I had the pleasure of finally arranging a sit-down with the very busy Raven Lament of RAVENWEAR, just prior to the reopening of her redesigned sim, which offers far more than the usual shopping fare. She informs me that there is a hospital, church, morgue, factory, and more to explore (and if you’re into that sorta thing; shoot some neat SL photos!)
Evangeline Schism: So, let’s talk about Ravenwear. How long have you been designing, first off?
Raven Lament:If you can imagine, since April 2004!
ESchism: Wow! That’s insane! You must be one of the most longstanding brands in secondlife then!
RLament: Yeah I actually can remember a time before prim shoes
ESchism: *chuckles* Scary.
Raven Lament: Ohh it was and all [on the grid] had linden skins! :O
ESchism: *cringe* So, what started your design empire?
RLament: Well I am an artist by nature real life; I paint, draw, sculpt and do photography so it just fit. I started out making eyes to begin with then worked up to clothing.
ESchism: Do you make the sorts of clothes that you wear in real life?
RLament: Some yes-but I have to admit real life I definitely have more of a punky feel to my wardrobe than the goth, but I do like both very much. It is really just a mix match of my moods. I will go through periods of doing alot of goth, then go to punk and then even urbanish.
ESchism: A number of people in the bdsm community that I know in SL, shop at your store.
Raven Lament: I do like to make sexy outfits as well as more casual. I call myself eclectic. I am a true believer of self expression and mixing and matching things up.
ESchism: I have a fair share of your latex.
RLament: Yeah latex is hot!
ESchism: Your new sim redesign looks incredible!
RLament: Thank you so much! I really wanted to get back to my roots with this redesign. I have always been a fan of industrial areas and the lines they have. I do alot of photography in RL of industrial areas, even though I have to say I am not a fan of what they do to the environment.
ESchism: Let’s talk about the furry standups that were in your last store…[Sidenote: The standups are actually Raven herself! What a truly fur friendly designer!]
RLament: Yes they will be making there way back into this one. I havent had time to get it all out yet as I have been dealing with evil rental boxes and parceling. I definitely still support the furry and neko communities they keep SL more interesting.
ESchism: Let’s talk about furries in fashion! Did you know that my blog has a link to yours under “Fur Friendly Designers?”
RLament: Ahh thanks so much! I am glad to know that the furry community appreciates my shop. I have to admit I was shocked to be nominated in the MFA for best furry designer, I was so flattered!
ESchism: Well you’re one of the most ballsy popular designers around… running a contest for a furry model, is bold.
RLament: I also have furry models in my modeling group as well and this was prior to the contest. I feel that the runway is meant for individuality not to show the same look over and over. One of the things about furries that I admire, is that they make their avs really their own.
ESchism: Tell us about your redisigned sim’s grand opening.
RLament: We will have a 2 hour grand opening event Saturday afternoon 3-5pm SLT. It will feature a DJ, trivia contest with prizes and a raffle ball. Also the new photography studio that is on the island will be having a grand opening as well to coincide with the event.
evangelineschism