Modelling for Viktorija Rudenia

Back in June I modelled for knitwear designer Viktorija Rudenia and photographer Maya Art.

Viktorija contacted me after seeing my own photographs and style, and wanted to combine her styling with my hair and makeup for a new take on a cabaret/1920s look! I really love the results, mainly because it's nice to be styled by someone else and see how different I can look.

And at least now I can say that I have worn fuzzy pants. And pink!

 

Alt-Mu Magazine Interview

Hurrah I'm finally a cover girl! 

When I went to shoot with the awesome Scott Chalmers, he mentioned doing some shots for Alt-Mu Magazine, that could go along with an interview. 

Well, the magazine is out, and not only do I have a 4 page interview, but Im also on the cover! Click on the link to read my blatherings about the different things I do. Also the rest of the magazine is a great read, and particulaly well designed (I'm a real stickler for well-designed magazines).

 

 

I don't think I've shared the other images from the shoot here yet... even if I have, I love them so much I'll share them again ;)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tips for the aspiring lingerie model

I've had quite a few people ask me for tips regarding being a lingerie model, which I thought I'd share here.

Now, some of these may initially sound harsh, and completely backwards to body positivity, however these are NOT tips for "real" (i.e. not models) women, these are tips for a job that involves being judged by your appearance CONSTANTLY. If you are looking for something to boost your confidence, the thing you are looking for is a boudoir shoot, NOT the added pressure of the fact that the images will directly effect the success of the brand's collection. 



1. Be realistic about how commercial you look.

Let's back up. The majority of lingerie brands will often be investing quite a hefty sum of money (think about the location cost, the photographer cost, the retouching cost, the hair and makeup cost) into shooting their latest collections. Once the images are ready to go, these will go out to trade press, wholesale customers and, nearer the time of release, international press. Most of these lingerie brands will be surviving on their wholesale revenue, especially if they sell to the big players such as ASOS. Now, a lot of these big players (and some smaller clients) are so big because they are commercial, meaning that they appeal to the masses. They will, I assure you, only buy from a collection that has a fairly commercial lookbook. This tends to mean that if a brand uses a heavily tattooed model for the shots, the probability of the items selling is less likely. If the model has a large amount of facial piercings, this will take away from the impact the lingerie will have on the potential customer. Unfortunately, that is fact. 

HOWEVER, there are lingerie brands that DO use what would be described as Alternative Models. However, most of those brands are niche or smaller, and will just not be able to achieve the kind of numbers that a mid-range commercial brand can. Also, their models are usually pin up style, and again, rarely have heavy body mods. 

So you need to decide whether you have the look to target a commercial lingerie brand (if so, most of their models are from agencies, so this would be your first port of call) or a more alternative look that would work for vintage or pin-up style brands. You can tell which brand is which by looking at the type of models that they use. For example, Myla uses predominantly blonde or brunette models with long hair and no visible body modifications, whereas What Katie Did uses models that live and breath pin up/vintage lifestyle.

And for the love of god, don't email a commercial brand asking for work if you have full sleeve tattoos and bright red hair, that just shows you haven't bothered looking at the brand's ethos and ideal look. 

 

Playful Promises AW13 - Model is Chantelle from Leni's

2. Be realistic about how your body looks

As above, you need to do your research into what the models of each category of brand physically look like. You need to know that a commercial model is usually a 34B (due to sample bras usually being made in a standard 34B), which means that she can also be a 32C. Understand that niche brands such as full bust and small bust companies will, obviously, have a different "ideal size" model. 

It is NOT about having huge breasts, it's about having a toned, slim body (for commercial brands) with clear skin. Most of the commercial lingerie models I cast are either dancers or work incredibly hard to keep their bodies in check. They aren't necessarily thinner than I am, but they are toned, which can only be kept up with exercise and healthy eating (note: NOT from not eating at all. It's incredibly obvious when a model is unhealthy as her skin and hair are not in good condition). 

