Always wanted to write for a magazine...

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of a lady in latex. There’s something about someone clad in that shiny stuff that speaks to me, and a certain empowerment always accompanies latex images in my view. Before setting up this blog I was aware of Rubber Monkey latex and the stellar work they were doing in the industry. After talking with numerous models that had experience working with latex outfits, I realised that Rubber Monkey was fast becoming the premier latex provider in the UK. Of course I had to get in touch and try and get an interview. To my delight I was able to snare “head monkey” Em for an interview about a company that from humble beginnings has become a latex leviathan! I know Rubber Monkey has thousands of fans and loyal customers, and I hope they appreciate this piece.

 

It’s a genuine thrill to welcome the Rubber Monkey latex ring leader to my blog, how the devil are you, and what have you been getting up to recently?

At the moment I am super busy putting my new collection together. It’s a little bit darker and more vampish than my recent costumes and fun character work.

Rubber Monkey latex was only founded in July 2011 so has been in existence for just over a year. With that in mind, it seems that the majority of people shooting with latex in the UK are using your product. How have you achieved this? It must say a lot for the quality of your product and service.

I’m not really sure; I guess I have just been lucky. I like to think I’m quite honest in my approach to my latex. I am the first to admit I make mistakes and I am still learning. I’m not sure as a designer in any genre that you ever stop learning; you need to continually evolve and make something new. I work closely with a select number of models and photographers and I have become quite firm friends with several of them. I think this allows me the luxury of shaping shoots and they also understand what it is I am looking for in a picture and model.

Rubber Monkey may have only been around since last year, but could I ask how long you personally have been involved with latex production? It’s certainly not a skill you can develop in under a year. How did you get into working with latex? 

I bought a length of latex with the intention of trying to help a friend who is a burlesque performer. I did some research online and locked myself away for a weekend. After a lot of pulling my hair out, many a cup of tea and lots of referencing to my research, I emerged with my first pair of high-waisted pants. They were far from perfect but I was proud… It also gave me the bug to want improve and do more.

No matter how many times it’s explained to me, I can never get my head around how such stunning and intricate pieces can be made from a material like latex. Is it unpredictable to work with at all, or has your experience meant you can treat it like any other fabric?

In truth, sometimes it can be an absolute pain in the arse! It curls when you add the adhesive and doesn’t always hang in the way you might expect it to. You can easily adapt a standard pattern to work with and there is a degree of trial and error to get the perfect finish, shape and product.

I love the slogan I read on one of your pages “where fashion meets fetish and fantasy meet reality”. It’s such a perfect phrase and one hell of a mission statement. Is it your opinion or goal that latex should be worn day to day, rather that being only seen as fetish clothing?

I think there is room for latex is everyday clothing though it’s practically is limited by the fact it’s not always the most comfortable thing to wear. Predominant media icons such as Gaga and Katie Perry etc have helped to push the idea of wearing latex, but only so much as in a “dress up” nature. In 2010, Topshop launched a small range made from latex which compromised leggings and skirts so it is slowly making inroads.

Until I discovered Rubber Monkey latex, I had no idea there were so many different garments that could be fashioned from latex. Bras, knickers, tops, skirts, even socks! How do you realise you can make something like a sock out of latex? Are you constantly trialling new ideas and applications of latex?

I try and treat like a ”normal” fabric, so I think you are only limited by your imagination. 

On that same theme; I was wondering if you could explain how an idea for a piece of clothing goes from your mind and into reality. Is it a long process when a new piece is being created?

It normally starts for me with an idea for a photo shoot. I then progress that to a sketch which I use as my reference for making a pattern and then the final item. The length of time it takes to make something varies depending on the detailing or how creative I am feeling at the time. Sometimes I feel entirely devoid of skill and creativity and so have to step away to regroup and refocus.

What also impresses me about Rubber Monkey is that the emphasis is on made to order clothing. I love that you tailor your work for the individual, and I think that must only add to the affect latex has on the wearer. Maybe a silly question, but do you wear latex in your personal life? Would you agree that the right piece of tailor made latex does something to the wearer and almost empowers them?

It sounds terrible… but no I don’t. I’m not really sure why… I think it’s probably because I’m not a big fan of my own self image. I get so much more out of seeing it on someone who is really enjoying wearing it. I think anyone can wear latex and it can make you feel amazing. It’s no reflection on the quality of my work that I don’t wear it… I’m just an odd one.

