A look at Andromeda Raine, creator of Coconut Ice

Butterfly Island, home of Coconut Ice, feels like you are walking into a living fairytale. The decorations all over the island are delicate and beautiful, from the bronze petal fountain at the crossroads bridge, to the sunflower seats lovingly placed everywhere you look. And it's constantly changing, I've been there many times and there is always something new and fantastical to see.

I was very fortunate recently when I was asked to interview Andromeda Raine, the brilliant designer behind Coconut Ice's designs. She graciously invited me to meet with her at the fairly new gazebo on the southeast section of Butterfly Island. And I must say, this is a magnificent work of art. I felt very relaxed and comfortable there, made more so by Andromeda and two of her personal assistants, Febaqua Flytrap and WyntarraSiddiah Singh.

Andromeda greeted me with a smile, and a compliment for how I looked (I just happened to be wearing my favorite outfit in all of SL, her Kaleidoscope Dress complete with flexi wings and a choice of butterfly particles). As we sat down to chat, I felt myself relaxing and very much enjoying our interview.

Anastase Rosewood:: I'm a huge fan of your store. Your designs are very original.

Andromeda Raine:: Thank you! I love what I love and I go about bringing it into SL :-)

Anastase:: Did you and your family design the furniture, gazebo, fountain, flowers? I really love them and have heard some people say they wondered if they were for sale.

Andromeda:: The gazebo I found at a beautiful place called Pristine Gardens. I created the flower stools you see around the island, and you'll see Fallingwater's flowers scattered around also. There's some furniture created by my sister Paige, and the fountains you speak of are the work of Damanios Thetan.

Anastase:: What inspired your fairie and butterfly clothing?

Andromeda: I've always been into fairies - one of THOSE girls hehe. I love the thought of wearing flower petals, leaves, wings; things that make us one with nature. Rivendell, the elven city in LOTR took my breath away! I also love the magic even the thought of these clothes inspire.

Anastase:: What is your inspiration for the other clothes and items that you make?

Andromeda:: Flowers, sheers, laces, soft textures ~ I love all their feminine qualities. I was born in the early 70's, I love the flowerchild era and my partner Aiden Raine once said I "put a modern and classy spin on it" lol. Again with jewelry you'll see I'm dedicated to flowers! Dedicated? I meant addicted *grins*. It was just a matter of time before the Fae-Jewel Glass Slippers were created, and I was a happy girl indeed :-)

Anastase:: Do you have time for any other activities in SL? I can imagine you're very busy with requests and new designs.

Andromeda:: Goodness no! I don't get out, I wish I had the time hehe. Most of my time spent in SL is spent in my workroom with Febaqua. She's my second pair of eyes, casting a glance over work being done and throwing her spin on it too! Trying to keep up with IM's, designing and my kids can be quite daunting.

Anastase:: I've actually referred people to you who were looking for something fairy/butterfly looking because they couldn't find it anywhere else.

Andromeda:: Oh that's lovely! I don't know what else is out there, I don't get out enough hehe.

Anastase:: Where did the name Coconut Ice come from?

Andromeda:: That's a very good question! When I had a few items I just had signs saying Andromeda's Jeans & Tattoos. Then one day Feb joined SL and I started making clothes. Here in Australia we have a sweet called "Coconut Ice". It's pink and white... and delicious! I'm sure there are recipes online. She said... "Your clothes have a very... coconut icey feel to them. They are sexy sweet." The rest is history ;-)

Her staff members are just as talented and sweet as Andromeda, and I felt I had to ask about them as well.

Anastase:: What are their jobs with you and how long have you known them? I can already tell there is a wonderful bond between you all :)

Andromeda:: We do have a wonderful bond! Feb is my best friend in RL, she actually lives 20 minutes from me. There was a period of time where the workload started to build up and I needed help. She jumped in without question, and lots of excitement and has done a wonderful job ever since!

Febaqua Flytrap: I have been Andromeda's P.A for more than a year now and I have recently hired Wyn as my P.A who also works for Andromeda.

Andromeda:: Wyn is very new to SL but I've known her for years :-)

WyntarraSiddiah Singh: and I live on the other side of the pond....~~LOL~~

Andromeda:: And now that she's jumped on in and surprised me with her wonderful tactics handling enquiries and such, I will not let her go!!

Anastase:: Your store really is original...there are other stores with a piece here or there but nothing so dedicated!

Febaqua:: I believe the reason her stuff is so original is because she never went shopping for what she wanted to wear she always made it. So she's completely uninfluenced by other designers.

Andromeda:: Thank you! I do love delicate, feminine things. Definitely a girly girl :-)

Anastase:: And what brought you to SL in the first place?

Andromeda:: My good friends from Activeworlds started migrating over and I came with. Aiden and I came together. The first time I tried to put a piece of furniture out was hilarious! And of course wearing boxes on my head was the fashion of that era...

Anastase:: Is there anything special that you offer to your customers?

