ONE-ON-ONE MODELING AGENCY AND DESIGNS BY SONATTA: A MATCH MADE IN SECONDLIFE: JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

Every so often, in a place as wonderful as SecondLife, I come across something truly unique among all the wonderful things here.  This past week I wandered into Egypt, and I stumbled upon one of the most stunning examples of high fashion to be found anywhere on the grid.  The audience members were seated in little 2-person tents to protect them from the dessert;s blazing sun.  One on One Modeling Agency had partnered with Sonatta  Morales fashions extraordinaire, to create a must-see fashion show.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):  What was your inspiration for One-on-One Modeling Agency?

Ponchituti Boucher (PB):  My inspiration to open One on One Modeling Agency came from the models themselves. I had heard complaints from many models about how they felt about the way some agencies were treating them and managing those agencies.  Whenever I commented to my Personal Vianaღ (curiosse) she always said the same: "Ponchi you should open your own agency.  But I wasn't sure if that was a good idea because I didn't want to deal with the drama, jealousy, envy and among other things, but then again I thought about the models.... they needed a safe space where they could explode their creativity, a place where they would feel admired and respected because of their talent, experience and trajectory a place where they will be treated as the Professional models they are. So, after a lot of thinking I talked to my dearest friend and business partner Diana Balhaus and Curiosse.  We made the decision and One on One Modeling Agency was born.

Diana Balhaus (DB):  We were looking to create a modeling agency in the fashion of the old days when models were trained to make every style a challenge, and designers were more than proud to give them their creation to walk in opulent runways, sort of continuing Frolic Mill's legacy or at least trying.

JB:  How many models are you working with?

PB: We are honored to have 40 fabulous models, since One on One is a by invitation-only agency. We feel deeply grateful they accepted our invitation. We have selected the best models of the grid, and we are scouting still. More invites will come.

DB:  One on One is a small agency, we don't cast models, they are carefully handpicked they are  Top Models of renowned reputation in SL modeling, they are all well trained professionals that "DELIVER THE GOODS" in every event we showcase.

JB:  How many shows will your models work in a year?

DB:  We only try to do ONE major show a month, it does take a lot of time to prepare.  The production is overseen by our wonderful team and the designer is brought in to approve every detail.  Our models work for other prestigious agencies and they are very, very busy.  Also we do charity shows so we maybe will be 12-15 shows in a year.

JB:  Speaking of your Designer, we are pleased to have Sonatta Morales joining us.  Tell us, Sonatta,   Where do you get your inspiration?

Sonatta Morales (SM):  Mostly from working, I sit down and start playing around with colours, patterns and ideas slowly start coming up, they take shape and guide me through the process, inspiration is practically an automatic work.

 JB:  Do you design these on your own, or is it a team effort?

SM:  I've always designed everything on my own, my cat helps me a bit though, it's good to have something cute snoozing on your desk,

 JB:  Do you fit the models individually with their ensembles?

SM:  No, I send them the outfits and they style the look themselves; I totally trust their taste.

 JB:  This review showcased Egypt.  Have you showcased designs from other parts of the world as well?

SM:  I sometimes work around a certain pattern or range of colors that evoke  a culture or a theme, this time the idea of Ancient Egypt came to me because of a perfume I got as a present and the whole collection came after that. I don't usually use countries as a theme, my idea of theme is quite free actually.

 

JB:  Do you build your own sets for your runway shows, or do you farm that out to others?

PB: Our stages are specially built for us based in the theme and objective of the show, the designers desire and personality and as a result of our long hours of brainstorming and of course to the amazing talent of our Runway creator and builder.

DB:  We have the amazing Frank Dexter.  He creates every single set depending on the theme of the collection. Every single set is custom made.

 JB:  Our readers can see the video of this most recent show. Are the still photos available as well?

DB:  Oh yes.  We have an in-house photographer who is simply amazing.  As a trained model herself, she knows exactly where to shoot and when.

PB: Every show has a corresponding set of photos, but we also, try to offer the largest media conversion to our clients and not just in the show itself but also the previews weeks when we do a big marketing campaign to make sure that as many people as possible will get advance notice of the upcoming show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8Dx9dOgQSY

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1N1CIlBPyc3lw_ZGvuTw8iRqmftVUD5J0?usp=sharing

JP:  Are your fashions for sale?  If so, where can they be purchased?

SM:  Yes, my fashions are for sale, I have shops in different locations too.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Time%20Portal/219/41/1930

JB:  How can readers learn about upcoming events for One-on-One Modeling Agency?

PB:  We are always working in our marketing plans and campaigns, but we are also working on the One on One Modeling Agency website, where we will have our calendar, news, coverage, Models profiles and much more.

 JB:  Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

PB: One on One Modeling Agency was born to serve the fashion world. We hope we have created a safe, happy zone for designers and models but would love to be the way all residents of the grid would enjoy the glamour, beauty and Fabulous of fashion shows.  Once again thank you very much for giving me the great opportunity to be read by your amazing readers.

DB:  I thank all for the support we've had so far, I invite the readers come and experience one of our events, who knows maybe they will get the modeling bug, it is a lot of fun as well as beautiful.  I want to thank all the models in our agency, they are all my heroes, the staff whom without them it would never be possible, my cohost for always having my back, my sister Ponchi and Marty.

SM:  I would like to thank you all for being part of my journey in SL and for the ones who don't know me yet, feel free to visit my main store anytime. Have a great season!

So…there you have it folks. If you are in the market for cutting edge designs, check out Sonatta Morales’ creations. And for an awesome look at some of SLs most beautiful and talented ladies modeling these creations, check out the next show by the One on One Modeling Agency.

Be there.  Aloha!

JB