The Unofficial Second Life® Fashion and Shopping Blog

This week’s interview is with that mistress of unique hand drawn fashion: elka Lehane of Boing Fromage.

LL: How did you get started designing and how did you name your business?

elka Lehane: I actually started designing right away, the second I logged into SL. 15 minutes after opening my account I was all over the forums to teach myself with tutorials about how to do make-ups (skins - I just didn’t know that then!) and clothes. I came here because I’d been in another online world called Dreamscape (by VZones) since 1996 and although I really loved that place, you couldn’t really design over there. So some friends dragged me to SL by saying you could make every single thing you ever dreamed of, so that’s what I did! I downloaded Chip Midnight’s templates and my (second) life started. Then came the prims. I owe it all to Fa Nyak, who taught me about 95% of all the really cool tricks I know in SL. He also told me about posting your new products in the forums and listing them on SLexchange so I guess that is how my business started.

I posted what I was offering and slowly the demand grew bigger and bigger. My store was called elka:random (because it wasn’t anything precise at that point) and I sold Gothic Lolita outfits as well as my Spray Paint Cans offered with custom buckles. And that’s actually how I met many of the cool kids/veterans like Barnes or Garbage who bought them from me. Hanging with them lead me to meeting many other wonderful people that are still my friends to this day and that helped me a lot with learning (like Indie Rainbow, the tablet God!).

Seeing Toast and Nylon’s work also drastically changed my view of SL. They were making exactly what I had in my mind, what I wanted to do, and I was suprised because I was actually restraining myself from doing it because I thought it would not be well recieved. So a few months later I was really doing my thing, hand drawing clothes; I got a tablet, and got a boutique near them in Deimos. “boing” and “fromage” (which means cheese in French, and I am a huge cheese-eater ) were just the two words that popped in my head so !BF! was born. Ah, Deimos… I am still extremely thankful for these days. I think that’s where it all *really* started.

LL: What were the early days of your business like? What have you learned since then?

elka Lehane: It was eclectic, mostly ugly and noobish, but extremely enriching and fun. Like I mentioned earlier, I did not really have a store so it was word of mouth as well as forums and people came to meet me face to face. I was spending all my time at a sandbox called JAVA and they came to see me there to request stuff. That was my business! Suddenly my spray paint cans were the big deal, and I made about 20k in two days. I went completely crazy when I started to realize the power of SL and the money I could make here. After that, things could have gone really wrong and would be really different right now. I would be making tons of $$$ by selling not so well done hoochie clothing. But something was telling me, no, just do what you really think is cool - quality not quantity, get better - and if money comes, good, if it doesn’t just try harder. And I still stick to that to this day.

Lots of people ask my why I don’t make more clothes. Mostly because when you feel its being forced, the pressure will kick in and it will lose its uniqueness. I bet you don’t want that; I know I don’t. And well, also because I am really, really lazy - but we don’t have to say that do we?What I learned, mainly, can be resumed in one quick sentence: “do your thing.” And that means a lot. It means, don’t got for what sells, go for what you love.

LL: What are your favourite items in your store at the moment?

elka Lehane: I would say that my all time favorites are my Patent MaryJane Ballets. Often copied by small or well known designers, but never equaled! I also am very proud with my two owl pendants, they are really precious to me and I put so much work into them. My Hummingbird Tank, the Voile Button Neck Tops (wich I plan on adding more colors to soon), the Grandpa Vests as well as the Folklore Dress (one of my biggest sellers along with the Boho Crochet Skirts and the new Satin Bow LBD) are also things I am happy with too. And the latest item, the Polkadheart Swing Jacket, whee!

LL: How much of what you do is driven by what you personally want to create vs what you think the market is interested in buying?

elka Lehane: I just do what I wear in RL, or wish I owned in RL, all the time. Recreating stuff I own is what I prefer to do the most in SL. It’s like personal little goals or challenges to completely hand draw from scratch or completely remake with prims whatever I own and love in RL. So to that question I must answer: 100% driven by what I wish to create!A few times I’ve made something and thought “oh I bet this will sell very well” and been really disappointed because it didn’t. But I’ve also created some stuff just because I really wanted to wear it and was stunned and happily surprised how much they sold, like my sandal range. So I think if you really put your heart into something it shows in your work, and you will obviously sell more. It’s surprising.

Sometimes I do think about creating an alt and making gowns, bling jewelry and skimpy clothes or becoming a land baron. Gosh those people make so much money and it’s tempting! But seriously I don’t think I would be happy. So I don’t.

LL: Where do you enjoy shopping in SL and what other designers clothing do you wear?

elka Lehane: That is a tough one. I don’t like to answer those types of questions because quite frankly there are thousands of stores around and with more than 30k items in my inventory, there is not enough memory in my poor brain to rewrite them all here and I find it very unfair to people you forget. I know I am a bit saddened when a good customer/designer who really loves my stuff forgets to name me - I am sensitive like that!

