Riot Gear Post 006 - Special Edition: Backstage at the Fetish Flea

This may seem somewhat brief, however image-heavy. This is also the first of (I’m sure) several posts about this event.

This past Friday evening, I had the epic fun times of participating in the annual New Designer’s Fetish Fashion at the Fetish Flea Market. A wild, crazy and kinky night it was indeed! There was something to satisfy every curiosity or desire one could possibly think of: from latex, to pin-up. Club-wear, to an aerial-acro display. Let’s not forget the quirky Cirque de Noir. A whirlwind of visually spectacular designs, and a lot of pretty ladies (and men) to boot!

Any one of you who has ever been a part of some sort of stage show, whether it be theater, or dance, or even burlesque can attest to this: backstage is an entirely different monster, a completely isolated world from the glitter and glam the audience sees on the stage.  I will admit to this: I was a walking hot mess for about 85% of the evening, its kind of how I function in these situations, though I am certainly no stranger to the stage. Having been a ballerina for the majority of my life, and participating in national and international competitions, I am very used to how things work behind the curtain. Nevertheless, my nerves are my fuel, adrenaline pumps through my veins, coercing my muscles, and the show indeed goes on.

Squeezed among the too-many bodies, high on hairspray, and functioning only on iced coffee, and a few (and I mean a few) Swedish Fish, I felt oddly enough at home, despite being noticeably flustered and perhaps aloof. I even remember saying out loud, “a majority of you ladies are going to hate me by the end of tonight, and for that I am sorry… but better you know now.” I really know how to work a crowded room.

The actual runway shows were, for better or worse, a success. Nothing more than the usual hiccups here and there. Models (and I sadly use that term loosely) not understanding timing with music, nor appearing very certain of themselves while walking in eight inch fetish platforms… I digress… As far as I know, there were no glitches in the music, or with the lights. Very simply, it seemed to be a matter of too many people too close to one another. Nothing a little more organization can solve for next year. What I can say is this: I did meet several new people that night, witnessed new and amazing up-and-coming talent with hair and makeup, I did not fall on my face, I did not have a “wardrobe malfunction”, and no one (to my knowledge) was sacrificed to the fashion gods for one reason or another. All in all, it was a fantastic night.

My personal wardrobe for the evening was something I found simple, quick to get into (or out of for quick backstage changes), and quite comfortable. A cute and stylish take on the classic LBD, modernized with silver hardware, and accented with more adorable thigh high socks, and monstrous platform boots. New platform boots, might I add, and I am completely obsessed with them right now! Now, I wore this dress to work that morning, which is where the tailored suit jacket came into the equation. A simple, yet perfect way to keep the ensemble from looking too party/streetwalker for during the day. As soon as the sun goes down, the jacket comes off! Et voile!

More photos from the Flea to come soon!

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Photos: (from top)

Dawnamatrix Designs

Makeup EXPLOSION!

Miss Carnage applies Courtney Vesper’s face.

Yours truly putting hair extensions on Lydia… I swear, my expression was that of frustration… ;)

Jeselyn flashes us a grin while gettin’ her herrr did.

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Riot Gear:

Dress: F21

Suit Jacket: thrifted

Stockings: Target

Platform Boots: Demonia

Collar: my own

All photos by Brittanny Taylor (she was a registered photographer for the event)