Are there any designs or trends in latex that are more popular at the moment? Would you say you make more garments as costume pieces, fashion pieces, or fetish pieces?

Comic book characters and cult film icons are most definitely in vogue at the moment. Costumes for this genre have made up about 80% of my order book of late.

All my admiration for latex comes from seeing women wearing the outfits. How do you feel when you see your work being displayed by some of the most sought after ladies in the modelling industry? I love seeing VioletEyes in your clothing for example, do you keep track of whose wearing your stuff in what shoot etc…?

Violet Eyes is one of my absolute favourite people to work with. She is a genuine professional and has become a really good friend. Whenever she models my clothing I know I don’t need to worry about the result as she always makes it look amazing. This is also true of Ruby True, Salleh Sparrow, Kaykay Sakura and Ruby Jewel. Sometimes it’s hard to keep note of who is wearing what as often photographers will buy an outfit for use with a specific model. It’s only when I see it pop up online somewhere, or I am tagged in something that I realise who is wearing it.

I’ve asked many latex models this question, but who better to ask than someone so attuned to the material as you undoubtedly are. Seeing as your motto is “latex is for life” can you give us some advice for; putting on, wearing, taking off and storing latex clothing?

Treat your latex with precious care and mind your talons. I recommend using talc and lube to get your latex on, washing in tepid water with mild detergent, drip drying and storing it out of direct light at a not too hot or too cold temperature. I would also recommend using something like a Vivishine treatment on it. It will keep it soft and make it slightly easier when putting on, as well as giving it a mirror shine finish.

Another astonishing thing about Rubber Monkey latex is the prices. For such quality and well represented products, the cost is extremely reasonable. Playsuits for example are normally a big expenditure for ladies, but you produce stunning wears for amazing value. Was it important when you started out that your pieces were affordable? Is it key to getting more people wearing latex?

I like to think I offer my products at a price that makes it accessible to a variety of people. Buying latex is an investment but it doesn’t need to break the bank. I cover my costs and draw a minimal profit which allows me to further research and develop my skills, patterns and ranges.

Could I ask if there are any developing trends in latex that we should keep an eye out for? Is there anything new in latex production and application that will mean the material can be used in different ways when it comes to garment manufacture?

Hand painted and printed latex has been around for a while but I think it will be making a surge forward again soon, especially due to the big love there is for animal print right now.

Finally before we end the interview, can I please ask about your recent Carebear collection? When did you get the idea for such a selection of superb outfits?

The Carebear shoot was the result of maybe one too many glasses of wine, and me scribbling down a design and deciding that it needed to be done. I love doing characters and kitsch things, but I am also conscious of the massive influx there has currently been for this type of product. I thought “If I’m going to do it, I’m going to do it big - not just 1 Carebear but 8 of them, in a rainbow of colours!” Which is what I did. I also wanted the pictures to go forward to be used in a charity calendar that would benefit MIND. The whole idea and concept of the shoot was to be light hearted and fun.  I decided to use the ever talented Twisted Pix as the quality of there photography is outstanding. Although they usually favour the more dark and fetish based themes, they totally embraced my crazy Technicolor notion. I cast the bears from a collection of models I had worked with before and who didn’t mind giving up there time in return for being in the charity calendar. In total, it took about a week to make the 8 costumes which consisted of braced knickers with tail and appliqué detailing, pasties, heart paw mitts and bob wigs with integral ears. After the shoot I sold them off and donated 20% of the proceeds to MIND.

Finally could we please conclude with Bernard Pivot’s questionnaire?

What is your favourite word? Poppet - I use it continually!

What is your least favourite word? I don’t really have one… I suppose it depends on its intent.

What turns you on? I like a well kept Mohawk on a cute chap.

What turns you off? Bad personal hygiene.

What sound or noise do you love? My little dude giggling.

What sound or noise do you hate? My little dude crying.

What is your favourite curse word? Bollox. 

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Architect.

What profession would you not like to do? Bin Man.

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates? Shine me up monkey, I’m ready to go!

