New Maitreya Body Announced

 

 Maitreya made news several years ago for being a breakthrough mesh body known it called "Lara." It is now getting a major update. On it's Facebook group, it posted "Coming Soon: an entirely new version, a next generation of Lara!" This one is named the Lara X.

When we created the Lara Mesh Body over 8 years ago, she was ground breaking and soon became the most popular body on the second life grid. Originally it had been our goal to stay close to the default Second Life avatar (Ruth), so that everyone could still enjoy their sl wardrobe with their Lara body. In recent years that restriction has been lifted more and more. Due to the effort of thousands of content creators in second life, who make their mesh in various mesh body sizes, a mesh body can now look any way we want it to.

Recently we’ve received a lot of requests for a Lara mesh body update. When we asked people what it was they were hoping to see in an update, most people replied they were hoping to see a more curvy or more detailed Lara with better weights. The request for smoother weights originates from creators who have expressed the difficulty they experience when creating content for the Lara mesh body (some of them therefore even decided to drop Lara sizes). As much as we wanted to improve the weights issues, doing so would always result in the breaking of content made for Lara previously.

The solution we eventually came up with is to improve Lara, with smoother weights and more detailed mesh. And to give this next generation Lara X as an extra in our next update. An extra, not a replacement. So that no-one will lose anything and everyone will only gain! This means that every Lara mesh body owner or buyer will receive Lara X for free and also still the original Lara body, to wear with existing Lara wardrobes. You can switch between them effortlessly if you wish so.

As announced, Maitreya stated those who already had the original will be getting the new one for free in their next update. So they won't need to spend extra money.

 

But not long afterwards, there was a followup post by Maitreya that was apparently in response to "some misunderstandings." They stated "we didn't make the body more curvy," saying that what was going on was that "the body does respond a little stronger to the appearance sliders," meaning if the sliders were maxed the breasts and behind would be "a little bigger. ... So if you don't want to be more curvy, you don't have to. But you do have the option to get a bit more curvy." The post would go on to say the behind had the option of physics movement and "Lara X isn't an add-on. It is a full body avatar," saying that while they expected clothes to be made for the new body, the original could be kept for existing ones as the new body may or may not work well with current outfits, "that way you will always have a Lara version that (fits) your clothing."

 

No doubt this news will be of interest to those wanting the latest and new looks, as well as fashion designers.

Hat Tip Matoazma Kazyanenko

 

image source: Maitreya

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Reader Submitted: Review of the Legacy Mesh Body

 By Valkyrie Ice ( Valkyrie McGill)

Hello everyone, it’s time for the fashion demoness to make her debut.

Bix has been after me to become the Newsers fashion reporter for awhile, so I finally caved. To start, I plan to do a review and comparison of various mesh bodies, their ease of use, things I like and don’t like, and so forth. This is going to be from my perspective, so don’t take it too seriously.

For those who don’t know me, I am Valkyrie, the resident succubus of Club Cutlass and a member of the Sunbeamers team in RFL. I’ve been modding avatars since I first came to Second Life, and Bix has been snapping pics of me most of that time, so I suppose that’s why he wants me to be the fashion reporter.

So, to start, my first review is going to be on the Legacy Mesh Body, the classic version.

I have chosen the Legacy for my main mesh body for three main reasons, first because of all the various bodies I have tried, it comes the closest to my Lena Lush in ease of modding, overall form, and ability to match my excessively curvy body shape without being ridiculously exaggerated.

 

As you can see, I am petite but voluptuous, with an emphasis on being cute and huggable. The Lena allowed me to be about a cup size larger breast-wise, but the limit on the Legacy is about a large DD. The actual shape of the breasts looks quite natural without being oddly deformed, with nipples that point forward and not upwards at a 45 degree angle, like the Slink Hourglass of the older Lolas add ons. The skin being used is default #3 which is closest to the anime skintone I generally use to match my M4 head. The legs are properly proportioned, with neither gigantic thighs, or ridiculously skinny calves. The skin includes it’s own HUD driven speculars to provide a natural, oiled, and wet sheen. The skin texture itself is very natural looking, and goes from a very pale to a nice dark in natural gradations. It can also be tinted as desired.

