retropolitan, june, 2009
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SL's place for retro style and culture!TRANSCRIPT
RetropolitanA Journal of Style, Fashion, and Culture
Volume 1, Issue 7 June, 2009
Publisher/ Editor in Chief ………………… Phideaux Mayo
Layout/ Production …………………….. Echo Underwood
Contributing Writers…
Physeter NichollsNemo Carrasco
Firehorse Rearwin
Photography…
Phideaux MayoEcho Underwood
Men’s Stylist …………………………… Firehorse Rearwin
Cover Image – Ishtar Roux wearing Isabell (RFL LimitedEdition in purple) by Pixel Passion
Left – Ishtar Roux, wearing the Green Gingham Sundress, byOld Time Prims
Retropolitan is your guide to Retro style, published monthly.
Find us at our main location in owr own sim Esoterica, andat better stores and clubs throughout SL.
Retropolitan June, 2009
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In talking with a
Retropolitan recently, I
was struck by something
she said. "I believe that
good style never goes out
of style. Perhaps out of
fashion, but never out of
style." said Linnea Luik. !I had to ask myself, are the
looks that we feature out of fashion? I know they are
timeless, just as certain types of music, and certain
songs are timeless. !The recent revival of the great
standard songs being sung by everyone from Rod
Stewart to The Pupinni Sisters is a good indicator of
how much things retro are becoming in fashion to
people of all ages.
So I began to wander areas of SL into which I
normally didn't go, I attended new live events,
concerts and benefits, !and I scouted out how many
people were sporting their retro looks. !And guess
what? We are out there, folks! !Fine looking gents
and deliciously turned out ladies of good style
looking absolutely fabulous. ! No, we are not out of
fashion, we make our own fashion wherever we go.!
Speaking of making their own fashion, this month
Ishtar and another of my favorite Fashionistas,
BellaStormi Constantine, were given the task of
raiding their own closets for some of their favorite
retro looks to share with you. !I think you will enjoy
what they came up with.!
The Iconic Marilyn Monroe has been honored in a
unique stage show, and Physeter Nicholls returns to
bring us the best in the lively arts in SL from the
retro perspective. Welcome back Phy!
We told you about the new Berlin 1920 sim being
built and promised to follow its development. !It
delights me to welcome Nemo Carrasco from the
project to share more details about the build and it's
growth. !I know you'll want to frequent their Happy
Hour after learning all Nemo has to share with you.
Finally, I encourage you to invite more people to join
the Retropolitan group. If you are a member it is
easy, just click on them, click more then group invite.
Select Retropolitan Magazine and their name and
sent the invite. If you are reading this and would like
to join , the easiest way is to go to our headquarters
at Retropolitan Plaza, Esoterica (89, 169, 21) !step
inside the building and click on the group join poster
by the door.
Retropolitan June, 2009
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Retropolitan June, 2009
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A Virtual Tribute To Marilyn Monroe
-Physeter Nicholls
Angelina Kitaj, the lovely star of Flamenco and
Moulin Rouge, excites SL thespians in her
rousing impersonation of a universally popular
20th Century celebrity in the Teatr Krolewski
(Royal Theater) production of The Marilyn
Monroe Show.
Director Szerewp Loon wrote the play to
celebrate the legend of the beautiful, talented
screen icon. “Many, many people love Marilyn
and want to hear her songs,” noted Loon. Second
Life is an ideal environment to interpret
Monroe’s rich mystique. “She represents love
first of all, then sex and fun!”
“She was one of the greatest talents of the 50’s,”
agreed Kitaj. She shines as Monroe, teasing and
pleasing her handsome suitors. “I love the
lightness, the swinging of her, and I want to show
almost all facets of her, that she was showing the
world.”
Monroe’s paramour is played by actor valentine
Parnass, who appears at the train station to bid a
sad farewell, later in “When I Fall In Love” as a
smooth Frank Sinatra, and lastly as one of Kitaj’s
beguiled groupies. “I think Monroe was a very
sensitive woman who could express many
emotions,” Parnass quipped. “And she was a
very, very sexy woman.”
