RIP: Bettie Page

December 12/08 -- Legendary model and pin-up queen Bettie Page passed away yesterday in an L.A. hospital of pneumonia after having suffered a heart attack. Page was 85.

She captured the imagination of the 50's with her free spirit and unabashed sensuality, she has become the icon of today's Rockabilly, Burlesque and other styles of gothic modeling. Merchandise featuring her image is in shops around the world and has become more and more visible as she herself became a recluse.

Page was born to a poor family in Tennessee on April 22, 1923. While her birth certificate spelled her name "Betty," she changed the spelling later in life to "Bettie."

At a time when few women pursued a college education, Page earned a bachelor of arts degree in education from Peabody College in Tennessee in 1944, according to her official biography.

Her teaching career, however, was hampered by her looks, she said.

"I couldn't control my students, especially the boys," she is quoted as saying.

After her modeling career ended, Page returned to Peabody College to work on a master's degree, the bio said. Her southern drawl and a refusal to sleep with a Hollywood producer hampered her acting career, according to her bio. "I wouldn't have gone to bed with him anyway. He was a creep. He drove off in his big car and scolded me, 'You'll be sorry.' I wasn't."

The Web site, BettiePage.com, logs about 20 million hits a month, Roesler said. A TVGuide.com poll recently placed Bettie Page as the "ultimate sex goddess," outscoring others such as Marilyn Monroe.

iReport.com: has set up a place for fans to send tributes to Bettie Page

more news on the Legendary pin-up model can be found at CNN, Entertainment Weekly, and Google's AP News page.

Feature: Toxic Goddess Selkie

MySpace
Toxic Goddess

	Chest	Waist	Hips	Height	Weight
Imperial	34"	27"	34"	5"6'	125lb
Metric	86cm	69cm	86cm	169cm	57kg

GGotW: What got you started as a model?
TGS: I had a waitressing job in college that wasn’t paying the bills and saw an ad for an artist’s model. I have an adventurous streak – I like trying most anything new – so I went for it... even though it meant getting naked in the middle of the woods with a stranger! Modeling is fun so I’ve kept it up. I like making art.

GGotW: Are you still a waitress or have you found other employment since then?
TGS: Oh, heavens, no. Like I said… that didn’t even pay the bills. I wasn’t a waitress for long. I’ve done many things since then.

GGotW: Why alternative modeling?
TGS: I feel there’s more room for collaborative creativity in alternative modeling. In art modeling the artist usually has a pre-made image in his head for the model to mimic, and in glamour modeling people seem to have specific expectations. Those who turn to alternative modeling are actively looking for something different, whether it’s outrageous outfits, unusual models, or intriguing subject matter. Alternative modeling gives me the opportunity to play a character rather than just be a pretty face, let’s me dress and pose and interact with the camera however I like. There’s a lot more variation in alternative modeling so that it never feels like the same old thing. Alternative modeling also fits my personality better. It can’t be stuffed into a neat little box… neither can I.

GGotW: What got you started as a Toxic Goddess?
TGS: I was exposed to the work of our photographers, Dirk Hooper and Robert Henry, because they are local artists. Their work really grew on me over time, and the more of it I saw the more I understood and respected their vision. They also have an impeccable reputation for being great guys to work with so I placed an application through Dirk’s website. In it, I said “Tie me up – you know you want to!” He took me up on the offer and it’s been a wonderful working relationship ever since.

GGotW: What are your quirks?
TGS: I think I have a lot of them-or so I am told. I don’t have a good sense of what is normal and what is not – it’s almost as bad as my sense of social politics. But for what it’s worth I know the following are quirks. I hiccup. A lot. I think of buildings as though they are people and seriously feel sorry for them when they’re neglected. I have an addiction to attending classes on any subject. I adore insects. And I think nipples look like eyeballs.

GGotW: What is the Goth scene in Oklahoma like?
TGS: There are plenty of Goths in Oklahoma but there aren’t a lot of hang-outs for alternative life-stylists around here. As a result you’ll find diverse crowds of those who live outside of the box. The Goths, punks, metalheads, emos, and others are often found together wherever they feel welcome. It works out fine. There’s mutual respect.

GGotW: Are there any meets in Oklahoma or local clubs?
TGS: There are small meet-up groups, but I am not involved in these so I can’t tell you much about them.

GGotW: What can you tell the readers about Toxic Goddess?
TGS: Toxic Goddess is not about standardized beauty or ordinary photography. Our photographers are experienced and educated, and the models go through a selective process to become a Toxic Goddess. Toxic Goddesses are not chosen because they are the prettiest girls on the block but because they are confident, creative, and actively contribute to the Toxic Goddess project in their own unique way. Our photos are not air-brushed to perfection. We’re real people, and we’re out to prove that reality is sexy and lovely. It’s the truth. Someone’s got to preach it.

