MichaMi Style Blog

Happy New Year!
2008

I hope you all had a very happy and safe New Year – and hopefully reading this blog while delicately nursing that miserable hang-over.  It’s crazy to think that it’s once again a whole new year – I feel like only yesterday it was the beginning of 2007 and the prospects of what the new year may bring were buzzing around the grid; and I must say – 2007 certainly did deliver in that respect, and I was not disappointed.  In today’s post I’d like to focus on some of the content creators who I think will be making a big splash in the fashion community through the course of 2008 – or at least the ones I’ll be watching for. 

Most of us will have visited more than one party last night, and today’s outfit is what I like to call “the after party dress” – it’s a little edgy and funky, and extremely sexy – for those of you who made appearances all over the place, can’t be seen in the same dress twice (especially in one night!) - right?

One color that I have started to see getting picked up lately is purple; I don’t know if I would go so far as to say it will be the color of next season, but I definitely feel like a purple trend is starting – and so therefor I started this look with Shai Delacroix’s gorgeous Lilac Wine Dress.  It’s just so elegant and sexy and despite all the textures and lines in the front (and that collar, jeez), the open back is really where the party is.  To me, this dress is a perfect example of the necessary balance between sexy and classy.  I have paired it with Storm Schmooz’s latest knee high boot which is simple enough to not overpower the dress, but also provides an adequate amount of sex appeal to keep it balanced.  And finally considering the dresses collar, it was pretty difficult to find the right hair without making it seem weighed down – but after much consideration, I’ve revisited my love affair with all that is Victoria Beckham and gone once more for that super textured short bob; which I think is going to be HUGE this year in both real life and Second Life – if you don’t consider it huge already.

*Product details, my list of who to look out for in 2008, and credits below the cut*

Skin: (CS) Vogue Skin – Bronzed (Plum – Smoky)
Hair: Armidi Hair – The Short V – Midnight I
Dress: *Shai * Lilac Wine Dress
Boots: Storm_Schmooz_Maitresse_Metisse
Gloves: *LAST CALL: Philanderer
Ring: P.C; Black Pearl Ring

Sofia’s Picks for 2008

Skins
A lot of skinners have started to emerge in the last quarter of 2007 making it even easier to customize your look at make your avatar standout from the crowd – here are my picks:

- ***Starley Thereian, Celestial Studios – Has been hinting for over a year now about new darker skin tones and a mysterious “new” skin.  Being a loyal fan, I have kept my tongue wagging and my eyes peeled – and shall continue into the new year.- Armidi – Since their opening (finalllllly) in August, many have been asking when they will be able to purchase those super sexy skins that are used in all of the store’s ads.  The response: “Maybe in the future..”

- Launa Fauna, Chai Skins- Who hasn’t at least gone and tried on the Chai skins since their release a few months ago?  I know I have – and they are gorgeous.  Launa Fauna has proved that she’s willing to “go there” when it comes to making skins, not only releasing the Noir themed skins for the opening of the ”Silent” sim, but also releasing the “perfect for emo photography” skins with the smeared makeup.  I’m excited to see where the future takes the Chai Skins line.

- **Laura Leandros, Mojo! – I know this one is a bit under the radar, but I’ve been sneaking around some of the fashion blogs for a few weeks now and have been able to catch a few tidbits here and there.  Her new line of skins that is not yet released is looking gorgeous according to previews available on her blog, and I for one am eagerly anticipating finally being able to try some on!- Roslin Petion & CJ Carnot, Tete a Pied- What can I really say about this?  Their opening of their truly stunning new sim has really marked the beginning of a new chapter for Tete a Pied.  Almost weekly and seasonal skin releases?  Custom skins?  What more can I say?

Other “Skinners” to Know for 2008: Minnu Palen, Minnu Model Skins – Aja Sinister, The Abyss - ***Eloh Eliot, Another Shop – Nylon Pinkney, Nylon Outfitters – Toast Bard, Fashionably Dead

Hair
I think us hungry shoppers in Second Life have now given content creators enough time to acquaint themselves with sculpties.  A lot of these content creators have already been delivering full force, how will they fare in 2008?

- ***Elikapeka Tiramisu, ETD – Perhaps the content creator who has taken the most abuse over the past year from angry customers to content thieves to cheap knock-offs.  However despite it all, Elika has never failed to deliver in my eyes when it comes to QUALITY.  Here’s to hoping that the new year brings her just as much success as the last; I know I for one will always be a loyal customer.

- **Lola Marquez, Armidi- I think it’s fairly safe to assume that Armidi has established itself as being on top since it’s final opening in the summer of 2007 – and if Armidi were to represent a kingdom, Lola would be it’s queen.  Yes, it seems that in a short amount of time Armidi has almost reached that “played-out” status – the products are of the best quality in all respects, but the limited amount of inventory coupled with the extremely high demand has quickly made Armidi a household name to the likes of Beyonce Knowles.  However, if there is one thing that cannot be taken away from Lola Marquez, it’s that no-one does sculpties better.  I have a feeling that 2008 will be an even bigger year for Lola and the rest of the clan at Armidi than it was in 2007. 

