Adore Pin Up Magazine - Issue 10 September/October 2015

Lila Luxx Addie Hamilton Teer Wayde Nadja Ellinger Trixie La Rouge Cello Bordello The Burlesque Hall of Fame Greazefest + More!

Issue 10 Sept / Oct 2015 ADORE PIN UP 1

AUS. 2015 E U Q S E L Y O MR B E U Q S E L R MISS BU IA - AUSTRAL

G

L A N I F RAND

FRIDAY 23 OCTOBER Darwin Entertainment Centre 93 Mitchell St, Darwin, N.T

TICKETS ON SALE NOW www.yourcentre.com.au

Buy 5 or more tickets to this event and go in the draw to win a prize pack from RED Burlesque Lipstick.

For more information visit missburlesqueinternational.com OUR FABULOUS SPONSORS

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CURATES A COLLECTION OF QUIRKY, COLOURFUL AND KITSCH ACCESSORIES, SOURCED FROM INDEPENDENT DESIGNERS WORLDWIDE. www.vintagepip.com.au

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On the cover

Just before making

Editor

this issue, I had the pleasure of meeting

Brianna Blackhart

Alyssa Hanley,

Subeditor

otherwise known as burlesque performer

Alyssa Hanley

Alyssa Kitt. That may

Designed by

sound odd when Alyssa is our subeditor as

Brianna Blackhart

Featured writers Alyssa Kitt, Pearl Davies, Teer Wayde & Emily Russ

Editor’s letter

well as a feature writer

OL IV IA DA N T E S photography Gina Barbara

and regular model in the magazine. But the internet is a wonderful thing, and has allowed me to do all of this with Alyssa via technology. I had a lovely time getting to chat with her, dance with her and hug her at The Gangsters Ball

Featured interviews

in Sydney where we met up, but it has also made me reflect

Trixie La Rouge, Olivia Dantes,

on all the wonderful people I have been able to work with and

Cello Bordello & Tatyana

bond with in this scene, and all that I have been able to do, via social media. Keep connecting with people online, keep sharing

Get in touch

your work, keep sharing your selfies even (I love your selfies),

www.adorepinup.com

because you’d be surprised what opportunities it could lead

contact@adorepinup.com

to in real life. Oh, and welcome to Issue 10! I hope you enjoy

facebook.com/adorepinup

the gorgeous photography in this issue, as well as the obvious

@adorepinup

quality that is this photo I snapped of Alyssa and I on my iphone

L IL A LU X X photography Sherbet Birdie Vintage & Pin-up Photography

(where are the people out there who take amazing art gallery quality photos on their phones? Can they teach me?)

- Brianna Blackhart

© 2015 Adore Pin Up and the contributors. All rights reserved. Strictly no reproduction without prior permission by the editor. Proudly produced and printed in Australia.

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15%OF F AT

T H E

A L L

N E W

erstwilder.com e nt e r A D O RE O NLY at c h e c ko u t

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* Te r m s a n d c o n d i t i o n s a p p l y . L i m i t e d t o f i r s t 5 0 p u r c h a s e s .

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Contents 8 AGENT LUXX IN...

STAKEOUT SEDUCTION 14 TEER WAYDE’S GUIDE TO CURVY LINGERIE PERFECTION 20 MISS BOMBSHELL WINNER TRIXIE LA ROUGE 24 LOST AT SEA FT.

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ADDIE HAMILTON 30 COVER FEATURE WITH OLIVIA DANTES

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40 THE CURTAIN BY NADJA ELLINGER 46 THE 50TH ANNUAL BURLESQUE HALL OF FAME BY ALYSSA HANLEY 50 BIG GRINS AND GRASS SKIRTS FT. CELLO BORDELLO – AN INTERVIEW BY ALYSSA HANLEY 54 STELLA SIN 56 ASHLEY RAE 58 JOURNEY TO TATYANA BY PEARL DAVIES 62 THE BLUE HAIRED BETTY

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64 GREAZEFEST BRISBANE 66 LUCY LUXE 68 LILITH VON DAHLIA 69 NICOLE ROBERTS ADORE PIN UP 7

AGENT LUXX IN...

model Lila Luxx photography Sherbet Birdie Vintage & Pin-up Photography muah Lucy Topp Buick provided by Benjamin Sutherland

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JENNIE

B E Tphotography T I E B U Mitzi TC H&ECo.R muah Heather photography Mitzi &Moss Co. wardrobe Straight Moss Cut Clothing muah Heather ADORE PIN UP 12

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TEER WAYDE’S GUIDE TO

model, stylist & writer Teer Wayde photography Robin Elk Photography featuring designs by Dita Von Teese, Orchard Corset, Freya & Curvy Kate

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After months of being clothed for each article I’ve written for Adore Pin Up, I was inspired to mix it up this issue and provide some important bra advice to all of our curvy and larger busted readers. For years I’ve been wearing ill fitting and painful creations, thinking that I was one specific size when in reality, it was so far from the truth. Being a size 16 I thought that I was that exact size with a DD cup, and each day I would cram myself very uncomfortably into badly fitting bras that I could not wait to take off by the end of the day.

I did this because I was not aware of brilliant larger cup size focused brands, and, in Australia, we are very limited on this side of the market.

So, fed up, I searched blogs and the internet and found some great brands who focus not only on plus sizes, but aim to fit smaller backed girls with larger cups. This is a part of the market that has been forgotten for years and years, as bras up to a size 14 usually stop at a DD or E cup, and sizes 16 plus often go only to E’s. So after a lot of measuring and advice, I found out my real bra size – 34GG (equivalent to a size 12), and then discovered an array of perfectly designed and stunning pieces of lingerie that suit my needs. I can honestly say the world has been a much comfier place ever since.

“ Fed up, I searched blogs and the internet and found some great brands who focus not only on plus sizes, but aim to fit smaller-backed girls with larger cups. This part of the market has been forgotten for years...

”

In this article I’ve selected four stunning styles, each offering something different. From full coverage and support, to the more pin up style baby doll lingerie, and what I like to call ‘purely bedroom’ attire. I’m wearing a mixture of sizes here, as that’s the honest truth that we have to realise when it comes to bra fitting.

It can change from brand to brand, and when you are purchasing for photo shoots or for ADORE PIN UP 16

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fashion styling, you can sneak into a

I’ve ever had the pleasure of wearing,

Stepping away from the overly pin

smaller size if need be. The more fashion

and in a size large it fits like a dream.

up style briefly, and heading to

styled bras make you feel amazing and

This piece is so beautiful that wear

what I personally think is the most

work perfectly for pin up shoots.

should not be limited to the bedroom.

comfortable and perfect bra available

First, let’s start with the fashion

The second styles from Dita’s

well fitted and comfortable that I own

friendly, more modern pin up styles

collection are the Sheer Witchery bra

7 colour ways and will continue to

on the market. I’ve recently discovered

and high panties set. With a high lace

purchase these for years to come.

– the Deco from Freya. This style is so

that I can fit into a 16F or E in the Dita Von Teese lingerie collection. These stunning items are designed to make you feel like a bombshell, and the lace, detailing and fabric choices make these perfect for modelling or for the bedroom. I state this because they are not 100% firm fitting and secure as they are not in my proper size.

