Dragon Lady: Marianne Cheesecake

A few months ago I invited burlesque performer Marianne Cheesecake over to the studio to shoot some images for her Anna May Wong tribute costume. 

Some of you may have already heard of the beautiful Anna May Wong. She was the first Chinese-American movie star, hitting the screens in the 1920s. Wong worked with the top directors and actors of the time, from Douglas Fairbanks to Marlene Dietrich. 

Marianne's act is a beautiful tribute to Wong, with one of the most detailed costumes I have ever seen. Playing on the stereotype of the "Dragon Lady", Marianne plays Wong as a lifesize dragon. The stunning headdress and lingerie was made by Adora Belle and costume by Lenka Padysakova!

Vicky Butterfly - More photographs

I posted a little first look at some photos I took of performer Vicky Butterfly here, however I have just finished the rest of the set and thought I'd share!

 

Regal Rumble: Recreating monarchs for Playful Promises

Issue 7 of Playful Promises' Online Magazine is finally finished! 

Featuring an article about sportswomen, a makeup tutorial, the chance to win a gorgeous corset and an interview with the Playful Promises founder and designer, I hope you will find something to take your fancy! If that's not all, check out the brand new photos I took for the mag:



Model - Leah Debrincat

Headpiece - Kezia Argue

Makeup - Cheyenne Raymond

Model - Annette Bette Kellow

Makeup - Cheyenne Raymond

Model - Roswell Ivory

Headpiece - Kezia Argue

Makeup - Cheyenne Raymond

Model - Miss Miranda 

Wig - Kezia Argue

The Peacock and the Moth: Vicky Butterfly

Although the rest of these images are still a work in progress, I thought I'd share some first glimpses at the shoot I did with Vicky Butterfly a few weeks ago!

One of the most creative and talented members of the cabaret world, Vicky Butterfly creates beautiful performances inspired by a huge range of delights. From Mucha to Klimt, and from Weimar Germany to the early experiments in electricity, Vicky has created acts themed around them all.

I've seen her perform a number of times due to attending the same events and each time I see more detail in her choreography, props and jaw-dropping costume (all of which she makes herself). So of course, I was really excited to shoot with her and sit down for a few drinks afterwards!

Keep your eyes peeled for more to come!

Tessa

Tessa rolling around on the bed during the Playful Promises clothing shoot - I've been editing commercial photos for the past week, time for a little darkness!