Andromeda:: I used to get a lot of gift orders (but have recently implemented Coconut Ice Store Card system). Where a customer was exceptionally pleasant I would throw them a few complimentary gift certificates. These days if I'm in the store and people are kind (I love kindness lol), I give out a few complimentary store cards :-)

Anastase:: And also, is there anything special that you offer to your group members?

Andromeda:: Yes, for Coconut Ice Fan Club group members, I offer anywhere between 30% and 50% off every new release (for three days). Occasionally I will choose a not so new outfit and offer half off for a short time. From time to time, I have treasure hunts, hiding Coconut Ice goodies all over Butterfly Island, and invite group members to come join in the fun!

Anastase:: What items besides clothes do you offer?

Andromeda:: Tattoos, jewelry and shoes.

Anastase:: I've participated in one of your scavenger hunts and I must say it was loads of fun. What gave you the idea to do this sort of thing?

Andromeda:: Right from the get go I've been 'a little too' generous. Just ask Feb she will growl about it! So we found a way to give away things and have fun for all at the same time! In all seriously though, Feb is my rock. She only bosses me around when I deserve it *grins*.

Anastase:: Have you ever had any wedding requests around here?

Andromeda:: Yes, and I don't mind as long as everyone is peaceful! (You know, no bombing, un-pg like behavior and such hehe)

Anastase:: That's so nice of you to do that though. This is really the most beautiful island I've ever been on hehe. I can see why people would request it :)

Andromeda :: It brings me great joy to hear people walking around admiring. It's just so lovely!

Anastase:: I've played a lot of games and nothing has the level of customization this game does. You must love it if you're like me lol

Andromeda:: I really do! Coming from AW, I just couldn't grasp the concept of customizing your own objects and adding textures. I was definitely used to the old ways lol

Anastase:: Well you've come very far then hehe. When was that by the way?

Andromeda:: January 2005 :-)

Anastase:: Do you have a favorite piece among your designs?

Andromeda:: Snowflake Dress ~ Frozen River has a special place with me. It was the beginning of an era for Coconut Ice, opened doors that I didn't know WERE doors lol. Ever After has quickly become a fave of mine and Petal Passion also has a sentimental place. The Flowerchild Jeans & Babydoll Top Sets and Fae-Jewel collections I've quickly grown attached to. You said one right? Yes that "one". lol.

Anastase:: Do you have any new designs in the works?

Andromeda:: I have just finished and released Paige's Petals. My beautiful sister Paige Raven nagged and nagged and, THAT'S RIGHT SIS, nagged for a skirt in white. I finally took a deep breath and began. It turned into a whole set hehe.

Anastase:: About how much time do you spend on each new design?

Andromeda:: That varies a lot, especially working around my family. The Ever After set took somewhere between one and two weeks when I could work, because it had veil, hair flowers etc. And I spent a lot of time on the bodice to get it just how I wanted :-)

Anastase:: What is the most frequent thing your customers ask you to design?

Andromeda:: More flexi! The gowns are popular and I get asked a lot of questions regarding those. More outfits with wings too.


Anastase:: It really seems like your business is taking off!

Andromeda:: we are crazy when we work - insanity brings the best work out *grins*

Anastase:: I can understand that, insanity has always equaled creativity.

Andromeda :: It really does! hehe

Anastase:: So do you have anyone else on your team?

Andromeda :: Aiden and Riff help. My sister Paige also jumps in when needed.

Anastase:: Can you tell me about the other buildings on your island, other than the main store?

Andromeda:: Febaqua has her "In Great Shape" store to the west. She's worked hard and is incredibly proud of how far she's come. Aiden owns a pretty gazebo to the east, he specializes in men’s underwear. Riff is my RL brother, he owns "Hellfire" to the east also, selling men’s piercings, tattoos, clothes and misc items. I also have an information pavilion to the south, with SLEX and SLB terminals amongst freebies. We are incredibly close, having them on the island with me is a joy.

Anastase:: Have you taken any of your design skills over to RL?

Andromeda:: No but a dress making web site asked if they could take some of my designs to RL. That was an exciting day, even though I didn't intend on letting it go into RL, I am happy with it the way it is here. What an incredible compliment though.

Anastase:: Do you get any requests to help people break into the designing business?

Andromeda:: All the time!

Andromeda:: If I had a linden for every person who said can you teach me how to make clothes? I would be a lindenaire

Anastase:: Do you have any advice for people who are just starting out to try and run a clothing business here in SL?

Andromeda:: Photoshop help files are fantastic hehe! Take some risks, get yourself into some malls but grow slowly and steadily. It takes time and lots and LOTS of patience and staying power.

Anastase:: Finally, is there anything you would like to say to your customers and fans?

Andromeda:: I am honoured and privileged with all the incredible feedback I receive. I am truly thankful and count my blessings every day with what I have. I don't take it for granted, nor to I take you for granted! Your kindness and beautiful personalities touch me deeply!

As we concluded the interview, I felt inspired to work towards my own personal goal of creating beautiful things in SL. Andromeda is so passionate about her work, and I was truly blessed to have met her and two members of her "family". Good luck Andromeda in all your future endeavors!