I remember first coming to SL and discovering the designs at Simone’s.  I couldnt afford them at the time, but I remember thinking wow..I have to come back here someday.  Once I started working as a hostess at Phat Cat’s, the sounds of the smooth jazz and the beauty of the environment made me recall Simone’s. I knew those gowns would be perfect for my new job.  So as you can imagine, it was a great honor for me to have a chat with Simone on how music has influenced her designs.

Marienna Cortes: In your opinion, does music affect fashion?
Simone Stern: Sure, as much as light, color, taste, texture, emotion, sound. Fashion at its best is art, so all the influences that would have an impact on a painter would affect a designer.
Marienna Cortes: thats very true.

Marienna Cortes: In your opinion, How does music influences fashion?
Simone Stern: Depends on the designer’s interpretation of that music, how that music affects the designer.
Simone Stern: There’s no across-the-board reaction to music.  My reaction to Mozart is probably going to be different from how you react.
Marienna Cortes: that is certainly true

Marienna Cortes: How does music affect your own  fashion style ?
Simone Stern: Well, depends on the music. ;D Obviously comical alive music with a lot of movement might inspire something more 1920′s, like a ragtime piece, than something dramatic and dark.
Marienna Cortes: interesting!

Marienna Cortes: Do you think the style/genre of music you sing/listen to, has had an effect on fashion?
Simone Stern: I take it you mean virtual fashion. ;D
Marienna Cortes: yes : )
Simone Stern: Then sure, music, food, the color of a rich wine… hell, even the color of my cats has impacted my work in virtual fashion.
Marienna Cortes: But how much of an influence would you say music has been?
Marienna Cortes: a lot, little, huge?
Simone Stern: We’ll go for ‘abundant’.
Marienna Cortes: : ))

Marienna Cortes: Is there any music genre/singer that has influenced you in your personal fashion style? designing?
Simone Stern: Nothing specific. I’m all over the board with my musical tastes.  As long as it’s upbeat, I’m all over it.
Marienna Cortes: Even in your personal?  Doesnt only have to be about your designs
Marienna Cortes: anything pops off the top of your head?  lol
Simone Stern: Naturally. Only liking Goth groups, for instance, and shunning other styles, is sort of like being presented with a banquet, and only eating the spinach, don’t you think?
Marienna Cortes: I would agree with you, a mixture is definitely always better : )

Marienna Cortes: Last question.. Presently, what music genre do you believe is influencing the designs of today?
Simone Stern: Depends. The same clothes are not marketed to all people. Like it or not, fashion is a business, and they break people, customers, into demographics just like the local  radio station. The magazines, too. Vogue, Cosmo, Marie Claire… they all reach out to a portion of the populace, never the ‘whole’.
Marienna Cortes: Thank you for you time and candid answers!

Simone sent me this picture of one of her designs influenced by the richness of music.  This design is as colorful and eclectic as the designer herself. Thank you Simone!

It’s important to me as model to be well-rounded and in touch with what people are into, as  these things can also greatly influence fashion.  For example, It can be said that Fashion is an Art Form. Music is also an Art Form. What could be more natural than to combine the two art forms to create clothing and fashion that is influenced by music.

Everyone’s got his/her own ideas regarding music’s influence on Fashion — especially in the age of MTV and IPOD. So in this 6 part series I asking six Rising Stars(singers and designers) how modern music continues to influence  the World’s (and their own personal) Style.

My first interview was with a dear friend and supporter, BGSinger Hermit. BGSinger Hermit is a classically trained vocalist who performs a wide variety of styles from Big band to pop to rock.  Big Band, easy listening, soft rock, broadway, and classical ballads all flow smoothly, freely, magically from BGSinger.   You will be entranced with each note he sings!

I was honored that BG,  found the time from his busy SL singing career to have a chat about music and fashion.

