As hard-bitten fashionistas I’m certain you’re all aware that Bad Karma Designs has moved off the Beach and into a shop on the mall. The fashions are better displayed and a vendor is added to feature creator Karma Avindar’s new line of Gothic structures and buildings.
Recently this reporter found Karma on the Mall and posed some queries of the intrepid designer. Be certain to stop and shop his marvelous designs still near the beach beside Gran Lighting store, opposite the Heavenly Club to the left.
Q: How did you come to design fashion?
A: Honestly it all sort of happened by accident, LOL. I came to SL to have fun and to start a club with my wife who had already joined SL. It all started when we went club shopping and we couldn't find that “right” look that we wanted, so we bought something close and I modified it a bit. That kind of introduced me to the building community here in SL and I became interested in clothing because it was something I could do without owning a whole SIM or having a bunch of prim space to work in.
Q: For how long have you been designing, and for how long designing for Second Life?
A: For a year-and-a-half.
Q: Is there something about your life-experience that grants you special credibility to design what you do?
A: I’m a graphic designer by trade, specializing in Architecture. Also I wrote quite a few web pages and learned Gimp and Photoshop for the graphics.
Q: Do you have favorite colors or special design concepts you utilize in your work, and how did you come to them?
A: I love the grunge look, just the dark playful look that just screams, “It’s time to party and have fun.” For my builds I like the medieval look. There is something about the construction of castles and buildings from the period that intrigues me.
Q: Do you have First Life credentials or training in fashion design?
A: I really have no fashion experience other than what has been engrained in me by my sisters, wife and daughter.
Q: What philosophy do you bring to your creations that differentiate your designs from others?
A: I don't like unrealistic designs; I don't particularly think they look good if they are impossible in the real world.
Q: Do you or did you have a design that was particularly difficult to design; how, and why?
A: I think the most difficult outfit for me was the Ultimate Swimsuit outfit, mainly because there were so many pieces to the set. It is only sold as a “fatpack” and has 99 items in the box. Keeping track of all of that was a bit mind numbing.
Q: Do you or did you have a design that due to inspiration came together quickly or easily?
A: The Gothica dress was the easiest for me. It is a simple yet intricate design and was my first voyage into scripting clothing, which worked out quite well.
Q: Do you have a favorite design? If yes, what is it and why?
A: The Gothica design has been my favorite and a customer favorite as well. I like it mainly because people buy it and that tells me that I did a good job. When people like your creations enough to make the purchase it makes you as a designer feel great.
Q: How would you characterize your products for the buyer?
A: Everything, though I haven't created anything Neko and I’m not sure I will. I try to do something different with each outfit. Right now I would consider myself an undergraduate designer, not a full-fledged one. When I can think up a design and just go create it without trial and error I will consider myself a "graduate" but right now it can take a considerable amount of time to perform the creating portion of the design. With each new design I try to push myself just a little further towards the goal of graduate.
Q: At what relative price point do you place your designs?
A: I don't believe in paying an extreme amount for clothing. I always hate when I buy an outfit for an exorbitant amount and then it ends up sitting in inventory after the occasion for which I bought it.
Q: Is there special detail pertaining to fabrics, textures, cut or fit that differentiate your designs.
A: Not specifically. I haven't created my particular “brand” just yet. I always do look at older designs and say that I can better what I originally did. That is where the ultimate Ecstacy boot came from. I want to finish the collection the same way but I just never find the time. I think it will be done and added to newer outfits.
Q: Are your designs--in whole or in part--imbued with special properties or functions specific to the Second Life experience?
A: The Gothica dress is scripted so that when you walk or sit it moves with you, so that when you sit down it flows out as it should instead of just dangling through the seat.
Q: Do you have stores, shops, or kiosks at locations other than Heavenly Creations, and if so where are they?
A: Yes, my main store and rezz area are in Belding. I also have a smaller satellite store at Wild Child Biker Bar.
As a final query I asked Karma if he wanted to convey any special sentiment to us, his clients.
His reply: I enjoy each of my customers, they are truly who make BKD work. If it weren't for them there would be no inspiration to keep going and I probably wouldn't be taking the time to create the things that I do. I would like to thank each and every one of my customers, as they are my true inspiration.
Be certain to shop BKD while you visit the club or mall. I myself have several of his designs including two versions of his Gothica gown. Thursday, September 8, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM SL Time, Karma sponsors a special event at Heavenly Destinations, “Oh My Goth!” Be sure to come and meet our charming designer, shop, and enjoy the party!
