We do love a good latex fashion interview here at Latex24/7 so we’re hugely excited to bring you another. This time we recently sat down with the amazing, and gorgeous, Latex Nikki to talk about her love of latex fashion and what it means to her.
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: My name is Latex Nikki. I’m a bisexual female and I’m 40 years old in October. I am a stay at home mum of two children (10 and 13 years old) and I have a partner, we’ve been together for 15 years.
Modelling is actually my hobby, as opposed to a career, as I will normally arrange photoshoots on a TFP (time for print) basis. My other hobby is making latex clothing, mostly for myself as I’m still learning.
I originally started modelling in October 2017. It was actually part of a confidence boost which my partner helped me to organise. I was bullied a lot when I was younger so I suffered from low confidence.
Q: Can you describe what is involved with a typical modelling assignment? When do discussions begin around locations and themes, what does the day of a shoot normally entail?
A: Either a photographer contacts me or I contact a photographer. I tend to predominantly work with two main photographers, but I would love to work with more.
Normally I will shoot with either Dean over at Sparks 1photography or Kris at Lincs Alternative Imaging. We usually shoot at their houses or Kris does have a studio.
We tend not to plan too much, just a few ideas and we tend to have more ideas on the day as we plan a few weeks in advance so it gives us time to think of more things. It also adds to the fun as I’m very free and open to new suggestions and ideas.
For the shoot preparations, I like to be super prepared so generally pack 3-4 days before the shoot lol. I wash and dry all my items of latex I’m taking that day, including my outfit I’m wearing which is usually my first outfit I’m shooting in.
Because of train travel, I’m up super early. Make-up, hair and changing all take time so I usually arrange the shoots for the afternoon. I normally have 4-5 hours of shoot time so by the time I get home it’s late, I have food and then usually pass out lol
Q: Throughout a model’s 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: Oh there have been so many highlights, it’s difficult to choose. I’ve got into Twisted Edge magazine in their 2018 and 2019 latex editions and I’ve been published in LTX magazine in January 2020. In 2018 I was a finalist in the alternative model of the year contest.
I am also a brand ambassador for rubber fashion.de and VIVISHINE.
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: It’s mostly because it’s fun. The photographers I’ve worked with so far have all been lots of fun and we all have a laugh.
Q: Moving onto the world of latex fashion and the wonderful shiny stuff, how long have you been wearing and modelling latex outfits?
A: I’ve been wearing latex for 15 years as it’s more a fashion for me, but the modelling side, and photoshoots, has been 3 years.
Dress: Honour Latex
Gloves: Rubberfashion.de
Shined by: BeGloss
Q: What first sparked your interest or first got you involved in 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: I started wearing leather when I was around 19 years of age as I was a rock chic and that’s what you wore. Then around the age of 20, I started wearing PVC and then after that latex. I saw a person wearing it on TV at the time and was fascinated by the look and shine and wanted to try it.
My first outfits were eBay buys – we were very lucky for it to be actual latex as so many garments on eBay claim to be but actually aren’t.
Q: Which latex fashion brands have you worked, or collaborated with? What were their outfits like to model?
A: Oh wow, there have been so many. Off the top of my head I’d have to say the below:
- Rubberfashion.de – Gloves, stockings and underwear that are comfortable and fit great
- VIVISHINE – Great shining products, wash and dress aid. They make my latex shine with a mirror shine
- TLC Latex – Two dresses, underwear and dungarees. Awesome look and fit as it’s made to measure
- Honour Clothing – For PVC and latex. These are perfect for those new to latex as they have a backing on them
- Latex Couture – Perfect fit as they are made to measure
Dress: TLC Latex
Make-up: Bomb Chel
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 or own latex from any designer, what would it be?
A: I would absolutely love to model for anyone, there are so many latex designers now it’s so difficult to choose. So why limit myself?
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: Hmmm, I can’t quite remember. Probably “it’s cold” lol 😂🤣 It’s funny as I still think that sometimes
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: The only challenges I face are having to ask the photographer to help shine or maybe help me in/out of an outfit as it can get stuck.
Q: What do you feel is the main appeal of latex fashion?
A: The shine and taboo of it.
Q: Who is your biggest influence and who do you respect most in the genre of latex fashion?
A: Wow, where do I start. I think I would have to start with Ashley Merwin, she’s just amazing. Purple Muffinz would have to be another choice, she makes her own latex and makes being a nerd/geek sexy. I would also have to say both Dragica Obscurity and Pretty Dangerous. They’re both amazing and look awesome.
Q: Latex clothing means different things to different people, ranging from the empowering to the outlandish. What does latex fashion mean to you?
A: For me, latex is a fashion. It does feel amazing and it does make me feel more confident.
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: I wear latex in public a lot and I’ve never had any negative reactions at all. I personally think no one actually notices and most people mistake it for PVC or just see shiny clothing. It’s only people in the know. Unless people are too polite to say anything.
The weirdest response I got was travelling home from a shoot I was in my military dress and PVC thigh high boots, someone asked if I was “working” lol.
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 really do hope so. Look at leather and PVC – they were once just like latex and now you can buy them anywhere. Most serious latex wearers (rubberists) do prefer made to measure over off the shelf but it would be better for new wearers.
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: Definitely buy something small like underwear or gloves as they’re cheaper to pick up and so if you don’t like the feeling you’ve not wasted too much money.
If you’re buying a bigger item, I’d start with Honour Clothing as their clothing has a special backing to help new people get into it so no need for lube or talc.
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: I think there are a number of factors which worry people:
- Because latex is skin-tight people worry about their figure.
- It’s the taboo
- Maintenance, it needs to be washed and Shined using special products
- Storage, as you need to hang or fold it in a dry dark place like a cupboard or drawers
- The price that puts people off
- The tear factor, if you have nails or are too rough it tears and not may latex companies repair latex clothing
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: I’ve done mixed public latex loads of times. Sometimes I’ve put on latex leggings with a normal jumper or t-shirt. Or I’ve combined a latex top and jeans to make it look casual.
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: I would try wearing latex a few times before the shoot to get comfortable and used to putting the latex on. Maybe keep nails short for a while as latex can tear easily.
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: I’m hopefully getting published in Elan Vital Magazine in October and possibly Twisted Edge magazine too.
Be sure to check out Latex Nikki over on her social media profiles via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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