In conversation with Mimi Juneau - Lacy Muircastle Reporting...

The name Mimi Juneau is synonymous with fashion in Second Life.  She has been a proud supporter of all things fashion related for close on ten years now.

I’ve interviewed Mimi several times during my time as an SL journalist, the last time being five years ago.

I thought it was high time to catch up with her again.

Much has changed in Second Life over those five years and the biggest of those changes being the introduction of mesh and the online Second Life Marketplace.  Whilst we all know that the only constant in life is change, not all change is positive or necessarily for the greater good.  But nevertheless, we relentlessly move forward.

I sat down with Mimi in her store, Mimi’s Choice, which is now on Redgrave’s Sim.  One of the most significant consequences of the changes in SL has been that she’s had to let go of her own sim.  Happily, though she’s back with her friends the Redgrave’s, which is where it all started for her back in 2007.

Mimi’s Choice turns ten later in the year, and Mimi is enjoying what she does more than ever.  She still says she’s just a poor reseller, but actually, she’s much more than that.  She’s an icon of fashion and a thoroughly lovely person to boot.   She continues to work as hard as she ever did, representing a number of high-end designers. 

Sadly she’s had to reduce the size of the store but she is pragmatic about the situation and basically, has taken the stance of rolling with the punches.

Mimi will happily assist those that ask for her help.  For instance, my shoes and feet were mismatched to the mesh body that I was wearing and she kindly pointed out the error of my ways.  My problem is that I’ve never really taken to mesh as it’s all such a damn hassle.  You need a degree in order to make your avatar look even halfway decent and to be honest, I don’t have either the time or the inclination to learn all the ins and outs.  Nevertheless, I digress.  Mimi will go so far as being your personal shopper to help you navigate the plethora of stores out there.  For example, if you happen to be a male avatar and don’t know where to begin to look for decent hair, just ask Mimi, she knows all the good designers.

Mimi’s Choice has to compete with subscription boxes these days.  These subscription boxes contain items from a number of designers and are issued, in some cases. as regularly as monthly.  For example BishBox and Luxe Box.  These boxes have added a new dimension to the resale of Second Life fashion and interior décor, to the detriment of the likes of Mimi’s Choice and add pressure to the SL fashion designer’s bottom line.

If you’re looking for a proper old fashioned shopping experience then Mimi’s Choice is where to find it.  Half the fun in acquiring new clothes and accessories is looking at what’s available and comparing what’s out there.  At Mimi’s Choice, you can do that all under one roof where everything from, hair and shoes to the latest glam gown is waiting for you.

Mimi is still enjoying her Second Life journey even if it’s a bit of an uphill battle these days.

As for the future of Mimi's Choice, she said that she will continue to provide an environment where designers of Second Life can come together in one unique environment and exhibit their top items for the masses of SL to enjoy.

She concluded, “Times have changed and will continue to do so, but Mimi's Choice will continue as is for as long as possible.”

To keep up to date with what’s available in store check out Mimi’s Choice blog – http://mimischoice.blogspot.be/

The SL Enquirer and our readers wish Mimi’s Choice a fantastic tenth anniversary later in the year and many more to come.

Location of Mimi's Choice:

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/REDGRAVE%20Skins%20Fashion/176/83/46