On Friday. September 21, I attended the first show at Miss Virtual Universe – the First Challenge. Headed by Morgaine Guenièvre Muse (delypop.cresci), Miss Virtual Universe strives to create an unprecedented experience for everyone involved. According to the initial application post,

“This is not a new contest. This IS THE CONTEST. For the first time the characteristics and particularities of each individual candidate will be considered. We aim to create a unique, unprecedented show. A real show. For the creation of each show we are inspired by reality and we want to amaze you in everything. Another contest to rediscover the true values of a true Queen (particularity, uniqueness, styling skills, grandeur, royalty, class, elegance, grace).”

Show audience @ The Rose Theatre – more came later as the show progressed

Morgaine was the hostess of the First Challenge, and informed us of when the audience was able to vote for the contestants.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, with great pleasure I am very happy and honored to welcome you to this First Challenge of Miss Virtual Universe 2019! Wow, I’m really excited! I’m really honored and I thank everyone for being here with me. I am very excited about my new initiative and experience. I greet all of you in the audience. I would like to remind you again that for a better view of the show, please activate the midnight mode. I would like to thank all the staff of this wonderful place for hosting us, we are really pleased and honored to be here with you and enjoy this gigantic work of art! I would also like to especially thank our official Media Partner, ModeLS Magazine and BonieFacio, this is the ModeLS Magazine link: http://issuu.com/rboniefacio/ I invite you to explore this magnificent editorial work! Thanks also to our sponsor and affiliate, Miss Virtual Brasil and Tryska1104! Thank also to our official sponsor ON9 SL Event and in particular to one of the owners, Nakamuramiki, Thank you very much! To stay up-to-date, subscribe to the official group! On9 Fan Club.”

“The wonderful theme of this first Challenge is: ‘Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination’. The MVU Team request for our candidates was this:

‘This is the theme of THE MET GALA 2018. Fashion will meet religious iconography, express your idea with your clothes; controversial clothes but not in bad taste, respecting the theme discussed. The aim is to investigate the connections between fashion and the Catholic imagination with related links, influences and deviations. You have to create a brilliant outfit, avant-garde, haute couture and great. You must arouse amazement in the judges and the public.’ Personally I consider this very difficult theme, we wanted to put our Candidates to the test in all respects, we only want amazement.”

” First of all, I want to remember again the voting mechanism, as you have well understood from previous announcements will be totally honest and fair. Unfortunately, not everyone has participated in the registration form to be part of the quality jury. For this reason, we find ourselves forced to reduce the number of juries for this challenge. The juries will become only two: The Jury of Experts that will influence the televoting with 60% on the overall vote.

The Demographic Jury (the public) that will influence the televoting with 40% on the overall vote.”



Members of the Expert Judges:

Mrs. NakamuraMiki! Top Models, competitor of beauty contest, Blogger, Print Model and Owner and Manager of Events.

Mrs. Shantal Gravois! Top Model, Blogger, Stylist, photographer, winner and competitor of beauty contest.

Mr. BonieFacio! Top Model, Blogger, Stylist, Instructor, Videographer, Dj and ModeLS CEO.

The audience was then told about the voting process. There would be 4 times during the contest where we would be able to vote, and we were allowed up to 5 votes total. I did not quite understand the process, so I was only able to vote twice, I think. I believe I could had just waited to the end to vote 5 times. I had thought I could only vote once per session.

The votes were made public on the Miss Virtual Universe Facebook page. I think this is a good idea because it ensures that no cheating was involved.

So here are the contestants to Miss Virtual Universe (click for Slideshow):

MVU ♛ Brazil: GwendolynnCharming MVU ♛ Denmark: Arion Vella MVU ♛ Finland: Dakota Lavarock MVU ♛ Germany: Angellikamaia MVU ♛ Greece: Jaily Bailey. MVU ♛ Italy: Sahra Freschi MVU ♛ Japan: Rehana Seljan MVU ♛ Scotland: Brianna Beresford MVU ♛ Spain: Candynette Metaluna MVU ♛ U.K.: Addy Omena MVU ♛ U.S.A.: Memole Giha MVU ♛ France: Sequane

GwendolynnCharming – MVU ♛ Brazil

“The Met Gala, is the place to have a chance to be on center stage for art and fashion. Art is Fashion, and Fashion is Art. I have grown up watching this event each year, and being like a child at Christmast time, just waiting to see the photos every year! Designs that go over the top, and are visionary, and are attending to every detail. This is what I represent to you today.

