Photography
I finally got around to developing a black and white film that I took of Jessica-Louise.
As I look through the photographs, it is shocking that she looks so perfect and strong in each image. I don't think you can take a bad photograph of her.
Although not Catholic, I tend to take a lot of inspiration from Catholic imagery, such as The Pietà and magnificent renderings of the Virgin Mary. I particularly love the use of veils or mantillas, and what they may signify.
Although these lace coverings have fallen out of use (except for weddings) in many countries, it seems that popularity has remained among Spanish women on special occaisions. Not just limited to funerals, as many seem to believe, but also to bullfights, weddings and Holy Week. The high combs, known as peineta, lift the veil, mimicing the shape of the Virgin Mary's halo.
As you can see, traditional combs are as wide and tall as possible, however it seems difficult to purchase one so large, and I've had to make do with a comparatively small one!
I took some quick self portraits with a mantilla and red comb:
Most of you have probably seen this by now, but I took part in an amazing project with Amelia Arsenic for her new line of tshirts and prints: A is for Arsenic: Crime and Punishment!
"Crime and Punishment is a collection inspired by vintage fetish magazines, the drama of the silent screen and a dash of murder. The imagery combines film noir inspired bondage portraiture with monochromatic graphic interventions."
We actually took the first step on this project last year, and it is amazing to see the results. Amelia is extremely talented, taking this project from conception through to production (she printed everything herself by hand), and then collaborated with others to create a polished lookbook. The tshirts themselves are so comfy to wear, and look fantastic, I'd highly recommend grabbing one while you can!
Here are the original photographs (which Amelia then turned into graphics), which I took in the White Womb studio - models are Mam'zelle Maz and Nina Kate.
And below are some of the gorgeous lookbook images - the results of a lot of hard work!
Lookbook Photographer: Melissa Jenkins
Crime & Punishment Design Photography: Anna Swiczeniuk
Models: Nina Kate, Ulorin Vex, Sohui, Phil Smith & Maz
Hair: Ceri Cushen
Makeup: Kirka Verinen
Styling, Concept & Art Direction: Amelia Arsenic
Latex accessories: Jane Doe Latex for A is for Arsenic
A few weeks ago I shot some images to show off the gorgeous vintage kimonos that are only sold in the Playful Promises London Boutique. Modelled by the delightful Miss Betsy Rose, this green kimono is just luxurious.
Alongside these images, I also wrote an article about the history of the kimono and it's decline and use in Western fashion - you can read this on the Playful Promises Blog!
Another few from my shoot with Missy Macabre last week!