The heart of The Marilyn Monroe Show is the
music. For this retrospective of six musical
numbers from Monroe’s film career of the 1950’s
Retropolitan June, 2009
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and ‘60s, Szerewp and Kitaj sought memorable
melodies including “Byebye Baby”, “I Wanna Be
Loved By You”, and “When I Fall In Love”. The
tunes suggested the settings, costumes, and
animations which were created for each act.
Recordings were selected to convey the desired
mood, from orchestral pieces that are lively and
fun, to slow romantic pieces for tender scenes
such as the tender parting of lovers in “Byebye
Baby”.
The production has a classic structure, beginning
with a band reprisal of Runnin’ Wild, and
culminating with Monroe as the object of men’s
desire in “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend”.
“It’s a wonderful scene,” exclaims Kitaj. “Six
men, all are dancing around me!” A cast of ten
avatars fills out roles as band members, travelers,
and dancers.
Together Szerewp and Kitaj have decades of
theater experience. Both have an intuitive sense
for the correct sequence of animations to use
throughout a musical. “I am a dancer in real life
and I am able to feel the music and to find the
right animations,” said Kitaj. She shops widely in
SL for the right dance and pose animations to
make the scenes come alive. “I find many dances
at sinewave animations, and also Bits & Bobs”
she explained. “For our upcoming ballet and
future productions, I need either more
animations, or somebody who can make the
animations.” Kitaj is masterful with romantic
devices. “I bought a swing and my partner and I
use microphones with animations. We have a
little love dance under the night light, coming out
of a spot reflector and he falls to his knees while
singing the love to me!”
Animations alone do not engage an audience.
The choreography of The Marilyn Monroe Show
involves a rigorous sequence of dances which
must be rezzed precisely when needed. “The
most challenging act is My Heart Belongs To
Daddy,” Kitaj admitted. In “Daddy”, Monroe
dances with a string of hopeful suitors, whirling
from door to door, and rejecting each candidate
as unworthy. While most of the scenes and props
Retropolitan June, 2009
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are reminiscent of the era, one exception stands
out. “In ‘Diamonds’, I rez dance poles in front of
the doors,” explains Kitaj. “The dance pole is
very good for this show. It is an adaptation to
Second Life, to demonstrate in a very short time
the changing of men.”
Reproducing Monroe on the virtual stage
required an instantly recognizable avatar.
Flawlessly designed by Anulka Zimminy, the
luscious shape and creamy skin exude Monroe’s
sexuality and feminine power, from her full figure
to her generous lips and beauty mark. Her eyes
express the familiar blend of intelligence,
seduction and sensual vulnerability.
Kitaj spent hours searching for vintage clothing
of the appropriate period and style for the
various acts. She selected a fine pink suit by
Zamiela Loon (Vanity Affaire) for the train
station scene in “Byebye Baby”, with shoes from
Blaze. The pink dress and flamboyant bow for
“Diamonds” was acquired at Ivalde and shoes
from Maitreya. Especially evocative is the golden
hair, from Ingenue. Anastasia Jewelry provided
the silver and diamonds that give Monroe the air
of glamour and romance. Kitaj assembled the
darling nightie worn in “Daddy” from Icing and
other fine shops, yet the ensemble works
perfectly. In “When I Fall In Love”, Kitaj dons
the Golden Sakura outfit from Adam n Eve.
During curtain call Marilyn leaves a lasting
impression with a beautiful gown from BareRose.
“I think that may be my favorite shop in SL,” she
smiled.
Together with Kitaj and Ania Szaberwick, Loon
also designed and constructed the sets for this
production. “The dresses and decorations are like
Retropolitan June, 2009
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being at the movies with Marilyn,” Loon
remarked. The sets effectively employ props true
to the era, such as a Coke machine, a movie
camera, and a Pullman coach car. From the
simple heart in “Daddy”, to the floating gems in
“Diamonds”, the sets support the extraordinary
facets of Monroe’s personality.
