out your favorite color! New in the shop today is the most adorable little polka-dotted number, a short, flowing top and matching shorts. Sculpty sleeves fill out he shoulders and the sloped neckline provides a little allure. These are casual pieces that can be worn just about anywhere for anything, and if you're so inclined, you can add them to your pajama collection.

They're available now for $L 125, so do what you do best, be cute. OH! Don't forget to visit the 50 linden wall!

SLURL

OMG! Katy Perry is my new Muse!

noreply@blogger.com (Phaylen) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:56:00 +0000

I love her style, she hit every note spot on. I've even included a little flower for you hair. This little number comes in 4 colors and is chock full of sequined goodness. You'll sparkle in a slimline, lowcut dress with two layers of black netting beneath the "fabric." Check all the new designs out here - 40 new items in the last week!

AND.. here's my other Katy inspired piece. The woman is destined to become a fashion icon. Sculpty goodness here, with a rippled bodice with bunched lace.

3 New Designs this week

noreply@blogger.com (Phaylen) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 23:23:00 +0000

I've been hammering them out lately, and it's surprised me, usually I am a "mood creator" - I have to be in the mood to do something, have sort of inspired motivation. After working on DiVAS for so many, many months and not doing anything in terms of content creation, I began feeling stagnate and it was really giving me this yearning, desperate urgency even to create. So, now that I have time off, I'm in love with it again, I have a new perspective, certainly, things are coming together in this collection in a way I never thought would be.. not from me at least. I've made a bit of an inadvertent departure from the glam/gaud pieces of my entire 6 year history of design, and I can tell you why: Having to run around as the character Phaylen for 7 months in some of my own outlandish creations every single solitary day made me want badly for some subtlety, something a little more muted but still stulish. I think thats how I've ended up here, where my creative avenue has taken me.

The first are these gorgeous little dresses/tops- yes, they're diverse and can be either-or, depending on your preference. I did them in several patterns and colors but kept the pallet a little more subdued. The detail came out pretty incredible, especially on the bow. Again, I'm on a sculpty sleeve trip, just can't get enough, it's so nice to have martial that isn't like it's been decoupaged on out pixels. The provide interesting shapes when considering the frame of an outfit, which is critical, and oftentimes a struggle to keep it looking manicured.

So I thought to myself, "Phay, you love jacket-blouses but never see them in the grid." So I made one, I really like how it turned out, It went through several variations before i was finally satisfied with the result. I paired it with a pair of dark pinstriped slacks and a belt for some shine and it really made it pop. This really was a labor of love because I enjoy things that give the human body a more elaborate shape, framing the face and the arms. One of my favorite features about this set, specifically on the jacket, is that black lining, sorta like satin. There actually another layer of prims beneath that give it some natural flow when the wearer moves.

These I did in several different colors. I won't include the red one here but it's simply divine, of course I do fancy the color combination of red and black.

Each one has it's own charm and makes for an interesting piece. I like clothes that you *KNOW* will turn heads when you walk into a room. The piece doesn't have to scream, but definitely must command attention, in a favorable way too.

Last but not least are these little upscale blouses I did that have a really unique pattern that i created entirely by accident and fell in love with it. I named them all after streets in New York City, because it takes a high fashion woman to pull it off and not be lost in the strong pattern.

The high collar and scarf you're thinking went out with the 80's - and it did, so i brought it back with a little bit of re-imagining. The knee-length skirt included in this set really modernizes the entire look, instead of going entirely black, a soft gray gives it a little more dimension, so the belt that is included breaks it up a bit.

Again they come in various colors for your perusal at the store. Stop by and take a look.

Here's the SLURL for your convenience.

New Outfit at the shop!

noreply@blogger.com (Phaylen) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:21:00 +0000

I'm continuing my "fun with sculpties" adventure and finding that it really does an outfit justice to use them rather than prims. So I was working on this new, simple but elegant outfit and like the way the sculpties complimented the blouse. I'm still very much in a summery mood, as you can tell!

These are names after places in New York, and i felt that they had this sort of Metro-sophistication to them that wasn't stiff, but hip and classic.

Soft puffy shoulders round out the top and give the blouse less symmetry (which I hate when things are straight-lined.) and more of a fluid appearance. The sleeves are my favorite part, they are wide sleeves, but not as extreme as bell sleeves. The give the arms a wider, more loose and airy feel.

Each color comes with the top, skirt belt, scarf and sculpty attachments, so you get an entire look. One of the most amazing things is the diversity of the outfit, if you're not a fan of the full shoulder look, you can remove them and still have an awesome, fashion forward blouse.

