Bringing you THE BEST OF SECOND LIFE

Frank Sinatra… Dean Martin… Sammy Davis, Jr… Shirley Maclaine… Peter Lawford… Joey Bishop… The 50s and 60s saw Ol’ Blue Eyes form a close-knit friendship with a group of talented pals that became known as “The Rat Pack.”

Performing together or just hanging out, the Rat Pack was the epitome of cool. And designer Applonia Criss took inspiration from this iconic group with their undeniable style to bring you her latest releases, Chantkare’s “Rat Pack” Collection.

You’ll be snappin’ your fingers all the way to Vegas…

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tabula%20rasa/132/219/27

By Breezie Noel

Photography furnished by Applonia Criss

Honestly, the winter clothing of Second Life is so incredible this year. A perfect example of a fine designer at the top of her game is Applonia Criss of Chantkare.

Just look at her last release of 2009 – The “Sweaterless” ensemble is a delightful wool knit dress with muffler and gloves…just gorgeous.

And today, oh boy, get ready for a treat. Today Applonia releases two fabulous Chantkare gowns and a new hairstyle from her Labieja label.

“La Traviata” is a vision in sheer lace and exquisite details, including a whimsical headpiece and shoulder armor that put an optional surprise twist on this lush gown.

In keeping with her romantic mood, Chantkare’s “La Boheme” is a marvelous confection of light and dark, with yards and yards of tulle, and, again, an edgy accessory in the “Boheme Face Guard” that takes the design to another level.

Both photos show Applonia’s new “Labieja Hair 2010″ updo – a perfect accompaniment to the new styles as well as a fresh look for 2010.

Well done, Appl!

Main Entrance
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tabula%20rasa/133/219/27

East Wing
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tabula%20rasa/222/239/33

Applonia Criss of Chantkare just keeps getting better and better. The new Chantkare Winter Collection is a pure triumph of style and panache, offering original designs for the discriminating woman, from casual to daytime chic to striking evening wear.

Feast your eyes on this fabulous collection, and don’t even pretend to resist!

Oh, did I say the “discriminating woman?” Let me hasten to announce, my friends, that Appl is now designing for the Second Life male, too! Distinctive and sophisticated menswear that will set the discriminating man apart from the crowd.

Finally, this just in… There’s a huge Fall Sale at the Chantkare Main Shop in Tabula Rasa, with many selected items marked down. Go upstairs for great bargains on fabulous fall fashions!

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tabula%20rasa/132/219/27

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Couture%20Boulevard/86/86/2

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Laguna%20Arenal/222/144/23

Designer Applonia Criss wowed Second Life fashionistas with her recent new Fall Releases. And now she has done it again with the newest additions to the Chantkare Fall Collection!

The “Chi Chi Coat” is just that – very “chi chi,” as in chic and stylish. The textures are perfect for fall, and the 2-color combinations make this a great layering option.

And what to layer over? Why the new Chantkare “Paush Pant!” These pants are bright and vibrant – just the thing to brighten your spirits on those gloomy October and November days. I really like the feminine cuffs, and the multiple colors make it a natural for mixing and matching.

Here’s another fabulous layering option – Chantkare’s “Fall Jacket.” In a great take on plaid, taking it on the bias, this jacket looks so cool with its collar over the high buttoned neck. Wear it with a pencil skirt or long flowing skirt or your favorite pair of slacks; this jacket will be one of your fall staples.

Of course, Fall isn’t just about keeping warm – it’s also about looking beautiful at autumn events. Chantkare’s “Holiday” combines soft feminine colors with the sheerest delicate lace for a lovely after 5 dress that will turn heads for sure.

Chantkare’s final new fall release, “Lemongrass,” just knocks me out. This is one of the prettiest gowns I’ve seen this season, and the waist attachment with bow adds a unique look that definitely sets this gown apart. Just gorgeous.

Finally… I don’t have vendor photos of these next two designs, but they are two of my favorites from the recent Chantkare fall line. So I took my own pics!

“Jersey Girl” is a very flattering and sophisticated dress. The belt and stockings are included with the outfit. I put on some great Motoptica sunglasses and high heeled pumps from Maitreya for true daytime glamour. Accessorize this differently, and you could be the center of attention at any event. 

“Bedrock Mini” is a charming mini dress that you can accessorize different ways for lots of occasions.  For this version, I put on some black stockings and great boots from B&G for a slightly edgy, kicky effect. But it also looks divine with black or red dressy sandals and feminine hair for a party. I love this dress.

 Oh, and check out the back! Hot, huh! ;D

You can shop for these and the rest of Chantkare’s Fall Collection at the main store in Tabula Rasa. As Applonia says, “Get your Fall colors on!”

