I call myself a multi-media artist. What I really mean is; I am a multi-sensual
artist. Composition in the arts is a constant. It is how any given aspect
of media is consumed by the senses we aim to stimulate and interpreted by
the brain. Therefore if one understands composition, only the tools change
when one sets out to stimulate the senses.
Of the five senses, I feel fashion is one of the most well rounded mediums
capable of stimulating multiple sensory arousals that I have had the pleasure
to work with.
If you think about the different garments in your wardrobe; it’s easy
to see how important fashion is for yourself and those around you. It could
be easily said that fashion is important because, thank God, it covers up
the neighbors derriere. However the sensuality of fashion is the direction
that most of us enjoy.
The feel of silk stockings and blouses to the hand or on the body, benefit
the garment wearer and those lucky enough to feel the sensation from the outside.
The texture of velvet, the caress of stretch wear, the slickness of a freshly
lubed latex cat suit, just topically describe fashion and the sense of touch.
The earthy smell of a leather skirt or jacket, sweet white chocolate and vanilla
of a clingy rubber dress, aromas from vintage nylon girdles and stockings
to freshly washed cotton t-shirts, all play part in a sensual grand scheme
of fashion.
A personal favorite of mine is how the sense of hearing comes into play. I
love to hear the strong rhythmic sounds of a pair of high heels walking down
a hard floored hallway, reverberating with each step. Perhaps if one is lucky
enough; the sounds of vintage full fashion stockings gliding together or the
crunching of a crisp leather jacket may be heard as that person walks nearer.
The snap, crackle, pop, rubber garments make, is with out a doubt musical
percussion to my ears.
I won’t go into the sense of taste aspects of fashion, giggles…
You can use your own imagination.
The whole composition then, comes together visually. For both the wearer and
the viewer, the symphony of style, color, texture, light and shadow, take
form in four dimensions. From the top of the head to the soles of your shoes,
you become an interactive kinetic sculpture, stimulating from within and without.
I got my first sewing machine after watching the carpenters sew scrim together
at the Playhouse, Opera and other theaters where I was a scenic painter. This
machine was used at first to sew backdrops for various bands I was in at the
time. I then started experimenting with stretch wear. It was off to the races
from there.
After designing garments and patterns I began a body wear company. We manufactured
swim, body and mod wear, made in our home and sold worldwide. Still a huge
body wear fan, long after we shut the company down, I kept all the machines,
tools, cutting table and fabrics. It was shortly thereafter that I discovered
the “lil Ms. Emma M.” that you see here. With much evolution,
determination and dumb luck, I developed my interests in fetish wear first,
then an elegant but edgy day and evening look. All this predicated on the
do-it-yourself mindset.
For years I have been telling folks to buy a sewing machine. Not just one
but two! If you have a sewing machine it sets you free of the designers and
manufactures who are making garments for girls that have figures constructed
differently than yours. Sewing machines offer you the ability to alter garments
and make them fit perfectly. When a garment fits perfectly; it is noticeable!
Sewing machines offer you the independence to make your own garments from
scratch. You can pick colors, fabric, and styles in any combination. It is
a wonderful freedom of sensual expression. Most fabrics that I use are cut
then constructed on sewing machines. Latex rubber on the other hand is cut
with a roller then glued with (what else…?) rubber cement. It is an
arduous process that helps explain the retail pricing of that product.
What inspires me to design? Fabrics; vintage, classic and experimental fashion;
my physical attributes and limitations, mood, seasons, color, shoes, textures,
aroma, music, plays, history, the list is endless… Humor and whimsy
play a large role in my design as well. Being able to poke fun at yourself
adds a bit of dimension and off balance harmony. The key is to learn as much
as you can, then grab different parts of your life, mix them up with the utmost
confidence and throw it out there to be scanned. If you trust yourself, you
will be ok.
I use lots of basic design elements to fix flaws. High neck garments are worn
frequently to visually slim a neck that I perceive to be bigger than I would
prefer. I developed waist nipping thong panties (a gaff) that solves three
issues for me; slimming my waist, keeping my tuck and leaving no visible panty
line. These trunks come in a variety of sizes and colors. They work well to
tuck and nip for most body types. They sell for $12 U.S. and can be ordered
by e-mailing me. I make skirts that nip the waist even further while creating
the illusion of hips with extra fabric on the sides. The only padding I use
is breast forms. Shoes, hosiery, foundations to outerwear are always adjusted
to maximize a look.
90 – 95% of the things that I wear; I make or have altered. Unfortunately
I live in a small market town that does not market for the trends and tastes
that I have developed from seeing the world market. This creates the drive
to develop new looks for myself.
Most of us use the senses of sight and touch when considering what to wear.
When picking fabrics to make a garment or finding a treasure on a clearance
rack, I use the same combination of sensation. My thought process is that
of a graphic designer. I try to choose garments for lines and statements that
they will make when juxtaposed in as many combinations that I can derive.
I absolutely love dresses but find they don’t offer the versatility
that separates do. It’s the “once worn, its been seen” rule.
So the garments I design have to be versatile, sensual, make a statement and
fit perfectly. Lordy!
Examples of some versatile garments are the leotards I designed for the body
wear company I had. I love these garments because they can be used for working
out, dancing, swim wear and if you put a skirt and jacket over it; they can
be worn to a five star restaurant. By the way, many of these garments are
currently being blown out at fabulous prices on E Bay auctions. Use ‘leotard’
as the search word.
I have to mention that there is quite a buzz and a bit of humor involved,
pretending to be a GG model in all my E Bay auction site ads. If the public
at large knew, they might never be the same. (Laughs) It’s our lil secret…
See the leotard photo in this article.
Once all the garments are made, shoes and hosiery collected, I enjoy archiving
the efforts and zeitgeist. Photography is a vital part of my sensual artistic
path. It is also a huge part of the learning process. By doing photos of the
image I have created, I am able to study the flaws and the achievements. Flaws
can then be adjusted and achievements can be reused for future ensembles.
Photography is also then, a means to an art of its own. Chiaroscuro the study
of light to shadow, drama, body language and of course the multi-sensual ensemble
combine to take the art to another level.
But perhaps we can discuss photography and image in another commentary. Cheers!
Contact Emma M. at: emmamdd@aol.com
Her web site is: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/emmamsfetishtgirls/
E Bay auctions: key word ‘leotard’
E Bay seller name: mcdmcx0