As a female in the modeling and fashion industry, I’m not amazed at the amount of choices and the variety of styles there are to choose from and the number of jobs available for us out there. It comes as no particular surprise to me that there are so many designers that cater to the female customers of second life. It also, sadly enough, comes of no surprise to me that there are not just as many high quality designers for males as well. Now, that doesn’t mean I wish it wouldn’t change, because I do. I’ve shopped with many male friends to update their looks and I’m saddened by the lack of diverse and varying choices there are out there.

Now please do not think I’m detracting from those designers that do cater to men or design clothing for the average male of second life, because I’m certainly not doing that. I have a deep respect for any designer out there because they are able to do something that I have never had the skill or patience to learn and do. Shopping for men out there can be a pain. I can’t tell you the amount of stores I’ve had to walk around just to find ONE decent hairstyle that would fit their avatar or clothes that were something a bit more than just jeans and a T-shirt. And the funny thing is that as much as this frustrates me, I’m not a man! I wonder exactly how actual men out there feel about this. Are they as frustrated and saddened as I am?

Now to continue our discussion about men in the fashion world, let’s move onto something that hits very close to home for many men that may read this article and blog, the male model of second life. Now I’ve talked to plenty of males in the industry and interviewed them for various articles and whatnot and they’ve all said the same thing. They wished there was more. Let me ask you this…as a female you have TONS of jobs rolling in wherever you go. There’s always something out there and someone in need of a female model to showcase their designs but what of the males?? Now we’ve already established that there are not that many high quality designers out there that make clothing for the average male. Maybe designing for women is a lot easier and more fun for them- who knows. But I know that it must be a lot harder for males to find work in the industry than that of their counterparts.

Does this embitter some males? Do they resent us females because of this, maybe just a little?? I’ve constantly wondered about that, and it’s just become more nagging to me as I’ve become more involved in this industry. Do male models receive just as much work as the female? What type of experiences have they had with the industry and designers? Oh a good question I’ve always wondered- do men really like to shop as much as women?? Please feel free to give your feedback and share your experiences! Curious minds want to know- namely mine! [Laughs]