There is usually at least one item in every store I go in SL, daily, that I think suits my mood or style of the moment and I always buy it to mix and match. Eventually, I do plan on releasing a elka’s Official Shopping List and/or some kind of blog that will showcase every single outfit I ever put together in SL because I strongly believe not only my friends or well known people deserve attention, but all the tiny weenies unseen designers, too.

And, by the way, if you need help finding particular stuff in SL, I am always hanging around the Fashion Emergency group answering questions, or in the Products Wanted section of the forums filling in requests!

LL: Is Second Life a full-time job, a part-time job, or a hobby for you?

elka Lehane: Since I am studying right now, I would say hobby. But a few months ago I was a stay at home mom, so I guess it was sort of a full-time job. But I cannot say that the money I make in SL isn’t important for my RL budget; it is. I do count on those extra $ made by cashing out Lindens to buy a few clothes, toys for my son, make a little trip here and there and pay my crazy eBay bills from collecting vintage owl pendants, kokeshi dolls, miniatures, vinyl toys, and… dang, there is so much crap I love to buy! But on a more serious note I hope SL always remains a hobby, because I enjoy doing it and I hope I will always do. And I owe it all to people like you who run blogs and interview me, to my friends, fans, customers, everyone who encourages me with nice words or spends a dime at !BF! Love you guys!

BF! is located in Miramare 168, 167, 27

Photo One: Je t’aime

Eyes: Chocolate (Starry-Eyed Series) by Nephilaine Protagonist for PixelDolls
Skin: Skinny Dipped (Summer Series) in Pale by Gala Phoenix for Empyrean Emporium
Hair: Christina in Smoke Burnt by Elikapeka Tiramisu for ETD
Nails: Silver (Glitter Series) by CJ Carnot for Tete A Pied
Shirt: Je t’aime Tee by myself for !BF! (NOT OUT YET - look for it in the upcoming Tee Series 4) (Length Add-On: Voile Button Neck Top in White/Pink by myself)
Pants: Felon Leggings (Long) in Stripey - Opaque
Necklace: Opal and Pearl (with matching earrings) by Polyester Partridge for Yummy
Shoes: Buckled Mid-Calf Boots in Frida Plaid by Mare Lu for Paper Couture

Photo Two

Left: Eleanor

Eyes: Tohru_Digital Eyes by Tohru Kanami for Kawaii Onigiri
Skin: Vanilla in Honey by Lovey Darling for Lovey’s Boutique
Hair: Maya in Coral by Lost Therian for Naughty Design
Jacket: Puff Jacket in Tan w/ Silver by Chloris Hathor for G.L.A.M.
(Lenght Add-On: Voile Button Neck Top in Black by myself)
Pants: Sequin Heart Jeans by Nylon Pinkney for Nylon Outfitters
Belt: from the Boho Summer kit by Ava Lu for Paper Couture
Necklace: Queen Of Hearts in Black & Moonstone by Jackal Ennui for Lassitude
& Ennui
(Animal: personal custom not for sale)
Shoes: Black Patent MaryJane Ballets by myself for !BF! (100$L)

Middle: Poupee

Eyes: Tohru_Digital Eyes by Tohru Kanami for Kawaii Onigiri
Skin: Firefly Sky (Summer Series) in Pale by Gala Phoenix for Empyrean
Emporium
Hair: Chu in Black by Kin Keiko for KIN
Undershirt: Juju by Julliette Westerburg for Tres Blah
(Shoulder Poofs from the Emiko Kit by Sumire Mochi for Tweet)
Shirt: Voile Button Neck Top in Green/Cream by myself for !BF! (95L$)
Pants: Apple Butt Jeans in Champagne (heavily tinted) by Chloris Hathor for
G.L.A.M.
Necklace: 50s Dangle Owl in Bronze by myself for !BF! (180L$)
Shoes: Luxury Pumps in Banana w/Gold by Chloris Hathor for G.L.A.M.

Right: Sugary Shimmer Brownie

Eyes: Chocolate (Starry-Eyed Series) by Nephilaine Protagonist for PixelDolls
Skin: Bubblegum in Bonbon by Lovey Darling for Lovey’s Boutique
Hair: Angeleena in Dark Black by Mystikal Faddoul for Mystikal Hair Designs
Top: (from dress) Gold Party Dress Bow Top by Nylon Pinkney for Nylon Outfitters
Pants: Red Jeans by Nylon Pinkney for Nylon Outfitters (NOT OUT YET)
Necklace: Strawberry by Nylon Pinkney for Nylon Outfitters (NOT OUT YET)
Purse: Brocade Bag in Red by Ingrid Ingersol for ETC.
Shoes: Ava Signature by Ava Lu for Paper Couture
Animal: Teacup Poodle in Black by Winx Whiplash for ExtroVirtual

