We love speaking to those individuals who have a passion for latex fashion, as much as we do here at Latex24/7. It was therefore great to be able to speak to latex fashion model Lexie Red recently. This interview is shown below.
Q: Please provide a short overview of yourself and your modelling career so far. For example, when and how did you first get into modelling?
A: I don’t really have any experience in modelling. I created an Instagram profile for myself to share my passion, and see if it could lead somewhere.
Q: Throughout a models career there are often standout projects, and shoots, which a model is particularly proud of. What do you feel have been the highlights of your modelling career so far?
A: I haven’t had the chance to experience that. At the moment I’m just doing it for fun, but I would be happy if brands or photographers were interested in me.
Q: What is it that makes you keep coming back to modelling time and time again? Is it the people, the challenge, the sense of achievement, the positive comments?
A: You could say it was a challenge in the beginning. But as I was publishing, I saw my subscriber base grow day by day. I was apprehensive about the comments, but they were always nice to me, which pushed me to keep going.
Q: Moving onto the world of latex fashion and the wonderful shiny stuff, how long have you been modelling latex outfits and adding the genre to your portfolio?
A: I started publishing my latex photos in September 2019, and I’m trying to publish new photos on a fairly regular basis.
Q: What first sparked your interest or first got you involved in modelling latex fashion garments? How did you discover the material? Was it a personal interest or intrigue, maybe seeing celebrities wearing outfits made from latex, were you approached by a designer?
A: It was my boyfriend who introduced me to latex. That was about ten years ago. He bought me my first dress. I was apprehensive because it’s a change from everything we know about textiles. But after I put it on I saw the positive appeal of this material. It enhances the shapes and sculpts the body.
Q: There are many latex fashion designers around the world who cover a wide and varied range of latex clothing styles. Who are your favourite designers? If you could model for any designer, or any style of latex clothing, what would it be?
A: As you say, there are so many different stylists that it’s not easy to choose but I would say first of all that I love the work of Ausriefel. She creates clothes with a crazy style. But I also like the designers Zorenko London, Pandora Deluxe and Kaoris Latex.
In terms of style, I’m a bit of a chameleon. I like a lot of different things. If it is out of the ordinary, it suits me.
Q: Latex is a unique material and totally different from the majority of other fabrics which are commonly used during the making of fashion garments. What was your reaction the first time you ever wore latex clothing? How does it make you feel?
A: I first tried on a pin-up style dress and I found it to be a kind of weird but still a rather nice material because, yes as you say, it’s not something you try on every day. And when I saw myself, I saw that latex shapes the body and creates a harmony, which you don’t find in any other textile. And that’s why I became a fan of latex very quickly.
Q: With the uniqueness of the material, and like any form of niche modelling, there are often increased challenges which would not be present with traditional photoshoots. What challenges does latex pose for you as a model?
A: I haven’t had any real challenges, I do it out of passion. I don’t force myself to do things I don’t want to do.
Q: What do you feel is the main appeal of latex fashion?
A: I think the advantage of latex is that you can really create a lot of different looks, while still being yourself, keeping your personality. And it’s very varied and you can have everything from lingerie to dresses and accessories. And there’s something for every taste, whether you’re a man or a woman.
Q: Who is your biggest influence and who do you respect most in the genre of latex fashion?
A: I like the designer work of Ausriefel, the rock side with a sexy touch of black, it makes a good mix. And I love the pictures and the Shelly Dinferno style.
Q: Latex clothing means different things to different people, ranging from the empowering to the outlandish. What does latex fashion mean to you?
A: I think it means being yourself and doing what you like and not worrying about what other people think of the material, because new things are always scary.
Q: What is the best reaction you have ever received whilst wearing the shiny stuff? How do those not used to latex fashion react? Is it generally positive or negative?
A: The best reactions I’ve had are the support people give me on Instagram. So far, I haven’t had any negative reactions.
Q: Latex fashion has become more and more of a normality in mainstream thanks to the music, film and celebrity industries. Do you see this trend increasing or do you think outfits made using the material will always be a niche item? Do you feel there will ever be a day when latex garments will be mainstream and can be brought “off the peg” at normal high street stores and shops?
A: I think that some countries are more open-minded than others on the subject of latex. I hope that one day people will look beyond the material and see all the possibilities that latex offers in terms of design. Because latex is quickly classified in the “sex” section when it is not; latex can compete with “traditional” high fashion.
Q: What would you say to anyone interested in wearing the material? What would be your best piece of advice for anyone who is thinking of trying latex but hasn’t done so yet?
A: I would tell them that they should try it before they decide because it is unlike any other material. The material changes your body shape and it’s something you can only experience by trying it.
Q: What do you feel are the biggest barriers for people who haven’t worn latex fashion before? What stops them from taking the plunge?
A: This negative view comes from the way latex is perceived. You could classify this material as sensual, so anything about sex is scary or shocking; whereas it’s just a material used to make creations. So I would tell them to do what they like, not to worry about other people’s opinions and just take the plunge.
Q: How do you feel is the best way to integrate latex into an everyday “public” outfit. How would you mix it with other materials?
A: Latex goes very well with everyday clothing. For example, a combination of jeans and a latex top, a pair of Doc Martens and it creates a good style. There are even latex designers who create coats and jackets for everyday life. So I think you can really integrate latex into everyday life.
Q: Returning to your experiences of modelling. For models new to latex clothing, or those who are about to shoot in it for the first time, what tips and suggestions would you give them?
A: Simply do it if they feel like it. It really is a material to discover and to discover it, you have to wear it.
Q: As a model, whose image is everything, what is it that keeps you returning to modelling latex clothing?
A: Because latex is unique and, even though I love lingerie, it’s really not the same and when you start wearing latex you always need more.
Q: Are there any upcoming projects which you will be involved in, which you could give us a sneak peek of? Where should we look out for you next?
A: At the moment I don’t have a project, I started on a whim. I like this as an approach so I’ll see where it takes me.
Be sure to follow Lexie Red over on her Instagram profile as she continues to publicise her love of latex fashion.
If you enjoyed reading this interview, Latex24/7 have an ever-expanding latex fashion interviews section available, where we speak to designers, models and photographers about their love and interest of the shiny material.
Which are your favourite images from Lexie’s Instagram profile? Or maybe there are particular latex fashion designers or models you love us to interview? Let us know in the comments section below.
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