I am an intensely creative girl who has manifested her artform through hairstyling over the last 20 years. As I got older, my tastes leaned hard in the Swing and Rockabilly scene and I grew to love all things pertaining to those golden years of film, music and fashion. I collect fashion, furniture and media from those particular eras.

A few years back, I picked up a camera and my best friend, Katy and I did our first “photoshoot”. It was 60’s inspired with props and lingerie we already had collected over our years of thrifting in Palm Springs, Long Beach and the Rose Bowl. We were on to something and created Madame Pompadour House of Design and set out to debut at Ink and Iron 2007. Originally, we created CeCe Larue’s pink and black burlesque inspired costume for the pinup contest. She wore it again for the cover shoot of All In Magazine.

I already had a vast collection of Pin Up lingerie, gowns and other wardrobe and accessories. I was learning pin up portraiture while doing hairstyling for other photographers. I started booking pin up shoots through MySpace, doing the hair, wardrobing with my own collection, and doing the art and set direction. The only thing I don’t do is the makeup. (I have many FABULOUS friends who are professionals in this field, those whose creative vision is as intense as my own).

I started meeting other photographers in my work as a pin up hairstylist and that small circle helped and keep helping me in my own photography sessions. I am constantly learning!

I take inspiration from old photographs of burlesque dancers, old Hollywood movie star stills, Dita Von Teese and the other pioneers of the New Burlesque renessaince. I LOVE color and especially love old MGM technicolors.
When Katy and I had an idea to create a theme photoshoot, if we needed to, we made the costumes. Many of you recognize the Daisy bathingsuit (Monica Renee) and the Madame Pompadour pannier skirt(Ambur Rockell) as Madame Pompadour originals. We are used to designing, creating, building, sewing, gluing, painting etc etc etc….I have been up and down a ladder so many times, its not even funny. Our rhinestoning, hot gluing and stitching has also led us to open an Etsy store!!!! As if this isn’t already enough!!!

I also have to say that I could not have done or accomplished as much success as I have had without the help of Katy, who is brilliant and such a visionary. The amazing makeup artists who know exactly what I am looking for…no matter what! The boys in my life who have helped with the building, painting, hat attaching, welding, snow sprinkling, rhinestone buying, and other various tasks they have endured at a Madame Pomp shoot! I want to say I have an incredible respect for the women photographers who have inpired me and have helped me learn, Holly West, Danielle Bedics, Riley Kern, Ama Lea, Justice Howard, Shannon Brookes, 666, Darla Teagarden, and the men, especially Marco Patino, Jorge, Victor Rodriguez, Rick Miller. Thank you all!

Now for the nitty gritty………….

To shoot TFP with me, I have to fancy the idea you bring to the table or I need to visualize something with a potential model immediately. I like classic beauty, and self confidence. I have low tolerance for insecure models, why be a model? Self confidence is sexiness and that cannot be feigned. This is why you will see me use the same models, because they do not engage in self deprecation. They celebrate femininity, which is powerful when in front of the lens.

You can certainly commission me to produce a Madame Pompadour shoot for you and we can discuss rates privately. Shoot rates vary depending on location and I am willing to travel. We can shoot at my 2500 sq ft warehouse in LA or we can shoot at my MidCentury modern condo in Palm Springs. Just ask!!!

If you would are interested in my services as an expert hairstylist, or my wardrobe services, please feel free to contact me as well!

One more thing, Madame Pompadour House of Design burlesque pasties and accessories are on sale at www.etsy.com/madamepompadour. Go treat yourself !