My Poster for Metalesque!

I am really happy with the way that this turned out. I wanted it to have the feel of a love letter to metal, in all it's sleaze, cheeze and debauchery, like an album cover or some 70's teenage fan art. I hand painted the elements with gauche then composed them digitally.

I am co-hosting this show with the always fabulous Vera Mysteria of Sign of the Beast Burlesque, who is the co-creator Black Lodge Burlesque, a show I am also a part of. I am making at least one insane new costume for this show and it is going to be loads of fun!

Miss Gulag

Last night I watched a documentary called Miss Gulag (2005), about a woman's prison in the middle of nowhere, Siberia. Every year they have a pageant for the inmates to earn points towards their release and raise morale, and this doc was supposed to follow their progress. It was kind of disjointed, and didn't actually spend much time at all following the contestants in their process preparing for the pageant, but it was interesting enough. I was completely charmed however by the pageant itself. The women did spend hours sewing their own costumes for themes like Greek Goddesses and Spring, staying up late the night before, and were clearly nervous. I can't help but feel for people who are freaking out about being onstage, especially putting all of their own ideas and work on display with no training. Sincerity in creativity is always so powerful. The vitality in their costumes was heart breaking considering their bleak surroundings.

This woman was so tough, it was fascinating to see her made up and working the cat walk. They all had pretty adorable model-walks, very serious. I particularly love how they just straight up drew on their faces to add glamor.

This woman is beaming at the woman below...

...who I'm pretty sure was a prison guard, who had helped her sew her giant gown. She was crying, she was so proud.

I love this girl. That dress! The angry glitter eyebrows! So ahead of her time in 2005.

The judges / prison guards

This one, stiff with terror, covered in leaves...that took guts.

I wish I knew what was going on in Russian fashion at this time. The combination of elements is fascinating. I'm sure it's they were influenced by pop culture, but probably lagging a little behind on what materials they could get their hands on. And they're in Siberia, in a village, not Moscow, so there's rural fashion...Then there's the trends that circulate within insular groups. One person paints some swirls on their face and it becomes the hottest look in the gulag. It becomes almost a tribal signifier.

Oh, the awkwardness, it brings out the mama bear in me. I just wanna give them all crowns.

Some took to the stage a little more naturally. And that outfit...inspired.

Yes, girl. WERK.

I love this prison guard grinning uncontrollably. That would be me in the audience.

And she won. Tears.

 Trailer