Pinup & Burlesque > Interview With Minnie d'Moocha

Interview With Minnie d'Moocha

Hidie Hidie Hidie Hi! Minnie d'Moocha!

By Cary

Classic pinup has become a huge phenomena lately, what about it first captured your interest?

The hair! I'm a psychobilly/swing kid myself, so I love going to events and looking at the different vintage hair styles girls were trying out, then go home and try them myself! I've become very good at it, and I did about 90 percent of the hair and makeup for my shoots myself.

What do you think about pinup becoming part of the mainstream culture?

During WW2 pinup was part of the mainstream culture. Big time actresses would travel over seas to support our boys in the armed forces, and would pose for pinup photos for them. I think what the mainstream culture of 2010 is missing out on is the purpose of these photos. I've posed for calendars for the troops, playing cards, posed for animal rescue calendars, and sent my own photos overseas to the Marines. I'm not a fan of the girls who just do this to feel pretty and not give back. Charity has always been a part of the pinup culture, and I feel that this idea is missing from this modern reincarnation of this culture.

What is it that excites you about pinup modeling?

I love pinup because I don't have to make what I call the "model face" all the time! I can smile and laugh, and just be silly! I'm such a ham when I go to my shoots, I love to joke and giggle and dance around. Where I take all my shoots seriously and love all types of modeling, pinup is just a little more fun!

Are there any other creative mediums you work in?

I'm a performer. I was a performer long before I started modeling. I've been in several bands since high school, providing lead vocals and rhythm guitar. I'm also a trained opera singer, and have danced in several cabarets. I have recently made a return to the burlesque stage, after a year or so of concentrating only on my modeling, I really miss the feeling of the warm stage lights on my skin!

I'm also super crafty and make most of my costumes, fascinators, hats, and I just started making my own latex clothing!

What are your favorite types of outfits to model in?

Corsets, corsets, and corsets. I've always been passionate about corsetry, and own over 30 spiral steel boned, quality pieces. I also waist train, and am down to a 20 inch waist.

What are your least favorites?

String bikini's. I mean seriously, I'd rather just be naked, thanks. I don't find them sexy at all.

What is it about Tattoos that intrigues you?

I've been told by several photographers that I'm the whitest model they've ever photographed. Tattoos, to me, are like if I moved into a house with all bland, boring white walls. The first thing I have to do is throw color and artwork up on the walls to make the place feel like home. My tattoos are art that help me express myself.

Each piece on my skin has a deeper meaning to me, whether its the love of my life, my puppy on my left arm, or the lucky/unlucky tattoos on my calves which explain a really hard time in my life, they all are very personal and meaningful.

What kind of music do you like?

Everything but rap, basically. I'm big on classic rock, and have a personal mantra. Elvis is the king, the Beatles are the princes of pop, and David Bowie is GOD!

What do you like to do for fun?

Dance! I love swing dancing (east coast, Lindy Hop), and never turn down an opportunity to see a live band that I can cut up the dance floor to! I also love just going out for girls nights at goth or rockabilly clubs with my friends. But sometimes I just have the most fun when I spend the day at the park with my dog! She's my trusty little sidekick, the Robin to my Batman (I'm a comic book nerd, btw!) and no one loves me more!

Links to more of my work:

Website: http://www.minniedmoocha.com

Pinup Lifestyle: http://www.pinuplifestyle.com/profile/MinniedMoocha

Model Mayhem: http://www.modelmayhem.com/654228

Photo credits:

Photo1: Candylust.org

Photo 2: Marconi Photography (http://www.marconiphotography.com/index2.html)

Photo 3: Lux Berlin Photography

Photo 4: Eric Moore Photography

Photo 5: RedRum Photography

Photo 6: Candylust.org

Photo 7: Erik Gande Photo