GGotW: What is your role in Toxic Goddess?
TGS: I’ve been with Toxic Goddess since 2006 and am among the more senior pantheon members. I was a Toxic Goddess before we had a pay website! Every Toxic Goddess finds her own niche. I have turned out to be the goddess who usually gets to play the most outlandish roles for the shoots – I get to play fantasy and sci-fi characters, as well as do crazy things like eat toy ducks. It’s great fun. I’m also the director of the brand-new Toxic Goddess Burlesque! Our debut was Oct. 25th after OKC’s annual Ghouls Gone Wild Parade. If anyone is in town, you should all come!

GGotW: If you lived in another age when would it be?
TGS: I’m not altogether certain that I haven’t, or that I’d get to choose the time period. But spiritual suppositions aside… I really can’t say for sure. I like history and I have a fondness for many eras, including the Iron Age Celts, the Age of Discovery, the Victorian Era, and our own 60s-70s.

GGotW: What would you do in that other age?
TGS: I think I would have loved having been a sailor or navigator on an exploration voyage or trade route, back in the days of beautiful masted ships. I’ve always felt an unexplainable tug towards that.
I’d also be interested in just being a simple Celtic towns person, just to see how it lives up to expectations. I have a strong suspicion that lack of technology does not make life simple and pure, but I’m curious enough to try it out. I’ve also always been drawn towards that culture so it would be nice to be a part of it.

GGotW: What makes you happy to live in this age?
TGS: I’m honestly happy to just be alive. I’m sure that would apply to living in any era. Now and here, however, we’re fortunate to be blessed with not only a living environment that allows us to reach an old age, but also the opportunity to make of your life what you will. We are afforded many freedoms and luxuries… despite what advertising tries to teach us.

GGotW: What can one do to worship a goddess like you?
TGS: Each can worship in their own ways; we love our fans. Of course some of the best flattery is to pay homage at the Altar by joining the pay portion of our website, however any sincere fan is always appreciated. We can be found on Myspace and can be seen at appearances and performances, and we each have an Amazon wish list on our webpages for anyone who'd like to help us with outfits or props for shoots.




Click on the images that appear with the article to see larger versions. Please feel free to leave comments below, you don't need to be a member to leave comments.

Feature: Vynx

** Update - change to site link**
Vynx's Site

	Chest	Waist	Hips	Height	Weight
Imperial	34D"	24"	34"	5"4'	127lb
Metric	86cm	56cm	86cm	163cm	58kg

Our latest Goth Girl Feature is the London based alternative model, Vynx, who says she enjoys Fetish Burlesque as it gives her the chance to express herself without limitations.

GGotW: You have an Asian look and a British address, what is your background?
Vynx: I come from the Philippines but I have lived in the UK for over 10 years now.

GGotW: Were you born in the UK?
Vynx: No, I was born in the Philippines but moved here at an early age.

GGotW: What got you started modeling?
Vynx: I would say in my teens I was such a poser and I loved dressing up, so posing in front of a camera to me is natural and so much fun. At that time though I was more interested in playing my guitar and being in a band - I wanted to be a rockstar! heh!heh! I would say working in a dull 9-5 job routine for soo long that I finally saw an inspiration that I could do more for myself and pursue what I would love to do for once. Modelling gives me the freedom to be expressive, dramatic, creative and dress up being who I want to be - it is enjoyable and a lot of fun! My interest for doing something creative rather than living in a box gave me lots of inspiration to focus and drive to do hard work. Plus it's a bonus that I enjoy travelling as well as meeting like minded people who are different and creative too.

GGotW: Did you start off as an Alternative model?
Vynx: I have always been in the alternative scene, I was a bit of a tomboy - never a girly girl into looks, trendy fashion or make up. I grew up on rock/metal music at an early age and with my love of piercings, tatoos and dressing up in alternative gear, I am more comfortable and a lot happier to pose in this kind of theme. I also do other styles, like art nude and life painting, so long it's tasteful. I think it's important to explore various styles in order to grow and gain experience, so long as I enjoy it.

I would never do something I feel strongly against like porn related pics. A lot of people confuse art nude and fetish to porn they don't see the 'art' intent towards it. Being an alternative Asian model into fetish is certainly not common but I'm pleased to offer something exotic and different to people.