Photo Three

Left: Polkadheart Sweetpoo

Skin: Skinny Dipped (Summer Series) in Pale by Gala Phoenix for Empyrean Emporium
Hair: Zoe in Blue Tips by Aleri Darkes for Diversity
Tops: Polkadheart Swing Jacket with Lenght Add-On + Basic Tintable Tee by myself for !BF! (120L$)
Pants: Felon Leggings (Long) in Gray - SHeer by Starley Therian for Celestial Studio
Shoes: Block Party Stitches Street Shoes (special limited edition) by Kaejo DaSilva for Renegade
Glasses: Buddy Holly *taped* by Antonia Marat for Artilleri
Bangles: Flea Market Bracelets by Stumbelina Ophelia for CAKE
Mouth Accessory: Mouth Full-O-Gummies in Grape, Orange and Lime by Miwako
Cheney for MIW

Middle: PinUp 2006

Eyes: Mahogany (Starry-Eyed Series) by Nephilaine Protagonist for PixelDolls
Skin: Root Beet (Summer Series) in Pale by Gala Phoenix for Empyrean Emporium
Hair: Bombshell in Natural Red by Six Kennedy for Gurl6
Dress: CHUNX! by Indie Rainbow for Indie
Leggings: Crop Tie Bottom Leggings in Charbon by myself for !BF! (100L$)
Necklace 1: Gold Jingle Necklace by Toast Bard for Fashionably Dead
Necklace 2L 60s Wired Owl in Gold by myself for !BF! (140L$)
Ring: Juicy Ring by Polyesther Partridge for Yummy
Earrings: Half Moon Dangle in Gold by Polyester Partridge for Yummy
Glasses: Nerd Glasses by Dianne Mechanique for Noir (Black)
Tattoos: Asian Theme (Body Graffiti) by Canimal Zephyr for Canimal
Shoes: ALLSTA! ver.2 in Pink by Pique Flan for 2g<

Right: OO-EE-OO

Eyes: Brown/Aqua (Intense Series) by Portia Sin for Sin Skins
Skin: Goldenrod in Level1 by Miwako Cheney for MIW
Hair: Re-l in Orange by Kin Keiko for KIN
vest: Real Cute in Green by Tray Calamari for Rummage
Tee: Sailor Star by Julliette Westerburg for Tres Blah
Pants: Betsy Pants in Dark Blue by Antonia Marat for Artilleri
Bracelet: bMc! Cloud Chunks Bangle W by Lucas Lameth for Earthtones Boutique
Glasses: Buddy Holly *taped* by Antonia Marat for Artilleri
Shoes: ALLSTA! ver.2 in White by Pique Flan for 2g
Hand Accessory: Explorer Lunchbox Closed by Jen Blackhawk for Accessory
Arsenal!

Photo Four

Left: Mauve Champagne

Eyes: Mmm… Brownies (Bubble Series) by Eeron Killia for E
Eyelashes: Brink by Lynnix Muse for Lynnix Creations
Skin: Skinny Dipped (Summer Series) in Pale by Gala Phoenix for Empyrean Emporium
Hair: Cupcake in Purple Taffy by Helyanwe Vindaloo for Deviant Kitties
Dress: Leatherette with Purple Knit Shrug by Canimal Zephyr for Canimal
Belt: Heart Clasp Velour Belt in Black by myself for !BF! (100L$)
Necklace: Momento Locket by Polyester Partridge for Yummy
Purse: The elka Handbag in Black and Silver by Indie Rainbow (not offered to public)
Shoes: Colorchange Goddess Shoes (with buckle) by Lightwave Valkyrie for
AFantasy Emporium

Middle: Lola Blue

Eyes: Mmm… Brownies (Bubble Series) by Eeron Kilian for E
Eyelashes: Brink by Lynnix Muse for Lynnix Creations
Skin: Sno Cone (Summer Series) in Pale by Gala Phoenix for Empyrean Emporium
Hair: Elka in Blue by Helyanwe Vindaloo for Deviant Kitties
Dress: Julie in Steel by Gita Gaea for Shine
Belt: Simple Snakeskin Belt in Black by Fallingwater Cellardoor for Shiny Things
Necklace: Winged Heart by Polyester Partridge for Yummy
Purse: Party Dress Clutch Bag in Black by Nylon Pinkney for Nylon Outfitters

Right: Spunky Chic

Eyes: Romantic Pearl Eyes by Portia Sin for Sin Skins
Skin: Icy Gloss (Tomboy Series) in Light Tan by Toast Bard for Fashionably Dead
Hair: Swan in Black by Kin Keiko for KIN
Dress: from the White Horse kit by Prue Lu for Paper Couture
Leggings: Microblock Leggings in Black by Nicole David for Elephant Outfitters
Socks: Black Leggings (from the I’m In Love With A Stripper! kit) by Camie Cooper for It’s All Good
Tattoo: Full Upper Tat by aurora Fairplay for West Indies Trading Company
Shoes: Black Patent MaryJane Ballets by myself for !BF! (100L$)
Animal: Ray-Edo Flyer Wagon With Penguin by Cory Edo for Tiny Seadog