The Madame X cage bra is a divine and stunning piece inspired by 1950’s Paris that adds a hint of drama to your lingerie collection. The matching high waisted panties are a great style choice for curvier girls as they hit right at the waist and create that hourglass shape.

“These stunning

items are designed to make you feel like a bombshell, and the lace, detailing and fabric choices make these perfect for modelling or for the bedroom.

”

In a 34GG, the Deco is everything you need from a large cup bra. Freya’s Deco range features a core shape that comes in a variety of prints and a mixture of bottoms, and this style is the Deco Delight in grey. The soft fabric, moulded cups and little lace touches make this perfect for every day wear. The selection of fabrics available makes this style too good to hide under clothing, and I love to pair my Decos with low cut dresses and peekaboo cardigans regularly. This style is so comfortable that you can wear it all day long and never have the desire to take it off.

I’ve paired each underwear set with my

focus and an intricate mixture of both

collection of Orchard Corsets and I love

lace and mesh, this red and black

Freya is a brilliant Australian-based

the drama this adds to the look.

style is bold and sexy. The quarter cup

business that specialises in D cup and

holds you in tight but shows off lots

up lingerie. They carry all the large

To add another luxurious layer, I’m

of shape. I’ve paired this with a classic

bust labels, covering each and every

wearing the Lamarr Robe from Dita’s

black trench coat as both of these

lingerie need you might have, and

collection. This is the most stunning robe

items scream special occasion wear.

they have both physical locations in

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Australia as well as a website.

go up one size at the back for the

Paired with a more modern robe

same fit. Curvy Kate has a huge

from my own personal collection,

selection of bras and swimwear in

this style can be worn in so many

sizes 8 to 20 and cups from D to J.

Outfit #1 details : Dita Von Teese Madame X Bra and matching high waisted brief Dita Von Teese Lamarr Robe

different ways.

Teer Wayde runs curvestokill.

Orchard Corset Steel Boned Underbust in Black Leather (CS-345)

Then back to a more traditional

com where she shares her

pin up favourite – the Babydoll

styling tips, favourite outfits,

from one of the UK’s leading large

wishlists and product reveiws

cup specialists, Curvy Kate. The

with the curvy girls and pin up

Dita Von Teese Sheer Witchery Bra

Ritzy Black Babydoll in Blush is a

lovers of the world. If you can’t

and matching high waisted brief

perfectly fitting and super sexy

wait for our next issue to see

sheer lace bra, iconic of the pin

more of Teer, check out her

ups of Gil Elvgren. It has a stunning

blog for more beautifully shot

shape that was designed to suit

editorials.

both your cup and back size, as opposed to just your clothing size.

The Ritzy features a balcony shape with vertical 3-part seamed cup, and comes with a matching short brief. I fit perfectly into this style in a 36G and that is equivalent to a size 34GG. If you go down a cup,

model, stylist & writer Teer Wayde photography Robin Elk Photography featuring designs by Dita Von Teese, Orchard Corset, Freya & Curvy Kate

Outfit #2 details :

ASOS Trench Coat

Outfit #3 details : Freya Deco Delight Bra and matching bikini brief from Brava Orchard Corset Steel Boned Underbust Cotton Corset w/ Hip Ties (CS-426) Kaftan – model’s own

Outfit #4 details : Curvy Kate Ritzy Black Babydoll in Blush Vintage robe – model’s own

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INTRODUCING MISS BOMBSHELL 2015

photography KTB of ktbdesign.net event hosted by The Bombshell Burlesque Academy interview by Brianna Blackhart

The Miss Bombshell pageant, held on the 16th of May

Trixie La Rouge is a burlesque performer and pin

at Brisbane’s Metro Arts, celebrated the 5th year of the

up model from Darwin. This busy little burly girl holds

Bombshell Burlesque Academy helping ladies to discover

the title of Queen of Seduction 2014, is a resident

their inner siren. It was a night of indulgence and

performer at Dr. Sketchy’s Darwin, produces Darwin’s

vintage glamour, filled with rhinestones, silk stockings,

only regular burlesque and cabaret show ‘Kiss the

sequins and high heels. The entrants performed in three

Moon’, and is on the steering committee for the Darwin

rounds, ‘Gowns’ (evening wear), ‘Girdles’ (lingerie and

Cabaret and Burlesque Collective, helping to establish

sleepwear) and ‘Gifts’ (talent), and were scored on

a burgeoning cabaret and burlesque community in the

poise, presentation and personality. Our editor Brianna

Northern Territory’s capital. With a flash of her cheeky

Blackhart was lucky enough to be on the judging panel

smile, Trixie lures audiences in with her traditional blend

and front row to the fierce but friendly competition. After

of neo burlesque. Before you know it, she switches from

dazzling routines and a tough deliberation, Miss Trixie

flirty innocence to dirty bump and grind, and leaves

La Rouge took the crown as the first Miss Bombshell.

her audience with a smile from ear to ear.

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“

For me, believing in yourself is key – if I don’t believe 100% in what I’m doing on stage then no one else is going to either.

That doesn’t mean that everything has to be perfect, it’s just a matter of doing your best and doing it with confidence.

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”

ADORE: Tell us about your experience taking part in the Miss Bombshell pageant, and the different outfits and acts you presented to the judges and the cheering audience.

TRIXIE: The Miss Bombshell pageant was the first pin up pageant I’d ever entered, so I was open to the whole experience from start to finish! I had been doing a lot of research into strong female Hollywood icons at the start of this year, so when I was announced as one of the 10 entrants in the competition I just knew that had to be my theme. I started researching further into the fashion of the era and picked three icons that not only had fantastic style, but also connected with me on a personal level, finally settling on Audrey Hepburn, Rita Hayworth and Lucille Ball. My outfits, acts and song choices were inspired by them.

I was really interested in how these three women (and so many others from the golden era of Hollywood) are remembered today primarily for their beauty, but there was so much more to them – they had some really inspirational things to say about the world and about beauty being more than skin deep. I really wanted to tap into that, so I created speech bubbles to use as a prop for each category of the competition, with a quote from each of them.

With the costumes, I looked to the most iconic movie scenes of these women. For Audrey, it had to be her incredible gown from ‘Sabrina’. I was lucky enough to find a reproduction gown and had it made in gold so as to reference the scene rather than directly copying it, which is something I did for all the outfits through the competition.

For Rita, it was her boudoir scene from ‘Gilda’ – I had a gorgeous dressing gown made in purple by the amazing Catherine D’Lish and sourced a peach corselette, knickers and red back seam stockings from ‘What Katie Did’. For my talent section I was inspired by Lucille – she is primarily remembered today for being funny, but I lot of people don’t realise that she was talented in both dance and circus and was actually one of the Ziegfeld Follies back in the day. I was inspired by a scene where she’s dressed in a beautiful pink gown with lots of feathers, looking like a pink frothy dream, so I tapped into my burlesque skills and performed a fan dance (something I hadn’t done before!) The costume (pink corset, cape and feather showgirl headdress) I made myself.

