The weather has finally started to brighten up a bit and last weekend, I was able to take Ziva for a little walk without having to change into waterproofs!
sheer batwing top: Eustratia
Sunglasses: Balmain (currently sold out)
Harness bra: Nichole de Carle
Crystal necklace: Infinity
Feather necklace: Richard Ayres
belt: Asos (similar)
Jeans: Next (similar here)
Boots: Dr. Martens
With Valentine’s day getting closer I decided some new lingerie images were in order. I often find I need to shoot items several times to get the perfect shot or enough to showcase it properly so all of these items have been shot before but I was pleased to see them showcased from new angles.
I’ve wanted to try shooting images from above using a bed or rugs as a backdrop for a while and decided on this large white one as it contrasts nicely with the black latex.
Shakira wears: choker harness bra, latexlace suspender belt, latexlace harness panties and latex stockings, all available on the website. Use EustL20 for 20% off at checkout.
I’m wearing: Pastie harness bra, latexlace cincher harness, standard latex briefs and banded latex stockings. Again, use EustL20 for 20& off.
This is the time of year when a lot of people decide to try latex lingerie for the first time. They have often seen pictures of it and like the look of it but aren’t sure how to wear it themselves or if it would suite them.
In this post, I’m going to try and address some common worries people might have when thinking of purchasing latex underwear for the first time.
Latex lingerie, like regular lingerie, comes in all shapes and sizes. If you’re not sure what style to go for, make your first purchase a similar style to your current favourite lingerie set. To change it up a bit, maybe try a different colour, trim or motif but keep the style quite similar to something you know and love.
Well-cut latex is very flattering. The different thicknesses give varying amounts of support but in general, it is slightly more sculpting than regular lingerie and tends to enhance curves in an attractive way. If you would like to know more about fit, take time to discuss designs and thicknesses with your designer so you can make an informed decision. Most also offer a made to measure service to ensure a perfect fit.
You don’t have to show a lot of skin in order to wear latex lingerie, especially if you are not purchasing it exclusively for the bedroom. A full outfit of a bra, high waisted briefs, suspender belt, stockings, gloves and a headpiece will cover a lot more flesh than a dress as well as offering more support to your figure. Such an outfit also offers versatility as each of the components can then also be used in different outfits
2. I’m scared I’ll ruin it!
It is always advisable to read up on latex care before starting your latex collection but I find that people are often surprised by how durable it is. I have previously written a post on latex care which you can read here.
Latex is stretchy and can take a bit of handling as long at the right method and dressing aid is used.
My main dressing tips would be to make sure you warm it up before you wear it, especially in the winter and to be careful not to put your nail through it, or snag it on any other pointy items.
When you take your latex off after a sweaty night, wash it!
Look into storage options and don’t be lazy. Like any luxury item, latex needs a bit of care. If you throw it on your bedroom floor after use, it probably won’t last that long.
p.s. If you have any damaged latex in need of repair, feel free to give me a message. I do reasonably priced repairs, alterations and can also make suggestions for garments usually considered “ruined beyond repair”.
3. Latex has to be paired with latex.
People often put off buying a latex item they love out of wear of not having anything to wear with it. They think that in order to buy whatever they have their eye on, they would have to first have a whole latex outfit to wear with it!
The truth is, latex looks great paired with other fabrics. Contrasting textures always add interest to an outfit and can also be used to enhance a silhouette by making some parts more prominent than others. For example, if you think that your thighs look large in proportion to the rest of your body, skin-tight and shiny latex stockings can give the appearance of more streamline legs, while a textured or decorated bra can draw attention to the bust and make it look fuller.
I have included some examples of latex being worn with items from my fabric lingerie line.
4. Latex is strictly for people who practice BDSM.
I don’t know how people can still believe this in 2016, but it would appear that they do.
Latex clothing now comes in any colour or style under the sun. I know I’ve focused on black for this set but feel free to check out my collection gallery to give you some examples.
You can order any of your wardrobe staples in latex, made to measure and customised to fit your needs.
It is not sold in dingy, downstairs sex shops but in beautifully lit and decorated boutiques, like any kind of luxury clothing.
Every celebrity owns a piece and it graces fashion week catwalks season after season.
Latex can even be integrated into your everyday wardrobe if you so wish and a post on how to achieve that will be coming soon.
Photography: Richard Ayres
Wardrobe: Eustratia
Concept, styling and makeup by me
On the way back from the Sydney Davies presentation (which I will feature in the near future), I noticed this amazing building and had to use it as a background for my outfit post.
Images by Toria Brightside
Bra, top and bag by Eustratia
Trousers by H&M
Boots by Jeffrey Campbell
A few months ago, I was involved in a hair presentation project at Vidal Sassoon in Manchester.
The theme was based around the darker side of nature; life-giving, but at the same time wild and dangerous.
It was put together to showcase Melanie Baker‘s hair dressing skills but also featured colour by Helen Jordan and cuts by different members of the Sassoon Manchester team.
A section of one the images from my “winter project” was used as the promo poster, after it inspired Mel to choose the theme.
I then planned the styling, based on the theme, but also being mindful of the sassoon brand.
This shoot took place before the Vanguard collection launch, but we used some of the garments, as well as latex pieces from different collections and even some old favourites, such as veils, flower crowns and antlers.
Model: Zoe Harlotta
Model:
Model: Lia @Vauhaus
Model: Florence @J’adore
Model: Stacey Black (me)
Images and retouch: Adam Mark Williams
Make up: Jules Daniels MUA
We also had to do a catwalk and each of the hair styles was inspected and judged individually.
All the models and Mel.
The model in their full outfits, after the catwalk.
The presentation, catwalk and photoshoot all went really well, Mel did a great job and the whole team was awesome and a pleasure to work with.
This month Rebelicious have featured Vivi Sterling as their cover girl! Vivi has recently joined Vauhaus and was photographed by Toria Brightside, wearing Eustratia for the cover story.
You can read Vivi’s full interview and the rest of the mag here.
As she mentions at some point in the interview, you can expect more projects from us in the future! We’re currently in the early stages of planning studio day where aspiring models can receive coaching, styling and great photos in a comfortable environment, which equal amounts of support and fun.
Details regarding the wprkshops and the first Eustratia open house event, coming soon. Spaces will be limited so if you’d like to be the first to find out be sure to join our mailing list!
Edgy designer clothing. Innovative latex fashion. Bespoke commissions.
