Traje de Luces

January 11, 2014 in Modelling, Photography

For a long time I've wanted to have a Torero (Matador/Toreador, whatever word you use - bullfighters) costume made.

I don't agree with the cruelty of bullfighting, however you must admit that the traje de luces ("suit of lights") are stunning works of fashion art. It's no wonder that the costumes have permeated high fashion (see above) for a long time.

The amazing John Galliano

Ruven Afanador's beautiful sexualised photographs of bullfighters

Well, I finally got the costume made, thanks to the wonderful Boom! Boom! Baby!

You might remember she made my half-bride half-groom costume for last halloween.

Although this bullfighter costume was made for halloween, I finally just got around to shooting some self portraits of it!

PUBLISHED: Rebelicious Magazine

May 03, 2012 in Photography, Published work

A month or so ago I teamed up with one of my favourite models, Jessica Abidde (of BINTM fame) to shoot some exclusive images for Rebelicious Magazine.

The theme of the issue was pin-up, so we decided to take a 1920s approach (surprise surprise), with the help of Cheyenne Raymond on makeup! I love the super thin eyebrows of the 20's, so Cheyenne worked her magic on Jess - don't worry, she still had her natural brows by the end of it ;)

We had some gorgeous lingerie and corsets from Kiss Me Deadly, Boom! Boom! Baby! and Velda Lauder.

Make sure you have a read of Rebelicious Magazine, as it's jam packed full of goodness without the need and one of your five a day. You can read it online, and soon buy it in print - my editorial starts on page 42.

I've uploaded the tearsheets below, but you will need to read the online mag for the ability to zoom in!

And here is a bonus shot that wasn't used in the mag!

Are you looking for some exclusive images to feature in your magazine or publication? Send me over an email at aiko273@me.com and I'd be happy to discuss ideas!

The Mourning Widow

March 27, 2012 in Modelling

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.