Marienna Corts: Thanks for meeting me today BG.  Always a pleasure to see you!
BGSinger Hermit: My pleasure Mari.
Marienna Cortes: In your opinion, Does music affect fashion?
BGSinger Hermit: await…lol Just a sec.
BGSinger Hermit: I think so….. yes!   I think of the go-go dancers…short skirts and long boots.  I think of waltzes and long flowing gowns
Marienna Cortes: true…I remember that era – from the movies: )
BGSinger Hermit: the Paris can-can… had its own fashion

Marienna Cortes: In your opinion, How does music influences fashion?
BGSinger Hermit: hmmm….  I think the music inspires the designer…..  to express the emotions evoked by the music to flow into the fashion…..
Marienna Cortes: I would agree with that.
BGSinger Hermit: kk
 

Marienna Cortes: How does music affect your own  fashion style ?
BGSinger Hermit: well…I pick the clothes to match the style…  a dapper suit to match Buble, Sinatra….etc maybe jeans and shirt for country along with nice boots…
ummm… a formal tux for classical style singing. So…yes the music I sing definitely influences the clothes I wear.
Marienna Cortes: dont think I have seen you in a cowboy hat and spurs yet.  : )
BGSinger Hermit: I have been un them…but not for a long time…lol
Marienna Cortes: lol
BGSinger Hermit: haven’t had a country gig yet.
BGSinger Hermit: oh…then the 50;s style music…  the Harley clothes I wear.
Marienna Cortes: Well, hopefully soon you will have a country gig!  You should speak to that mean ole manager down at Bella Vida…lol (Marienna is the General Manager of Bella Vida)
BGSinger Hermit: uh-huh

Marienna Cortes: Do you think the style/genre of music you sing, has had an effect on fashion?
BGSinger Hermit: well…yes…. I mean…big band evokes all kinds of suits…
40′s style…zoot siuts….  rock…”hippie” stlye, like jeans…. maybe pullover shirt…
 

Marienna Cortes: Is there any music genre/singer that has influenced you in your fashion style?
BGSinger Hermit: probably rock and big band….  I enjoy the look of the suits…..both formal and more relaxed…. and singer…prob. Buble….

Marienna Cortes:Last question..I know you need to go to the studio to record your next break out song…
Presently, what music genre is influencing the designs of today?
BGSinger Hermit: lol  wow…probably jazz….. blues, which I’ve been kind of thinking of along with the big band styles…. the more relaxed suit style…. open shirt…but with a jacket or vest….
Marienna Cortes: Yes I have seen that quiet a bit around SL.
BGSinger Hermit: yes…  it’s almost what I wear all the time now….  although I like leather too which fits jazz and 50′s styles.

Marienna Cortes: Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions for me. I can’t wait to see your next concert .  May you will be in your cowboy hat and spurs?  lol   Where can I find you schedule?
BGSinger Hermit: lol
BGSinger Hermit: on google  BGSinger Hermit    Here is a Youtubelink to a video BGSinger recently made: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0jzStqJ_iw 

Marienna Cortes: thanks BG : )
BGSinger Hermit: yvw…ty…:)
BGSinger Hermit: was my pleasure
Marienna Cortes: : )

Due to illness I was not able to complete challenge #1, I felt it prudent to do both options in this final challenge.  My husband Stato, was only too willing to assist me in this challenge.

Stato Meredith : Hi Marienna I would like to Congratulate you on being nominated for the Miss Refined International and thank you for taking some time out from your busy schedule to answer some questions about your experiences along the way in this prestigious competition.

Marienna Cortes :  Thank you Stato, always a pleasure to see you.

Stato Meredith : Can you start by telling us a little bit about yourself.  Your experiences in sl.

Marienna Cortes : Well Stato, I have been on SL  2 1/2 years and in that time I have been a hostess, mall manager , host manager of some highly successful jazz clubs.  Presently,  it has been an honor and privilege as the General Manager to have organized the Bella Vida Jazz Club 2nd Annual  Pink Charity Ball this past October 2009.  We had 24 hours of LIVE entertainment and raised over 240K for cancer research. To put feelings into positive action is a powerful antidote for hopelessness.  It was an overwhelming experience for me to witness the good that can be accomplished through SL.
My greatest SL accomplishment is the relationship I have with my  partner. Great relationships don’t just happen. It takes work, courage, understanding, compassion and a sense of humour, but the rewards are without a doubt, worth it.
My third greatest accomplishment is actively chasing my SL dreams from the bold to daring to the little meek ones.

Stato Meredith : Wowww!  Marienna you have done so much in such a short space of time.  What sort of experiences can you take from your time within this competition.

Marienna Cortes : The caliber of this competition has definitely been  challenging and I  have second guessed myself a few times.  I definitely learned that hard work  and dedication does pays off and while your fears may get the best of you at times, you shouldn’t give in to those self doubts.  I tried my best to remain confident in who I am and show the world that I can do this.