I represent “MISS VIRTUAL UNIVERSE ♛ BRASIL 2019″ with my interpretation of a girl of faith fighting my inner demons and changing into a woman of angelic, and deep roots in art, design and fashion. I am a woman of detail and looking to inspire others to be the best piece of walking art possible. Thank you.”

Arion Vella – MVU ♛ Denmark

“Arion Vella portrays the story of Mary as she was told by the Angels of the coming birth of her Son. The white gown represents Purity, the gold Jewelry represents the Gifts of the Magi, the shoulder feathers hint of Angelic Wings and the Halo with Angels represents the visit of the Messenger Angel. This iconography is deeply sacred to the Catholic belief of the important role of Mary in the life of her Son. The avant Garde headpiece is sure to stun any audience or gathering of fashionistas with it’s towering message of Divine Intervention. Miss Vella’s simple virginal gown completes the theme of Heavenly Bodies, Fashion and the Catholic Imagination.“

Dakota Lavarock – MVU ♛ Finland

“Our challenge for today was to create a styling based on the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s current exhibition, “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” and the Gala fundraising event that was held in May. Galas are fantastic parties, and this is the time to dress in the best. No casual outfits here! We were asked to present an amazing, controversial outfit rich in symbolism, and so I present to you my Heavenly Bodies creation.

In the Catholic Church, red represents the blood of Christ, and it is the color worn by cardinals, who are the second-highest ranking officials below the pope. For these reasons, I chose to wear a red gown. The bodice and hem of the gown are adorned with delicate embroidery, which symbolizes the vast array of embroidery found throughout the church, from vestments, to the pope’s miter (headdress,) to altar linens.

White is the color of purity, and also a color of Easter, and so is associated with the resurrection of Jesus. My white corset is a stunning, although perhaps controversial, way to symbolize purity and resurrection, and the shimmering, ethereal, white flexi skirt overlays breathe life into my ensemble, much like the life that returned to Jesus.

Gold also is a color of Easter, and the fish was used during times of Roman persecution as a secret symbol to help recognize others of the faith, and it also stands for Jesus Christ. So, my gold shoes with a beautiful fish skeleton adorning the front of them are the perfect way to symbolize faith and Jesus Christ.

To symbolize the pellegrina (clothing like a cape worn over the shoulders) used by church officials, I have chosen a lovely pearl accessory to drape across my shoulders. This accessory also symbolizes the beads in a rosary.

Before the fall of man, roses grew without thorns in Paradise. Only after the fall of man did the rose acquire its thorns, to remind man of his sins and his fall from grace. In the Catholic Church, a red rose symbolizes martyrdom. To represent the Crown of Thorns worn by Jesus, I have chosen a finely-crafted choker in gold vines and thorns, with a lovely red rose on the front to represent martyrdom.

I am wearing several crosses, which, of course, symbolize that Jesus died on the cross to save mankind. I wear a cross of red stones on my forehead, where it easily can be seen. I wear ear cuffs with dangling crosses on my ears. Both of these might be considered controversial displays by some. On the bodice of my gown, I am wearing a cross made from gold and pearls.

The pope wears a ring, which originally was used to seal documents. I represent the ring with feminine and delicate bracelet and rings sets, again using the colors of red and white, and, again, an accessory that might raise controversy within sacred walls. However, the wings in the rings clearly symbolize angels, the pearls symbolize the beads of a rosary, and the triangular ring and shapes represent the Holy Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

When Jesus was sent to his death, he carried his own cross. I have chosen to bear two crosses on my back, which I constructed in the configuration of wings, to signify the burden that Jesus carried and to symbolize heavenly angels. This certainly could be construed as a controversial display of crosses, and I can just see the Pope raising an eyebrow in chagrin at my beautiful wings.