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tabula%20rasa/132/219/27

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tabula%20rasa/222/239/33

“Hello darlings, in just a short while the mainshop shall reopen with Fall 2009 along with NEW additional pieces…soo STAY TUNED! Thanx, Applonia Criss.”

For those of us who know Applonia Criss and her fabulous women’s fashion brand Chantkare, those words are enough to send our pulses racing. And if you aren’t familiar with Chantkare, you owe it to yourself to visit.

There are several satellite stores, but the main Chantkare store in Tabula Rasa has most everything and will be reopening Friday September 18 with new Fall 2009 Collection designs.

Here’s a little tease for you of some of the new styles Applonia will be releasing with the reopening of her store tomorrow…

<Breezie does the happy dance in anticipation>

In the pantheon of fashion gods, one name rules above all others. A woman who was a pioneer, a rebel–a woman of unswerving self-belief; lover of many, truly known by few. The name is Mademoiselle Coco Chanel. Controversial throughout her life, Chanel created elegant yet simple clothes; garments that shocked and astounded in equal measure. A true innovator, her name still resonates, continually inspiring fashion designers in both real and virtual worlds to strive for excellence.

Paying tribute to Coco and her enduring legacy, twenty of SL’s most prestigious fashion houses were invited to design key pieces that would simultaneously define their own style and echo that of the great designer herself. Once again, the luxuriant setting of the Patch Thibaud Auditorium was the setting for this, the Grand finale to the ‘Best of Second Life Magazine’ fashion week. With its beautiful art deco furnishings, you could almost sense the ghost of Chanel herself-watching with approval from one of the balconies as the show began.

As the red velvet curtains drew back, a spectacular stage was revealed based on a Chanel shop front with stunning models from the Boulevard Agency, silhouetted against a Parisian sky. There were gasps from the huge assembled audience. The magnificence of the stage left us all spellbound as Cheri Parker, our welcoming host for the event, introduced the models. The evening’s entertainment, singer Elvera Lerner, serenaded us with her melodious voice, singing a selection of show tunes and Cole Porter classics, thus providing the perfect soundtrack to the supremely glamorous atmosphere.

The real stars of the show were the clothes themselves and the designers exceeded all expectations. Variations of Chanel classics such as the little black dress were given futuristic flourishes such as swirling fur trim and layers of opalescent tulle.  Chanel’s trademark pearls were encrusted over tight bodices. Her other signature design statement, tweed, was given a contemporary twist and featured on cropped jackets and headwear. Naturally, an emphasis on traditional Chanel colors of dynamic white and black featured heavily throughout, but each designer managed to make the creations their very own, imbuing the clothes with the essence of Chanel yet creating their own unique styles. Enhancing the clothes even further, footwear was provided by the incomparable Stiletto Moody, the perfect shoes to wear with any Chanel-inspired creation.

Even when the hour-long catwalk show was over, the excitement did not end, as the CEO of BOSL, Frolic Mills took to the stage, accompanied by all the participating models. Standing on top of a glistening white carousel, Mr. Mills announced to the thrilled audience, which included a huge selection luminaries from the SL fashion scene such as Raven Pennyfeather, Applonia Criss, Jarl Soderstrom and Mimi Juneau, that one lucky audience member would receive the entire collection. After calling out a selection of Chanel related questions in local chat, it was declared that the winner of this glittering prize was Nino Heartsdale who told me that she was “overwhelmed, stunned and completely delighted at winning these exquisite clothes”.  This show was undeniably a resounding triumph for all those involved and a fitting homage to Coco Chanel–a woman whose designs shaped the way we all dress today.

The Best of SL Presents BOSL Fashion Week 2009!

From August 8 through August 16, Second Life fashion fans and fashionistas will thrill to eight (8) amazing runway shows, each presented in its own stunning venue, featuring some of the most innovative and talented designers on the grid.

It’s the premier fashion event of the year!

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Couture%20Boulevard/64/65/3015

August 8th – Saturday – 4:00 pm SLT: VIOLATOR

Designer Soraya Vaher presents her visually stunning, sensual designs and accessories in a light show tunnel that is an experience in itself!

August 8th – Saturday – 5:00 pm SLT: BOSL FASHION WEEK OPENING CEREMONY

SLebrity Mankind Tracer performs live at the opening ceremony concert – don’t miss this event!

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August 9th – Sunday – 11:00 am SLT: ITALIAN HAUTE COUTURE

Top Italian designers present the height of fashion in an outstanding runway show at the lush outdoor Renaissance Cathedral!