Following its motto “Ars Longa/Vita Brevis”,
Teatr Krolewski has once again demonstrated its
preeminence in Second Life performing arts. The
Marilyn Monroe Show performs next at Bleu
Katt Blues n Jazz Lounge, Rochial (61, 63, 37) on
June 8 at 12PM SLT, and has shown at Loon’s
newest venue Teatr Krolewsk, Second Poznan
(127, 27, 1) and at the Second Life Opera House,
DIXON Dream (201, 166, 305).
Hot flamenco performed by the company’s
Team La Fiesta will show at Puerto Rico on June
5, and at Second Life Literary Foundation on
June 7. The theater company is supported by
donations and seeks commercial sponsors to
provide costumes, jewelry, and animations for its
endeavors.
Wichi (218, 201, 21)
Retropolitan June, 2009
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The Rise and Feel of the City of Berlin
- Nemo Carrasco
Here I am, sitting after the Happy Hour at Die
Fabrik, though our daily happy hours that start at
2 pm seem more like happy afternoons because
of how they stretch and time flies... but better
focus, Here I am sipping a bit of Cuba Libre and
writing about how Berlin came to be, after a
request from my friends at Retropolitan
Magazine. The glass is almost empty but my
mind is full and so is my wish to relate to anyone
who wants to hear, this story...
It all started when I was at certain club one night
and noticed a nice lady from the Far East wearing
a tag about a project. I was intrigued about it and
we started to talk about it. The project was no
other than the 1920's Berlin Project and that's
how I got into it, I have always been in love with
the German Expressionism period from The
Cabinet of Doctor Caligari to Metropolis and the
Brecht/Weill works such as The Threepenny
Opera and The Rise And Fall of the City of
Mahagonny, but at that time I didn't know how
very involved I would be in the project.
At first the group was quite inactive, but with
dedication, Jo Yardley, the amazing person who
runs Berlin, has created this place with the sweat
and blood of her effort. With trial and error we
are now at the eve of inauguration, something
that seemed so far off, remembering back to
looking around for places. And sorry if I seem a
bit parental with it, Berlin is Jo's babygirl but I
still feel like the uncle who spoils her with dolls
Retropolitan June, 2009
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and candies when mommy is not looking.
When the skybox was ready we weren't sure if
people would come to rent stores or see movies
at our cinema... but as the old fella says, "if you
build it, they shall come," and they came. Old
Time Prims, Sonatta Morales, Swank Bros.,
Golden Oriole, not only people renting a piece of
our little neighborhood but also dear friends
whom we feel proud to have here. And not only
them, but all those who have given their support;
and you, as well, can be one of them if you want
to join our group, or just by passing by and
saying hi. Come on, I invite you to share a
Martini.
It hasn't all been laughs and joys, though. We
have had some scary moments, moments when
the cold military steel of fascism has appeared on
our beloved streets... but we have known how to
manage them. Still, if any of those elements are
reading this (I doubt there are such filthy scum
among the fine readers of Retropolitan, but one
is never too careful !) I want to tell them they will
not be welcome, Officer Edenbaum is always
keeping an eye out.
Oh my goodness, tomorrow is the opening! I still
can't believe it. I am now enjoying some bits of
Berlin: A City's Symphony at our local theater,
scratching my head about what else to say to the
readers of this amazing magazine, but I guess
what is left is not what has passed but what will
pass... the future seems so bright now (unlike the
real 1920's Berlin) and we have so many ideas
when we can afford the big Berlin, from the El
Dorado club, a recreation of the real gay dancing
Retropolitan June, 2009
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club from that time, to building a theater and a
troupe so we can present a variety of shows
going from Ukulele players to Mime, but the
beauty of it I think is also how we have made
friends in our journey and how many friends we'll
make, what chances life presents to us... the
future seems bright right now...
[The Berlin 1920's Project held its Grand Opening on May
30th, and continues to hold Happy Hour gatherings each day
at 2 PM SLT. !You can be sure to meet someone there at that
time. !But be sure to stop by and see what they have to offer
anytime, it is quite the unique Sim. - Ed.]
Retropolitan June, 2009
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The Gent’s Look
-Firehorse Rearwin
Quality menswear has
always been harder to
find on Secondlife than
quality women’s wear.