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From there, it was practice, practice, practice! As for the judges and the audience, I always love getting on stage and performing so I just went out there with no expectations and just had fun. To be honest, I forgot about the judges most of the time!

ADORE: How would you describe the kind of personality and style you aim to bring to a pageant or your own burlesque performances?

TRIXIE: I love the timeless glamour and drama of the fashion during the Hollywood golden age – my tribute to Audrey Hepburn’s ‘Sabrina’ gown in the Miss Bombshell competition is testament to that! But anyone who knows me or has seen me perform can testify that my personality is cheesecake all the way.

I always try to have fun in whatever I do and I try to bring that playful energy and cheekiness to the stage whether I’m performing burlesque or doing a pinup pageant, or even a photo shoot.

I like to have fun combining the two in unexpected and original ways – I like to think that’s what makes me memorable and that’s what makes me, me!

ADORE: What attracts you about entering a pageant or burlesque competition, and what do you aim to get out of them? Do you feel like there are any ways you have grown or any skills you have really worked on since you started doing them?

TRIXIE: I’ve found pageants a totally different experience to getting on stage and performing burlesque, and both of them have helped each of the other in ways I didn’t expect. Burlesque had already given me the confidence to get up on stage and share myself with the audience, but I’ve found pageants to be a more personal experience. There’s no ‘performance’ or persona to hide behind, its just you, and it can be very confronting.

I’ve learnt how to stop and be still on stage and it’s taught me to open up and share myself with others, and not to be scared to stick to my guns ,and stay true to myself, whether that be on stage, in front of a camera, or just in general life.

ADORE: Do you have any advice for any of our readers who might be new to the pageant world and interested

in competing? How have you worked on overcoming any stage nerves?

TRIXIE: Just do it! It can be scary and confronting, but the confidence you build and the experience you get can be life changing in ways you weren’t expecting.

As for nerves, always think nerves are a good thing. They remind you that you care about what you’re doing, which is a positive. It’s just learning how to direct them! Myself, the day of a pageant or show, I try to stay quiet and take it slow.

I zone out and keep to myself and take double the normal time to get ready. I then start to let that nervous energy out once I get to the venue and have fun with the other contestants, before letting it totally explode on stage in one big ball of positive, confident energy! For me, believing in yourself is key – if I don’t believe 100% in what I’m doing on stage then no one else is going to either. That doesn’t mean that everything has to be perfect, it’s just a matter of doing your best and doing it with confidence.

ADORE: An issue that some pageants can have is that the natural competitiveness between entrants can turn into a bit of nastiness, but being backstage at Miss Bombshell it was obvious that there was a great mood of excitement and mutual support, and that you were all really sharing the experience together. Do you keep in touch with any of the Miss Bombshell girls, and do you have any suggestions for how to overcome competitiveness to build those positive connections?

TRIXIE: I’ve been really lucky in that all the pageants and interactions I’ve had with the pin up community so far have been really positive – it’s why I keep going back for more! I keep in contact with a lot of the girls from the Miss Bombshell experience (which is hard to do from 4000kms away, but I try!) and some of them have become incredible and supportive friends that I now couldn’t imagine life without. At the end of the day I think it’s ok to be competitive, just as long as you’re building each other up and not tearing others down for your own agenda.

You can catch Trixie at the upcoming ‘Kiss the Moon’ show in Darwin on the 28th of October, and then again in Brisbane on the 28th of November at the Queen of Seduction competition, where she’ll be handing over her crown to this year’s lucky winner.

LOST AT SEA A D D I E H A M I LTO N photography Michelle Terris muah & styling Addie Hamilton

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WITH

photography & hair Gina Barbara styling & makeup Olivia Dantes wardrobe Aly and Ollie Vintage ‘62 Impala provided by Ed Ruiz ADORE PIN UP 30

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O

livia Dantes is a pin up model, burlesque performer and vintage dealer from Oakland, California.

In between posing for the camera, sauntering on stage, and attending comic conventions with her husband, she runs vintage store Aly and Ollie Vintage to share her wicked style with the world.

Aly and Ollie is online, out of Olivia’s home, and in true vintage style, out of Olivia’s ’73 dodge van at car shows and festivals. A proud feminist, horror fiend, cosplayer, animal lover and advocate for the movement ‘Bombshells Against Bullying’, the more we learnt about Olivia Dantes, the more we wanted to chat to her instead of just stare at her pretty pictures, so we did just that.

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ADORE: Pin up is often associated with the 1940s and 50s only, but it’s only natural that women who are interested in vintage fashion would stray further from those 20 years alone, and 20s, 30s, 60s and 70s looks are popping up more and more in the pin up modelling work we see, especially with the 70s resurgence in mainstream fashion. Tell us a bit about your own versatile personal style, and the different eras that have influenced your modelling work.

OLIVIA: I do love the 40’s and 50’s fashion photography. But for me personally, I’ve grown tired of doing the “cheesecake” style images. There are so many other wonderful decades of fashion, which give me inspiration.

I love the 60’s, because it’s just so fun – bright colors, big accessories, and bigger hair. It’s always fun to do a 60’s shoot. I’d say my everyday style is influenced by the 70’s. Believe it or not, I am very low-maintenance with my day-to-day style. I like the laid-back vibe of 70’s fashion, which is great for me because it’s so “in- style” right now that it’s easier to find.

All decades have a place in my heart, but if I had to pick just one era it would be the 20’s and 30’s. I am obsessed with the lines and small details in the Art Deco style. Like I said, I’m pretty laid back, so the more simple the better. 30’s fashion is simple yet glamorous. They didn’t need all the bells and whistles on a garment like the 50’s. When I get to do a 20’s/30’s style shoot, it’s a real treat for me. If I could afford to wear 30’s vintage everyday, that’s all I would wear.

ADORE: Can you describe how you planned and styled your shoot with Gina Barbara, and how it unfolded on the day?

OLIVIA: Gina is not only a fantastic person and talented photographer, but she’s also a great friend of mine. What I like about working with Gina, is that every shoot we do together is a true collaboration.

There’s never one person’s ideas dominating the set. I will always ask her opinions about the styling and what-not, and vice versa. Shooting with her is never stressful, and I always know what our “game plan” is. It always goes smoothly.

For this shoot in particular, we knew we were going to shoot with the black ‘62 Impala convertible. The car is just beautiful. It is owned by Ed Ruiz, a San Francisco local and friend of Gina’s. We both liked the idea of a “mixed metals” theme, to compliment the car. We gathered a couple of different metallic pieces – a mix of vintage and modern – and put the outfits together. We decided to shoot on Treasure Island, a small town in the middle of the San Francisco Bay, because that’s we are all from. We thought the city and palm trees in the background would give it a glamorous feel. On set I was channelling my inner Sophia Loren, while envisioning I was a Vegas showgirl, driving home after my shift. That was my “motivation”. The images turned out looking great, and they are some of my favorite photos.

I’m so glad you liked them enough for a cover. We are both honored to be apart of your fabulous magazine!

