I have worked with Jenni, the lady behind the fabulous Sparklewren label, on quite a few occassions now, and I had to tell her after I saw these images from this last shoot of ours, how how thankful I am for letting me be part of her divine corsetry brand.

Jenni is all about making contemporary corsetry a celebration of confidence to the wearer, requiring them to accept their particular gorgeousness and saying clearly – ‘Look how beautiful *you* are’  – in a really visable, self-assured and transformative way. It’s a notion that could sound very over the top, but seriously, ladies, it works. It really does make you look and feel so gorgeous, strong and womanly!

Whether we view ourselves as too big or too small, or round or straight, that we draw attention or not, we can all have things we dislike about ourselves.

For me, in my most insecure moments I view my body as short and dumpy, lacking in length and slenderness of limb, and probably, deep-rooted in nasty school jibes through teenage years, that being redhaired (or ‘ginger!!’) equals being unsexy/undesirable.

In case you are objecting; of course I’ve learnt to accept and appreciate my body for what it is, practised the poses to show off my best angles (and whereas in my teens I felt embarrassed of having red hair, I now earn a living with it) – I’m just admitting we’re all unfortunately prone to see ourselves as flawed.

It could be because of these things, I tend to shy away from more sensual, seductive styles in my modelling, mostly because it doesn’t come so naturally to me, since the face and body given to me suit more of a soft and innocent look (and as much as you try, unless you have a fantastic transformative make-up artist, sometimes it’s hard to bend around that). Maybe it’s also because there’s a part of me that doesn’t allow to envision or believe in myself as truly ‘desirable’, and worthy of the spotlight, and it might be easier to just level at a more unassuming femininity, or to seek refuge with one that is based on inner strength and spirit, rather than a more tangible allure or attractiveness.

However I’m reminded on some lovely occasions, that actually, it is totally liberating to allow yourself to be, look and feel sexy, and powerful, and yes – like actually I really don’t mind, and quite enjoy, if everyone turns their head to look at me right now 😉

So for me it is great to have shoot, like this one, where you can show your sensuality and strength, encased in gorgeous adornments, getting dolled up with make-up and hair to exaggerate to a more confident, opulent version of yourself. Working with people that are open-minded, encouraging, give you space to express yourself without pigeonholing you. It really is a treat to experience, and a great opportunity, to show that side more as a model and person.

Photography by the gorgeous InaGlo Photography, with the other model being the luscious Samio, shot inside the wondrous Sparklewren boutique in Birmingham!

I love the golden tones and whole look in the last shot especially. Glo did an amazing, perfect job with the photography. I think it’s one of my favourite shots of me ever, because it shows off my attributes; my pale skin and red hair, and to my eyes; I look confident, womanly and glamorous. And I know I felt amazing! Thank you again lovely Sparklewren for being such an inspiration and for giving the precious gift of self confidence, to all the women you work with.

I’m reminded by the great quote ‘Our Deepest Fear’ by Marrianne Williamson of which I take this part…

‘We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? 

Actually, who are you not to be?’ 

So true! And too easily forgotten.

I also have a *new* Sparklewren corset being created at the moment, which has been quite a while in the making due to our schedules and me being a bit indecisive, i.e – visiting the boutique to choose a colour proved quite a mission on a few occasions when presented with so many mouth-wateringly shimmering colours I just wanted to dive into!…

I finally settled on a rich, rust colour, called ‘Gingerbread’, which seems to celebrate myself appropriately 🙂 We plan to adorn with sleeve detailing and silk flowers in different colours so it can be photographed with more golden hues as well as deeper ambers and crimsons. This will look yummy on me!! I’m soooo looking forward to showing it off when it’s finished and shooting in it in future 😉