Selina Graycloud - An Indepth Look into Miss Chop Zuey of Summer 2012

When the assignment came across my desk I had been busily admiring my recent purchases from the Vintage Fair 2012, namely a very shapely pair of N-Core stilettos and a lovely dress in midnight blue from Molichino.  Glancing up to see my Editor and Co-Owner of SL Fierce standing before me, I noticed she seemed rather excited.  Not to say Sessie isn’t normally excitable but in the most enjoyable of ways.  With a sigh I let the items fall to the floor and swing my feet down to listen in rapid attention as i pick up the papers she place upon my desk.  Hmm now this does sound fascinating.. An interview with the newly crowned Miss Chop Zuey Girl Summer 2012, Selina Graycloud.  A rather avid fan of Chop Zuey myself I quickly type into my notebook to bring up the Flickr site that shows me the photos of Ms. Graycloud wearing the lovely Panda Choker and the Shaman Set.  Interesting and intriguing pieces.  I find myself fascinated and looking forward as I begin to prepare for the upcoming interview.

Confident I have all the information and preparation I will need I notice the time.  Gathering my pens and notepad, I quickly shove them into my Lelutka Sak and head out to meet with Selina.  Upon arrival at her home I notice a very relaxed atmosphere.  Casual elegance meets rustic Adirondacks.  Quite enchanting to say the least.  Reaching into my bag I retrieve my notebook and a pen before turning to face my query.  I relax some see how comfortable she is and flip open the notebook to begin the interview.  With a warm smile I ask her “Tell me please in your own words why you chose the collections you did for the Chop Zuey Girl Competition.”

Selina became quite animated as she began to speak of the first piece, The Panda Choker.  “ For the "Got Milk" Choker, I fell in love with the detail.” she explained.  I nodded in agreement for I know this piece well having admired it myself quite frequently.  “Ahh yes the Panda set from the Chop Zuey Animal Collection. A truly detailed piece of work I agree.”  She nodded enthusiastically before continuing with a rush of excitement “Every piece of this jewelry was breathtaking, I must have stared at it for a long time, wondering how to best display it in a photograph.”  I found myself listening to her with intrigue.  She was a ball of energy who became animated when speaking of something she was so passionate about.  Crossing my legs as I scribbled several notes down I looked up to ask “oh and what did you decide in the end if I may ask?”  Her smile grew wider if that is possible as she seemed to lose herself in the memory “ I had a lot of fun with this piece actually, the Panda is animated and so adorable.”  I nodded in agreement “Oh my truly inspiring and imaginative.. it sounds like a lot of love and ingenuity went into the creativity of the photograph.”

Selina paused to gather herself, taking a sip of her drink before continuing with a smile that lead me to believe her next words were of some import to her.  “Now with the next piece”.   I finish quickly making my notes about the Panda Photo as I respond.  "I was just about to say with such a stunning piece of work as your first piece how can you hope to top that."  A small impish giggle escaped Selina as she smiles with delight at my words. “Now with the next set, the Shaman Royalty set, I wanted a stronger more spiritual look for it.” With this I raise my brows slightly in surprise.  This is definitely something different.   “Ahh so for you tradition and spirituality combined in order to show strength in a woman.. it is shown throughout history that women were in fact in places of religious leadership long before christianity in many cultures so a very fascinating piece and direction you chose to take.” I explain understanding such a concept myself.  I see her leaning forward as she nods vigorously in agreement “Absolutely!  My mind was racing for hours as how to best portray such a wonderful set.”  Her words and demeanor tell as much a story for this piece as does the selection itself so I can not help but ask “It sounds to me, please tell me if i am wrong, but that this set may have more personal meaning to you.” She claps her hands in response “Exactly! each set in Chop Zuey is fierce and beautiful but the message and the collection truly it "home" with me.”