ADORE: You run a vintage store called Aly and Ollie Vintage, which features clothing and accessories from the 40s through to the 90s.

What kinds of places do you buy your vintage from, and do you ever go out looking for any specific kinds of pieces?

OLIVIA: I started Aly and Ollie with my cousin. We are both vintage lovers and collectors. We got fed-up finding an item for sale, falling in love with it, and never being able to own it because the mark-up was so ridiculous. Or if we did ever find a great item for a good price, the quality was terrible. So we wanted to start our own shop for the working guys and gals. I feel like someone who is passionate about vintage fashion shouldn’t have to be wealthy to own it. I’m always on the hunt for 20’s and 30’s vintage. Though unfortunately, I don’t have a lot of these items for sale in my store; mostly because if I find something great, I end up keeping it for my own personal collection! I’m also obsessed with vintage costumes – Halloween costumes, theatrical costumes, and circus costumes. I’m a very good treasure hunter, it’s my one awesome skill in life – finding the needle in a haystack. Take me to a thrift shop and I’ll find you the best vintage in the store.

ADORE: What have been some of your favourite vintage finds, and were they hard to sell, or did you keep them?

OLIVIA: When I’m out hunting specifically for the shop, I’m only looking for items that the shop needs. I typically don’t keep anything for myself. But there have been times, on a hunt, when I have found something so awesome I have to put it in my personal collection. In Vegas, earlier this year, I was thrifting and found a pair of 50’s Frederick’s of Hollywood metallic silver cigarette pants. For $5. I also found a 1920’s circus corset/costume. I was in heaven! But I’ve also found some rare pieces for the store, that are AMAZING, but I know I would never wear. I sell them because I want to give that feeling of the “score” to someone else who will wear it and enjoy it. For example, in my shop right now I have amazing lace-up bell-bottom jeans, 60’s go-go hot pants, and a few 40’s maxi dresses. I love them, but I love the feeling of making someone happy even more.

ADORE: What do you enjoy about performing burlesque? Can you paint a picture for us of what your burlesque ‘style’ and acts are like?

OLIVIA: All my burlesque acts are pretty different. I really like my “Bat Wing” routine. It’s very dark and sultry.

The choreography is to a 1930’s Russian Waltz. The costume is made from one of my husband’s childhood Halloween costumes. My favorite to perform is probably the newest one, my “Purrrlesque” routine. A lot of the choreography is very slinky and catlike. The costume has a lot of marabou feathers, rhinestones and pink. I feel very girly when I wear it. I also have a tiki themed act called “Jungle Jane” with huge palm leaf fans and a lot of African/Polynesian choreography. I have a cowgirl themed act in which I lip-sync and dance to Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots are Made for Walking”. And a more modern “Naughty Nurse” routine, that has an all vinyl costume, a lot of chairwork, and giant syringes of booze that I squirt into the audience. I really like the construction of making a new routine.

Usually I try to incorporate some vintage items into every costume. I love to create, and making the costumes and props is the best part of burlesque for me.

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ADORE: You describe yourself as a proud feminist. Do you personally feel a connection between feminism and pin up modelling and burlesque?

OLIVIA: The definition of feminism is that both men and women should be treated as equals. That’s it. So when people say they are not a feminist, or “disagree” with feminism, they are usually confused on what the term actually means. Or they know what it means, and are just an ignorant ass. When I used to do burlesque in the suburbs, men and even some women – both of which usually had no previous exposure to burlesque – would come up to me after a performance and say some pretty not-so-nice things. About how I was “just a stripper”, how I had no self-respect and no self-esteem, and I was exploiting myself. I will never understand how so many strangers could possibly tell me how I feel about myself. In actuality, I feel free and beautiful. If you don’t like it, simply don’t attend. But you can never tell me how it should make me feel.

Burlesque and modelling is my artistic outlet. I don’t need paint or paper to create my art. My body is an art. Dita Von Teese once said “Burlesque is not about seducing men, it’s about embracing womanhood.” I think that’s a very true statement. Every body is beautiful. The human body is magical.

A whole pin up/burlesque community around the world has embraced this concept. Why are we shaming it? We need to be celebrating it.

ADORE: You own a 63’ Ford Falcon and a ‘73 dodge van. What attracts you to vintage cars?

OLIVIA: I feel like my taste is vintage cars is different from most people in the pin up culture. I really love the cars at shows that are not quite finished. The ones that are a little rough around the edges. The cars that look like they are driven everyday and love to be driven.

Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the cars that have the perfect paint job and are completely put together with a fabulous interior. I understand the appeal of them. I know it takes a lot of work, time, and money. But never having money myself, I suppose I just find beauty in the misfit. Probably because I am often the misfit as well.

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ADORE: You frequent comic conventions with your husband.

What have your experiences been as a model doing cosplay – do you find they are female-friendly events or do you think they are still struggling to overcome issues with sexual harassment and discrimination?

OLIVIA: Both myself and my husband frequently work various comic conventions around California.

Dominic, my husband, is an artist and has a clothing and art company – The Dinosaur Factory. He also just released a comic book that was a collaboration between himself and Joe Escalante of The Vandals. I am there selling my prints and magazines, and booking cosplay photoshoots. I do really like cosplay, because I love making costumes, and portraying a character. It’s really fun, I definitely recommend doing it.

Most of the cons I have attended have been pretty female friendly. I haven’t personally experienced sexual harassment at a con, and everyone has been pretty supportive and respectful to me. But I know it is definitely an issue and it does exist in the cosplay community. There has been a history of discrimination. For example, some cons have been banning “booth babes” and banning any revealing or risqué costumes. Keep in mind, the majority of comic book characters were created and developed by men. Men who designed the costumes to be revealing and sexy.

Then when a woman dresses in that costume, in honor of the character mind you, she is shamed for it? That is absolutely unacceptable.

ADORE: You’re an advocate for the movement “Bombshells Against Bullying”. Can you tell us about this movement, what drew you to it, and what you envision the cross over is between pin up modelling and activism about bulling? Have you noticed that bullying is a problem for women in the pin up community and in online spaces?

OLIVIA: Bombshells Against Bullying is a movement that was founded by a friend of mine and fellow pin up model, B. Sinclair. All of us involved have had a long history with bullying. It’s one of

those things that everyone knows exists – everyone goes through it at some point, and it’s “not a big deal”, right? No, if you have been a victim of bullying, or have a child who has been a victim, then you know that it is not to be taken lightly.

Bullying can be physical abuse and/ or verbal abuse, which is very much a big deal. Verbal abuse leads to low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. I personally had a really hard childhood and had to deal with bullies throughout my childhood, and even now in my adult life. Everyday I am still dealing with the issues caused by years of fear and verbal abuse. As an adult, I can see that what I had to endure as a child made me a stronger person today. Bombshells Against Bullying, or B.A.B for short, is set out to provide resources for children, teachers and parents. It’s important for teachers and parents to know the warning signs of a child who is being bullied, as well as a child who is a bully.

The children who bully are more often than not victims of bullying themselves.

It’s a viscous cycle. Knowledge is power, and the more we know, the more we can do to help each other.