 

Massive thanks to Rubber Monkey for taking the time to answer my questions. It was a real joy being able to feature the company and the incredible product it puts out. For more information please head to the links below, and keep up to date with the wonderful creations coming from the mind of a truly talented designer.

http://www.rubbermonkeylatex.co.uk

http://rubbermonkeylatex.tumblr.com

 

All images used in this piece were taken from Rubber Monkey’s websites. They feature the modelling talents of: Ruby True, KayKay Sakura, VioletEyes, Collette Von Tora, Sophie Gwyn-Smith. As well as the photography talents of: Joseph O’Brien, KayKay Sakura, and Twisted Pix. I think I covered everyone, if I’ve missed a name out, let me know and it will be gladly added.

Greetings followers. I’m proud to be posting this blatant plug here tonight. It’s to ask for your votes for a tremendous artist and friend of this blog, Ruby True. Last year I was fortunate enough to feature Ruby on my page, having followed her career with mouth a-gape. She’s an authority on that most amazing of materials, latex, but also a talented performer and eminent model. Ruby has undeniable experience in her trade, and has wowed audiences all over the world with her on stage talents and radiant imagery. This passionate lady is once again up for more accolades, with the opportunity to enter into the “Deep Down & Kinky” hall of fame. I’ve taken it upon myself to solicit your votes, and hopefully propel Miss True to another well deserved gong. She’s been suggested by the “Deep Down & Kinky” faithful (a member of which I have recently become) as a nominee for entry into their hall of fame. All you have to do to lend your vote is head to the link below and fill out the form. It doesn’t take long at all, is a lot of fun, and you can vote in other categories also. Please remember to show your support to everyone that has helped out this altgirlbotherer blog, there are a few former guests in other categories. So please get voting and enjoy. Thank you so much. In the mean time, what better excuse to get Ruby back on this blog for a few questions about this recognition of her fine work:

 

Q: Hi there Ruby, welcome back! How have you been since we last spoke? What adventures have you been on?

Ruby: Hey I am good! Thanks for having me.

I am just about to head off to Croatia to perform at this event https://www.facebook.com/events/406365612728799/

Then looking forward to relaxing and partying at Download festival, then flying off to Spain! I have been non-stop working recently so feel it’s well deserved.  

Q: You’re nominated for the “Deep Down & Kinky” hall of fame, how does that feel?

Ruby: Pretty awesome! Someone told me I was nominated but I couldn’t find myself (looking in the model category) then I scrolled down and saw I was in the hall of fame alongside Ancilla whom I’m friends with and Masuimi Max; both lady’s I have looked up to! 

Q: Have you had much contact with the guys over at Deep Down, or is it just people power that has you in the running?

Ruby: I have followed them on tumblr but nope, never been featured or in contact! Guessing the nominations put me there.

Q: Being up for the hall of fame at such a young age shows how much stellar work you’ve produced over a jam-packed career thus far. Are you flattered, or surprised that you’re in hall of fame contention so early on?

Ruby: Young age ;) thanks! I am surprised and flattered that people look at and enjoy my work and I have made enough of an impact on the scene.

Q: Your work is incredible, and I will always find a reason to bring you back on this blog. Could you tell us what projects you are working on right now, and what’s next for Ruby True?

Ruby: I have currently been shooting less latex, shock horror! I am just trying to show people the many sides of me, don’t worry I haven’t gone off latex at all.

Q: Finally, have you got a message for the voters out there?

Ruby: Have fun voting! Would be amazing to win but looking at what I’m up against it’s going to be hard. Thank you for your continued support. 

P.S. Violet Eyes for kinky Model!

 

Voting form: http://kwiksurveys.com/online-survey.php?surveyID=MNNOJG_7e4c876&u=DDKAwards2012 (voting ends 15^th of June)

Deep Down & Kinky links:

http://www.deepdownandkinky.com
http://twitter.com/DeepDownKinky

http://www.facebook.com/DeepDownKinky

Ruby’s links:

http://rubytrue.tumblr.com

http://www.facebook.com/RubyTrueOfficial

Image was provided by Ruby: Julian Kilsby in Shhh couture latex MUA Susan Brophy.

Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present to you the remarkable Ruby True! I first came across this wonderfully talented and vastly accomplished model on the cover of Bizarre magazine. She was resplendent in fox inspired red latex and exhibiting all the guile and bravado of the most seasoned and secure performer. Through more intimate exposure via the FRONT forum and her fantastic tumblr blog, I have been introduced to the humble and ambitious woman behind the extravagance and titillation. It is an immense pleasure to share my Ruby True interview with you, and hope that readers will be enchanted by this incredibly intense but thoroughly enchanting lady.