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August 11th – Tuesday – 3:00 pm SLT: JAPANESE KIMONOS BY MILKY HOUSE

Designer Sequanna Kidd presents her amazingly delicate and intricate Japanese Kimonos in a beautiful setting at Boulevard Agency!

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August 12th – Wednesday – 4:00 pm SLT: NARDCOTIX and PHOENIX RISING

Designers Nardya Rousselot and Ashoka Eales present gorgeous creations sure to delight at the renowned Patch Thibaud Auditorium!

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August 13th – Thursday – 3:00 pm SLT: KWZ

Designer Kariwanz Felisimo bursts on the SL fashion scene, presenting her fabulous and inventive designs in a fantastic venue at Boulevard Agency!

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August 14th – Friday – 4:00 pm SLT: FANTASY COUTURE

Designer Nonna Hedges and others present fantastical creations in a Cirque du Soleil setting in the tunnel venue that will have you cheering on your feet!

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August 15th – Saturday – 12:00 noon SLT: LADY THERA

Designer Thera Taurog presents her artistic vision in an exciting fashion show at the Patch Thibaud Auditorium!

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August 16th – Sunday – 10:00 am SLT: TRIBUTE TO COCO CHANEL

An astonishing array of top Second Life designers present original designs created for this tribute to the singular talent and style of real life legend Coco Chanel at the Patch Thibaud Auditorium in a setting that will rock the fashion world!

Participating Designers:

Soraya Vaher(Violator)
Micah Kanto (Modern Gypsy)
Raven Pennyfeather (RFyre & RP Couture)
Nonna Hedges (Details by Nonna Hedges)
Indyra Seigo (Indyra Originals)
Mami Jewell (Azul)
Brenda Clellon (Brenda Clellon)
Amutey deCuir (Bliss)
Elettra Gausman (Orage Creations)
Pixie Prevost (Crossroads Creations)
Bunni GossipGirl (Ice Couture)
Alatiel Malies (Alatiel Fashions)
SySy Chapman (SySy’s)
Dezi Jarvinen (Staged)
Monica Outlander (Miamai)
Aleida Rhode (Aleida)
Aradhana Voight (Mashooka Designs)
Sonatta Morales (Sonatta Morales Weird Couture & Curio)
Potnia Theas (Ora Trei Designs)
Applonia Criss (Chantkare)
Ziamela Loon (Jador)
Nardya Rousellot (Nardcotix)
Elisea Carter (Gold in the Night)

SLebrity singer Melodyblue Melody will perform live during the closing ceremony for this unprecedented event!

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Watch this blog and The Best of SL Magazine Readers Group for daily announcements, updates, and landmarks.

See you at BOSL Fashion Week!!!

Some exciting news from designer Applonia Criss for Chantkare!

~~~~~CHANTKARE PRESENTS“““““““`

MODEL SEARCH FALL 2009

Hello Darlings – well wishes from the staff of Chantkare.

We are having our very first Chantkare Model Search contest. The winner that is selected will be the model for the Fall campaign. This includes all magazine ads and in store promos and LookBook – only one model will be chosen. In addition to that she will receive 5000L cash prize as well as items from the Fall Collection 2009.

~~~~~~~~~~~REQUIREMENTS“““““`
1. Submit one head and one bodyshot – these will be posted on the board in the Chantkare Main Store and Resume (if available, but not required).
2. Must be wearing item of Chantkare clothing in photos.
3. Must be an active player for commitment and be available between the hours of 9am slt and 4pm slt on weekdays.
4. Entries may be submitted until 7/31/2009
5. Submit entries in a folder entiled “Chantkare Fall Model Search” to Chantkare Vyper.

Judging is done by staff of Chantkare. Employees are not eligible for contest. This IS NOT a voting contest. Board will be updated with entries daily.

Winner will be announced 8/3/2009

GOOD LUCK TO ALL

APPLONIA CRISS-DESIGNER/OWNER
LONG PAUSCH -CEO/CO-OWNER

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tabula%20rasa/222/245/32

My dear friend Applonia Criss of Chantkare IMed me the other night. “Normally I don’t do this, but BREEZIE, have you ever heard of LaGyo Jewelry? (I hadn’t.) “Her name is Gyorgyna Larnia. Pardon me for what I’m about to say, but the *******woman is a JEWEL GENIUS!” Now I was dying laughing; Applonia seldom talks like that. “My God, Breezie, if you ever get a chance, PLEASE see her jewels, some of the greatest detailed, original jewels I have ever seen on the grid. You know I do not usually promote others like this, and she has no connection with my brand. But I love her things so much, I have her selling her jewelry in my shop!”