My hair is styled into trumpet-like shapes. These shapes symbolize the seven trumpets used by the seven angels to herald the apocalyptic events described in the Book of Revelation. In addition, the unique shape of the hair also symbolizes the shape of the miter that bishops wear on their heads. On my hair, I wear another cross to symbolize the cross sometimes seen on these miters.

I am wearing two stained glass panels to represent the beautiful stained glass windows found in Catholic churches around the world. Blue is the color for heaven, and so, above my head, I wear a simple cumulus cloud in the color of blue to represent heaven. The feathers floating around me represent the wayward feathers that have fallen from the wings of angels above. And, so, this is my Heavenly Bodies creation that I present for you today. I hope you have enjoyed it!”

Angellikamaia – MVU ♛ Germany

“My name is Angellikamai, Miss Virtual 2019 Germany and proud of the being.

I present you my vision of the Nun Fashionista … I think that even if I represent Sister Catholique, she remains nevertheless a woman with the desire to be sexy and desirable while respecting the catholic religion. The woman has the right to dream, the woman has the right to dare. I present you my vision of the Nun Fashionista …”

Jaily Bailey – MVU ♛ Greece

“My inspiration is Madonna’s black taffeta creation she wore at the Met Gala 2018 event. I am always in awe of Madonna’s fashion sense and she did not disappoint. Both Madonna and Jean Paul Gaultier are a match made in fashion Heaven (no pun intended). Her sumptuous gown with sheer underlay shirt, plus the spectacular ornate crown kicked my creativity into high gear.

I wanted to give the impression of the Presence of God by using three prominent colors. The main focus of my overall styling is the cross, seen in my top, my jewelry, and in my head wear.

Gold represents all what is precious, and is shown in my headdress, crown and jewels. Red is the color of the Roman Catholic church and symbolizes the presence of God, and the roses symbolize martyrdom. White represents holiness, virtue and reverence.”

Sahra Freschi – MVU ♛ Italy

“MVU ♛ Italy 2019 has chosen to create an elegant and ethereal outfit, composed of a long blue skirt and a white lace bodice, inspired by the most refined dresses presented at the Met Gala 2018, whose theme is fashion that meets religion, evident in the cross-shaped jewels worn on the dress.

In particular, the inspiration comes from one of the most important and beloved figures of Catholicism: Mary, mother of Jesus and Queen of Heaven and Earth.

Like a queen, MVU ♛ Italy 2019 wears a beautiful crown inspired by the halos of the saints depicted in church frescoes. The image of Saint Mary is represented on the veil that sways on her back, behind the precious white wings to underline her angelic nature. MVU ♛ Italy 2019 just seems to have just come down from paradise, with all her delicate elegance.“

Brianna Beresford – MVU ♛ Scotland

“The challenge of the Heavenly Bodies Fashion theme was a puzzle. The outfit didn’t “fit” the traditional fashion styling in SL. Sooo Bri had to study and search and do alot of thinking and finally decided to go with her gut and put together this quirky outfit to surprize everyone at the Met Gala. The outfit’s religious aspect is the black that dominates the outfit. That is the dominant color of both male and female traditional catholic dress so it is also the dominant color in this styling. The gold circles in the slacks represent the repeating pattern we were to identify and could represent some Catholic iconography as well.

She absolutely loves the outfit and knows that it will be noticed as a simple, elegant and fashionable work of Catholic Imagination.”



Rehana Seljan – MVU ♛ Japan



“MVU ♛ Japan styled on the theme of Our Lady Mary. To express the sanctity of the Virgin Mary, I wore a hundred flowers as a motif.”



Candynette Metaluna – MVU ♛ Spain

“I introduce myself Candy, Miss Virtual Universe 2019 Spain. The theme tonight is “Fashion and the Catholic Imagination”. My outfit is the paradox between religion and the sexy fashion side. The Madonna is dressed in a corset and a cage skirt. The garnet red is reminiscent of Spain, embellished with crosses and gilded jewels. The stylized headdress is reminiscent of a Cardinal.

