Section: Lip Service Models & Partners in Fashion

By now, most of you have had a chance to preview the hot, new Lip Service styles coming in 2012. In the latest update of Step In Time, Gypsy Nights, are a few exquisite treasures we are ecstatic to be able to offer, namely the beautiful jewelry of Raven Eve. We are so happy to have a chance to work with this talented un-and-coming artist and hope you love her delicately-fashioned pieces as much as we do.

We also thought you might like to meet the artist behind the fashion, so asked Raven a few questions about her craft and how she puts her gorgeous creations together.

What inspired you to first start making jewelry? Did you receive
formal training or did you teach yourself?

I started being obsessed with jewelry at an early age. After I got my ears pierced when I was 6, I would draw page after page of earring designs. I had some formal training starting in High School, then focused on the arts in college and worked for fine jewelers as well.

What are your favorite types of pieces to make and why?

Headdresses are by far my favorite pieces to design.

What types of materials do you mostly use, do you ever use found
objects or collaborate with different artists?

I use vintage and new old stock stones, metal and beads for over half of my designs. I am a control freak, so to speak and am way to obsessive to work with people usually, lol. But I do have a ton of dear friends who make jewelry and are artist and designers.

What was the most exciting piece you ever made and who did you
make it for?

The most exciting piece I made was my Ultimate Mucha Headdress, I made it to see how far I could push my skills. I sold it last year.

If someone wants to start getting into making their own jewelry
what is the one piece of advice you would give them?

I have taught jewelry classes for years and my best advise is good lighting and quality tools! Other than that it should be fun!

If someone wants to purchase your items where can they find your work?

Most of my work is for sale in my Etsy shop and some is at my main site, raveneve.com, which I am revamping next year.

To see Raven Eve’s additions to Lip Service’s upcoming collection and place your preorder reservations, check out Step In Time: Gypsy Nights.

For more of her work, visit her etsy store:

This year, Lip Service has created even more great, affordable Halloween costumes, all ready to wear, in one easy package! Whether you choose the sultry Velvet Vamp or playful Show Stopper … go futuristic with Galaxy Girl or hearken to the never-past as a Steampunk Sweetie … they’re all good for gearing up for Halloween in über-sexy form!

Now, the guys can get in on the action, too, with their own kickass costumes by Lippy! We have gear for vampires, zombies, and horror creeps as well as dashing and debonair steampunks and pirates.

We even have some great his/hers options if you’d like to dress as a couple! Go as a pair of inmates with a his and hers straight-jacketed look. Yu can be pirates, zombies, steampunk dandies, even a bloody doctor and nurse pair!

You can get all the killer Lip Service Halloween 2011 costumes for men and women on the main Lip Service site. Enjoy!

Right about now, you might be asking yourself, “But where can I get my hands on one of these killer Lip Service Halloween Costumes in my neck of the woods?” We’ve got you covered there, too. Below is a comprehensive list of authorized Lip Service costume retailers, USA first (by state) and then International (by nation then city). At the end, we have a list of web-based shops, too.

Happy, spooky, Lippy Halloween, Fashion Freaks!