Well, with an endorsement like that, how could I say no! I dropped what I was doing and TPed over to the main Chantkare store to check out the LaGyo Jewelry on display. And was it good? OH yes. This was cool stuff – really different, and very well made. Right away I bought the “Roses” necklace and earrings  and 3 “African Bangles.”

LaGyo Roses necklace

LaGyo Roses earrings

LaGyo African Bangles

I knew it wasn’t the complete collection, so I asked Applonia if she would have Gyorgyna contact me. It wasn’t long before Gyorgyna said hello and TPed me to her main store. We chatted while she showed me around her store. She’s kind of shy, very sweet, and I liked her right away. Gyo’s Italian, lives in beautiful Sardinia in real life. It was 3 a.m. for her, and her kitten was jumping all over her keyboard, causing all kinds of interesting in-game results and making us both laugh.

LaGyo Ethnic Collection necklace

LaGyo Ethnic Collection earrings

I told her about Applonia Criss’s enthusiastic support, and Gyorgyna smiled. ”   Applonia is a treasure..really! I made some jewels for her summer collection, and we inspired each other for her new ‘Viktor’  and my ‘Noir’ collection. Did you see them? They’re in the East Wing at Chantkare.” Rats, I hadn’t gone out to the new section of Applonia’s store, so I missed the new things. Gyo promptly put on one of the Chantkare dresses from the “Viktor” line and modeled some of the ‘Noir’ jewelry pieces with it. It was fab, and you can bet I went right back to Applonia’s store after I left LaGyo and bought some pieces from the inspired collaboration between these two talented women.

Noir Desire Collection necklace

Gyorgyna’s only been creating Second Life jewelry for 3 or 4 months, which surprised me, considering the level of detail she achieves in her pieces. I mean, she made a ring that is a tiny birdcage with an even tinier bird inside it. O.o  I noticed right away that LaGyo goes beyond traditional jewelry pieces, with headwear and handbags and other accessories, all as creative and well made as her jewelry.

Noir Collection Spider hat

LaGyo Noir Collection hats

LaGyo Headband

LaGyo Summer Bag

 You can check out the LaGyo Jewelry pieces at Gyorgyna’s flickr stream at http://www.flickr.com/photos/35421709@N06/ and check out her blog at http://mychangingrooms.blogspot.com/. And be sure to visit LaGyo Jewelry as well as the Chantkare Viktor clothing inspired by the LaGyo Noir collection!

LaGyo Main Store
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Garman/162/107/102

Chantkare Main Store-East Wing
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tabula%20rasa/227/234/33

Applonia Criss and her Chantkare brand continue to raise the standards of beautiful design with her newest lines, “Bask” and “Summer 09.” Feast your eyes on some of her latest releases, and be tantalized by a peek at just one unreleased stunner.

Chantkare’s “Summer Kaleidoscope” is a sexy, sophisticated design with a neckline that plunges to the waist, secured by a braided tie. All eyes will be on you when you wear this colorful sheath. Pair it with high, strappy heels for a stylish look by day, and dramatic earrings and bracelets for a dinner date by night, but leave that neckline bare, ladies. The dress is all you need.

“Persimmon,” the next design from Chantkare, is a lovely and feminine summer dress with a soft, flowing ankle-length skirt and flattering strapless bodice. Pair this delicious design with a necklace and the perfect pair of heeled sandals, put a flower in your hair, and you will have everyone hearing the whispers of warm summer nights, gentle ocean breezes, and moonlit dances.

Time to heat things up with “Camochiffon,“  Chantkare’s hot new dress for tropical days and salsa nights. With its plunging bodice and split-front skirt, your admirers won’t know where to look next. Inspired by real life designer Stephen Sprouse, this silk chiffon beauty can be worn with or without the fabulous turquoise belt or as a sexy bathing suit, for the multiple options we all love.

Our final review is Chantkare’s wonderful “Mishu Mishu” dress. This is a smashing design, with sparkling green and black fabric, a flattering full skirt, and a top to die for. The split neckline, secured by a black prim shoulder strap, is one of my all-time favorites. Wear this creation for a day of haute couture shopping or to a party. I guarantee you will be noticed, and you will feel as fabulous as you look!

I’ll leave you now with a few more photos of some of the great styles you can find at Chantkare. Oh, and <whispers> the last design, Fleur Papier, hasn’t been released yet. I know! I want it, too! Applonia, hurry hurry hurry with your next releases!

"Bask" Swimwear

"Sweet Blossom"

Lady C

Fleur Papier

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tabula%20rasa/157/223/28