You will be judged on how your body looks. That will be your job. I don't want to scare you away, but I fear that a lot of the models that suffer issues were probably unaware of how taxing this can be. You need to understand that, and you need to have a healthy mindset in regards to your body BEFORE you start working. Worst case scenario: Someone will tell you that you need to loose weight. Best case scenario: You will be silently judged on how tight your stomach is, how pert your bum is, how your breasts fit the bra, how angular and appealing your face is, and finally how your overall look fits the brief of what the brand are looking for. Then you will do the shoot and be told you look absolutely gorgeous constantly. Because that's exactly how I work. And you know, it's horrible to have to look at women like that. But it's not personal and it's not that, if I reject a model, I'm saying she isn't good enough, she just isn't what we need for the brand. 





3. You better werk.

If you do manage to find a brand that wants to pay you (THAT is a key concept. If a brand doesn't want to pay you, then they are either taking a gamble or are taking you for a ride) to model for them, that's the easy part. You will be expected to be professional and experienced. If you aren't experienced, you should have been practicing your poses for weeks. You should know which is your best angle. You are expected to turn up on time, be preened, be poked, have no modesty (you may need to change very quickly in front of other people, although I would say it is fair to ask men to leave the room if you are uncomfortable), and then pose under hot lights for roughly 6 or so hours. You need to listen to any input you are getting from the photographer or assistants, but most of the time you will need to keep moving through poses by yourself. 

Also: eyes, you need to look awake. And don't do orgasm eyes or exaggerated-lolita eyes, you are classy and strong, not a harlot or a teenage girl. 

It's hard work (I should know, I'm the one that is also under hot lights, crawling around on the floor trying to get the best angle), and so you need to keep drinking water and you need to take a break to eat. We bring food for the model, but other brands may not be so thoughtful, so consider bringing something just in case. 


4. How to "become" a lingerie model

I find it a bit odd when people refer to wanting to be a lingerie model, because unless you are referring to Victoria's Secret Angels (who, let's be honest, you shouldn't be aspiring to be), there aren't many models that are exclusively "lingerie models". The best you could get is to become a brand's go-to model, but with the ratio of models to brands, who only shoot 2 collections a year, there just isn't a lot of work available.

The first step to becoming a commercial lingerie model is to get on the books of a decent agency. We've used agencies such as IMM, Nevs, Leni's, Body London etc, and I guarantee that it is far easier for brands to send a list of requirements to the agencies rather than search for a model of agency standard. Nobody (who will pay you) will use modelmayhem.

However, I would suggest doing non-branded (and often unpaid) photoshoots to practice your posing and develop a good portfolio. In terms of what is a good portfolio, take a look at the portfolios of the type of model you aspire to be, note how many full length, close up and lingerie shots they have. My rule of booking a lingerie model is that if I can't see your stomach clearly in a photo, then I won't call you in for a casting.  

If you do want to contact a brand directly looking for work, remember to be professional. There's nothing more insulting than poorly written emails (sometimes not even getting the brand name right!) or not bothering to include a link to your portfolio. As with all work-related communication, you need to take the time to write a polite email explaining who you are and what you'd like to offer (do not use the word "collaboration"). Preferably find an email of someone to email directly (and use their name) - NEVER tweet your request, EVER. And also, do not say you have "modeled for" a brand that you haven't directly been hired by (even if it's not the brand you are contacting. We do pay attention to what our friends and competitors do, so we do notice which models they use!). Just wearing a piece of lingerie in a photoshoot does not mean you have worked for the company.



I do apologise if all that seemed a little harsh, however I would hope that if you take the time to read my explanations for each point, you will understand the reasoning behind it. Basically, there is a huge surplus of models, and girls who think they have what it takes to be a model. It's not all glamour and fun, it's a physically demanding job. 

This article over on The Lingerie Addict has a few more tips, including common sense points such as making sure you list your measurements on your portfolio (by the way "B" is not a bust measurement, we need the whole shebang). 