I find myself smiling and laughing with this charming vivacious young woman before me.  “So we have spoken of the two sets which it sounds truly stunning what you have done and the judges must have agreed with me as you are our new Miss Chop Zuey Girl. Tell me, What does winning the chop zuey girl competition mean for you personally and professionally?”  I ask her as I lean back tapping my pen to the notebook giving her my complete attention.  I watch as though the excitement is still there in the fiber of her body she seems to visibly relax more as she responds. “It is a great honor to be chosen, I am still blown away even to this day. Stumbling over my words even now when I see those words.”  I can see or perhaps a better distinction is to say I can feel the impact of these words as she says them for it truly shows how much this means to her.  “Well you wear the title with grace and ease...” I compliment her with a genuine warmth to which she replied with a smile “Not only am I happy with winning the title, I am blown away by the family I have gained. Every member of the group is supportive and wonderful, I cannot stress enough what an honor this is.   Professionally I hope represent Chop Zuey with uniqueness, quality, style and class.”  I tilt my head as i observe her “ I think you have already accomplished that.  We look forward to seeing more from you in the coming year then as Miss Chop Zuey Girl *smiles widely* now to switch gears a bit.”

I watch as she perks up a bit.  I can see she wonders what I mean by my last sentence.  I pull forth my sheaf of papers from within my notebook in which I have several notes scribbles upon “I see you are Co-Owner of of the new House of Genevrio & Photography.  Please tell us a bit more about this.”  I look up and listen raptly as she begins to explain “House of Genevrio is still in the woodworks so to speak, we are designing various clothing and accessories as well as working hard on photography.  My sister Kimmy Inkpen is working hard teaching me the how to's on all of it , giggles, so glad she has patience.  We want our styles to be "outside the box" and she has already created some awesome dresses so far.”  I can almost feel my fingers wanting to grip these future styles within my greedy fingers.  That compulsion causing me to grip my pen a bit tighter as she describes the styles she hopes HoG will produce.  “It sounds like the fashion world has something to look forward to!”

With that I found myself wondering who is Selina Graychild.  What makes her happy and enchants her.  We as Models, Designers, Stylists and Bloggers are often always on the go but each of us has a way we go off to enjoy our relaxing time.  A way to destress so to speak.  So what is it that Selina does for fun.  This was the question I posed to her.  “ I am a huge fan of adventure and photography. I love jumping from Sim to Sim choosing mostly from Editors pictures and just having a blast. Especially the Mystery Sims, when I am not exploring, then I am dancing or creating. I just love this Virtual World and the people in it are simply amazing!!!” she explained with that build up of excitement showering her voice once more.  Always being one who can not wait to find someplace new to explore I asked “Tell us about some of the sims you have explored.”  to which Selina replied enthusiastically “There was a sim (not sure if it is still there) Called Anna's Many Murder Mysteries. That was a ton of fun, it was a story and you went to each detailed location for each part of it. I love love love the Artwork in SL as well, so I do often go to many sims that display fantastic Artwork (3D style especially), huge fan of hunts...love love love that...the Twisted Hunt and Runway hunt to name a few were fantastic...I cannot get enough of the rides here, so if there is an Air Balloon or train or something like that, I am there. Cannot get enough of Charity events either, I am so moved by how everyone gets together and helps those in Real Life. Truly wonderful.” I found myself enjoying the descriptiveness of her words and memory.  I could see the rides she described as if I was waiting in line to get on one.

I decided to approach her modeling career.  Myself being a model, I still find it fascinating and intriguing to hear about the journey of others for never is one journey quite the same.  How we get to the point we do and where we go from here is always unique as much as we as individuals are unique.  Our styles shining for to reflect our personalities and beliefs.  “Lets talk now about you and modeling shall we?  Tell us a bit about your journey so far as a model within Second Life.”  I paused in my writing to listen to her story.   “It has been a truly wonderful experience so far, I learn more and more each day and meet amazing people. I have so many to thank for helping me get to where I am today and those that will help me in the future.”  I reply “Yes a model's journey is long and hard. having a good and solid support team to encourage you is a must in this business.” encouraging her to continue her thought.  “I get choked up a bit when I think about how far I have come and you're right it is a long.”