They come in 5 colors (sold seperately)!Two are shown here for your consideration.

Summer Breeze Collection - $L99

noreply@blogger.com (Phaylen) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:36:00 +0000

I had such a great success with the 99 Linden sweater collection last fall that this season I decided that I was gravitating toward a line of airy blouses with fun, flirty but sophisticated patterns. I decided that if I had to use traditional prims, I wasn't going to bother, because my vision for them was that they would have puffy sleeves, and the spheres just don't possess enough dimension for my tastes anymore.

I buckled down and with some help managed to create some diverse sleeves that capture the look and feel of what I hoped to achieve.

It's taken me a considerable amount of time to come out with this seasons line. I've been inundated with work since the finale of DiVAS and the upcoming shows in production, as well as organizing SL5B. As soon as everything came to a close, I shut myself in my studio and worked on the color palette and played with some textures, then decided on the cuts. I came out with three distinct designs for the collection. The picture you see above is one of 7 colors that really capture the concept of summer. Here are a couple more, but space doesn't allow me to show them all in their color variations.

There are 23 available colors at the shop in Zoe: Stop on by and have a look if you're so incline!
Here's the SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Zoe/109/41/38

New stuff! Asian Insipred Couture

noreply@blogger.com (Phaylen) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 13:54:00 +0000

My theme for my spring 2008 line was inspired by the lush colors and unique cuts of the early Asian pallets. I intended to reinterpret them by giving them that modern edge, with unexpected colors, and unexpected lines while embellishing the dresses.I have done theme prior to this, but this specific endeavor really allowed me to explore the otherworldly beauty of Asia in a fantasy like realm.

Perhaps my favorite of the season so far is Lily. There is something about the red/black combination that is really timeless. The neck piece is really what stands out, as the feathers that frame the head have this stunning cascading effect. There is a gradient effect between the top and the skirt, which is adorned with rippling fabric.

Eliza is another of those Red/Black combinations that was too seductive to pass up. The collar is literally lush with free movement and the dress itself keeps the traditional lines, but punctuates the feminine frame.

The last is a really fun sort of quirky piece called Thai. This was something that I created in soft pink with a small pillbox hat because I found that it created a nice contrast to the others. It has it's own sort of charm, not entirely too serious or dramatic, but more disarming and innocent. It comes with it's own pair of bauble earrings, which I included because they are in a darker hue which compliments the outfit well.

The season isn't over, and coming soon is one called Caroline which is really quite remarkable.

Silence

noreply@blogger.com (Phaylen) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 09:37:00 +0000

Like so many others I was incredibly heavy hearted over the unexpected passing of Ginny Talamasca of Last Call. I had the distinct pleasure of getting to know Ginny pretty well last year while organizing the Metaverse Awards, and found him absolutely delightful, spirited and enthusiastic.

Ginny was, to me, the definitive designer in Second Life- He was the real thing. He raised the bar of quality and real craftmanship, and his artistry was nothing short of brilliant. This is a loss that will resonate with so many of us who held him in high esteem, and deeply respected his prfound contribution to our Second Lives. This tragedy transcends the worlds of virtual and real and punctuates how someone can unexpectedly and inadvertanly impact so many, many people.

Words cannot properly express my sympathy for those who knew Ginny beyond the boundaries of Second Life, and were privilaged enough to share the part of her life she called the Second. My thoughts and prayers are with you now.

Ginny may be gone to soon, but she will never be forgotten.

~Phaylen

WHAT??

noreply@blogger.com (Phaylen) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:44:00 +0000

I really enjoy this color. It's using some restraint but not entirely stifling when you look at it. Heaven knows, I'm not typically one for restraint, so I have no clue how this happened.

So today, I'm travelling around the blogsphere to dins two most horrifying things- two of the only blogs I read with complete devotion, are either gone or something bizarre is happening... styledisorder is the one that's gone. Hasta La Vista. Finito. I'm like... wtf? How could this be? Brilliant minds behind that blog and without a doubt, crisply entertaining... and then, my beloved Canimal, you know, the Woman who pretty much makes Phay.. well, Phay, cosmetically anyhow, has posted that her store is closed for a couple of days. For those who don't know, and you should be ashamed of yourself if you don't, Canimal is one of the worship-worthy designers who creates outside the box and makes me spend my Lindens... not an easy task to achieve. I loveloveLOVE her, and I hope whatever is going on sorts itself out, and that things resume normal operations soon. <3>

On the upside.. the blog I simply cannot tear my claws away from is still in it's usual wonderful form. Swirly Cyclone and the crew at SL fashion Victim make me laugh, make me cry, and sometimes make me vomit when I'm not even drunk! I LOVE these bitches. Their blog is not a blog, it's religion. Get into it, read it, love it, idolize it. So worth the time.