United States

Alaska:
Castle Megastore
Anchorage, AK

Castle Megastore
Fairbanks, AK

Castle Megastore
Wasilla, AK

Arizona:
Castle Megastore
Central Phoenix, AZ

Castle Megastore
Deer Valley, AZ

Castle Megastore
Mesa, AZ

Kidney Puncher
Mesa, AZ

Castle Megastore
Metro Center, AZ

Castle Megastore
Phoenix, AZ

Easley’s Fun Shop
Phoenix, AZ

Triangles
Scottsdale, AZ

Castle Megastore
Tempe, AZ

California:
A Touch of Romance
Brea, CA

A Touch of Romance
Cerritos, CA

Condom Revolution
Costa Mesa, CA

A Touch of Romance
Culver City, CA

Rainbow Network
Culver City, CA

A Pin Ups Closet
Cypress, CA

Crypto Technology
El Cajon, CA

Stella
Fresno, CA

Valentino’s
Fresno, CA

Forplay
Hollywood, CA

Halloween Gear
La Quinta, CA

Bizzy B
Los Angeles, CA

Grand Events
Modesto, CA

Lovers
Huntington Beach, CA

Condom Revolution
Long Beach, CA

A Touch of Romance
Orange, CA

Treat 4 You
Palm Springs, CA

A Touch of Romance
Riverside, CA

Evangeline’s
Sacramento, CA

Prevues
Sacramento, CA

Condom Revolution
San Clemente, CA

Buffalo Breath
San Diego, CA

Distractions
San Francisco, CA

In Jeanious
San Francisco, CA

Camouflage
Santa Cruz, CA

Cognito
Santa Cruz, CA

Nuclear Waste
San Ysidro, CA

A Touch of Romance
Tarzana, CA

Incognito
Ukiah, CA

A Touch of Romance
Westminster, CA

Colorado:
Theatrical Costumes
Boulder, CO

The Ritz
Boulder, CO

More Stuff
Ft. Lupton, CO

Florida:
White Horse
Brooksville, FL

Masquerade Costumes
Lauderhill, FL

Miami’s Vice
Miami, FL

Retail Mania
Miami, FL

Miami’s Vice 2
Miami Beach, FL

Fetish Factory
Oakland, FL

Simply Unforgettable Party
Ocala, FL

Fairvilla
Orlando, FL

Georgia:

Junkman’s Daughter
Atlanta, GA

Hawaii:
Sensually Yours
Honolulu, HI

Illinois:
Lover’s Lane
Arlington Heights, IL

Lover’s Lane
Bartlett, IL

Lover’s Lane
Carol Stream, IL

Lover’s Lane
Carpentersville, IL

Lover’s Lane
Chicago, IL

Taboo Tabou
Chicago, IL

Lover’s Lane
Downers Grove, IL

Lover’s Lane
Grayslake, IL

Lover’s Lane
Hobart, IL

Lover’s Lane
Lake Zurich, IL

Lover’s Lane
Lincolnwood, IL

Lover’s Lane
Lombard, IL

Lover’s Lane
Merritville, IL

Lover’s Lane
Naperville, IL

Lover’s Lane
North Aurora, IL

Lover’s Lane
Oak Lawn, IL

Lover’s Lane
Oak Park, IL

Lover’s Lane
Orland Park, IL

Bandy’s Festivities
Salem, IL

Lover’s Lane
Schaumburg, IL

Lover’s Lane
Shorewood, IL

Indiana:

Lover’s Lane
Carmel, IN

Lover’s Lane
Greenwood, IN

Kansas:

Party America
Topeka, KS

Louisiana:
Wicked Orleans
New Orleans, LA

Massachusetts:
Newbury Comics
Brighton, MA

Hubba Hubba
Cambridge, MA

Fools Mansion
Lynn, MA

Michigan:
Lover’s Lane
Birmingham, MI

Showtime Clothing
Detroit, MI

Lover’s Lane
Flint, MI

Lover’s Lane
Saginaw, MI

Lover’s Lane
Southfield, MI

Lover’s Lane
Sterling Heights, MI

Lover’s Lane
Taylor, MI

Lover’s Lane
Troy, MI

Fantasy Attic Costumes
Ypsilanti, MI

Lover’s Lane
Ypsilanti, MI

Lover’s Lane
Plymouth, MI

Noir Leather
Royal Oak, MI

Lover’s Lane
Westland, MI

Missouri:
Cheap Trx
St. Louis, MO

Johnnie Brock’s
St. Louis, MO

Montana:
Fantasy
Missoula, MT (Brooks Street)

Fantasy
Missoula, MT (Downtown)

Nebraska:
Party America
Lincoln, NE

Nevada:
Halloween Mart
Las Vegas, NV

Print Factory
Las Vegas, NV

Chocolate Walrus
Reno, NV

Melting Pot
Reno, NV

New Mexico:
Castle Megastore
Albuquerque, NM

Free Radicals
Albuquerque, NM

New York:
Phase ID
Amherst, NY

Halloween Adventure
New York, NY

Trash and Vaudeville
New York, NY

Vampire Freaks
New York, NY

North Carolina:
Dead Ed’s
Salisbury, NC

Oregon:
Fantasy
Beaverton, OR

Fantasy
Clackamas, OR

Special Occasions
Corvallis, OR

Castle Megastore
Medford, OR

Babygirl Inc.
Portland, OR

Castle Megastore
Portland, OR

Dysfuctional Doll
Portland, OR

Fantasy
Portland, OR (Downtown)

Fantasy
Portland, OR (Hollywood District)