- Khai Sinister, The Abyss- Alright, we get it – he’s an alt… of an already very established design team duo in Second Life.  However, steampunk and cyberpunks around the grid can rejoice in the opening of his new sim “The Abyss” which shows promise in delivering the edgiest and funkiest styles available on the grid at such a quality.

- Paulie Tamale, COIF – It’s been debating on whether or not low-prim hair was actually to be considered low quality, or lazy – but I’ve just found it to be: different and original.  Paulie Tamale has certainly created a style that is all his own with his new store COIF – I think that his interesting sense of humor and style which is so apparent in his work will be making a bigger splash in 2008.

Other “Coifuers” to Know for 2008:Starley Thereian, Celestial Studios – seu Ahn, *SHOP SEU* – Stumbelina Ophelia, Cake – Kin Keiko, Kin - Helyanwe Vindaloo, Deviant Kitties

Shoes
Obviously once again with the advent of sculpties this past year, shoes have become a massive market.  Skills digital sculptors and establish content creators a like have been pushing the bar higher and higher to bring us some of the fiercest and most fashionable footwear that Second Life had yet to see.  My only hope for 2008 is that these same people who are pushing themselves further and further with every release learn the power of “the heel” and start experimenting with different shapes and sizes:

- ***Lola Marquez, Armidi -Again, no-one seems to know proportions and sculpties quite as well as Lola Marquez.  Just how I said no-one could dress a woman like Ginny Talamasca, and no-one can coif a head like Elikapeka Tiramisu – no-one can fit a shoe quite like Lola Marquez.  Enough said.

- **Storm Schmooz, Schmooz Shoes  - Being very new to the scene, it’s hard to determine where the path will take Storm.  However, in the few months that he’s been creating shoes for the shoe-hungry women and men of the grid, some of the best work available has come from his store.  If things continue to trend in the direction that they are with his work, pretty soon he can be dominating the shoe industry and dressing every toe on the grid.

- Onyx Leshelle, Maitreya-  Again, since the advent of sculpties – no-one’s star has started to shine brighter than Onyx Leshelle’s of Maitreya.  Perhaps one of the first pair of sculptie shoes I owned, Onyx was able to parlay the immediate rush into a massive career opportunity in Second Life – making a name for herself in just a short few months.  Her new sim opened very recently and I’m sure that means big things are to come for her because you know once you commit yourself to an actual sim it’s sink or swim….

- Veronica Skjellerup, REDGRAVE – Most people don’t know her name, but have you seen those sneakers?!  Kind, modest, and very under the radar – Veronica is the sculpting genius behind those adorable sneakers and fabulous boots available at REDGRAVE; a collaborative effort.  Here’s to hoping that Veronica continues to impress us in 2008, which I’m sure she will.

- Tesla Miles, TESLA- Yet another content creator capitalizing on the sculptie craze, Tesla Miles is a designer who only very recently came onto the scene – but in the short amount of time that she’s been selling her products she has managed to successfully open her own sim dedicated to her sculpted footwear and adorable hats.  One thing that makes Tesla stand out to me is her seemingly unique vision that has yet to blossom completely, I have a feeling we have only seen the bare beginnings of what Tesla has to offer us shoe mongers in Second Life.

Other “Cobblers” to Know for 2008:  Elikapeka Tiramisu, ETD – Neil Protagonist, PixelDolls – Fallingwater Cellador, Shiny Things - Stiletto Moody, Stiletto Moody Shoes

Clothes
Clothing is always evolving – anywhere.  The average Second Life shopper is as fickle as a two year old because Second Life has provided avatars with the opportunity to change and be ANYONE in the drop of a dime.  In 2007 a plethora of designers rose to the occasion giving Second Life it’s best year in Fashion yet – Here are my designers that I feel will sculpt fashion over the course of the next 12 months:

- ***Shai Delacroix, Casa del Shai -  Soo, um obvious choice of the girl who won roughly 4.6 million bloggers choice awards this year with the full sweep, huh?  But no seriously – with her tedious attention to detail and gorgeous texture work – Shai Delacroix is promising to have a great year in 2008 – her designs are so unique and some of the best in quality around.

- **Nicole David, Armidi -  WHO HASNT SEEN NICOLE DAVID’S WORK FROM ARMIDI?  Seriously, unless you’ve been living under a rock since August – you know exactly why she’s on this list.  Some of the best texture and prim work around, coupled with some of the hottest and latest fashions are what make Nicole David one of the most promising faces of fashion for the coming year.

- Canimal Zephyr, Canimal- In a recent blog posting, Canimal has promised a new redesign and a return to the world of fashion after a long absence.  Given her previous standing in the world of shopping and fashion, her unique style and personality in clothing, and her close connection to the “Miracle Mile” of Second Life aka “The Quad” – this turn of events looking very promising for the new year.