Good luck!

Queen of Birds

A few months ago, when it was A LOT warmer, I made a new owl friend.

Nandi from Nitemare Photography, designer Sample Remix and myself had been planning this shoot for months and months. We originally wanted to shoot when the cherry tree blossom was in season, however the weather just wasn't stable enough.

Finally we managed, with the help of the gorgeous owl (who's name I can't remember, but belongs to the designer's aunt!). 

At the time, I posted some instagram shots of the makeup and hair I did on myself.

 

 

And here are the released shots!

 

 

 

 

Happy Halloween!

As you may know, I tend to dress up. While I don't find Halloween particularly sentimental (as I'm British) , I couldn't possibly NOT try and organise an extra-special outfit, could I?

 

I've actually wanted to do this outfit for some time, but wanted to do it in a particular way. Unfortunately my sewing skills are particularly bad. Luckily, the genius Kirsteen Ross, also known as Boom Boom Baby, came to my rescue. 

 

The Half Man - Half Woman costume has long been seen on the vaudeville stage, but I was particularly inspired by Zorita's version, which was a raunchier strip-tease. 

 

 

I want to, eventually, turn this into an act, so I asked Kirsteen to create the costume in a certain way, so that each piece can be removed. 

 

Here are a few self portraits of the finished look:

 

 

 

 

Dandy Tux Deluxe: Lady Lucie Late

I'm surprised I hadn't posted these here before! I assure you I will slap my own hand. 

With The Roustabouts due to DJ the Torture Garden Easter Ball at the Ministry of Sound, I needed something particularly awesome to wear. Which is where the stunning genius of Lady Lucie came into play!

I have a real soft spot for menswear, and androgyny in general, and Lady Lucie has a few gorgeous pieces that mash-up traditional uniforms or suits with delicious latex. Just take a look at her Military Jacket or the drool-worthy Marching Band Jacket, and of course there is her Moustache lingerie set! But what I really loved was her Tuxedo bodysuit...

 

It was just SCREAMING to be paired with a bowler hat, moustache and sock garters, dandy style.

I also promised I'd take some shots, which I did with the aid of Markabre Charade.

 

 

The Mourning Widow

Surprisingly, I realised I hadn't really been in front of the camera for some time, so when Charlotte (RavenBlakh Photography) contacted me regarding a new shoot, I thought it was a good time to remedy this!

I had worked with her before, so I already knew she is talented! I find that I don't often model for others mostly because I don't think many photographers have a style that works well for me. I look for photographers with a distinct voice, which will work with my styling rather than just flat images where my styling pulls the image along. 

 This shoot was based on the theme of mourning, which instantly made me think of Amore de Mori's beautiful Memento Mori collection. I had a few pieces still with me after shooting the product shots for them:

 

 

Check out the rest at the Once boutique. I absolutely love this collection - I find Victorian Post-mortem photography fascinating and beautiful. Considering the amount of work, detail and originality of these pieces, I think they are more than worth the price. Perfect present for those with a bit of a morbid sense of humour ;)

 I also had the pleasure of borrowing a beautiful black corset and neck corset from Boom! Boom! Baby! who's work I've also shot years and years ago! Her corsets are an absolute work of art, and this one was in a beautiful thick leather. I love the shape that neck corsets create, which I think worked especially well for a slightly Victorian-esque shape.

The other parts of the outfit were pulled together from various bits and pieces from my wardrobe, including a bra from Playful Promises and a Kiss Me Deadly suspender belt. I put the wig together a few nights before, making poor Mr. Phrenology head into a drag queen.

 

 

And now, onto the results!

 Photography: Ravenblakh
MUA: Tabby Casto
Assistant: Carl Osbourn  

 

 

 

I'm so pleased with these images! There are even more amazing shots that you can see here!

