Interview With Helen Pontani
by Cary
Classic pinup has become a huge phenomena lately, what about it first
captured your interest?
I love recreating old Hollywood glamour, and putting my own twist on it. I
grew up watching old movies and just loved over the top glamorous women.
The attention to detail is what gets me. My father is also a photographer so
I was always in front of the camera. As far as pinup being a phenomenon
I think you are just witnessing people who crave beauty and detail.
Most people don't put any effort into dress anymore. Women used to
wear stockings and garters everyday. Now people wear Khakis!
No Khakis for me.. I want to look gorgeous all the time!
What do you think about pinup becoming part of the mainstream culture?
I think it's great! I started doing burlesque 9 years ago with The World
Famous Pontani Sisters. My sisters and I have watched this whole style of
entertainment and photography grow over the years, and be recreated in so
many ways. We thought it would be a short lived trend, but I am only
seeing more and more of this. I love seeing pinup inspired art on TV and
Magazines. I think everyone should be exposed to the beauty of pinup. It
certainly doesn't hurt my career either.
What is it that excites you about pinup modeling?
The costumes! The hair! The makeup! I love to do it all myself. Making the
costume is the best part.
Are there any other creative mediums you work in?
The reason why I started doing any sort of pinup is because of my
involvement with the burlesque scene. Dancing is what I do most. I am in a
weekly burlesque show that runs in NYC at a place called Corio. I tap
dance in the show. I wear gorgeous costumes and tap dance! I love my job!
What are your favorite types of outfits to model in?
Corsets, garters, and stockings or anything that is dripping with rhinestones and
feathers. I also love to wear bow ties and little white gloves.
What are your least favorites?
When someone else styles you, sometimes you end up in outfits or hair and
make up that are not necessarily your style. That doesn't happen often,
but when it does it's hard to feel gorgeous wearing something that you
wouldn't ever wear yourself.
What kind of music do you like?
I am really into music. I have two turntables, a mixer, and rhinestone
headphones in my home. I love to play dj when my friends come over. I
really love all music old and new, but if I have to pick one artist it
would be Prince.
What do you like to do for fun?
I like to take dance classes, go to museums, and I love dining out.
Since I perform every weekend, and travel a lot I really enjoy my time at
home. One of my favorite things to do is pour a big glass of vino, and
cook a gorgeous meal. That is fun for me.
What projects are you currently working on?
I perform in the show This Is Burlesque, A modern day speak easy located at 337 West Broadway and Grand St. NYC
See more of Helen Pontani at:
www.thisisburlesque.com
www.myspace.com/doubtygreen
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