Eva Strangelove, New Zealand's Weapon of Mass Distraction

Eva Strangelove, New Zealand's Weapon of Mass Distraction

by Cary

How did you get started modeling?

Rather slowly but surely. In my early 20's I was featured in a few photo shoots merely as a blank canvas for aspiring photographers and Make Up artists who needed someone to practice on to establish their own art. After seeing the finished product, and to my surprise appearing in many publications and not really recognizing myself in those gorgeous images, I decided that modeling could be something I could work hard on and establish myself!

I grew up as the painfully shy youngest of a large family of foster children, and something of an ugly duckling. To realize at such a late age in the modeling world (25!) that I too could be beautiful, really did wonders for my self esteem, and my creativity.

I am now 32, in the prime of my life! I do not believe that age matters when it comes to modeling. Anyone who tells you that you are "too old" at 24 or "too short" needs to step outside of their little box, no matter what credentials they tell you they have.

What excites you about modeling?

Other than the obvious shot in the arm for my ego, it is really a healthy creative outlet that allows me to express myself in any way that I fancy at any given time. Photography is a medium for the costumes I design and style, and putting all that yoga and exercise to good use in a way that many other people can enjoy too. Also, with the line in the sand in a different place each year, and the envelope being pushed in many directions with so many younger and prettier girls coming up thru the ranks, it is a terrific way to keep on top of your game, whatever your game may be. On the flip side, you do not have to do anything you do not want to do. You can sit anywhere throughout the industry where you feel most comfortable.

What are your favorite types of outfits to model in?

I style many of my own shoots with the vast quantities of burlesque corsets, lingerie, wigs and amazing costumes I own. I never run out of items to wear (or not wear, as the case may be sometimes *wink*).

Truthfully my favorite outfits to model in are those of a third party fashion designer/stylist. I am always honored and privileged when asked to model for a clothing company/designer/stylist/jeweler because it feels so good to represent someone else's art, knowing that they believe in me and my brand, and know I can bring something fabulous to their table (and of course, by helping them sell it).

I am the poster girl for South Austin Brewing, a local craft brewers. They gave me a size XXXL t-shirt to shoot the campaign in, so I simply took to it with a pair of scissors. Eva Strangelove: Will work for beer!

What are your least favorites?

Altho I am comfortable with myself and am not overly concerned about how revealing I am during shooting, I very rarely shoot full nude. For no reason other than I prefer a more stylized, decorative narrative, especially seeing as I am a burlesque performer. Altho I appreciate a good artistic nude as much as the next person, this is not something I particularly need in my own port', aesthetically speaking. However, when a client has a concept that intrigues me, naturally I go for it.

What kind of shoots would you like to work on in the future?

I took very few bookings this Xmas, simply so I could have a holiday (and stuff my face) and focus on other projects, like helping my husband build a film and photography sound stage that will be our creative home base.

In the new year I will be actively looking to shoot more fashion campaigns, and more high action, fitness shoots. I will also be focusing on showcasing my versatile look with a sun glass and hat pictorial, seeing as I seem to suit so many styles. There are big travel plans afoot!

Also, even tho I am short by industry standards, I have a strong strut and would like to feature in more catwalk fashion shows for local designers.

Classic pinup has become a huge phenomena lately, what about it first captured your interest?

I would gaze upon these pin up cuties and envy them for so many reasons. I dreamed that someone would one day look at my images and feel for me what I felt for those ladies. I wanted to recreate that glamor and envy for myself.

Nowadays, the "classic" pin up look can be rather cliche and very "done to death", altho I certainly have a deep respect for it. It is where most models begin their experience, including myself, and is actually where most of my modeling income derives from.

How did you become interested in fetish modeling?

I would not describe myself as an actual "fetish model", because I very rarely shoot true fetish-type images (ie: Feet, BDSM, bondage, peeing etc), however, I love to shoot with other models in pictorials that are suggestive of something sexy happening without having to look like I am making love to them. For example, one of my favorite "fetish" shoots was with my little sister Sarah Marie Summer. It was a highly stylized "Dynasty" narrative, where, in our tight-laced corsets and knee length skirts, I am very angry at her, scolding her for some reason you will never truly know but can imagine the thousand possibilities... That, to me, is sexier than merely pretending to lick at her breasts. And my clients would agree.

Do you think pinup and fetish are becoming part of the mainstream culture?

Pin Up is the photography medium that any girl in the world can participate in. It does not matter what body type you have - if you have the right hair and make up, costume, setting and photographer, you too can have amazing pin up images! Most photographers I know specialize in classic pin up for these very reasons.

And when it comes to fetish-y type images, and girl can order some incredible latex outfit online and get photographed in that - as they should! Latex - like corsets, are an extremely uncomfortable yet undeniably sexy garment to wear. The physical restrictions of these types of attire are the very reasons why wearing them is so delightful. They keep you on your toes and self aware. Fetish, in the true sense!

Are there any other creative mediums you work in?

I am a burlesque performer, which is another creative outlet that I hold dear to my heart, especially in such a supportive scene here in Austin TX.

All my life I had dreamed of performing, but never really believed in myself enough to give it a go, in whatever medium I could work with. I was not a trained actress, and certainly no singer, but I could always dance! Somehow I wanted to "perform" my modeling, and the various states of undress it offers. When I realized there was already such a thing, it is called Burlesque and there is a new resurgence happening all over the world, I found my calling. Youtube me!

What kind of music do you like?

Is it a cliche to say "a bit of everything"? Probably, so instead I will list who is on my current playlist as of this week:

The Bravery, Nine Inch Nails, Glitch Mob, Brian Setzer, IAMX, Cypress Hill, 2Pac, Richard Cheese, Grandmaster Flash, Ronald Jenkees, Govinda (of which I feature on the new album cover) Depeche Mode, The Killers, Living Legends, Tom Waits and Kiss.

Next week it will be different once again.

What do you like to do for fun?

I work out and rehearse my acts for no less than 25 hours a week. Working as a full time model/burlesque performer means that rehearsing and exercising is actually my job. Rehearing and drilling with my dance partner Justin H Credible is also very demanding, because we work together with a bull whip! There is no room for error in our bull whip tango!

I have been learning intensive martial arts in preparation for an acting role we are filming soon. I play two characters - twins - who both kick ass, with different fighting styles! It is the most physically demanding time of my life right now. Thankfully I had a good Xmas holiday to sit on my butt and eat.

I am also a model coach, and attend many shoots to help newer models pose, take direction and be fully aware of what every part of their body is doing. I also style many shoots with my own burlesque garment collection. I am always happy to lend a helping hand, and am a fountain of knowledge for advice and tips. I have made many mistakes in the past, so that new girls do not have to.

See more of Eva Strangelove:

http://www.facebook.com/evastrangelove

http://www.modelmayhem.com/806057

Photos by:

BAD JohnPaul Photography

David DeLara

Steve DeMent

Ben Britt

Bluebonnet Bombshells

Alessandro Saponi