 

The Roustabouts: Histrionic Phonics

 I'm planning to completely re-vamp this blog fairly soon, with the help of Amelia Arsenic, so forgive me while blog posts are a little sparse! 

I've recently been busy developing a new project with my partner, Markabre Charade - a DJ duo known as The Roustabouts. Using our theatrical style and varied musical taste, we play everything from Balkan Beats, Carnivalesque Cabaret, Electro-Swing and the filthiest guilty pleasures. Our outfits are usually based around the type of event we will be playing at, and the style of music requested. 

We recently played at Club Vicious in Rome (you can read about our trip over on The Roustabout blog), at Torture Garden Valentine's Ball and last night at Circus in Covent Garden. You can catch us again at Circus on the 3rd of March! 

A few months ago we had the pleasure of a visit from Maria S. Varela, one of my favourite photographers, who shot some promo photos of us. You can see some of the results here, but I thought I'd post 2 more that I absolutely love.

 

2011: So long and thanks for all the fish.

This post is slightly belated, I must admit, but I thought it best to write something about my past year!

I feel like I haven’t really shot much in 2011, but actually that isn’t true, I’ve just shot less self portraits. In fact, I think I’ve only shot about 5 sets of self portraits, which is pretty crazy considering how many I used to take. It isn’t that I’m running out of ideas but that I’m busy with other projects and the joy of actually being paid to take photographs - something that I didn’t think would happen earlier this year. 

When I first started being ‘serious’ about photography about 5 or 6 years ago, I used to take self portraits because I knew exactly what I wanted to do, and I didn’t have to worry about anyone else. I was also terrified of letting down models because I wasn’t good enough. I seem to have gotten over that fear, not because I think I am skilled, but because I refuse to pander to divas. If a model acts off with me, I’ll probably tell them to get out my studio.

This has been the year when I have shot the most photographs of other people. Most of them, I would say are incredibly nice and talented people. I’ve shot one of my favourite performers Missy Macabre, the utterly stunning Jess Abidde, delightful burlesque performer Miss Betsy Rose, Italian model Shivabel, American artist Vera Icon, uniquely gorgeous Helene Atsuko, ridiculously photogenic Nina Kate, the super sexy frenchie Mam’zelle Maz, another of my favourite performers Leah Debrincat, beautiful Amanda (who I’ve shot before, amazed at her chameleon skills), ethereally perfect Miranda Barrie, and last but not least gorgeous red-head Sophia St. Villier! Most of those people I probably gazed at longingly years ago! 

 

 One highlight of my year was collaborating with Amelia Arsenic for her A is fo Arsenic: Crime and Punishment range, which are still for sale here. We actually shot the original images in November 2010, but they weren't released until this year. You can view the original images and the lookbook photos here. As if that weren't amazing enough, one of the images was featured on a Torture Garden flyer!

 

Modelling has taken a little bit of a back seat this year, although I have so many ideas and outfits, I rarely find people that I can work with who understand my vision! Unfortunately most of those that I do enjoy working with live far away! This year, however, my partner Markabre Charade has picked up the camera and been using me as his muse somewhat. Not only has he created some beautiful films, including the Monarch (a beautiful experimental film seen below), he is also a talented photographer!

 

A collection of some of the shots in which I modelled (photographers: Ravenblakh, Yukidoll, Neil Dawson, Maria S. Varela, Markabre).

 

One of my favourite shots this year is this one by Yukidoll photography. I had created this outfit from scratch in homage to Galliano's Frozen Ukrainian Brides and had been looking for someone to shoot it in a very specific way. Although this was shot in 5 minutes in a hallway before a mad rush to catch a train, it is still exactly what I was looking for.

 

In 2011 I've been treated to two Opera outings (Die Zauberflote at The Royal Opera House and Terry Gilliam's The Damnation of Faust at ENO), a Derren Brown show and went to see a fair few of my favourite bands including Katzenjammer (twice), Balkan Beat Box, George Clinton, The Tiger Lillies, Shantel and various musical marvels at Bestival.