“It sounds like you have a wonderful future ahead of you in modeling and fashion. As we are speaking of the future that brings up two topics... What do you see for the future for Fashion and Modeling in Second Life.”  I found myself next asking as I listen to her talk about her journey.  “Very good question, I believe that it will get bigger and stronger. The ideas even now are beyond amazing, the designers, models, instructors, owners etc are on the verge of something truly remarkable! I cannot see a Second Life without the Fashion and Modeling World. I just love being a part of it” I laugh at her obvious enthusiasm. I smile as I ask the second part of my question“What can the Fashion World expect to see in the future from Selina Graycloud.” to which I receive an answer smile and reply “Well with the training and practice I hope to bring an edge to my modeling career, pulling myself out of the norm and adding that spark that is deep within me. After all, those who have trained me and mentor me expect nothing less and I wish to honor them.”

I look at my notebook full of notes and I ask “What would you say is the most important thing a model in the fashion world needs to know.”  I find myself curious as to what this young woman will answer with.  “Patience is probably one of the most things they should know above the many important things.”

I honestly couldn’t agree more.  Patience is definitely needed in this cutthroat business we participate in.  “We see many competitions take place within the modeling world of Second Life.  Do you think competition takes away or adds to your life as a model.” I ask her this question because i feel it one that ever model faces.  A more personal challenge or hurdle depending on how you wish to examine it.  Selina rises to the occasion with the grace and wit she has shown throughout the interview to respond “There are many times in this field where you will find that not many doors wish to open, one must learn from this and continue on.  Definitely adds (in a way) to your career, many are not into this and choose other ways and that is perfectly fine as well. I use the competitions as way of perfecting myself, in styling or whichever.” I found myself understanding more why she felt such a connection to the Shaman Set by Chop Zuey as she speaks.  “ That is truly an inspirational way of looking at the world of competition within Second Life. A lesson of value the readers are sure to gain from.”  I explain before continuing.

“If you could name your top five favorite designers that you can not do without in your inventory who would they be and what about them makes them stand out for you?”  I ask her.  It’s always fun to have a peek in a model’s closet and even more fun to know who it is she favors above all others and why.  I feel my lips lift with impish delight as i observe her mulling this question over in her head.  I can almost see her ticking through her closet and the designer treasures to be found within.  She laughs while replying “Not a problem for there really are many I love. But, for the five I would have to say Chop Zuey: Unbelievable head turning pieces one cannot live without, EGOISME: His attire and skins are truly wonderful, EVOLVE's breathtaking outfits are a must.  So hard to choose just five.   Loovus Dzevavor unique hairstyles and Zanze's exquisite dresses.”  I make personal notes in my head though I can not in fact disagree with anything she said to describe the above designers.  Truly refined and leading Haute Couture Designers in every aspect.  “all excellent choices each and every one of them..” I exclaim.

I lean forward just a bit in an almost confidential manner “And last but not least.. many new and fresh young models enter the fashion world every day.  What advice would you give these young men and women to help them on their path in order to navigate the world of fashion and modeling in Second Life.”  My pen poised to write I listen as she gives voice to her own advice.. A well learned lesson in Second Life.  “ Never give up on your goals, there is always room for knowledge, practice makes perfect (even in lag), Mentors are a must have and never be afraid to ask questions.”  Writing these words of wisdom down I ask her “Is there anything else you would like to add?”  I wait for her respond with almost baited breath for this young woman has kept me enchanted with her intelligence and inner spiritualism for the better part of an hour.  “Absolutely. I wish to say once again thank you to everyone who helped me get this far. For those who stuck by no matter what, for those I have met and have transformed me along the way. The list of names would fill a huge book, but I cannot thank you all enough. This was truly an honor Brittainy. I must say I am still pinching myself right now as we do this interview.”

I find myself standing as the interview comes to a close.  “Let me thank you Selina for such a delightful chance to get to know you and this opportunity to sit down with you. Our readers will have the chance to get to know on a more intimate detail the beautiful face that is now the Miss Chop Zuey Girl of Summer and see that she is truly someone unique and creative.”  Selina Graycloud, Miss Chop Zuey 2012 simply blushed and gave me a soft thank you as she bid me adieu.  And that readers is my delightful evening with an enchanting pixie who is determined to take the fashion world by storm.  After an hour with her, I can tell you as I sit here typing away these words, she is a fiercely independent and strong young woman with a graceful set of style and beauty.  Look to the future for you shall see Selina Graycloud upon the runway and in the stores with her fashions from House of Genevrio Styles.

Brittainy Collins
SL Fierce Writer