Steampunk Boudoir Set Now Available!

We have a new set at the studio, after much hard work and antiquing we were able to put together my vision of a Steampunk boudoir. I often see Steampunk done in a very dark and gothic light with no feminine touches apart from the actual female in the photo. Don't get me wrong - these photos are so flipping gorgeous - but I decided to put a little spin on it for the studio, making it accessible to even my most conservative clients.

For those of you that don't know what Steampunk is, I'll try to summarize it; Steampunk stems from late 1800s early 1900s fantasy/science fiction literature, authors like H.G. Wells, Jules Verne and the like. It's set in a romanticized world that's post-apocaliptic, sometimes in a "wild-west" sort of way - often featuring technology as Victorians might have envisioned them (i.e. Machines running on steam and clockwork). You'll often see women in bustles and big hairstyles toting a really nifty gun. Movies you would define as Steampunk inspired: Wild Wild West, Stardust, Sherlock Holmes (2010), The Illusionist, The Rocketeer, and the list goes on and on.

I'm pretty sure Marché St-Michel never wants to see me again - I bargained and ransacked every booth looking for very particular items that fit the look - whatever I couldn't find I bought off of Steampunk Emporium - amazing site with amazing service! I also had the pleasure of working with Kent from Kustom Koffins, here in MTL. He built the beautiful leather wall with the port-hole - it is absolutely EXACTLY what I was looking for. I also added the print - a beautiful interpretation of Perdido Street Station by China Mieville, which gives the impression we're in a private room looking out on the city.

Last night we did our first light test in the set with Lavender May, Isabelle Hell and Em - I'm terribly proud of the result! The look is a little gritty contrasted with ultra feminine lingerie and the beauty of all those antiques. Here are some shots:

The set will be around for another 2 months, we're offering our same special - 150$ including hair, makeup, wardrobe, accessories, all your shots and one final retouched image of your choice. Book soon, spaces are filling up!

Speakeasy Burlesque Hommage aux Années 50!!

For one night only see international burlesque stars in one intimate setting for only 12$!!!
Join us at Abreuvoir (corner Ontario & St-Denis) in their downstairs rococo private club - doors at 8, show at 9pm! We'll have Joe Henry singing covers from the 50s as well as his own amazing repertoire followed by amazing acts from Montreal's own Mlle Oui Oui Encore, Lavender May and Exotic Bloom, Quebec city's Cherie Black Diamond and international stars Anna Fur Laxis and Scarlet Diamond! More special guests to be announced soon! Don't miss out on this tribute to the 50s including Anna Fur Laxis' tribute to Bettie Page!

Puppy Love

I know this has nothing to do with being glamorous but I know a lot of you out there are pet lovers so I thought I'd share some news.

We brought a new puppy home (after losing both our older boxers to cancer at 12 & 14 years old, our youngest was extremely lonely and mopey around the house) - Daisy is an 8 month old boxer (like Diesel)! She's as cute as a button & mischievous too! Though a little skinny we're fattening her up on B.A.R.F. - It's short for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. This does wonders for your dog both inside and out. (You can read more about it HERE) and if you know the right people it's not only better than kibble food but CHEAPER too.

I buy mine from McCormack in Verdun... It costs about 1$/brick which depending on the size of your dog (medium/large breed = 1 brick) will be sufficient for one meal. The owner is an adorable man (Paul Ouellette) who knows his meats, he also supplies restaurants like Moishe's and started making BARF to feed his herd of Great Danes. Since they make it for themselves and the few people who know about it they don't always have it in great supply so it's always best to call ahead of time and reserve. I recommend this to anyone looking to prolong their pet's life and health!

Yummy Yummy!

So.... THIS is opening up downstairs (below my studio) in a couple weeks.

Pulled pork, homemade southern fried chicken, brisket, beef ribs, homemade mac 'n' cheese, homemade corn bread... Guess who's going to be putting on 15 pounds this summer. Plus they have all these fancy southern drinks & Pabst ON TAP. I'm loving it!

Speakeasy Burlesque @ Abreuvoir

I have some photos to share with you from our Speakeasy Burlesque Night! We were very lucky to have such fabulous photographers in our midst documenting the night including: Hugo Trottier with stunning black and white photos, Argaive with his gorgeous ambient photography as well as Toma Iczkovits from nightlife.ca with his knack for capturing just the right moment! Thank you gentlemen for providing us with these incredible images!

Velma's opening candle performance, Photo by Argaive

Velma and our contortionist by Hugo Trottier

Lavender May's cotton candy performance, Photo by Argaive

Exotic Bloom's sword performance, Photo by Argaive

Sucre à la Crème as the Bearded Lady by Hugo Trottier

Backstage Stage Kitten feet and my swollen twisted ankle in crutches! Yes, I managed to do that right before the show! Photo by Hugo Trottier

Delvida Douglas' Girl with One Eye performance, Photo by Argaive

Cherie Black Diamond by Hugo Trottier

Cherie Black Diamond's snake Charmer performance, Photo by Argaive

The lovely BonBon Bombay's Clown performance, Photo by Argaive

BonBon Bombay by Hugo Trottier

Backstage Gals, photo by Sheryl Black

Mlle Oui Oui Encore's Kitty Cat routine, Photo by Toma Iczkovits

Mlle Oui Oui Encore by Hugo Trottier

Bridal Boudoir Affair

I spent my Sunday afternoon with my good friend Élisa - who insisted on going to the Bridal Boudoir Affair at the Hyatt here in Montreal. I have to confess, I am NOT a fan of the crazy bridal fever but I DO love checking out flower arrangements and decor ideas. The event is fabulously chic and exclusive - so the companies exposing are giving their 150%. I found some really cool things....

First; Red Sofa Jewellery by Joanna Szkiela. Holy moly gorgeous! It's raw, natural and feminine. She had some pretty amazing pieces that unfortunately are not on her etsy shop - but hopefully will be up for grabs soon! Her inspired pieces are large and make SUCH a statement.

Second; Joe's Prop House - Just marry me already! Henry XV chairs in hot pink? Need I say more? Chic to tacky all in one place - I'm in love.

Third; Charlotte Hosten fashion jewellery. Fun, interesting and hot!

Lastly, the Jenny Packham off the shoulder number. HOT! We were watching the fashion show and I was pretty unfazed by the super stylized numbers walking/tripping down the isle.... Except when this little number walked out. I got all dreamy eyed and fell in love on the spot. I must own this dress.

Speaking of tripping down the isle; I do not understand why the models are required to have the expression I like to call "Zombie Chic". There - I said it! What the F is wrong with smiling? Lifting your dress so you don't trip (and look like a fool)? Having fun? Are we so pretentious as to WANT to view these girls as sub-human walking dress mannequins? I WANT to see the flirty, fun girl that I could be in that dress; not an expressionless tripping empty shell. To be fair, all these girls are gorgeous and I'm sure in person they are bubbly and fun and would logically pick up a dress that was too long for them - they have just been required to become empty husks on stage. Such a shame - it removes the focus from the beauty of the piece to wether the girl will fall or not!