I had this idea for a steampunk inspired photo and started thinking of what I like about the style. I was also thinking of writing a tribute to the models that came before me. I didn't think the two were something that could be linked. And then it occurred to me what they have in common and the catalyst was Second Life shopping events.
No matter how many you go to there is always going to be something new next month that will replace some of the things in your inventory, making the old things obsolete. The same thing can't be said about Steampunk. It exists in a class by itself and never goes out of style or fashion. It just is.
With the closing of PurpleMoon I began looking through old photos at the beautiful clothing and over time my focus went from the clothing to the models wearing them. They are familiar names to anyone who follows Second Life fashion as much as I do. While the outfits may not have been new, anyone new to the brand could see the names of the models wearing the gown or outfit. I am sure I am not the only one that seen those lovely images and thought "Wow.. that would be amazing."
They served to inspire new models and every year new models put their hat into the ring in pageants all across Second Life. Those "old" models serve as the inspiration. But on a more thoughtful note... I wonder if they know that? I wonder if they know how inspiring they were and still are even if their title is years old and they may not be as involved as they once were. I had the thought last night that "once a Virtual Miss, always a Virtual Miss". The pageants may be over but their legacy will last for as long as Second Life does.
The Miss Virtual World pageant for 2020 has gotten underway recently. There are a few names I recognize and there are more that I didn't recognize at all running in it for the title. All of them by entering are becoming part of a legacy - whether or not they win. They, like Steampunk style, will exist in a class by themselves that will never go out of style or fashion. Competing is both a challenge and an honor and will allow them to make their mark on SL in a unique way.
Credits
The Engine Room (Shopping Event on until October 20)
Hat - Insomnia Angel - Steampunk Top Hat - Noir
Mechanical Arms - Wicca's Originals - Eagleden Arm - Maitreya
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/HILTED/18/47/1202
Salem (Shopping Event on until October 31)
Dress and Thong - Belle Epoque - Rohana - Black
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Prism%20Events/128/113/21
Head - Catwa - Catya
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/CATWA%20Store/163/221/22
Skin - Glam Affair - Catwa - Asia
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Pea/91/61/22
Eyes - Ikon - Denim
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/IKON/143/128/501
Ears - L'etre - Basic Mesh Ears
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Secrets/195/158/1361
Hair - Truth - Surrender
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Truth/116/128/24
Lipstick - Izzies - Catwa - Applier Aiko Lipstick Hud
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Izzies/115/125/32
Eyeshadow - Tone 2 - Autumn Spice Eye Shadow Collection Omega B
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Ever%20Ever%20Land/135/63/3524
Body - Maitreya
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Maitreya%20Isle/128/130/24
Pose - PosESioN - Lady 9
(no longer available)
Background Image - Metal Shirts Heaven - Steampunk serie a-6
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Steampunk-serie-a-6/2686462