As far as bullying in the pin up community, I do think there is a problem. It’s so easy online to say something nasty because there are no consequences and you’re safe behind a screen, or on the other side of the world. But there are definitely consequences. There will always be bullying; you can’t completely eradicate it. That’s impossible. Because there will always be unhappy people trying to bring someone else down. But what we can do is lift someone higher. To empower someone is so much more important and rewarding. There is definitely a strong sense of sisterhood and feminism in B.A.B. as well as the entire pin up community. I definitely see women empowering each other far more than I see other women trying to berate or antagonize.

Find Olivia Dantes online facebook.com/xoliviadantes @xoliviadantes www.etsy.com/shop/ alyandollievintage

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photography Gina Barbara

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A series by Nadja Ellinger models / muses Michael Huber, Ita - It’s Art!, Troys Seducment, Valentin Stßckl & Stormy Heather muah Mika Ledies designer & stylist Geschichtsgewaender by Mariell Felicitas assistant Stefan Winter ADORE PIN UP 40

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A LY S S A H A N L E Y, L A S V E G A S

A

positive pilgrimage of perfection

chaotic line-up of burly-q-ers vying

Titans of Tease

for all burlesquers the world

for photos before streaming down

The Friday night showcase is known as

over, the Burlesque Hall of Fame

to the bar. A veritable who’s who of

‘purple night’, with the colour theme

(BHoF) is one of the most coveted

burlesque royalty, titleholders, queens

celebrating the living legends of

performance spots in the sparkly

and kings were around every glance.

burlesque. Performers from the 40s,

world of ecdysiatry.

50s, 60s and 70s were invited back Movers, Shakers and Innovators

to the stage to perform their routines

The Glitterati, Sparkle Gang, or even

The weekend was opened by neo-

live for a more than loving crowd once

“some kind of crazy drag convention”

burlesque icon Iva Handful (Seattle),

again. Standouts from the evening

as I heard one of the muggles on the

sitting serenely and in a lady-like

included ‘The Grand Beaver’, Canada’s

casino floor blurt out, descend upon

manner at a tiny but Swarovski

legend Judith Stein, Val Valentine

Las Vegas’s Orleans Hotel once a

encrusted grand piano. In the erratic,

and Toni Elling. There was also a walk

year for the Burlesque Hall of Fame

industrial-goth style she is known for,

of fame which featured the likes of

Weekend. Connected with the BHoF

she finally burst into her fast paced

Tempest Storm, Marinka, Lotti the

museum, the weekend aims to bring

gothic Victorian routine.

Body and Big Fannie Annie. April

together performers from around

March, the first lady of burlesque,

the world to hold several showcase

Standouts from the evening included

opened the evening backed with six

evenings and the Miss Exotic World

Tansy Tan Dora (New York) and her

stunning showboys clad in outfits

competition.

circus lion; April O’Peel’s (Vancouver,

by legendary designer Grant Philipo.

Canada) brief but turbulent

April is an absolute vision, and rumour

The mood this year was full of

romance with a mop; Ruthe OrDare’s

has it that she had offers of marriage

excitement as old friends were

(Vancouver, Canada) beautiful

from Joe Dimaggio. She was named

reunited, legends were revered and

tribute to the lost indigenous sisters

Legend of the Year to a roaring crowd.

guys and girls donned their finest

of Canada, and Cherry On Top’s

attire for the first night – Movers,

(Vancouver, Canada) trip to the moon,

I’m wearing a scandalous see-through

Shakers and Innovators – the Thursday

with a truly standout performance by

mauve (purple enough) gown designed

night showcase. The BHoF red carpet

boylesque star, Bazuka Joe (Chicago)

and custom made by Rita Fontaine,

was rolled out and the pink backdrop

performing an incredible Thai dance

that had the casino floor murmuring as

could barely be seen amidst the

inspired strip.

I sauntered through The Orleans.

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photography Chris Harman – Harman House Photography performer Alyssa Kitt

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“ Australia was

honoured to have the Best Debut trophy brought home by none other than Miss Burlesque Australia 2014, Zelia Rose, who performed her slick Charleston homage to Josephine Baker to a standing ovation.

”

Trixie Little took out the coveted

performed her Leda and the Swan

Queen of Burlesque, Miss Exotic

routine, which was both elegant and

World 2015 title with her bad-

comedic. Michelle L’amour performed

girl gymnastics styling, and a truly

La Panthere, an act I’ve been

stunning routine stripping out of

dying to see for years – she slinks and

a yellow velvet dress as though it

struts as a circus cat inside a giant cage.

was a banana being peeled. She

Roxi D’lite was another standout from

even peeled a finger of her glove

the night with a highly anticipated

like a miniature banana; a double-

number Madame X; a fetish burlesque

entendre made doubly as good by

act with a ridiculous red Manuge et Toi

her husband being famed boylesquer

costume that defies gravity. Her giant

The Evil Hate Monkey. Perle Noire

X prop spun around to reveal a bound

won 1st runner up with a true strut

man (recognisably, the 2013 King of

and strip number that was filled with

Boylesque, Ray Gunn).

pure joy, and Ginger Valentine was named 2nd runner up with purple

The Burlesque Hall of Fame truly is a life

This year was the biggest contingent

perfection in a truly classic, glamorous

changing weekend, with vendors, the

of Australians ever seen during the

tease. Reigning Queen of Burlesque,

museum, visits to Las Vegas’s incredible

Weekend, with four competitors

Midnight Martini, performed an

shopping destinations, and making life-

Tournament of Tease

across three categories. Zelia Rose and incredible aerial handover routine before the awards ceremony.

Alyssa Kitt (aka my burlesque stage

long burlesque friends. The Glitterati

name) competed in the debut section,

year rolls around, when the burlesque

have departed the desert until next

with Charlie D. Barkle competing in

Icons and Allstars

elite will descend upon Vegas again for

the best boylesque category, and

My standout evening of the weekend.

another sparkling weekend honouring

Sina King representing Australia in

Everyone is relaxed after the

the history of burlesque, raising money

the Queen of Burlesque category.

competition, we’ve had a good hangout

for the museum and showcasing the

Every category was fierce. Australia

by the pool, and we finally get to

best in the business.

was honoured to have the best debut

kick back and see the neo-burlesque

trophy brought home by none other

kings and queens rock the stage.

than Miss Burlesque Australia 2014,

The audience is treated to some of

Zelia Rose, who performed her slick

the biggest names in the business

Charleston homage to Josephine

performing signature acts. My all-time

Baker to a standing ovation.

favourite performer, Dirty Martini,

Photography by (opposite page) Chris Harman – Harman House Photography & (below) Peter Karate

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A LY S S A H A N L E Y, B R I S B A N E

An interview with Cello Bordello, Miss Burlesque Queensland 2015

A

dim light illuminates its faint glow over a shapely woman wearing a grass skirt. “I love lamp… Do you really love the lamp or are you just saying you love the lamp… I love lamp… I love lamp…” A twang of Hawaiian music kicks into gear and the faint outline of Cello Bordello appears into the audience’s view.