From the back, you can see that the derriere has a very nice pear shape, without being ridiculously projected outwards, which was a major quibble I had with the Lena Lush and Kupra, both of which allowed up to EE sized breasts, but given the overall improvements in body shape I am willing to deal with slightly smaller breasts for the more realistic body proportions in the hips, legs, arms and rear.

The sole “problem” I have is the way the skin is stretched on the side of the breasts, as you can see that the arc of my tattoo which should be a symmetrical curve down to a point is a little distorted, but that is something I can fix by tailoring the tattoo itself. The body itself has no problems with the side profile, with the breasts falling naturally without excessive “jutting” which makes it appear they are laying on an invisible platform. The hips are naturally tilted without an excessive back arch to make the “booty” stick out so far you could use it for a serving tray, or thighs so massive they need their own zip code.

And now we come to the Legacy Control Hud, which is what makes the body so good for modding. There are actually two parts to the HUD, the main, which is to the side, and the customization HUD which is the bar up top. The customization hud is what allows you to set textures to the various layers, which are the Tattoo, Inner, Middle and Top layers. With the HUD you can not only create custom clothing layers from your own textures, but you can also set bump and shine, with control over gloss, environment, and tint for the speculars. You can also individually control Glow and Transparency per layer.

The main HUD controls the inbuilt body gloss and bump, neck size adjustment for matching you preferred head, Nail shape and length or nail removal for add-on nails like mine. The Bento hands can be controlled separately or run random animations, while there are five foot settings for shoes. So far, most of the “The Mesh Project” sized shoes I have tried fit just fine. Additionally you can turn off/on any individual layer of clothing as well as add sock and glove “covers” when needed. The other two buttons on the hud allow you to pick a skin tone, or switch the body to BOM mode, and control alphas. The alpha system is one of the best I have seen to date, which allows you to subdivide actual sections of the alpha map into smaller pieces to customize exactly what needs to be hidden.

And now to show a full outfit with glows and speculars. With the Customization hud, I modified my B@R Cygmalio outfit to full bright with a ten percent glow to make this version, which is perfect for staying visible in the darkest Club. With some modding knowledge, you can create all sorts of special effects for your old texture only clothes.

But let’s be honest, most of you will probably want to know more about mesh outfits, which to be honest is probably the weakest point of the legacy at this moment, since it’s a new mesh and is still being more widely supported. It does, however, appear to me to be a strong contender with Maitreya, with many clothes makers already supporting legacy versions, and even Gatcha clothes becoming more available. While it is not yet as universal as Maitreya, I do think that is going to change over the next year.

Additionally I haven’t yet found a Omega Applier setup for Legacy, though since the older Mesh Project had them, they will be out eventually if not already and I just haven’t found them. This makes it possible to wear your own skins only in BOM mode, which reduces some of your modding possibilities, and the only way I have figured out to change the body out of BOM mode is to select the skin in HUD again, which will erase the clothing layer settings. This is easy to work around by simply putting a copy of the body into any BOM outfit folder and leaving it exclusively for that outfit.

So in conclusion, The Legacy is wonderful in many ways, but also has it’s drawbacks. It depends on what exactly you want from a mesh body. For mod-ability, I would rate it about an 8, For complexity it’s about a 5, as the low triangle count of 12.3k is offset by the fact that hands and feet require separate attachments and add an additional 5K to the overall rendering weight. The BOM is great, but the lack of a means to mix BOM and custom clothing layers (so far as I have been able to figure out so far) and the lack of applier skin support yet reduces the score to a five as well. For adaptability to an array of body shapes, I would give it another 8, but that’s only because I would prefer slightly larger breasts than DD, as I am normally a E-Cup. The funny thing is it comes with a clothing deformer that can make a mesh outfit the right size, but which does not affect the body in any way.

