Agent Fetish

Many people wonder how you get to be a RetroKitten Cover Girl. To be honest, there are dozens of ways. We don't have a system. Some people, we ask. Others ask us. One hint, you don't really have a shot if you don't have a RetroKitten profile.

One of those RetroKitten profile holders is someone we've been keeping our eye on for a while. Miss Von Livid (Agent Fetish). Imagine how thrilled we were when she took the time to accept our offer of cover girl!


Q: All right, the first and most obvious question: How did you get started?

vL: There are a few areas to cover so, I guess how I got started doesn't have such a simple answer.

I began as a performer more than 7 years ago. It was about early high school when I really took an interest in the performance arts. I had the chance to train vocally in classical jazz. This must have sparked my interest in "retro culture” since it seems to have molded my style so much.

About that same time I began dance classes. I was lucky to have had a great instructor who happened to be an Alvin Ailey Principal. I studied ballet and modern under her for four years. Later, when I discovered a Garbo Studios pin-up photo of my Great-Aunt, Marlene Taylor. I was estatic to find out she was one of Chicago's only black chorus and burlesque girls. It was then that I realized what I wanted to do.

Q: How long have you been doing this?

vL: I've been performing burlesque for about 3 years. I got started with an open call for an early Gurlesque Burlesque. I shook my stuff and they had me back again and again. It was an awesome starting point. The organizers behind the GB saw me perform this June at Exotic World, mentioning that felt like proud parents! This series has truly sparked the Chicago revitalization of the saucy art form.

I began modeling commercially pretty young but, it wasn't until years later when I met Ian Green of Green Co. that I got more comfortable with my fatale side in print. My fatale side happens to like being girdled, tight-laced, stockinged, teetering on pin thin high heels, being draped and clad in rubber, oh the list goes on.

Q: You have a great and very unique look. It's very hard to put into a category. High fashion fetish maybe? What was the inspiration for your style?

vL: Personally, I've gone through a million styles. In front of the lens I like to mix elements of elegant sultriness and glam kitten - being the enigma. Fashion, fetish and fine photography seem to meld naturally. Helmut Newton, Gregory Colbert, David LaChapelle and Perou’s work inspires me beyond belief. While the vixen appeal of Amanda Lepour, Eartha Kitt, lithe Follie Josephine Baker and Grace Jones always seem to drift into mind when I'm posing or styling a shoot.

Fetish Fashion? Of course. Fashion fetishist? Absolutely.

Q:. You also dabble a little in BDSM. Would you consider yourself a Domina first, a Performer first or a Model First?

vL: Depending on the time of day I could be swayed one way or another. Each is such a huge part of my life. But, overall, I love being a performer. I'm addicted to the "stage tingles". You know, that second when you hear your name announced and take the first step beyond the opening curtains. I live for that moment. It’s even more exciting for me since I design my costumes and props, as well as choreograph and style all of my performances. It awesome to get to intertwine my design and performance background.

Modeling is wonderful - It's great to be able to collaborate with someone to make gorgeous images. I've done some great fine art work and have been in a couple museum exhibitions. Of course striking a pose isn't always as easy as it looks but, it’s always fun.
My Dominant side is ever changing. I consider myself a loyal fetishist and demi Goddess in some circles. Agent Fetish, my alter ego, gave me a great venue for this side of me. Naturally, it's changed over the years as has my involvement in the BDSM scene.

Q: You got to see Gurlesque. We are jealous. What did you think?

vL: As always, it was a debauched blast! Gurlesque Burlesque has bloomed into such an event. My first show was three years ago and it's been a ride ever since. It's been the catalyst for a revival in Chicago. It's not to be missed if you're in town when there's a Gurlesque. And if you do - consider yourself a full square, doll ;).

Q: Yogurt, fruit on the bottom or blended?

vL: Absolutely blended. And preferably some berry flavor. Ummm, berries ;)

Q: There are very few ethnicities represented in the BDSM/Fetish Modeling world, do you think this helps you or hurts you?

It's been nothing less than a help - this question has been passed along in a few forums. Although there are only a handful of ethnic backgrounds represented in the pro Fetish Modeling industry, the changes are obvious to 10 years ago. And without a doubt, any change is going to take time.

I've also joined the Women of Color in BDSM Project as the newly appointed creative director. The second full exhibition and contributor panel this summer was an incredible success. July 2005 was named "Women of Color in BDSM" month and the project was given a certificate of honor by the Mayor of San Francisco, Gavin Newsom. It's nice to be a part of a project dedicated to putting a little color in the relatively monochromatic industry.

Q: What would you tell other people interested in getting into this industry?

vL: Getting into modeling is as easy as finding someone with a decent camera and a relatively artistic approach that you can feel comfy being the center of attention in front of and hamming it up. Try not to take yourself too seriously and it becomes natural.

Finding your burlesque inner diva requires a diligent love of glamour - to a point where you can’t live without Swarovski and sequins. You might find yourself waking up pastied and feathered after a photo-blog worthy evening.

Q: What would you warn people against?

vL: There are so many warnings I could give: Don't talk to strangers. Don't cross the street without looking both ways. Don't run with scissors.

I find it’s best to use common sense as much as possible.

Q: Any parting shots? Anything that you would like to plug? Dis? Promote? Now is your chance. What do you want RetroKitten readers to know about you?

vL: I'm always up for shameless self-promotion!

My sites VONLIVID.com and AGENTFETISH.com are being revamped for January 2006! Catch the ever updating current versions of the sites before they're gone for good.

My design line, HOUSE of BIAS, is launching December 15th! The textile and latex line is described as "nouveau glam". House of Bias, is truly four lines merging under one house: biasedWOMEN, unBiasedMEN, biasHOUSE by Aleksandrovna and biasFOUNDATION.

biasedWOMEN, my women's collection, is launching first at HouseofBias.com, unBiasedMEN, my menswear line will be launched in the early part of 2006, while biasHOUSE will be officially available from Aleksandrovna.com as of January 1st. biasFOUNDATION, our convalescence foundation for abused youth, is an ongoing project.

I'm constantly performing and there are a few places you're likely to find me if you're in Chicago:
I'm an active member and performer of the PAC/EDGE featured Girlie-Q ensemble, Miss JT Newman's brainchild. I can be found belting a tune or twirling a tassel the last Sunday of every month at the Hot House hosted party.

On occasion, I join the Heartless Bitch team at Spin or the Chicago Kings at Circuit and take stage with Miss Honey Maker.

I'm always traveling since I love taking the show on the road and will soon be done with my debut original vocal release so, stay in the loop by visiting VONLIVID.com.

Thanks, Retro Kitten-ers ;)

No, thank you! Seriously, check out her profile at Miss Von Livid (Agent Fetish) and be sure to bestow upon her the praise she deserves! This issue's cover girl was a real pleasure to get to know!