3pointD.com

Virtual Laguna Beach, the virtual world built for MTV using There.com’s technology, is still running slightly under the radar. But that isn’t stopping MTV from putting on some parties in their beachfront world. Though it’s currently in a kind of public alpha test, VLB is holding a fashion show this evening at 7:00pm Pacific Time. And on Sunday you can “come celebrate the top models by attending parties in their honor at the best clubs in VLB.”

The world, of course, is based on MTV’s over-produced hit reality show, Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County, now in its third season. The virtual world seems to consist largely of what the show consists of: socializing among young people, shopping, and a smattering of sex. Early members of VLB are reportedly fairly bold about inviting each other to virtual makeout sessions, but that’s nothing unusual for a virtual world.

The VLB fashion show this evening will feature a runway show with “the latest VLB fashions,” according to a new newsletter sent to VLB members. The clothes will be modeled by “fellow VLB-ers,” and the audience will have a hand in deciding the top model for each show. Exclusive clothing will be available only to those how attend. Bikinis are apparently also a new clothing item in VLB, according to the newsletter, and are available for “only 205 MTV $ for the top and bottom!” Good thing both pieces are included.

While I won’t be able to make the fashion show, it will be interesting to watch this experiment in virtual worldism develop. Though still officially in an alpha phase, the world seems to be running smoothly so far. What will be most interesting will be to see just what kind of community develops here: will it be one based on deep Laguna Beach fandom, or simply one that replicates the tropes of the show among people who may not ever have watched it? Will it be something in between? Or simply a failed promotional experiment? 3pointD looks forward to following its development.

On an interesting side note: Second Life head honcho Philip Rosedale reportedly spent several hours wandering around VLB a few weeks back, and was kind enough to pronounce the work done there to be very good. We’ll expect him at the pool party.