Anyway, that’s Val’s review of the Legacy Mesh, and next we will look at the Maitreya.  And feel free to comment, and if you notice any features I am missing, or know any tips or tricks I don’t, feel free to let me know. I’ve only owned it for a week, and still learning, so if you know something I don’t, let me know!

Bai Bai!

Valkyrie 
 

Commentary: Fashion Bloggers, Why They Matter

By SamanthaS Nightfire

I salute you, Fashion Bloggers of Second Life;  you inspire me to spend my money like a crazy women and I know designers love you because sometimes you’re the only reason for a purchase. Shoppers have no clue that you are one of the driving forces behind fashion purchases.

It’s not easy blogging about fashion, you have to keep up to date on what’s going on in the virtual fashion world. Of the many things to do behind the scenes, they need to set up and market a blog-web site. Open a vast amount of social media accounts, then, not in any particular order, apply to blog for a certain designer or product, wait to be chosen or not. Or be free-lance and go out on your own, get outfits, put an ensemble together, add in props, become experts at lighting, get your background either by creating a back board, buy a studio or search Second Life for a sim you feel fits what needs to be portrayed. Open image-saving accounts because they will be taking a tremendous amount of pictures and need storage. Then take your photos-images, edit them, then write up sample post. Lastly, market the hell out of it. Whoo, that’s exhausting just typing it all.

Tremendous effort is obvious in their work production. Most times I’m amazed the beautiful color layout and thought that goes into the final product. Rather advertising or critiques on fashion, it’s never just an outfit but the accessories, the background, shoes, hair and makeup.  The right lighting makes a huge difference in image clarity as well producing professional looking photos. Design skills insist on them adding a coffee cup, birds, a little puppy and poses that are just right. Yes, they are brilliant stylist too; putting together the right outfit is a huge feat for that final result. Though, sometimes designers want specific things or certain poses included with their creations for presentation to the world with each project. Lastly, don’t forget all the credits they list so buyers can find what they end up loving. I know from experience, credits are a pain in the butt.

Most Fashion Bloggers are seasoned travelers, searching Second Life to find the perfect setting to display the hours of work already done before that photograph (image) is even taken. I know, from previous experience, it takes lots of effort and research to produce the teasing image-outcomes. Then sprinkle in the management and marketing for bloggers; it would be a huge pain in the butt if they didn’t love their work.

Designers-store owners do employ, rate and monitor their bloggers. A few also get compensated with Lindens and all of them do get to keep the merchandise they are given. Some bloggers have even become so quit well known like Strawberry Singh, because their skills are outstanding and they shine above all others. Strawberry is now a Linden Lab employee. Then, there are some bloggers like you and I, we’re just fans who love fashion (smile).

Thanx for reading,
SamanthaS Nightfire
My Blog, Fashion Exploits: https://fashionexploits.wordpress.com/

====
Credits for this article:
Thank you to Super – Fashion Blogger
Gabriella Jawson aka GabbyJaws Resident on Second Life for her review to insure I left noting out.

Peace On Earth Hunt: Part Two

By Shaza Denver,

Good Day Faithful Readers,

    As I mentioned before I am slowly getting  through the Peace On Earth Hunt.  I am trying to do it in stages.....well because,  its ah HUGE hunt.  There are some 297 stops along this grid wide hunt.  So far the prizes have been amazing.  I am really impressed with the quality of the prizes the fantastic creators are setting out this season.

From seasonal outfits,  seasonal landscaping,   seasonal decor to just items we use in our every day Second Life experience, this hunt has something for everyone. There are gifts for men,  gifts for kids,  and gifts for everyone  in between.  A hunt for all ages and genre. So get on out there and get your hunt on.  I am going to post the url for the web site again in case you missed it the previous article: https://peaceonearthsl.wordpress.com/ .

