What can we say about the exquise Marlo Marquise? She has that class and beauty that already gives the impression that she's an Immortal...
1) Can you tell us a bit about your childhood background (and ethnic origins, if you desire)?
I was raised in upstate NY by two hippies in a college town. To say the least, my surroundings were liberal! My ethnicity is always a topic up for debate. I'm mostly dark Irish and Native American, if you can imagine that! High cheek bones and pale skin!
2) So how did your interest in all things fetish & pin-up really begin? What were the idols that shaped your curiosity and which artists today still hold your attention?
I think I was always into pinup since I was a little girl. I was very fascinated with ballerinas, which brings up a lot of fetish topics, stockings, feet en pointe, leotards are like another skin, discipline, it's all there. It started out with my love for Marilyn Monroe, I thought she was the perfect woman! Being a brunette lead me to the likes of Bettie Page at a very young age. From there, I started researching different things, and discovered fetish. As far as fellow models in the fetish scene that blow my mind, I love Viktoria Modesta, Nina Kate, Nana Rapeblossom, Crash, and Ulorin Vex. I think these ladies are so insanely unique, and they knock my socks off every time! I love modern models, but I always go back and look at the classic queens of pinup and burlesque for inspiration.
3) Being a student of Fine Arts, you are a multi-talented artist. You also paint, do makeup & hair, perform… is there something more that you’d love to learn?
I try to get my little hands on everything that strikes my fancy! I would really love to learn how to make latex clothing, and take real ballet classes. As of right now, that's pretty much it.
4) How did you get your start as a burlesque performer? Can you describe to us what is your own personal style?
I started modeling and performing around the same time. The burlesque came first. I have a friend who is a nightlife party promoter and he set me up with a guy who was hosting parties and wanted to show some burlesque. It's a very casual venue so I gave it a whirl and everyone went crazy! I fell in love for real that night with the art. My personal performance style is more coy and has a touch of innocent sexuality, much like the acting style of Marilyn Monroe. I like to do slow striptease, make the audience want more! In the burlesque scene I'm seen as a "classic" performer.
5) What is your view on tattoos and piercings? Are you planning to get more in the future? And what is the symbolism of your current ones?
I really love the culture of tattooing and piercing. Before I got anything done I read a lot about the history of it and the origins, it's all very interesting. I am more a fan of tattoos because they have meaning. I've had a few body piercings in my lifetime but took them out due to annoyance. I'm absolutely planning on getting more tattoos, already have my next two planned out. Right now I have two lambs and two solid hearts. Now comes the explanation! I'm not religious but I love what the Lamb of God represents. It symbolizes Jesus dying for our sins. In more simple terms it wipes away sin and brings back innocence. I also love baby animals, and if I were ever an animal I think I would be a lamb. They are very gentle, coy, yet mysterious and surprisingly intelligent animals. I have a ribbon around the neck of one to represent a boy and a girl. I'm a bit of a hopeless romantic. The hearts are part of a personal story that I will keep to myself, but I will say that the love of my life shares the same markings.
6) Ok… what is this thing about “bubble gum blowing contests”? :D
You aren't the first person to ask that in an interview! I think that no matter how serious you are, you should still have a child-like attitude about life. I love being an adult, but I love doing fun things, like bubble gum blowing contests! They are so fun you should try it! People don't need to be so serious all the time.
7) There’s a big pool of talent in NYC… how does someone handle the “competition”?
This is very true. What's even more true is that the talent spreads across the country. Modeling and performing are very competitive. It takes a lot of ambition and passion to keep going. I always think that hard work pays off in the end. It's important to be unique and to be yourself. Those are two things that will make you stand out. Also, be professional and be nice! Don't fall into the gossip trap, it's unhealthy!
8) You're expressing interest in a John Willie-type photo shoot and we estimate that you’ll be perfect for it! What kind of role would you desire for this: the helpless Sweet Gwendoline or the wicked Secret Agent U-69… or both?
My personality has a mixture of both. I'm quite innocent, but I can also be a dominant little lady! The damsel in distress is just so classic. I always say be a lady by day and a vixen in the bedroom!
9) Often wearing all that fine lingerie stuff, how does this reflect on your personal life? Do you play a lot on your personal/intimate time? Do you have a high “naughtiness” factor?
It depends on what mood I'm in. Sometimes I feel like being really kinky and naughty, but sometimes things feel very vanilla. I will say this, I don't own any cotton panties. My significant other is a very happy man.
10) What are your plans concerning a future website? The world is waiting…
I'm working on content right now for the site. I want to make a site different from other paysites. When you become a member the site offers full photo sets, behind the scenes photos and video, journal/scrap book, vintage hair and makeup tutorials, live webcam chats, and a special section of photo sets of me with "women behind the art" (photographers, designers, etc.). Plus more! It should be up and running within the year.
Until then everyone should follow my blog, ask me questions on formspring.me, and view full sets on zivity.com. When my site launches I might disappear from all those sites so that everything will be exclusive!
11) We can’t believe that at some point you won’t be involved in a high profile film role… is there a specific character that you’d like to portray?
Wow, thank you. I have never thought about being in a film. I think the only films I would be interested in doing were period films that date from the 1950's and earlier. Besides for that, maybe a documentary about fetish models and that lifestyle. People have such a misconception about it.
12) How about, if you ever come to Montreal, that we pay you a Shirley Temple? You are going to visit us at some point, aren’t you? LOL
I love Shirley Temples! I was in Montreal for the first time this past September for Montreal Fetish weekend. I did runway for Collective Chaos Design. I do plan on attending the same event in September 2010! I love Montreal, it's fun, beautiful, and kinky!