Stato Meredith : With you being tipped for the ‘top spot’ in this fine competition what will you be doing to keep that ‘top spot’.

Marienna Cortes :  I am elated to be in the”top spot” and I would have been happy with any placement.  To be honest, out of so many beautiful, driven and talented women, I don’t know what the judges are looking for or how I will stand out.  My plan it to remain true to myself and have fun with it.

Stato Meredith :  What does the Miss Refined International mean to you.

Marienna Cortes : I am very fortunate to be participating in such a prestigious competition  which not only promotes beauty and charm, but intelligence as well.  Having a beautiful face and body should not be the only basis for winning a competition.  To me its a competition about strong and powerful women capable of setting goals and achieving those goals.

Stato Meredith :  You are a very beautiful woman what is your secret. 

Marienna Cortes :  Well to be perfectly honest anyone can have a beautiful avatar, but I think it’s having a positive soul that radiates through to your avatar.  Believing in myself and most importantly being myself will always shine through.

Stato Meredith  :   Thanks so much Marienna  I hope you win The Miss Refined International and also good luck with any other challenges you have.

Marienna Cortes : Its has been a pleasure Stato! Before you go however, I do have a question for you. (Giggles)  How do you feel about your wife being a contestant in The Miss Refined International competition?

Stato Meredith: I believe that Marienna has grown as a person since the Miss Refined competition started.  I love her to bits  and I believe that she is refined personified.  I love her avatar  but its more than that to be Miss Refined its everything else about her.  The way she works so hard the way she conducts herself and the way she helps others before thinking about herself.  I believe that these are the qualities that the Miss Refined judges are looking for not only what they look like but what is behind the avatar.

Thank you Stato for those lovely words and your unwavering support.

PHANTOM’S VOICE:
Flattering child, you shall know me,
see why in shadow I hide.   

Look at your face in the mirror -
I am there inside!

Tomorrow I will be a model in a wonderful production of Phantom of the Opera Fashion Show by Catalyst of Fantasy.  Today’s  rehearsal was long and draining.  But I am sure the show will be magnificent.  The outfits are exquisite and I must say the men look dashing and elegant.  It’s always an honor as a model to walk in productions that are so well thought out and put together. Catalyst of Fantasy is a respectable agency with an amazing team of models.

What I also love about this show, is that I will be working alongside my husband Stato.  I always enjoy working with him.  It’s great to have a partner I can spin-off ideas with and share a common goal.  So I drag him shopping with me, but I think he only secretly “pretends” to hate it.

If you have the time, come on out and watch this amazing show!  The phantom is watching…..

CATALYST OF FANTASY PRESENTS….
            ✰*+*’*•.¸PHANTOM OF THE OPERA¸.•*’+*✰*+
           
                                           SPONSORED BY:
           
           ☆•.¸¸.•´¯`•.¸¸.☆  SHABBY CHIC DESIGNS  ☆•.¸¸.•´¯`•.¸¸.☆
                 ☆•.¸¸.•´¯`•.¸¸.☆ DIVINE DESIGNS  ☆•.¸¸.•´¯`•.¸¸.☆
                   ☆•.¸¸.•´¯`•.¸¸.☆ VANITY HAIR  ☆•.¸¸.•´¯`•.¸¸.☆
                    ☆•.¸¸.•´¯`•.¸¸.☆ SKINTIGHT  ☆•.¸¸.•´¯`•.¸¸.☆
                    ☆•.¸¸.•´¯`•.¸¸.☆ P3 SHOES  ☆•.¸¸.•´¯`•.¸¸.☆
              
COME JOIN US AS WE SHOW THESE AMAZING DESIGNS WITH THE   OPULENCE AND SPLENDOR OF THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA.

                                           AT
  ★(¸.·’´(¸.·’´:•.•:*¨*☆1 PM SLT☆*¨¨*:•.•:`’·.¸)`’·.¸)★
  
                                          ON
        ☆*¨¨*:•.SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21,2009☆*¨¨*:•

CATALYST OF FANTASY

THIS EXTRAVAGANZA IS FOLLOWED BY A FORMAL MASQUERADE BALL
 AT WHICH THESE GREAT ACTS WILL BE PERFORMING:

2PM – (*•¸ ♥☆♪ ¸•*)KIM SEIFERT (*•¸ ♥☆♪ ¸•*)
3 PM -  (*•¸ ♥☆♪ ¸•*)SKYLORD CARNELL (*•¸ ♥☆♪ ¸•*)
4 PM -  (*•¸ ♥☆♪ ¸•*)SKYE GALAXY (*•¸ ♥☆♪ ¸•*)
5 PM -  (*•¸ ♥☆♪ ¸•*)KATIA KERES  (*•¸ ♥☆♪ ¸•*)

THERE WILL BE A WISHING WELL TO ACCEPT DONATIONS FOR THE +*✰*+*’*•.¸CHILDREN’S MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION¸.•*’+*✰*+

-Brittany Buffington 

Our third and final challenge gives the opportunity to appreciate friends, family and those long neglected on our friends list and really wasnt much of challenge at all.  This week we were asked to contact our friends and family and get them to vote for us

Which Is Your Favorite Miss Refined International Contestant Photo?

This challenge was time-consuming true…but I must say it was fantastic getting in touch with old friends and playing catch up.  True to life, we get so caught up in other activities that we forget to take the time to “smell the roses”.  Was heartwarming the love , encouragement and support expressed to me.  This challenge gave me a boost of energy knowing that my partner, friends , family and even those long forgotten, gave me their full support.  Knowing that I have a great amount of support in my family and friends, gives me all the confidence and drive to not only accomplish my goals for myself, but work hard to make them proud as well.  Thank You!

Each MRI challenge has been a reflective learning experience, the first  challenged us to put our thoughts into words.  The second challenge gave us vision to see our own personal growth. Lastly, the opportunity to gain strength from support from our relationships.

I am sure each contestants experience has been different based on their selected challenges.  But I am sure they have all been given a new perspective.

If I had one suggestion for future challenges, it would be that we would be given the opportunity to get to know our fellow contestants better.  Perhaps, a joint photo shoot, party or attending a cultural event together.

Don’t worry the mirror won’t break or shatter… it will only show you who you really are.

So don’t be afraid and take a breath, and gaze up this magic mirror.

Look deep within it and take away the mist…

Past the thorns and lies that you have created…

And lo’ and behold,

There you are…

-Mathew Sutter

It’s always an honor being selected for any contest. Each contest I hope to be another learning experience. This Saturday I will be participating in the Winter Goddess Pageant.  I am really excited about this contest, as we (the contestants) will be posed a question and will have  3 clothing changes.  Hell yeah, I am nervous… but I have been preparing and feel I am up for the challenge. 

It’s always stressful picking that perfect look that will blow the judges away.  I must go through a hundred outfits picking that one that reflects who I am.  Now imagine 3 separate looks?  Unique has been drilled into my head, modeling and these challenges gives me the opportunity to express my creative side.  Where else but in SL can you wear a 10″ heel and not worry about your ankles swelling or breaking your neck?  

 When you know you have put together the best look you can it makes you feel more confident. You know when you step foot on that runway all eyes are on you and your gonna rock that runway!  Pageants/contests, even experienced in SL,  help  raise your self-confidence and self-esteem.  So win or lose, you know you put your best foot forward.

i look at the girl in the mirror
and i see who i used to be
but then i see how i’ve changed
i see how much i’ve grown
how much i’ve matured
how i grew more confidence
how i’m no longer afraid
to look at the girl in the mirror

i look at the girl in the mirror
in my eyes
my reflection shows no less
than pure perfection
i look at the girl int the mirror
and i’m proud of what i’ve become 
-malika giddens

Truth, I have a lot of catching up to do.  I didn’t think I had the energy or inclination to start a blog.  It’s been a difficult month, which I can get into at a later time.  But in doing the last challenge for Miss Refined International,  I had a reflective moment and saw the growth I have had during my time on SL.  Not just appearance wise, I mean lets face it anyone can have a beautiful avatar, but when I saw my old pics it took me back to those days.  Days when I saw SL only as a diversion. SL can take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride. From laughter to hysterical all in a day.  But in living each moment you learn and you grow.  Having  also been part of many wonderful charitable events in SL, it has been an overwhelming experience for me to see the good that can be accomplished here.

 What does Miss Refined International mean to me, I suppose I would have to say recognition…recognition of my strengths and courage.  Recognition that no matter how audacious or meek a challenge, I stepped up to it and confronted it.

diverse thoughts
reflecting why
Mirror Mirror, Why

David Taylor

Every mirror tells a tale, distorted, honest, shattered, clear, or reflective its my story to tell…