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