GGotW: You do performances, What kind?
Vynx: I used to be part of now dysnfuct alternative burlesque group, and since I enjoyed performing I decided to go it alone. My performance could be termed as neo-burlesque, I haven't really given it much thought what kind of performance I do, as I just do what I like and enjoy. My performance combines my love of martial arts and the creative flair of burlesque, I also have varied other acts which involve pain...and pleasure too otherwise where is the fun in that?

GGotW: Where do you perform?
Vynx: I usually would perform in fetish clubs.

GGotW: Do you have any shows coming up?
Vynx: I have been so busy with modeling and other projects that I have not performed for a while, but I do know that there are couple of shows that I am going to audition for which hopefully I am successful in. Also because one of my performances involves a samurai sword, it can make finding venues tricky (Health and Safety in a fetish club!!!)

GGotW: How do you define the Gothic scene and your niche in it?
Vynx: I think the Goth/Alt scene is pretty much alive and well here in London, and it's great! For me the goth/alt scene is so much more than the way we look or the type of music we listen to, it is also what you believe in - what you are passionate about. It's easy to blend and be part of the society because that's what the norm expect us to be, but being able to express yourself by just being who you are means it doesn't matter what people say or think. Everyone has a right to express their individuality and I respect people for that. People will always look at you if you don't look the norm and criticize you for being different. I never jumped on the band wagon just to be accepted or conformed my ways because I'm comfortable with who I am and that's what matters - no one can take that away from you. This defines me as a person and how I approach my modeling.

GGotW: When you are out meeting other London Goths where are you?
Vynx: Usually clubs and pubs or gigs. My fave local is The Devonshire Arms - or The Dev in Camden Town and Intrepid Fox in London. My usual haunts are Sin, Inferno, Torture Garden, Club Rub, Club Subversion, Club Severine, Festival of Sin and Anti Christ.

GGotW: Do you explore your wild side outside on the UK?
Vynx: I'm always wild wherever I am...

Click on the images that appear with the article to see larger versions. Please feel free to leave comments below, you don't need to be a member to leave comments.

Feature: Violet Eyes

Violet Eyes`s Site

	Chest	Waist	Hips	Corset
Imperial	34"	27"	34"	20"
Metric	86cm	69cm	86cm	56kg

GGotW: What is your favorite photograph of yourself?
VE: I have a black and white art nude one over a box that always gets a lot of attention, My favorites seem to change almost weekly though, I'm always pushing and striving to do better pictures and use more wacky outfits. Maybe One day i will have one that captures what I'm all about but until then I'll just keep on trying!

GGotW: When did you start modeling?
VE: Approx 6 years ago, and i haven't looked back since. I have been performing for approx. 5 years now also.

GGotW: What got you started in modeling?
VE: When i was 16 i was scouted by a high fashion agency- although flattered it wasn't what i wanted to do- I had discovered Dita and Bettie and wanted to wear rubber and corsetry. I set myself up on a photography website for a giggle and the day after had a photographer contact me regarding a shoot- I enjoyed it so much that i never looked back!

GGotW: Where did the name Violet Eyes come from? Or is it VioletEyes?
VE: I see so many variations of my name out there- Its Violet Eyes and it came from many influences- the meat puppets song, the song "Violet" by "hole" and the fact that i had some violet colored contact lenses and someone once shouted "oy violet eyes" at me- it kinda stuck!

GGotW: How did you get involved in the performance side of things?
VE: Again when i was much younger i was at a sleep over and ate night ch4 had a burlesque performer on it- I was hooked from there and did everything i could to find out more about it. The Pole dancing came at a later stage when i wanted to do something a little more different and the fire just seemt like a natural progression from there.

GGotW: Why was fire a natural progression?
VE: Why not! I have always been a fan of live music and the amount of times i have been in awe by the fire performers- it just seemt like a natural progression to try and step my act up a little. God knows what i will want to do next when I'm bored of the fire play!

GGotW: Where can readers in england see your upcoming performances?
VE: Everything is logged on my website at www.violeteyes.co.uk - My next burlesque show is for the Devolution Magazine Christmas party at the Face Bar in reading.

GGotW: Are you touring outside of the UK any time soon?
VE: I'm always up for working all over- hoping to get to Las Vegas again next year and maybe do a tour of the coast and end up in San Francisco, but nothing has been finalized as of yet- keep checking my website out for updates!

---

Click images for larger versions. All images are copyright the model and or photographer. Goth Girl of the Week has obtained permission to use in this feature.

---

Click on the images that appear with the article to see larger versions. Please feel free to leave comments below, you don't need to be a member to leave comments.