 

Where do I start when talking about such a vast portfolio of visually stunning and shockingly gorgeous imagery? You’ve truly amassed an impressive back catalogue, taking in many different countries and countless styles and incarnations of Ruby True. I guess we should start at the beginning. Where did all this wonderfulness start for you?

Awww Thank you!

This all started because I used to love dressing up and followed a lot of models on MySpace and went to Torture Garden and thought, “Hey I would love to have some pictures like that!” I never wanted to be a “model” I just wanted to play dress up and have some cool pictures! I booked a well known photographer at the time and she suggested me for other work and it all kinda went from there!

What were some of your influences growing up? Who was it you were looking to or admiring stylistically and in terms of attitude?

Hmmmm I am not to sure, I was very much in to performing arts so I think I was more influenced by theatre and stage make up and costumes than one single person.

Your photographs are always an event to behold in my opinion. What is it like on set producing such larger than life pictures? I know it must differ from shoot to shoot, but how do you like to work? Would there be music playing, much direction from the photographer, many people on set etc?

Every shoot is different depending on the team, sometimes there is hair, make-up, designer/stylist, photographer, assistants etc and sometimes its just little old me and the photographer. 

I can pose myself but always ask to see the first image to get and idea of the angle they’re shooting, the lighting mood and how the outfit and make-up looks on camera then I am generally off posing!

I do like music playing I generally don’t mind what it is, I find I’m not really listening to it but something upbeat creates a good atmosphere!

I also find an intense drama to some of your pictures, and a sense of theatre. Are there some elements of performance or character creation when you take a new job?

Thank you, I do try and make it more then just a pretty picture of a girl, I would find that boring after a while. Like I said in my previous answer, after I see the first shot and the mood of the photo I try and act out that mood with my poses. 

No use doing a cute pin up pose and smiling in black latex and heavy dramatic lighting!

With a lot of your work being in the fetish bracket of the modelling industry, do you find people have preconceptions about the person you are when they meet you in the flesh?

Ha-ha-ha Yes! I have been told people expect me to be scary and stern! If you met me in person I think you would have a real surprise.

You also do supreme work with all things avant garde, and have expressed some truly moving moments artfully through nudes. What do you think of this facet of the industry? Would you like to do more of it?

I reserve my art nude work for projects and photographers I feel truly inspired by, I would like to do more but I truly believe in quality not quantity with every aspect of modelling. I feel it has to suit myself as a model also, I don’t suit the classic art nude profile.

You have worked all over the world in many different countries, and at many different events. Travel must be very important to you. What do you think your experience on the road has taught you?

I am a bit of a traveller at heart and have been on the Trans Siberian and Trans Mongolian (yep got the train all the way round china and back home). Travel is really important to me just to learn and see as much as possible of the world, I think a lot of people have no idea how easy we really have it here in the UK. It taught me a lot of independence, how to read a map and to be really aware of my surroundings.

Where have been some of your favourite countries to shoot, and how long have you spent in these very varied places?

Hong Kong was good fun just for the mission of finding the studio! I spent 2 weeks there but a whole 2 months in China.

USA would be a favourite, just because I have some good friends there now and always have fun. I spent a month in the USA but travelled and explored more than shooting, I have taken a couple of short trips back just for shoots.

A lot of people that have worked in Japan have said it changed and influenced them so much. What did you get out of working in such a wonderfully diverse country?

I was on a real budget and had only a back pack and some matching lingerie when I got booked for my shoot there. It was really relaxed and the photographer was a real calm and professional guy. I really enjoyed it. I would love to go back. 

I couldn’t interview the wonderful Ruby True without talking about Latex and your love of the material. How does it feel shooting in Latex so regularly? Is it just second nature to you now, or do you still get that same feeling you did when you first discovered the stuff? 

I still get the same feeling when a great piece of well made latex fits really well or really suits me! It is obviously a lot more second nature with how to treat it and look after it and get it on. I remember the first dress I ever bought took me about 30 mins to get on!

What do you think latex does for a person when they wear it? It definitely sparks a reaction externally from audiences, but what do you think is the main contributing factor the garments have on the wearer?

I think it gives the wearer confidence, almost a super hero comic vixen effect! I think its how it feels like a second skin that holds all your bits in the right places!

