CSLTM DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT

DIDIER RASCON

It has been awhile since I’ve done the CSLTM Spotlights and I thought it is time to get back to doing them since they have been so popular with the readers. There are so many amazing models and designers out there that everyone should know about and I’d like to start spotlighting them here in CSLTM again, as well as refresh the previous spotlights. I will also continue my spotlights on SL Agencies and start a spotlight on SL Photographers.

It is with great honor and pleasure to present a very talented designer and good friend: Didier Rascon.
He is a man of many talents.Everything he takes on, he does with passion and professionalism from designing to modeling and photography. He is the creator of the brand, HOUSE of EUROPE which houses some extraordinary collections.

Q: Please tell us about yourself and what you consider your defining characteristics as a designer that makes you unique and stand out from the rest. Can u tell us about your brand and what the customers can expect?

DR: As a fashion designer, I always tried to stay close to my own tastes and always remain faithful to the French and Italian designers that I admire in real life. I take my inspiration in a lot of great designers like Karl Lagerfeld, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Jean-Claude Jitrois, Valentino … etc., and I do my best to honor them in Second Life. I think there are many talented designers in Second Life, but we all have a very different style and that’s what makes us unique!

Q: What is your view of SL Fashion and how did you venture into the SL Fashion industry?

DR: Before coming to Second Life, I had a rough look on fashion and I had a pretty closed mind “standard” on how to dress. When I started this game, I immediately began to create clothes, but only for my own use because I found it more “economic”! But thanks to my ability to use photoshop, my friends asked me to sell my creations and that is how I opened my first shop. It was so much fun that I discovered a true passion. I then explored the treasures of the world of fashion in Second Life and I’ve become addicted!

House of Europe: Phillip

Q: What are some of your accomplishments within the fashion industry and describe what would be one of the most defining moments of your career as a designer? What do you think are keys to your success?

DR: I think the best reward I could receive so far is the one of the public … I am always very moved when I receive a message from a client who told me he likes a lot like my creations, or when people asks me a unique and special creation for a contest! It is through them that I continue today and it is for them that I always give the best of myself. Then there is also recognition of the great institutions of fashion in Second Life … I had the joy of being invited to participate in the BOSL Fashion Week 2011 for two shows, or to be interviewed by the magazine AVENUE in September 2011 … There was also the SLTV show of the Japan community who received me as a guest, and finally this interview for the blog CSLTM that is a true honor 🙂

Q: You have certainly established yourself well within the fashion industry. Please tell us what you believe are the essential elements to being a successful designer. Do you have any advice for aspiring designers?

DR: It takes patience to become a recognized designer in Second Life. This takes time, and a lot of work. Then you have to bring out your imagination and, above all, has to remain faith in your own tastes. Do not try to copy other designers, it will get you nothing at all, because in the end there will be no personality behind your creations. Dare to be yourself and be surrounded by people with enough judgement to tell you if you do well or not! Then it is true that an excellent communication is essential to any designer who wants to get out quickly, but it takes a lot of financial investment
My advice to young designers: Do not try to be better than others, but try to be better than yourself.

House of Europe: Angelik

Q: What do you like and dislike about designing and the fashion industry? Any advice on the models wearing your designs?

DR: What I like about the creative process is the production of textures! I always have in mind a clear idea of what I want, so I always start to use photoshop to give life to my ideas. And what I dislike is my inability to create my own prims to give life to the exact image I have of my creations. I am unable to use 3D software to create sculpties and so I have to use those that are sold full perm. To my clients I can just ask them not to hesitate to contact me if they find a problem in my creations!

Q: What motivates you to be a designer? Who inspires you the most and what is your inspiration? What trend in fashion attracts you the most and drives your designs?

DR: As I said in my previous replies, I hold a deep admiration to the French and Italian designers. European high fashion is an institution for decades and continues to inspire young designers around the world. Beyond fashion, the French Haute Couture produces real works of art, and I try my best to get inspiration from it.

House of Europe: Mariella

Q: What are your plans for the future? Any new designs or projects we can look forward to?

DR: I don’t have any plans really … i just work when i have time lol .. and also when i really have a good idea in mind ! So i just do things like they come to me with no plans 🙂 It’s how i deal it and it works well for me 🙂

Q: Is there anything else that you would like to add?

DR: I want to thank all of the modelling agencies, magazines, models and friends that helped me making “House of Europe” to born in Second Life 🙂

Many thanks to House of Europe Designer, Didier Rascon, for taking the time for this interview. We are a huge fan of his designs and photography…and even a bigger fan of him as a person and friend.

Didier Rason’s Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/didier-rascon/

House of Europe Store SLurl: HERE