She begins her routine with a demure gaze, soft lilting hands and little bumps of a rustling skirt. A change of music and the guttural growl of a voice over says, “Swingin’ drums” and Cello reaches into the lamp and lifts her feet off the ground to tumultuous applause. Bigger and bigger steps across the stand and swinging like a monkey, costume pieces fall to the ground. Spinning to a crescendo, her final layers float to the ground.

Everyone’s jaw is on the floor and their bottoms are out of their seats, in the standing ovation this act deserved. Before her toes touched the ground, the whole crowd knew they had a new Miss Burlesque Queensland in Cello Bordello.

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While it seems that Brisbane performer Cello Bordello has been flying under the radar for some time, she is no newcomer to the burlesque stage, beginning her journey in 2008 under the tutelage of local burlesque titan Lena Marlene. It’s long overdue that the rest of Australia sees this unique and charismatic performer onstage.

Here is Alyssa Hanley’s interview with the lady behind the biggest smile, Cello Bordello.

accident. They walked away without a scratch, but it definitely messed with my head. I wish I could have spent more time giggling and relaxing backstage with the other performers like I normally do, but that night was throwing me curve balls. I was very lucky to have my backup dancers there who are very positive and supportive and helped me get it together before going on stage.

ALYSSA: How did it feel? Tell us about the night and your routines?

My classic act is called ‘Banned in Boston’, with the song of the same name. I incorporated dance moves that would have been banned in Boston and other parts of America had they been performed during the golden age of burlesque. I wore a blue and white gown with a detachable boa that was up-cycled for me by Zoe Felice. The act starts off soft and floaty, and crescendos into a high energy, hard bumping, high kicking finish.

CELLO: Oh my goodness, the whole night is a blur! I was drugged up to the eyeballs in painkillers as I had broken a toe five days before the competition.

Shortly after arriving at the venue, I found out my parents were in a car

My neo act is called ‘The Stig’. The music is a mix of Top Gear’s theme song and dialogue, 90’s dance music ‘Maximum Overdrive’, and more 90’s dance – a remix of the TV show ‘Speedracer’. I have two backup dancers

ALYSSA: Firstly, big congratulations on taking out the Miss Burlesque Queensland title.

CELLO: Thank you so much! I feel truly humbled and overwhelmed being crowned Miss Burlesque Queensland.

photography Cam Attree – Nylon Riot Photo hair Jacqueline Furey

We’re eager to see Cello Bordello represent Queensland at the upcoming finals of Miss Burlesque Australia, to be held in Dar win on October 23rd. For more information about the event and to book tickets, head to www. missburlesqueinternational.com.

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photography Raw Bones for this. I told them to channel a mix of trashy Gold Coast Indy racecar girls and cheerleaders. They did an awesome job. Audiences don’t know who the race car driver Stig is until I lift off the helmet for the big reveal. This routine is a parody that incorporates a lot of comedy and innuendo. My jazz dance training had a big influence in the choreography of this act.

Lastly, my unique act is ‘The Hula Lamp’, also known as ‘I Love Lamp’ due to popular demand. It’s a Hawaiian, Tiki inspired act where I am a hula girl with a lamp shade above me, just like the ones you can buy as souvenirs. The lamp shade is suspended in the air above me with a hand strap inside. It allows me to incorporate a little bit of circus and aerials into the routine. The music is a mix of Anchorman dialogue – ‘I love lamp’, some traditional Hawaiian music, and the upbeat 60’s Tiki song ‘Swingin’ Drums’. I wear a traditional headpiece, lei and grass skirt and underneath I wear a bikini (made by Rita Fontaine) that matches my lamp that I made. The lamp has it’s own battery operated pull cord switch for a ADORE PIN UP 52

light inside. I start off by mimicking a

CELLO: After putting on my makeup and

hula lamp with simple swiveling hips

doing my hair, I like to find a quiet spot to do some stretching to warm up. I go over the routine in my head and imagine my husband watching in the audience

and then include some traditional hula moves as I ‘come to life’. The music changes to upbeat where I place my hand in the strap and I swing around underneath my lamp and make pretty shapes. This is definitely my new favourite act, and it received a standing ovation at the Miss Burlesque Queensland finals. I was totally blown away by the reaction.

ALYSSA: It truly was an amazing act!

The amount of work you put in was outstanding! How did you prepare for the competition?

CELLO:I am a self-confessed organising nerd. I love to-do lists! I love them so much I have three – future projects and goals, a master to-do list, and a daily to-do list. I also made sure to schedule time to choreograph and train, and to stick with it. ‘Upping’ the healthy diet and a religious skin care routine was in there too.

ALYSSA: Do you have any preshow rituals?

and being proud of me. And when I can help it, a sneaky glass of bubbles is not only a nice treat before hand, but also liquid confidence.

ALYSSA: What made you want to enter the competition?

CELLO: Miss Burlesque is an excellent platform to be ‘seen’. Even though I have been performing burlesque since 2008, I felt like I was still flying under the radar.

I wanted to show audiences and judges that I’m passionate, that I love what I do, and that I’m a hard worker; regardless of if my acts fitted the criteria of the competition. Also, Miss Burlesque looks for someone who is diverse (i.e. not just someone who can excel in one type of genre). It forced me out of my comfort zone to create a classic act. Ironically, that classic act is the most requested act for corporate performing. I get a lot of joy from performing and I hope the audience feels joy too watching my acts.

ALYSSA: What drew you to burlesque? And how long have you been performing?

CELLO: In 2006, I stumbled across this tiny bar in Brisbane called Bar Burlesque. I was one of three females in a room full of males so the atmosphere screamed ‘stripper’. Burlesque ladies came out and would strip tease for the audience, usually going down to a g-string and black tape in the shape of an X covering their nipples. I didn’t know what was going on but I loved it!

It was all I would talk about at work the next day. While I was drawn to the glitz and glamour of burlesque, I was mainly drawn to the parody, satire and tongue in cheek elements, and I would return to the bar on a regular basis to watch and wish I was burlesque-er too. I had a favourite performer - she had a tattoo down her back, and she incorporated fire, aerial silks, pole and swing dance in her routines.

The bar didn’t stay open for long, but around the time it closed, a friend told me there were burlesque classes starting up at MAD dance house. I went along to the first class, and low and behold, the lady teaching the class was the same lady with the tattoo down her back – (who I found out later to be called) Lena Marlene! I became addicted to burlesque and joined up at her school Scoundrelles. It took me a while to overcome my shyness, but bit-by-bit, I was performing in group routines and solos. I never thought it would lead to getting employed by the school in 2011 to be their receptionist and to teach (and ironically be teaching pole dancing to two of the ladies I used to watch at Bar Burlesque). I still teach burlesque and pole dancing for Lena at her current burlesque school ‘Lady Marlene’s School of Arts’, and perform professionally on a regular basis.

ALYSSA: Tell us about your dance history. I know that you went back to the dance studio later in life.

CELLO: I actually never danced as a child. My first introduction to any type of dance was when I was fifteen years old and it was Irish dancing (because it was the 90’s and it was cool). I did three

years of that and then decided to join a local theatre company. From there I was very much self taught and would perform as a chorus dancer in musicals and cabarets. I fell in love with dancing and performing. I had spent approximately 5 years there and reached the point of being asked to choreograph for full productions.