noreply@blogger.com (Phaylen) — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 18:27:00 +0000

I have been having trouble getting out of the sweater phase later. I think it's because the days are getting much, much colder and, well, personally I love sweaters. So, because my collection was lacking the slope-necked sweaters I did a series of them in various colors. I kinda went into this funky groove with the color combinations, they reminded me of being in gradeschool and some of the plaid shirts the kids would wear. I also did some more solid colors but still maintained the patterns. Of all I think my favorite is red- named aptly after my favorite TV Actress, Calista Flockheart, I loved her when she was Ally McBeal. Once again, the sweaters come with a prim waist to give it the gathered effect, and the collar is also made of layered prims for the effect of loose fabric. I was surprised how well that worked.

And gosh, I love these dresses I made. I've had it on for days before i put them in the shop. It'll have to be pryed off my Avatar by the time I'm done. It is definitely my signature style, it's reminscent of an era past but has a unique, updated flair that makes it fashion forward. The skirts are double layers, which I find improved the movement of the flexi prims, and makes them appear more fluid. I love skirts that appear to move as one piece.. excpet when you fall, every flexi dress turns into a man eating flower thats devoured your lower half. This was my first foray into making boots. These come with a platform heel, and go to te knee. The lower half is a prim and the rest are simply the mesh texture. It turned out much better than I anticipated, especially since it was a last minute addition to the ensamble, but I find it really completes the piece.

Off the Shoulder and Half asleep

noreply@blogger.com (Phaylen) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 23:03:00 +0000

So last night, my big, bad, brilliant self had pushed myself waaay past my limit to finish this really enthusuatic idea i had for the off the shoulder sweaters I'm digging. So, in a stroke of magnificent genius, about 10 am, I finish and decide to send a notice off to my Fashcon Friends before I (finally) retire to a much deserved, overdue rest.

Never do this. Never, EVER spam while sleepy. It's as dangerous as blogging while drunk. The two do not mix. In a half baked frenzy, drowsy eyed, I sent out pics to the group, full mod/copy and transfer ---- of my actual textures. Not just pretty models with the sweater on --- the ACTUAL textures for three of the sweaters. I don't anticipate them being a big seller now, given i've handed most of them away for free rofl. I'm cussing on the inside. They were cute anyhow.

Winter's coming, Sweater, coats, ect.

noreply@blogger.com (Phaylen) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 04:21:00 +0000

So I realized after having so much fun with Kit making the coat for her Jackie outfit that it would seem appropriate to continue making them. It's a new experience for me, and I had had this design sort of floating around in my head for a long dual-toned coat with ornate decor. I was delighted with how it turned out, rather posh but shockingly, not entirely over the top! Which means, my Avatard will probably never get to wear it.

The Manhattan Coat, named aptly for the city of light, has a subtle sparkling effect. The accessories added are optional, which I wanted because I realize how important diversity in an outfit is. The fur collar and flexi belt detach without much of an impact on teh actual design itself. They're pretty much fluff, but I chose to include them for full effect. However, It comes in black and gray and black and white.

Essentially I wanted something I could see someone wearing in the busting metropolitans. A woman of substantal effect moving through the chaos on her way to dinner, perhaps.

Because of The Manhattan Coat I've decided to do a Sweater Collection as well. It is the season after all, and believe it or not, beyond the Avatar I'm a sweater girl. I LOVE the beautiful knitted sweaters that fit close to the skin (The loose, baggy, hanging ones are a tragedy I cannot describe.) But when done properly, I find the sweater an incredible asset to any wardrobe. I plan to do quite a few in several variations this fall for the Winter season. I did them in Green, Red, gray, Teal and Chocolate. Here are a couple samples.

Fall 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Phaylen) — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 14:23:00 +0000

I'm working on the Fall 2007 collection while still in the hustle and flow of a hundred other projects in various states of developement. I'm really excited about this collection because it's uniquely diverse for me. I kind of surprised myself with a few of the elements that came about in the general evolution of the pieces, while still some others required me to go back to the drawing board.

It's times like this, when I'm on my 23rd edit of a texture that I wish I could just go the path more frequently travelled and make things easier on myself: Photosourcing. Sure, you'll get a knock-off from a Sears catalog but you know, they take five minutes to stretch/copy/paste- and people fall over themselves to buy them. Nah, it's just not me. SL is a creative environment for me, and always has been. This is what it's about for me really, improving, testing my skills, and above all else, being creative.