Très Jolie...Très Fabuleux

As I mentioned earlier this week, I spent a good deal of time at the Stiletto Moody sale last weekend. While coming out of my post-shopping-frenzy stupor, I noticed the most striking Avi at the front of the store. I immediately had to inquire as to where she found the fabulous outfit she was wearing. As luck would have it, the Avi in question was, in fact, the designer of said fabulous outfit! Within minutes, I had a landmark and found myself chatting with Ms. Iota Ultsch of Tres Jolie and her delightful assistant, BritneyParis Underwood in their boutique.

What a treat! I always enjoy meeting designers in-world, it really gives you the opportunity to "see" their designs from their point of view. I appreciated the way Iota was able to look at my skin and my hair and make suggestions as to which of her designs would best compliment my features.

I immediately fell in love with the green hue of the outfit that first drew me to Iota and snapped up Le Singe en Vert with it's faux fur empire waist, silk bow, cupro leggings and velvet top. We styled it with the Gold O Wedge from Stiletto Moody and some giant gold hoops that were a gift from Iota. Totally glam and completely fabulous! Of course, I couldn't get away without picking up a hot little platinum sequin cocktail dress and a darling little black dress.

Guy made such a fuss over the sequin dress, that you know I had to drag him back there with me the very next night! He generously purchased the Aboriginal Lace Dress for me (yes, he spoils me and yes, I love it!) Again Iota was in the store, quick to offer guidance for adjusting the dress to just the right color for my skin tone and she made several suggestions for the shoes, hair and jewelry that would best suit the dress and my avi.

The designs offered by Iota Ultsch at her Tres Jolie Boutique are not inexpensive...nor are they unreasonably priced. And, quite possibly, they are not for everyone. But, what I can tell you is this...Ms. Ultsch is an artist. Each texture is hand drawn, each seam is finished flawlessly and each piece transitions beautifully into the next. One only has to look at the creations "in-avi" to recognize the hours of work and meticulous attention to detail required to create a final product as well-crafted as those offered at Tres Jolie. These are quality items created by a designer who puts a higher priority on artistic expression and design than the quantity of items sold.

So, am I going to tell you to run down there and snap up every outfit in the shop? No. But, do make the time to visit the boutique, chat a little with Iota and BritneyParis, and treat yourself to an outfit or two that makes you feel a little more glamourous, a little more sexy or even a little more exotic. I, for one, look forward to collecting these wearable masterpieces created by a true fashion artist.

I think this is as good a time as any to address content theft in SL. There are a number of designers for whom I have great respect. These artists toil tirelessly to make sure that our avis are stylishly dressed and accessorized, that we have beautiful homes and furniture for relaxing, and that our skin, shapes and hair are always perfectly styled...we have so many options for creating cyber versions of ourselves (or our alter-egos) thanks in large part to the creativity, drive and talent of these enterprising individuals. They deserve our respect and admiration, and they deserve to be compensated for their efforts.

Content thieves rob these designers of their intellectual property and compensation. So, whether you choose to spend 5L for a dress or 15ooL...make sure that you are purchasing from the original creator of that dress. Do not support those who make their SL living by stealing from others. And if you find something you think has been stolen and copied, contact the original creator right away.

Until next time, Happy Shopping! And I hope to see you at Tres Jolie!

For a larger view of each photo, please visit our flickr site.

What I'm Wearing (visit our In-World Locations page for slurs and teleporting):
Left Photo
Dress: Tres Jolie - Platinum Limited Edition
Shoes: Stiletto Moodie - Elegant Slingback in Silver Twinkle
Hair: ETD - Ashley in Blonde

Center Photo
Dress: Tres Jolie - Aboriginal Lace Dress
Boots: Maitreya - Dune Boots in Brown
Jewelry: Last Call by Ginny Talamasca - Wood, Metal and Opal Jewelry Set
Hair: Analog Dog - New Pom Dark in Brown

Right Photo
Outfit: Tres Jolie - Le Singe en Vert
Shoes: Stiletto Moody - O Wedge in Gold
Jewelry: Gift from Iota - Gold Hoops
Hair: ETD - Sofia in Black

Photos by Tucor Capalini - Visit his Flickr page or contact him in-world.