MISS NIGERIA GOWN (Miss Virtual World 2010)

Miss Nigeria Gown
Modeled by Ivyana Szondi in the Miss Virtual World 2010 finale

"Miss Virtual World (MVW) is perhaps the most important and most coveted beauty and modeling competition in all of Second Life. Held annually, thousands of entries are whittled down to just 20 finalists each representing a specific country. The 2010 competition was no exception. Each finalist searches the grid for clothing, and in particular, a gown for the big event, held this year on December19th in the Patch Thibuad Auditorium.

The hunt for gowns begins months in advance and many savvy contestants seek out favorite designers to create custom, one-of-a-kind creations for them to wear on the big night. Such is the case with MVW finalist, Ivyana Szondzi, Miss Nigeria.

Ivyana sought out designer Thea Tamura, the design genius behind Thea Tamura Fashions. Thea is known across the grid for creating some of SL’s most astonishing fashions. Designs that are both ‘architectural’ masterpieces, constructed with the sharpest attention to movement and drape, cut and shape combined with unique, often intricate, patterns and knits, expertly stitched to reveal flawless seams that mate perfectly. Understanding the physics of movement in SL – combining just enough flexi to move elegantly, without creating a ball of tulle 1m behind a walking avatar – perfect texture-matching, unique shapes, Thea Tamura creates bold, dramatic “temples” of fashion.

Starting months ago, Thea began to create a magnificent custom gown for Ivyana that conjures the rich colors and vibrancy of Ivyana's representative land of Nigeria.

“Miss Nigeria,” as the gown is called, features a strapless corset bodice and full-hoop gown skirt in a cascade of rich jewel tones. Richly patterned in geometric turquoise blues, and amethyst tones, set off by blue and white pearl beading that give this magnificent gown both a sophistication appropriate for any ballroom yet still retains a cultural honesty. Miss Nigeria includes short, matching bell sleeves and a matching beaded choker that echoes the rich gem tones and pearls. It also includes a long stand of beads that reinforces the culturalism of Ivy’s adopted African nation.

Designer Thea Tamura has also created a dramatic headpiece that harkens to the traditional, brightly colored headscarves worn in many African nations, but has “amped-up” the couture factor with a crown of hair and headpiece that is at once bold, yet understated. The pattern matches that of the gown though in a more subtle and larger pattern so as not to overwhelm the overall presentation and focuses the attention on Miss Nigeria’s angelic face".
Writer: DarkStar Gothly