Tolerance is the Only Way

A new fashion event in SL is combining beauty, creativity and activism to combat the harmful effects of homophobia.

Tolerance is the Only Way is a fashion fair in support of COGAM, the Lesbian, Gay, Transgender & Bisexual Collective of Madrid. In its own words, COGAM seeks to:

• Defend the Human Rights specified in the United Nations Charter, especially those that affect lesbian, gay, transgender and bisexual people, their human dignity, their freedom to be themselves, their quest for social equality, the right to live free from discrimination, and so on.

• Work to make society more inclusive and respectful, by promoting conditions that will let people truly benefit from freedom and equality, both as individuals and as members of their respective segments of society.

• Promote full legal and social equality for all people, regardless of one's sexual orientation, gender identity, or emotional/sexual relationships with another consenting person or persons.

• Work to eradicate homophobic and transphobic behaviors.

• Work to eradicate discrimination against those of us living with HIV, and promote the right of all HIV-positive people to have free public medical care, psychological services, and social services.

Many of SL's major designers have produced dedicated designs in support of this worthy organizaiton, which are on display at a large, two-storey build on the  Cash Island 4 sim.

The two floors of designer goods include such well-known names as Champagne, Gizza, Tres Beau, SF Designs, Pekas, and Egoisme, along with dozens of others. Like most fashion events, the designs are largely geared towards women, with elaborate gowns, fanciful makeups, and glittering jewellery dominating the vendors. The items dedicated to men may be fewer in number, but no less in quality.

I picked up the handsome Bruno suit from SF Designs while I was there and couldn't wait to get home to try it on. Don't let my crummy photo deter you, this is a sharp suit!

The Tolerance is the Only Way event culminates in a series of fashion shows to be held October 27 to Novemeber 3. For more information, visit the Tolerance is the Only Way blog and visit the fair at http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cash%20Island%204/49/164/23

Demon Couture from CHAMPAGNE

Enzo Champagne is BACK, showing the world that his boundless spirit & amazing creativity cannot be stopped!

If ever there was sexy and deliciously wicked couture, this is it!  For both the boys and the girls, EVIL is an eye-popping, fun, and spicy way to celebrate Halloween by CHAMPAGNE Sparkling Fashion! The outfit is styled with eye makeup from Madrid Solo. 

Use your imagination to style this outfit and make it your own, just as Bastien Berboral creates his own fabulous look shown below. 

The Unreal Loss of Real Talent

Enzo Champagne

Update: Enzo has returned to Second Life.

In Second Life, as in real life, anyone can fall victim to criminal acts. In SL, we depend on Linden Labs to mediate our disputes when it comes to frauds, theft, or scams. As we've seen recently, the Linden Gods often drop the ball when we don't have paid accounts. But this would never, ever happen to a big name, right? Wrong.

Enzo Champagne, creator of CHAMPAGNE! Sparkling Couture and a supporter of the LGBT community, found himself subject to fraudulent use of his account by hackers, who took his Linden balance and accessed his Paypal, spending the funds at one Second Life business. Upon learning of the fraud, Enzo reported the incident with transactions to Linden Labs, allowing them to see who the thieves were. The following day, the Second Life business returned Enzo's stolen funds and Paypal returned the funds in accordance with Paypal fraud policy. Enzo alerted Linden Labs that the funds had been returned but that they should pursue the thieves. As is normal, his account was blocked while Linden Labs investigated the fraudulent transactions. To Enzo's surprise, he was informed that his account would be permanently terminated with no other reason given then that he had "violated the terms of the TOS." Enzo's appeal was lost and his only hope is the efforts of someone trying to get LL to review his case again.

Enzo is a truly talented designer, a stunning photographer, and a kind, generous man. The loss of his contributions to SL will be a pain we'll for quite some time. If we're lucky, he'll find his way back to us, and find a way to bless us with his incredible talents once again.

Various sit-ins are occurring in Second Life in an effort to get the message to the Lindens that Enzo's account should be reinstated, and it should. However, we are aware that this has happened to many who don't have Enzo's visibility, as well, and stand behind Carilynn O'Hare and Ponchtuti Boucher's efforts to create a petition drawing attention to the errors in Linden Lab's governance system that would allow a known griefer and copybotter to thrive and maintain a store with copybotted items on Marketplace, while permabanning victims of Second Life crime. We will keep you informed of information regarding the petition as it becomes available.

http://www.facebook.com/notes/carilynn-ohare/enzo-champagne-what-happened-to-him-can-happen-to-you/542506082442373

CHAMPAGNE! Sparkling Couture Ethno

Ethno in blue

Enzo Champagne has added a new outfit to his CHAMPAGNE! Sparkling Couture male line: the sexy, chest and navel revealing Ethno. This sexy style shows off plenty of skin and with the super short pants, it's perfect for summer lounging or beach strolls. Ethno is available in five different colors: blue, lilac, mint, mustard and pomegranate. Stop by and grab yours today so you can hit the beaches in sexy style.

A Toast to CHAMPAGNE! Sparkling Couture

It's not often that one stumbles across a shop with the versatility of CHAMPAGNE! Sparkling Couture. From stunning couture gowns to elegant suits, Enzo Champagne's designs have graced runways across Second Life. However, CHAMPAGNE! Sparkling Couture isn't just high society apparel. In fact, the CHAMPAGNE! Sparkling Couture satellite stores, including one located at Romanum, contain clusters of costumes and outfits that are sure to spice up your wardrobe.

CHAMPAGNE! Sparkling Couture's REBEL in red

CHAMPAGNE! Sparkling Couture's REBEL in red demonstrates how Enzo has captured a sexy, tough guy feel, while staying true to the line's texture and quality standards. The outfit comes complete with bracelets and headband and is available in black, blue, brown and red.