At some point, for some reason, I decided at the ripe age of 24 that this dance enthusiast should actually get some lessons. That’s when I took the plunge and took lessons in jazz, tap, contemporary, ballet, burlesque, circus and pole dancing. That year, I was training every night of the week – I couldn’t get enough! Nowadays, I’m not as crazy, but I still take classes in circus and jazz. I’ve had to work extra hard as an adult learner (especially when the jazz classmates are half my age and have been dancing their whole life), but I can proudly say that this year I will be completing my Grade 7 (out of 8 grades) CSTD modern jazz exams at the age of 31. You are never too old to start learning!

ALYSSA: Who or what inspires you?

CELLO: I love drag queens! They inspire me so much. I love how over-the-top their hair, makeup and costumes are.

Heck, even their personalities are so over-the-top. I also get inspiration from vintage pin ups, vintage circus and vaudeville, and any movie or dance routine that Bob Fosse has had a hand in. As for other burlesque performers, I love Perle Noire, Peekaboo Pointe, Russell Bruner, Jeez Loueez, and Sweatpea – high energy choreography that also includes the right amount of light and shade.

ALYSSA: How do you approach making a new act?

CELLO: Ninety per cent of the time, it will start with a piece of music that I just love to death. Choreography comes to me so much more naturally when I love my music. From there a theme will pop into my head and I then spend time researching the theme and finding out as much as I can. Following that, I start sketching costume concepts and order or make my costume.

Then comes the hours and hours of trial and error during rehearsals.

Clothing removal and choreography that works really great in your imagination doesn’t always work in real life. But when the opposite happens (things that happen by accident but work out beautifully), it is a delicious surprise. For example, in my hula lamp act, I’m swinging about under my lamp with a leaf hip skirt on. As I was rehearsing, the skirt would slide off while I was swinging as it was a little too big. Nothing I planned, but I went with it, and it gets an amazing reaction from the audience. Sometimes flaws can turn into something awesome.

Back to creating a new act, once I finish choreographing, I then get people I trust to view my act to make sure it’s entertaining and it makes sense. And not just other burlesque performers; I get friends who are actors or circus performers, who are able to be a ‘fresh pair of eyes’. Lastly, I debut my new act to a ‘forgiving’ audience (like a charity function), where it’s not the end of the world if I make mistakes in my routine.

This buffer time is excellent for ironing out creases and for polishing.

ALYSSA: What is something that you do that people wouldn’t expect?

CELLO: I don’t do it anymore, but something that takes people by surprise is that I used to work as film projectionist at a cinema.

Unfortunately, digital projectors took over so 35mm film and projectionists are now extinct. It really felt like I was creating magic hand winding reels together. There is also something quite nostalgic about film. Digital was inevitable, but I blame James Cameron and his movie Avatar for speeding up the process.

ALYSSA: What are your goals for your reigning year?

CELLO: I’m working towards my jazz dance exams in which I hope to receive good marks. I also have the Miss Burlesque Australia grand finals on the horizon to look forward to. Other than that, I’d love to teach workshops and perform more interstate, maybe even overseas! Who knows?!

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STELLA SIN photography Carrie Hampton Photography hair Sarah Murray makeup Unique Irish

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ASHLEY RAE photography Carrie Hampton Photography hmua Jade Hassen

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P E A R L D AV I E S , N A S H V I L L E , T E N N E SS E E

F

rom humble beginnings living

Following this request, CMG stripped the

wonderful. The line had great success and

in a small wooden structured

Russian born beauty of licensing rights,

we may re-introduce it again.

home in northern Russia,

requested a temporary restraining order,

Tatyana Khomyakova grew up in a single

and filed an arbitration action. It was after

home with her mother by her side. Their

this that the ever growing and popular

home stood over the local town library

retro clothing designer chain changed its

and was minimal but lovely. Tatyana

name to ‘Tatyana’ in honour of the charm

and her mother shared a daily ritual

and creativity of its designer.

of gathering water from the town well, and would heat water over small fires for cleaning and washing. Despite the hardships and chores, and without so many of the material possessions that we all may seem to take for granted today, Tatyana had a happy childhood.

Developing her sense of creativity from a young age, it was easy for Tatyana to feel the beauty surrounding her, and she yearned to learn more.

PEARL: Tatyana has had a new market on the line for a while now - a toddler line showcasing beautiful printed dresses for little girls that emulate your women’s designs –the ‘Mommy and Me’ sets. Do these often sell in

Pearl Davies chats to Tatyana Khomyakova

pairs, and what made #TeamTaty

and her Nashville store Manager Jase

want to produce these gorgeous

on the ever expanding Tatyana range,

mini-me designs?

Tatyana’s American stores, and a peek into a possible Australian visit.

TATYANA: My own granddaughter, Adriana, inspired me to produce the line.

PEARL: From polka dots to swirls and

Most often the dresses are sold in pairs

cotton blends to wool, Tatyana has a

and people seem to love it! Adriana and

variety of styles to suit any body (and

I wear these styles ourselves and, if I say

anybody). What would be some of

so myself, we look adorable!

your favourite design elements within

PEARL: There are currently ten

Tatyana valued the thirst for knowledge,

the Tatyana range?

education and beauty – something

TATYANA: The design elements do

including in Las Vegas, Los Angeles,

include various patterns like polka dots

San Francisco, New York and

and swirls; but the design, the structure

Nashville, Tennessee. Nashville,

and silhouette are paramount. The most

Tennessee is the worlds most popular

important part of style is the way a dress

Music City, and Tatyana resides on

makes a woman look, and that has to

its main street on 400 Broadway,

do with the type of silhouette that is

right alongside and opposite famous

established. My goal has always been to

bars that have staged the world’s

focus on the waist and develop as much

most well-known artists. What inspired

of [an] hourglass shape as possible.

the Tatyana team to open up in

instilled in her by her mother – and she majored in Theatre and Costume Design at The University of Culture in St. Petersburg, Russia. After her graduation, Tatyana’s natural beauty and talent gained her roles in high fashion modelling for both the Russian and European designer markets. After the saddened death of her mother during her University studies, this experience

Tatyana stores America-wide

Nashville and what can #TeamTaty

together with her knowledge of the

PEARL: Tatyana had a fabulous line

fashion industry set Tatyana on another

of reproduction pieces that depicted

path – her own.

the wonderful talents of pin up artist

TATYANA: There is a connection between

Gil Elvgren. We loved this and loved

the vintage style of dresses and country

receiving the styles with the Elvgren

styles. In Nashville we see many young

paintings on the clothing’s tags, which

ladies wearing our dresses with cowgirl

connected us even more so to the

boots – that’s the main difference, I think,

style and the artist. Do you think these

between Nashville and our other stores. I

designs will make a comeback, or will

love the look!

