Soul Calibur

My friend and long-time client, Iva Handfull, has always been a performer with an aesthetic all her own.  She pairs high glamour with dark and edgy, better than anyone I know.  We first began collaborating 4 or 5 years ago.  She'll bring me inspiration pictures ranging from Grace Jones to an Alexander McQueen collection.

When she came to me requesting a costume for the JOYstick Burlesque show (all about video game characters), she brought me a picture of Ivy Valentine, from Soul Calibur.

I don't know a lick about modern video games, I grew up in the Mario Bros' and Duck Hunt times, but I took one look at Ivy Valentine and KNEW it was perfect for Iva.

This picture has received more Facebook shares and comments than anything I've ever been associated with.  It is pretty damn fierce!

*For all you die hard cos-play folks out there.  Iva DOES have the armour.  Because this was a dance piece, she chose not to wear it, so it wouldn't get ruined. Calm Down now.