- Chloris Hathor, G.L.A.M.-  All I can say is: “THANK GOD YOU’RE BACK, WE’VE MISSED YOU!” – After what seemed like forever, which was really just a few short weeks, Chloris Hathor has finally returned with her G.L.A.M. store in a fresh and shiny new sim with a wonderful build by Pearlie Pedro.  If you haven’t seen her new sim, or her new clothes -  you need to go now.  Forget the hangover – go.  All will be understood.

- Miko Omegamu, *ICING – I think when someone is able to find their niche in anything and find something that truly worksfor them, it can be a beautiful thing.  For Miko Omegamu, dresses for all occasions is her specialty – and it works.  The movement of her prims is so elegant and natural, you can almost feel the wind blowing through your skirt as you walk.  This is definitely someone whose star I think will continue to rise in 2008.

- Saeya Nyanda, Kyoot Army – Saeya, who established herself in the Fashion community for her introduction of the PhotoSphere started on clothing not too long ago.  Her distinct sense of style, fashion, and texture are what make her a stand-out for the up-coming here.  Based on her most recent releases, I feel that we have only just begun to see what she is capable of.  And again returning to my theory about opening sims – her new sim “Silent” just opened about 2 weeks ago…

Other “Couturiers” you MUST Know in 2008: Antonia Marat, Artilleri - Emma Gilmour, Surf Shack Co. – Annette Voight, [DECOY] – Tuli Asturias, []::Tuli::[]  – Maria Gherardi, [MG] Fasion – Dakota Buck, Savvy?

Jewelry
Tedious prim-work?  Yes please!  Here are just a few of the creators whose work in Jewelry have earned them a spot on my list for the upcoming year:

- ***Caliah Lyon, Muse – Little to no controversy or drama and still known to be one of the best?  That has to say something for Caliah, whose been known throughout the fashion community since I joined Second Life.  I own nearly every piece in her intricately designed and stunning collection – and I plan on continuing that trend into 2008.  She also very recently opened her own sim with my next pick:

- Lucas Lameth, EARTHTONES – Now, I dont know who came first, Lucas or Caliah, but I do know that these two have been selling jewelry together in their respective stores for as long as I can remember.  Also known for his intricate primwork, and distinct attention to detail – Lucas Lameth is one content creator that I do not forsee disappearing from my map anytime soon.  He’s also a talented artist to boot, go figure.

- Cora Lu, Paper Couture – Although their releases only come seasonally, Cora Lu is one Lu who has never dissapointed me in her designs.  Heavily inspired by pieces straight from the runway, Cora’s work shares the same sense of humor and style as her other Paper Couture counterparts and have kept fashionistas wagging their tongues in eager anticipation for each coming season since Paper Couture hit the scene last fall.

- Ryker Beck, Beck’s - Though little is known about this store as of yet, the new year marks it’s opening.  Previews would tell that the work is very similar to that of Caliah Lyon, and if her primwork is anything like her photography work – I think jewelry connoisseur are in for a real treat!

Other “Tinkers” to Know in 2008:  Polyester Partridge, Yummy – Alienbear Gupte, Alienbear Designs

“Japanese”
Noone’s presence was felt stronger in 2007 than the “Japanese”on the new content scene.  My reasoning for putting “Japanese” in quotes is because it has long been assumed that all asian players with little characters floating over their heads that are indistinguishable to English or “latin based” readers are Japanese, which isnt always the case.  Regardless, you all know who I’m referring to – I imagine this is a community that will continue to flourish in 2008; and here are some of my picks:

- SAZAE Yoshikawa, =Cream Shop= – Original, colorful, and fun.  I strongly suggest the oversized pin and stole.
- BettiePage Voyager, BP* – Again, original designs, colors, and primwork.
- mirai Jun, Cubic effect -   The best place to go for stylish sculpted knits and dresses anywhere.
- Rei Gully, Zero Style – Actually an older store, but really fun bubble-gum and japanese/anime styled hair.
- Natsuko Paravane, Swallowtail – You all saw the prim necklace, come on. Really super cute prim jewlery here with excellent primwork.

Animations
What fashionista’s look is complete without her favorite and trusty AO and poses?  I’m just going to list these for the sake of saving space… Oh, and I’m losing steam at this point:
Torrid Midnight, Torrid Wear – Luth Brodie, Reel Expressions – Satine Dot, Old Gravy – Sayuri Cremorne, Sugar Cube -

God bless any of you with the stamina to stay here long enough to read this all!  I wish you all a wonderful and very happy and healthy new year.  Welcome to 2008!

Also, I would like to add that of course there are hundreds of content creators out there and clearly I did not get them all (in the 3 hours it took me to write this, ugh…lol).  If there is someone you feel I missed, or a certain designer you’d like to shout out – leave it in the comments! <3

See you tomorrow! <3

- Sofia

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 1st, 2008 at 15:40 and is filed under Attitude, Club Wear, Fashion, Funky, Girlie, Glam, Looks, Nighttime, Rock-Chic, Sexy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.