It was in the mid 1990’s when Tatyana met future husband Jan Glaser and together they built a life in Nevada, USA. The first of Tatyana’s stores opened its doors in Las Vegas in 2006 under her first label Bettie Page Clothing, after being licensed the rights to use the Bettie Page name and image from Indianapolis

there be any new designs coming from the Elvgren collection?

celebrity-licensing company CMG

TATYANA: It’s possible! Elvgren was the

Worldwide. In 2014 a request was made

most notable of the “pin up” artists. His

by Tatyana Designs that payment of

playful images were the best and the

royalties be placed on temporary hold.

styles of the dresses he depicted were

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offer Nashville and its explorers?

PEARL: After your American explosion of stores, you’ve said you are looking to move international? As an Australian myself I want to know more – what can you tell us? I promise I won’t tell anyone...

Miss Britty wears the Alika Circle Dress in Green by Tatyana, styled with a pink crinoline, pink pearl necklace with stud earrings, and Ida two-toned Oxford shoes in pink by B.A.I.T., all available at Tatyana.

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Miss Lola wears the Loretta PIN UP 60 DressADORE

by Tatyana

TATYANA: Australia is one of our biggest markets. It seems the country is in love with the retro styles we design and we want very much to cater to our clients.

In order for us to open a physical store there, it probably would have to be in concert with a resident of Australia. We manage Toronto very well, but Canada is so close we are able to make it work. In the meantime, we service our Australian clients through our website and wholesale divisions. If we do open a store there, I’ll definitely have to check on it often and suffer the beautiful beaches that fabulous country has to offer!

PEARL: How have the legal issues concerning Bettie Page representative CMG Worldwide affected your thinking around partnerships and collaborations with others? Do you feel that in the future the two parties

Year (2011) Claire Sinclair and

JASE: I love the energy that comes from

international pin up icon Sabina

being downtown on Broadway. People

Kelley have also modelled for your

who make their way to the area are here

collections. How important is it to you

to have a good time and that flows into

to have well known names showing

our store. People love to come in and

off your fabulous brand, and who

“play dress up” with our Pin Ups, which

else would you love to see wearing

often leads to a new love for our style of

Tatyana?

clothing. The staff here is in a building

TATYANA: It’s flattering when celebrities choose to wear Tatyana and it spreads

It was such a pleasure to team up with Miss

accomplish. That said, the real gratification

Nashville Boogie 2015, Miss Britty Leigh,

comes from those who tell me [that] their

and Australian model Miss Lola Bess, for a

life changed and their femininity [was]

Tatyana fashion shoot. Here’s what they had

affirmed by wearing Tatyana dresses.

to say about Tatyana Boutique:

PEARL: Along with the support of

“I absolutely love Tatyana Boutique! I’ve

husband Jan, and starting off as Bettie Page Clothing, you have come a long way in making a reputable name for yourself and your brand. You have gone from fetching buckets of water

TATYANA: It was an expensive lesson (for

to having your name in lights (literally)

both sides), but I learned that licensing

with your designs showcased on some

companies like CMG have a different set

of the worlds most prestigious runways.

of priorities than a designer. Their main

After reflection on all your history

concern is maximizing the brand name,

since arriving in the United States,

while to us the purpose of our business is

what’s next for Tatyana?

the brand is secondary. It doesn’t matter to the licensor whether they get their royalties on t-shirts, mouse pads or coffee mugs. To me, what matters is making wonderful dresses and having our clients

big things in our future.

the word in ways we could not otherwise

can reconvene?

to present cool styles for our clients, and

period, but we are meshing well and I see

from your local village well in Russia,

TATYANA: Fashion is a never-ending journey. I have many more ideas for what I want to design than time to do it in!

Tatyana will be presenting more styles to make women around the world beautiful

look (and feel!) amazing.

and intriguing!

PEARL: You have had a lot of well

PEARL: Jase, you are the new

known celebrities wear your designs

Nashville Tatyana Manager. As a new

over the years including Katy Perry,

member of #TeamTaty what do you

P!nk, Coco, Penelope Cruz and Holly

love about the Nashville store, its

Madison. Playboy Playmate of the

staff and its clients?

had the pleasure of visiting the Nashville store on a number of occasions and each time I am overwhelmed by the beautiful clothing and shoes; there are always so many colours and styles to choose from!

The staff are always so friendly and happy to help.” – Miss Lola Bess (AU) “Tatyana Boutique offers so many pieces that can be dressed up or down, and so many of them are perfect for work and play. That’s something I find really important when I’m spending money on good quality pieces. It’s always so much fun to pop into the Tatyana Boutique on Broadway (Nashville). It has such a unique atmosphere, and the staff are so kind. It’s also nice to see all of the pretty pieces in person.” – Miss Britty Leigh (USA) Pearl Davies contacted CMG Worldwide to request a statement on the possibilities of reconciliation between the two parties, however the comments received by its Chairman and CEO were deemed unfit for print.

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T H E B LU E H A I R E D BETTY photography Grethe Rosseaux Photography wearing Traditional African Shweshwe print clothing by Khosi Nkosi location Mooiberge Strawberry Farm Cape Town, South Africa

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The colourful metal scarecrows are a famous feature on the farm, and people travel from all over to visit, pick strawberries and view the many funky scarecrows.

They are all made from metal, painted crazy colours, and some even feature the logos of our local and national sports teams.

Very eclectic and truly South African.

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Greazefest W O R D S & P H O T O S B Y E M I LY R U S S

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t was that time of the year again – perhaps the highlight of the year for all Queensland rockabilly and vintage lovers – Greazefest Brisbane. From the 31st of July to the 2nd of August, crowds gathered to tap their feet to rock and roll, buy themselves some vintage goodies and enjoy a weekend full of all things rockabilly and kustom kulture. The Rocklea Showgrounds were lined with classic cars and vintage stalls peddling their unique and kitsch wares, giving lovers of all things vintage plenty to look at.

Acts such as the Sugar Shakers, the Go Getters and Pat Capocci provided plenty of rockabilly and swing for dancers to show off their moves to, while Kat Creasy and the ladies from the Lindy Charm School offered perfect pin up hair and makeup styling throughout the weekend.

For those who weren’t busy daydreaming of owning one of the many hot rods on show, or spending up

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big at the stalls, the main stage had plenty to keep the crowds entertained. The Saturday saw Fashions of the Fest where stall owners had the chance to model the fabulous clothing they had on offer. Also a definite must-see was Pinups on Parade on the Sunday, where Greazefest attendees dressed for success and flaunted their stuff. Pinups on Parade celebrates all entrants, so there were no winners, but a shout-out goes to one pin up whose newborn child threw up on her dress moments before going on stage – a girl’s got to do what a girl’s got to do.

The showgrounds were a sea of parasols as the winter days felt more like summer, giving pinups the perfect excuse to wear their gorgeous summer dresses. Greazefest Brisbane was a weekend full of good music, sunshine, amazing cars and, perhaps most importantly, wonderful people. Bring on Greazefest Brisbane 2016.

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LU C Y LU X E photography Rod Moore Photography

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L I L I T H VO N DA H L I A photography Lauren Horwood

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N I CO L E R O B E R T S photography Vestige Photography hmua Venus Medina

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