It's a fact. In part
because of technical
considerations, the
"mesh" for the male
figure is, apparently, harder to work with than the
female mesh, and there is a perception that men
won't spend as much on good clothing as women
do.
Knowing this issue I still took on the challenge of
being gentleman’s stylist for Retropolitan
Magazine. Now I am deeply frustrated, because I
find myself having to adapt and play 'mix and
match' to get anything close to an authentic look,
and even then, don't look too closely, because
usually the best I can do is evoke a feel of a
period. There are fantastic gentleman’s designers
out there, Styles of Edo and SF designs stand out
head and shoulders above the average, but, I find
myself going around the same half dozen or so
designers every month.
So now I issue a challenge, designers, you do
wonders creating amazing pieces for the Second
Life ladies, it's time to spare a thought for the
gentlemen of Second Life and give us some
classic retro men’s fashion.
Retropolitan June, 2009
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Retropolitan June, 2009
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BellaStormi Constantine in…
Dress: Glorious Gloria by LemaniaShoes: Sascha Ogg Design (pumps inblack)Jewels : Elizabeth Earrings andNecklace in Platinum by VirtualImpressionsHair: FD Torta in Licorice
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BellaStormi Constantine in…
(left)
Dress: Moonlight by Donna FloraHair: Curio Sleek Bob in BlackEarrings: Docsisle "Fleur de Lis'Shoes: Sascha Ogg Design (pumps in black)
BellaStormi Constantine in…
(right)
Dress: Cigarette Girl Outfit byThe French Farm (includingshoes)Hair: ETD Xaria in Black
Retropolitan June, 2009
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BellaStormi Constantine in…
Dress: 1912 by Lemania (including shoes)Hair: by Curio "Gertrude" in Black
Retropolitan June, 2009
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Ishtar Roux in…
Dress: Azul - Mia in redHair: Analog Dog Fleur in copper (custom hairJewels by Yukino Dassin)Shoes: Maitreya ChiChi in redJewels: Molly Alexander Alia in rubies
Retropolitan June, 2009
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Ishtar Roux in…
(left)
Dress: Azul (Edo) Ewe - black lace cocktail dressHair: Analog Dog Mia in copperShoes: CourtX in black
Ishtar Roux in…
(rght)
Dress: Pixel Passion - Isabell - RFL Limited Editionin purpleHair: Analog Dog Emma in copperShoes: Maitreya ChiChi in purple
Retropolitan June, 2009
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Ishtar Roux in…
Dress: Blaze - Chardonnay in blackHair: Analog Dog Embrace in copperShoes: Sylfie Minogue Essential inSlate/Black
Retropolitan June, 2009
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Ishtar Roux in…
Dress: Shai, Daphne in silverHair: Analog Dog Monday in copperShoes: Adam & Eve Incanti in silverJewels: Molly Alexander Tear Drop in
diamond/silver
Retropolitan June, 2009
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The Martini Shot
- Echo Underwood
I suck on the olive and wonder, “is it that time of
the month again?” It is of course, and I’m
finishing this issue up thinking of how things slip
and slide between SL and the “life outside”. So
much of SL is so surreal, and yet so much of it is
rooted in the very real notions we have of design
and style.
The photo to the right is a good example. That is,
dear reader, the production office of
Retropolitan. That desk is finally where the page
layout meets the screen. But notice one thing?
Notice that phone on the wall?
It’s not a reproduction, that’s a forty-year-old
Western Electric rotary-dial telephone, and yes, it
works. Works just grand in fact…
A lot of what Retropolitan is, really, is a blending
of what we can do in the present while still
appreciating the design sensibilities of the past.
So we meld the two together, and put a modern
spin on retro ideas, making us slaves neither to
the limits of the past, not the latest fads of the
present.
And on that note, I want to announce a new
development in Retropolitan… we’ve always
been, and will be committed to our in-world
publication, but beginning with this issue, we are
now on the web v ia Issuu at
http://issuu.com/retropolitan so, take us with
you - E