Fashion is a global phenomenon with every cultural having its own histories that influence development of local styles.  With Second Life being accessible from around the globe, it stands to reason that we would see fashion styles from many cultures brought here.  The fact that many residents like to learn about and experience designs from other areas bodes well for designers of authentic regional fashion.  One such designer that is worth knowing about is Vlinder Reitveld of Vlintuition.  Vlinder specializes in the design of authentic asian styles, among them, Indian, Chinese and Mongolian.  Her travels throughout Asia allow her to keep abreast of local fashion trends and she strives to recreate these fashions accurately in Second Life.

Above is pictured Vlinder’s most recent Indian release, the Kala Gown in Navy.  What is striking about this garment is the highly detailed embroidery at the hem, waist of the lehenga and on the cap sleeve choli.  The prim parts of the lehenga blend almost seemlessly with the underlying pants layer.  The matching dupatta is sculpted at the shoulders with the front and back ends flex for natural movement.  This outfit includes a pair of bracelets.  The Kala Gown also comes in Orchid, Coal, Sky and Crimson. 

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I came across Emeriselle’s shop during one of my weekly research expeditions. I was impressed by the quality and the fact that she had incorporated both traditional Asian fashion, such as Kimonos, fans, Getas etc., with the more modern every day designs.

“While it is a unique market, I have tried to keep it fresh with modern touches and found it does appeal to a variety of people”, says Emeriselle. I have to say that I agree.

Go see for yourself, by visiting Emeriselle’s store – Orchid Dreams

Harriet Gausman: When did you first start designing in SL?

Emeriselle Theas: I started designing around August 2007. I couldn’t find any fans that I loved… most were made with alpha textures and a handful of prims. Fans really started it all for me – so I made my first Asian hand fan – I think it was around 51 prims and went from there.

Harriet Gausman: Did you have any RL design skills or did you learn inworld?

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