I present to you my vision of the Spanish Madonna …”

Addy Omena – MVU ♛ U.K.

“To represent the theme Heavenly Bodies, Addy was inspired by the styles of Cara Delevingne, Kate Moss, Zoe Kravitz and Bella Hadid, who chose to use black color, transparency and feathers to represent the same theme in the Met Gala 2018.

Addy shows us a gothic style, with long dress and sleeves, lots of transparency and feathers.”

Memole Giha – MVU ♛ U.S.A.

“High fashion meets religion. For this theme, Memole chooses a very elegant gown in which however strong religious elements stand out. Religious iconography has often accompanied the fashion world, with a symbolism often used in a negative sense, on the verge of blasphemy, such as, for example, the famous singers Lady Gaga and Madonna, who have done it on purpose just for give strong messages of rebellion against the often corrupt world of the Catholic Church. Memole wears an outfit composed of various parts, making a mix of three designers: a black bodysuit with a central shade, sleeveless and with a fitted bodice from Addams, black long and wide sleeves tied on the arms and on the wrists with ribbons from Valentina E and two overlapping black skirts, with pleats and veils, with a bow on the waistline from Aliza Karu. Her high fashion gown expresses elegance and refinement and is embellished with a whole series of accessories that are strongly symbolic. Three necklaces with cros

Bauhaus Movement, a red heart on the chest by \//.VoluptasVirtualis, that recalls the goodness and divine sacrifice, two stylized crowns and a veil on the face by Enfant Terrible and SoliDea FoliEs, often used in the past by women in costumes in strongly religious eras, gathered and laterally intertwined hair and touch final is the presence of a tattoo on the face by Cureless, in which there are two more eyes, with tears. The eyes symbolize the stars, the purity, the reason and the knowledge emanates from them radiating all around and giving strength to the world, while the tears express humanity and pity towards the human race. Memole, therefore, wants to give this theme a strong religious connotation but in a positive sense, combining it with a majestic and high-class dress.”



Sequane – MVU ♛ France

“I have long sought the outfit that would make sense for the given theme, but I am pleased to present a dress of remarkable beauty and value, in direct relationship with fashion and the Catholic religion prevalent in the world .The movement and the amplitude of this outfit justify the call of a simple observation on the unification and of the approximation between the catholic religion and the garment.

The red color was chosen according to the highest grades namely Cardinals and Gold introduces the wealth and generosity that has always gone through time.

The simplicity that is put forward by the wearing of a simple crown has allowed me to let you know How we must remain humble while remaining exceptional and remains very symbolic in my eyes. See here the emblem that Christ had to bear during the time of the Passion.

Finally I will not finish the outfit I present to you without having placed on my neck the same symbol and the direct link that unites me and reminds me of who I …day and why I’m here.”

Based on what was posted on Facebook, two representatives were not present:

Marylinemaby – MVU ♛ South Africa & Understandingcomplexity – MVU ♛ Poland.

Morgaine closed the contest by thanking all participants and reminding us of when the next challenge will be.

“Fabulous judges, come here with me! Great Job Ladies!!!

You can check the results of your vote in our official FB group and on our SL group. The results will be available as soon as possible. Thank you all!

We have reached the conclusion of this First Challenge, thank you very much for being with us! I thank the Jury of Experts, I thank all our team and all the staff of this wonderful place for hosting us, in particular Kaya Angel, I would also like to thank our sponsors, ModeLS, Miss Virtual Brasil and ON9 SL Event, a special thanks to those who work behind the scenes, and Thank you very much to our judge Bonie for having accompanied our evening with his musical support!

We remind you of the date of the Second official Challenge of this incredible competition, Friday 5 October at 10.00 AM SLT.”

I liked the First Challenge a great deal. I believe that for the most part, the contestants really hit the mark on capturing the theme of the challenge. In addition to the stage and lighting, they really did look like heavenly bodies. By the way, all of my photos were raw shots inworld taken at midnight as per instructions. Whoever did their stage and light work needs a medal, because the effects were surreal. I hope to make it to the next challenge, but even if I do not get to attend the rest, this contest has definitely made a positive impression on me.