One of the most spectacular and colorful port we came across... without a doubt. Monica is also one fun & classy lady so we are very proud to welcome her as an official Siren.
1) Can you share with us a bit about your background and any info about your ethnic heritage?
My family is from Suriname, South America our native language is Dutch, I'm American born and grew up in Amityville Long Island. Suriname had a diverse population. I'm multiracial, so my ethnic background includes Native American, Indian, Chinese and African American.
2) So when did modeling became an important part of your life? Did you start on more mainstream projects before going the pin-up route?
I've always wanted to be a model and have been in love with the pinup culture. That door opened once I got my own braces as an adult and I'm also 5 foot 3 so some modeling opportunities are limited! I began doing pinup first as a passion and a way to cultivate my image and gain popularity and modeling experience. It began to take off, although I have been involved in some projects. I have yet to model more mainstream.
3) What are your principal artistic inspirations these days? Has it evolved much from your beginning?
Oh yes, I''m constantly evolving and am inspired by many things. There are legends such as Bettie Page, Josephine Baker, Marlene Dietrich, Mae West,Sophia Loren, Ziegfeld Follies, Broadway, Las Vegas, superheroes like Wonder Woman villains like Catwoman, and actresses like Angelina Jolie. even Cher and Madonna. The list goes on! I love classic Hollywood, Film Noir, music, and even movies, graphic novels and comics. and because of my exposure to art and fashion it all blends in with my individuality. I'd love to incorporate bits and pieces of my diverse ethnic background into my pinup projects as well.
4) What can you tell us about your association with Paper Doll Pinups?
I'm their first official spokes girlie. We're a start up stationary and paper goods company. We joined forces on Twitter and Facebook. We are growing and adding contributors, material and inspiration, it's blossoming into something quite fantastic and fun to be a part of. The web store is coming soon.
5) When admiring your photo work, it’s interesting to note that you seem to have created a colorful fantasy world where you rule over all… so how carefully do you cultivate your own image?
When you do pin-up, you are yourself amplified. It's a team effort and being paired with the right photographers brings out and illuminates your personality. Both creative energies come together and the pictures come alive.
6) What could have been your most challenging photo shoot, to date? Is there a line that you won’t cross?
I think the most challenging is when Rob Ordonez and I shot on the street in NYC and we had to get the right shot without getting hit by a car. I would never do a shoot or project where I wasn't comfortable or that I consider degrading. I focus on the glamorous and empowering.
7) Now what can be your biggest fashion weakness… corsets? towering platform shoes? or any other? or all of the above? ;)
Since I'm flamboyant and very girlie I would definitely say all of the above. I love to be decorative and am weak for vintage clothing and jewelry, hair accessories, especially bows that make me look like a doll! Lingerie, unique designer items, hats... heels and funky sneakers.
8) You are the PERFECT model to do a Josephine Baker homage at some point, don’t you agree? Can we suggest the banana skirt look? :D
Coincidentally, when I shot with Viva Van Story her hairstylist Erica pointed out that I reminded her of Josephine Baker and was inspired to pin up all my hair and style it like hers. Then my Vintage Boudoir pictures were born. She is an icon and great inspiration to me. I've been to Chez Josephine in NYC too (the tribute restaurant run by her son Jean Claude). I would love to do more projects in homage to her. And the banana skirt would be great fun.
9) How flattering can it beto have illustrators have yourself as a subject?
To become a work of art is an exhilarating feeling. It's fascinating to see an artist’s interpretation of you.
10) Since you have an impossibly amazing unique style, was it hard for you at first to do things your own way to become part of the pin-up community?
It was never hard for me to be myself, I was welcomed from the begining , we all inspire each other to keep this culture alive.
11) Would you be interested in wearing fetish fabrics for a photo assignment? Like latex or rubber or leather?
Absolutely! Masks and wigs are fun too! I love latex, it's very sensual and you cannot help but feel ultra sexy. To wear leather is powerful. Fetish fabrics make a girl feel adventurous and they bring out the sex kitten in me.
12) Did you get many opportunities to travel for modeling assignments? Any chance to see you in Montreal soon? ;)
I would definitely love to create more opportunities for travel and would love to visit Montreal real soon. Look out!