Feature: Wicked Mina

	Chest	Waist	Hips	Height	Weight
Imperial	32"	26"	36"	5"1'	115lb
Metric	81cm	66cm	91cm	155cm	52kg

GGotW: Where do you live?
WM: Los Angeles, CA

GGotW: What got you started in Modeling?
WM: I started modeling when I was approached while in college to be photographed. Later I shot with a photographer who shot one of my friends and he invited me to an "alternative" modeling event called Something Wicked This Way Comes. I have been modeling ever since.

GGotW: You've done some high profile modeling, can you tell us about some of your best experiences?
WM: I really loved working for Crimson Empress. Countessa is an incredible lady and a creative designer. I am a big fan of her designs and now I am one of her regular models. I also recently did a shoot for a cool subcutural magazine called "Imago". It was for a "punk rock wedding" and it was shot by Dan Santoni, who is a photographer that I have been wanting to work with since I moved to LA. I have also recently been approached by a rep. from Serious clothing to do an upcoming shoot for their wholesale website. Working for Ragdolly was one of my early cool experiences and resulted in one of the photos apprearing in Gothic Beauty Magazine.

GGotW: What shoot was your favorite?
WM: Anytime I shoot with Saryn Angel Photographer I really love it and have alot of fun. I also loved the photography events for the SWTWC project- I went to one in Atlanta and one in New Orleans. At these events I got to shoot with different photographers and do alot of costumes changes, so it was a alot of fun and I learned alot and met some great models and clothing designers.

GGotW: Why do you model for Goth themes?
WM: Although I do different types of "alternative" modeling and art modeling, Goth it is most closely related to my lifestyle and how I dress on a day to day basis.

GGotW: How do you define Goth?
WM: For me, being involed in "Goth" subcultures means I have a love for the dark romantic. I adore dark hidden ,strange and mysterious things, literature, music, and aesthetics. I am very childlike and whimisical with a sarcastic dark sense of humor and style which I feel matches this type of lifestyle. Being into goth to me is alot about appreciating the unconventional in many aspects in your life. Goth modeling is about seeing the unconventional and dark as beautiful. There's a lot more to this subject but basically this is how I sum it up I suppose. However being into goth isn't all about aesthetics, it's more about an attitude and way of thinking- it's a lifestyle not a trend. I like to think I move about in the world as if I am in my own dark fairytale...

GGotW: When you're not modeling, how do you dress?
WM: I dress goth or glam rock (more a combination of both). Sometimes I throw in some Japanese street wear elements.- I really love that style and try to incorporate it to make my style something that is my own.

GGotW: When you are modeling what kind of thing do you like to do?
WM: I like to show different aspects of my personality and let my attitude shine through. My best shoots have been when I was relaxed and casual and just reacting to my environment.

GGotW: Have you modeled outside of the Goth/ALT style? What was it like?
WM: I have done some pin-up stuff and clubwear stuff which is cool though I guess that is kind of alt. as well... it's fun I am a fan of the classic pin-up and burlesque.

GGotW: Whats your latest shoot?
WM: I did a shoot today in downtown LA in the fashion district wearing club wear which was pretty cool. I definately got some intereresting looks...

GGotW: What have you got coming up?
WM: I have a few shoots coming up in march for Dark Destiny Designs, Lily's Shop, and Nighteshade Gothic Jewelry and also a pending pin-up shoot with Chow Mein Photography. Glaza is going to have a dark fairytale line that they have asked me to model for which is very flattering and I am really excited about.


GGotW: How would you advise a modeling virgin heading to their first shoot?
WM: Don't compromise. Don't do anything you don't want to do and also take a chaperon.Thing twice about doing nude work before you do it. There is a fine line between artistic nude and porn and know that if you decide to do GG or SG - that is considered soft core porn(like atl Playboy) in the (fashion)industry. If you do decide to do nudity or the other stuff don't let that be your first shoot-get some experience first. Don't work with photographers unless the work they have done is good quality. Don't work with a photographer if they hit on you when asking you to model for them... they should be professional. Don't pay to be shot- there are too many good photographers who will do beginning portfolio shots for TFP and many are happy to work with new models. Learn how to do makeup and hair yourself if possible (or find someone to do it for you). Practice at home in front of the mirror and show your personality in poses and styling. Be happy with your body and body image and have confidence. Don't let bad images of you out in the world. Always be professional and expect professionalism from others. Develop your own style. Have fun and stay evil! ^v^

Were to find Wicked Mina on the net.
Model Mayhem:
Facebook:
Vamp Valley Vixens:

Profile:
MySpace:
Gothic Alternative Models:

---

Click on the images that appear with the article to see larger versions. Please feel free to leave comments below, you don't need to be a member to leave comments.