     So my first showing is a sweet little cocktail dress that can be used for those festive holiday parties in Second Life.  Actually you could use this cocktail dress for any occasion.  The designer Mariposa has set out this hunt prize that is stop number 49 along the way.  This dress is a rich golden color that is perfect for this holiday season.  Head on over and grab this one up.  Your going to love it.

     Now for some festive boots.   Who does not love reindeer???  Reindeer boots....OMG!  These boots are so adorable you won't want to take them off.  They come to us from  Vicarious Youth.  To make the prize even better,  they come in kid TD size,  baby TD size and adult Slink flat size, and a resize pair that can be adjusted to fit your mesh body.  I love them and am sure you  will too!  Vicarious Youth is stop number 133 on the hunt.  Now dash away to more fantastic gifts on the hunt! 

     I found this great pose gift on the hunt from Poses With Attitude.  Its stop number
12 on the hunt.  I found it great for that holiday pose with family.  I had a little help with this one from some of the girls in my family.  Its a great pose prop  to have when you want something fun and festive for your family photo this Christmas. 

That's it for now my loyal readers and friends.  Enjoy the hunt!  I am doing this one with my family.  Its so much fun with all of us racing to find the elusive globe. 

Until next time,
Sincerely
Shaza

The Peace On Earth Hunt

By Shaza

Hello Faithful Readers,
     This week I am going to feature a hunt that has been around Second Life forever.   The POE hunt.   For those of you that are new,  this is a fantastic hunt.  The prizes you will find are from some of the top creators in SL.  I wait patiently all year for this hunt.  If you never do another hunt in SL,  you really should do this one.  This is the longest running hunt in Second Life, having been around for some 10 years.  Now that is quite a feat.  I think we all know how quickly things come and go in SL.  Ten years .... well that kind of speaks of the greatness of this hunt.

     This is just good fun for entire family.  Do it in a group,  with family,  with friends.  On my hunt quest I have found other  hunters that work with me to find the elusive globe that contains the prize.  It really is a fun hunt and you should try it.  My advice is to do a few at a time.  This is a long hunt,  with some 297 prizes to be found.  Some of the stores have multiple prizes to be found.   To get out and enjoy this one.  You won't be sorry.

This is the URL of the website with all the hints and even some peeks at the prizes.

https://peaceonearthsl.wordpress.com/

I am going to show you some of the prizes I have found already.  Every week I am going to get an article out with more of these fantastic prizes. 

Stop number 14 on the hunt sent me to Storax Tree.  There I found the globe that contained this gorgeous candle lit tree.  The POE Glove was pretty simple to find,  and the prize inside it simply beautiful.

     Now something for the ladies.  Some of us have the bento hands.   I myself find them to be wonderful.  With the movements of the bento hands its very realistic.  On to our prize.  At the store slipper I found the prize glove fairly easy. 

Its stop 4 in this hunt.  Inside the globe is a fantastic prize for bento hands,  but also included in the globe are nails for Slink hands as well.  So if you have bento or Slink hands you are going to love these Christmas nails.   The nails are both right and left hands. 

Lastly I am going to show you the most adorable thing I have found on the hunt thus far.  From  Potomac Signature Homes stop 153 on the hunt,  I found these cute little pets.   Now I jumped ahead a bit on the hunt.  I was at Potomac Homes looking at a house there and found the hunt prize instead.  The house was gorgeous too!

These are just a few of the wonderful prizes your going to find once you get going on this grid wide event.  Take your time,  take some friends,  take some family!  Your going to enjoy this one for sure.

Until next time,  have much fun,  and as always enjoy your Second Life.

Shaza

The Jerky Turkey Hunt

By Shaza Denver

Hello Readers,

Today I am writing to you about a long standing event that happens every year here in Second Life.  Its a hunt.  As promised I am going to be covering events and happenings in SL that are of interest to you our readers.  This time out there its a hunt. 