 However, there was one big change in my life that made 2011 fantastic - starting work at Playful Promises! The 4 most recent shoots above were for PP, and I have also recently shot the AW13 lookbook, which we will be teasing you with soon. We already have some exciting ideas for 2012, as of course there is no rest for the wicked with Valentine's Day coming up! 

I don't really have any resolution apart from to update this thing a little more, and get the ball rolling with The Roustabouts (our new DJ duo team), of which there may be some exciting news very soon! I hope you all had a great 2011, and if you didn't, that 2012 will be better for you :)

 

Markabre Photography

 

 My partner and creative accomplice Markabre Charade is not only a DJ, model and musician but also a budding videographer and photographer. At the moment I'm somewhat of a muse for him, so his portfolio is a love-story to my face! Here are a few recent shots he has taken of me..

 

Last night at Die Freche Muse... possibly my new favourite club.

 

 

 

The above and below were taken at The Boom Boom Club in the Old Vic Tunnels.

 

Loveguts at Rankin

 I originally donned one of Rachel Loveguts' creations at her university, Central St. Martins, for a project compiled by John Galliano (!). The aim of the project was to find a new intern from the young designers, therefore they had to create and present their projects to some of Galliano's "people". Unfortunately Rachel's design didn't win, however she moved on to a different internship based in Paris, and I can see her work going far. 

A few weeks ago we headed over to Rankin's studio where studio manager Neil Dawson managed to squeeze us in between the neon-clad Russian model shooting for Elle. The studio was everything I imagined it to be, and although it was great to model there (and watching them use the Phase One and Capture One software), I could never see myself working in that kind of environment. The photos we got look fantastic though; although simple, they create the moody atmosphere that I think the outfit needs. 

  

Model Citizen: Creepy Queen Magazine cover shoo

 

 The new issue of Creepy Queen has finally arrived, and with it, the cover shoot I modelled in! It is so awesome to see something in print that we planned for so long, and worked so hard on - the shoot itself was almost a complete disaster thanks to dark evenings, but we managed to save it (and in my opinion, create something even better) with a change of location. 

 Shot by Nitemare Photography with clothing AND styling by Sample Remix and hat by Amore de Mori. It was actually shot in my flat, using many of the objects that Markabre and I have collected (our flat tends to look like this anyway!). The hair and makeup was by myself, which I'm quite pleased with!

I think the magazine is well-worth buying, if not only for our editorial (I feel that the magazine needs to focus on hiring some people to write articles etc, rather than just interviews) - Nitemare photography did a fantastic job with the layout. 

 

 


 

Behind the scenes shot taken by Sample Remix:



New short film: The Monarch


 To start off the new year, my partner, Markabre Charade and I have collaborated on a mixed media project!

We both have an interest in early film and the romance of the silent era, which we have incorporated into this work. The results are fairly Lynchian, thanks to Mark's video editing skills. This is going to be one of many experimental films, hopefully leading up to something a lot larger, with a possibility of turning into a performance piece. 

 

Photography and film work by Markabre Charade

Styling, modelling and photographic retouching by Anna Swiczeniuk

 

 

 

 

We also have some stills from the above film.

 

As a side note, the dress was a gift to myself, after hunting for a good, long Galliano-esque gown for some time - hurrah for January sales!

Giveaway winner and magazine shoot!

 


Happy new year to you all!

Just a quick announcement for the winner of my calendar giveaway. I really appreciate all the support and comments on the blog so far, thank you to all who entered!

I have picked a winner at random, so congratulations to Lorlor, your calendar shall be on it's way to you very soon!

 

 

In other news: a few months ago, I modelled in a project shot by Nitemare Photography, with Sample Remix designs (including amazing styling). We had to keep the images under wraps because they were to be included in the newest issue of Creepy Queen magazine, which is now available for pre-order. 

 

I can't wait to receive my copy, and finally be able to show off the amazing images!