You are of course an expert exponent of the art of latex wearing, so do you have any tips for putting on and showing off the fabric for those newbies out there who might want to try it out for the first time?

Get yourself a lot of Silicone lube! (water based wont work). Have a plan and don’t dig those nails in! 

Keep latex at a good room temperature, freezing cold latex is hard to get on.

Invest in a custom garment, an ill fitting piece of latex defeats the whole point in it being your second skin.

Remember to shine up your outfit and when you take it off wash it in warm water and a little hand soap, give it a good rinse and dry out of direct sunlight on a towel over a rail or pat dry, then dust with talc. Wrap the item keeping metal parts away from pale colours or transparent latex as it stains, and keep out of sunlight in a zip lock bag.

Latex clothing comes in everything from gloves to socks and all things in-between. What are some of your favourite garments that are produced today?

I love play suits and leggings! They feel really nice to wear plus you can get away with wearing leggings out (they need a crotch zip for easy peeing though)!

In your wonderful repertoire of skills and abilities, dance features heavily. What is it about dance that has lead you to conquer so many different styles? What first got you into tap and ballet for instance?

It’s just something I have done since I was 3 and learning more has been a natural progression.

With so much physically to your creative traits, keeping in such fantastic shape must not be difficult. But do you have to do anything else to stay trim?

I try and eat well and have recently cut alcohol out completely! (let’s see how long that lasts) No carbs after 3pm, I am veggie anyway plus walking my dogs and doing a little workout at home every other day.

Whenever I encounter someone than can “breath fire” I always have to ask about it. Where did you learn the skill? What’s it like performing that feat on stage, and how does it taste after?

A friend of mine with circus skills taught me in Brighton, Its fun to perform on stage you just have to judge the size of the venue and scout out where people are standing and it tastes petrolly after, I get paraffin burps (sexy)!

Having travelled the world and worked in truly impressive places, for magnificent companies and publications, now you’re turning you sights onto FRONT magazine, and have been quite active on the forum of late. What has attracted you to FRONT in particular? Have you been reading the magazine for long?

I have been reading FRONT since they contacted me in the days of MySpace to feature and I chickened out! They were a lot smaller then and just starting up, I am attracted to FRONT exactly for your reasons of asking the question:

“With a lot of your work being in the fetish bracket of the modelling industry, do you find people have preconceptions about the person you are when they meet you in the flesh?”

I think working in latex and “fetish” people forget you’re a real girl! I would love to feature in FRONT to show people more the day to day Ruby and that I am not hard faced and don’t think I am stunningly beautiful, I have flaws etc just like everyone else.

Have you submitted pictures to the guys over at FRONT towers yet?

I have and they have asked to see more! 

I’m always staggered at how much you have achieved at such a young age. What is next for the magnificent Ruby True? Where are you hoping your career takes you now?

I don’t really mind. I am just thankful for what I have and I think sometimes you can spend too much time hung up on the smaller things to see the bigger picture. I am just going to take every opportunity as it comes, keep creating ideas and shoots. I do hope to shoot more video and random candid stuff, maybe some non latex! Maybe you can ask your followers what they would like to see from me?

 

Could we please finish with Bernard Pivot’s famous questionnaire?

What is your favourite word? Bintwitch

What is your least favourite word? Balls

What turns you on? Sushi

What turns you off? Spitting

What sound or noise do you love? Kittens going meeew meeew

What sound or noise do you hate? Alarms

What is your favourite curse word? Cunt (closely followed by Bintwitch)

What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Young person’s councillor/ support

What profession would you not like to do? Go down sewers with poop

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates? Do you want a beer? You won’t put on weight or have a hangover!

 

I can’t thank Ruby enough for agreeing to spend some time being interviewed for this blog. I hope this piece has gone some way to providing a broader impression of this incredible woman. She is a master of latex, but in no way is beholden to it. Watch this space, and expect to see Ruby in a whole new light very soon!

 

http://rubytrue.tumblr.com – check out Ruby’s blog for all things glamorous and tantalising.

 

All images used here were taken using Ruby’s consent. Credit to photographers etc follows.

 

Photo 1: Nick B Implant images

Photo 2: Bizarre cover, featuring Obsidian design latex

Photo 3: Mark Kirby

Photo 4: Gary Breckhimer

Photo 5: Jordi Bourbaki, latex by Jane Doe