As its almost Thanksgiving here in the states,  there is a hunt that has been around for years now that I follow.  I look forward to the Jerky Turkey Hunt every year.   Not only are there fantastic creators involved, its a well put together hunt.  The clues are easy to follow and the prizes ....... well you will see as I am going to post a few.  

I have always found thought that creators should put their best foot forward when it comes to gifts and hunt prizes.  It gives a creator a chance to showcase their product in a favorable light and reach people in a fun way.  The better the prize,  and the quality of that prize,  the more apt you are to go back and shop at that store.  At least that is how it is for me.  Also if you are there to get the prize,  you might join the group if you are so inclined. 

Now on to the hunt.  The Jerky Turkey Hunt has been around Second Life for years.  Its a fun hunt with a total of 53 stops.  Each prize cost 1 linden.  As I am going to show you, some of these prizes are well worth that 1 linden.  

There is a web site with easy to use landmarks,  and even easier clues to follow that will help you along the way with this hunt.  I will say,  follow the clues to the letter,  and you will find your prize.  Your looking for an orange turkey feather.  Here is the addy to the website. 

http://evilbunnyhunt.blogspot.ca/p/hunt-hints_7.html

That's the landmarks and hints page of this hunt.  There is also a picture of the item you will be hunting.  This hunt runs until November 30th.   So get out there and get going.  Your going to love it!

Let me show you some of the prizes to be found. 

This cute little jumper dress is the prize from Mooh.  Its called the Jenny Dress.  I just love how cute it is. 

Now even though its getting a bit of a chill in the air you can still pull off a pretty halter dress.  Everyone needs a nice semi-formal.  This prize from Grumble is no exception.  Its a lovely addition to your wardrobe.  This is the prize from Grumble, which by the way is the starting point of the hunt.

There is a pretty hair to be found as a prize at "Firelight".  I had never heard of this shop before so I took a bit of time looking around.  Its a gorgeous prize that comes
with a hud that allows you two color choices. 

I am going to be doing more of this hunt in the coming days.  I really am enjoying doing this hunt with my Second Life family.  I hope you will enjoy doing this hunt as well!

Until next time,

Shaza

Hairology

Hello Readers,

As promised I will bring you events I feel are of interest and are of benefit to you.  So in my travels through Second Life this week, I came upon and event that will run from November 10th to November 30th.  Now don't you all scream at once, but its a hair sale: Hairology

Hairology has been around for quite some time as you may know.  Its an event that runs monthly featuring some of the very best creators on the grid.  I highly recommend that you get by and check it out.  Not only for the sales but this month especially.  

Now I did have a little problem getting into this amazing event.  That is because its vastly popular.  The sheer talent of the designers featured at Hairology is enough to make you want to run there before you walk.  Once in I was amazed to find out that this is an anniversary event.  So what does that mean to us as consumers.  Well I will tell you.  Gifts!   Not only will you find fantastic designs from some premium designers,  they have also set out a gift to mark the 10th anniversary of Hairology! Now let me get  you a Uber to the event,  because I know your ready to go. 

Waterton Way (62/175/2797)

 I am posting some of the free gifts.  These are just a sample of what is set out for us to pick up and enjoy. 

This cute little bob is from Tukinowaguma.  Tuck for short.  Its a great hair that goes from casual to chic in moments.  The gift comes in several colors for your ease of use.  It can be pared with just about any look you are trying to achieve. 

Next up I have somewhat of a boho inspired hair.  I just love boho and all the different looks.  This hair is from no.match.  It comes in three different base colors with a hair base applier for Catwa,  Omega,  Lelutka,  and TMP.  That's pretty handy to have. 

[RunAway Hair] set out a great gift for us.  Now I used it for a formal look,  but you can again use it for which ever look your going for.  Its a super beautiful hair that comes in so many different color combinations.  The colors in the hud are beautiful two-toned hairs.

I hope you enjoy the event readers.  I know I did.  Until next time.

Sincerely,
Shaza