Castle Megastore
Springfield, OR

Fantasy
Tigard, OR

Pennsylvania:
Passional
Philadelphia, PA

Zombie Buddies
Coraopolis, PA

South Carolina:
Exchange Factor
Charleston, SC

Texas:
Lucy In Disguise With Diamonds
Austin, TX

Rose Costumes
Denton, TX

Erotic Cabaret
Houston, TX

Let’s Party
Killeen, TX

The Gallery
McAllen, TX

Dallas Vintage Shop
Plano, TX

My Pink and Black Straps
San Antonio, TX

International Fun Shop
Seabrook, TX

Eros 1207
South Houston, TX

Vermont:
Old Gold
Burlington, VT

Virginia:
The Underground Asylum
Portsmouth, VA

52 Weeks of Romance
Roanoke, VA

Washington:
Lovers
Auburn, WA

Lovers
Bellingham, WA

Lovers
Burlington, WA

Lovers
Everett, WA

Lovers
Federal Way, WA

Lovers
Issaquah, CA

Castle Megastore
Kennewick, WA

Let’s Party
Kennewick, WA

Lovers
Kent, WA

Lovers
Kirkland, WA

Lovers
Lynwood, WA

Lovers
Olympia, WA

Lovers
Puyallup, WA

Lovers
Redmond, WA

Lovers
Renton, WA

Castle Megastore
Seattle, WA

Lovers
Seattle, WA

The Metro
Seattle, WA

Lovers
Shoreline, WA

Castle Megastore
Silverdale, WA

Lovers
Silverdale, WA

Castle Megastore
Spokane, WA

Lovers
Spokane, WA

Castle Megastore
Tacoma, WA

Lovers
Tacoma, WA

Lovers
Tukwila, WA

International

Trash Monkey
Brisbane, Australia

Human Wreckage
Eschol Park, NSW, Australia

Beserk Clothing
Fortitude Valley, Queensland, Australia

Into Camelot
Fremantle, West Australia

Furr Hair Fashion
Newtown, NSW, Australia

Run Riot
Mount Barker, South Australia

Mame Clothing
Perth, Australia

Fans
Antwerpen, Belgium

Jack D Clothing
Courtenay, BC, Canada

Millenium
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Nightshade Corsets Inc.
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Redemption Boutique Inc.
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Rowena
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Out Of The Past
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Extreme Style
Kingston, Ontario, Canada

DNA Screening INC.
Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

Cruella
Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Trivium
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Madame Yes
Regina, SK, Canada

Karries Kostumes
St. Albert, Alberta, Canada

Party Supply Depot
Thornhill, Ontario, Canada

Amazing Party & Costume
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Borderline Plus
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Dusk
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Hell’s Belles
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

He and She Gallery
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Original
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Reflections
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Archetype
Vancouver, BC, Canada

Millenium #2
Vancouver, BC, Canada

New World Designs
Vancouver, BC, Canada

Venus and Mars
Vancouver, BC, Canada

Hungover Empire
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Black No.1
Copenhagen, Denmark

Dark Side
London, England

So High Soho
London, England

Violent Delights
Mayland, Essex, England

Rock’N’Roll Alley
Berlin, Germany

Paranox
Bonn, Germany

Cyberloxx
Duisburg, Germany

Monsterville
Kavala, Greece

Black Pirate
Rimini, Italy

Velvet SNC
Vicenza, Italy

Nude Vamp
Fukui, Japan

Epicurean Garden
Kitaku Nagoyashi Aichi, Japan

Dark-4-Leafs
Middelburg, The Netherlands

Calico Jacks Boutique LTD.
Wellington, New Zealand

Manillusion
Oslo, Norway

Ragnarakk
Trondheim, Norway

Teatrocentro
San Juan, Puerto Rico

Black Pony
Cape Town, South Africa

Rock Me
Vanersborg, Sweden

Maniak Black Market
Geneva, Switzerland

Walhalla
Olten, Switzerland

Web

www.7thavenuecotumes.com

www.buycostumes.com

www.castlemegastore.com

www.costumealibi.com

www.fantasyattic.com

www.halloweencostumes.com

www.halloweenmart.com

www.hottycostumes.com

www.infectiousthreads.com

www.lingeriediva.com

www.loverslane.com

www.mr.costume.com

www.partycity.com (or a Party City location near you)

www.skatesonhaight.com

www.spencergifts.com (Costumes also available in stores)

www.spirithalloween.com

http://stores.ebay.com/deadgothgirl

www.theundergroundasylum.com

While we were at the LondonEdge trade show, we were fortunate enough to discover the music of Prehumanity. Dark electronic beats and haunting music created using only synthesizers and sampled sounds, Prehumanity is the brain-child of Alexander K Harris. Alexander and Prehumanity are set to invade Los Angeles soon, so we thought we’d share and introduce you to the man and his music.

First, some music! Check out Prehumanity “Midnight at the Graveyard”

 

We had a chance to ask Alexander a few questions. Here’s what he had to say:

 

How did you come up with the name Prehumanity and what inspired it?
 

 

I did a series of three glass prints depicting an alien creation story, and it was titled Prehumanity.  I liked the concept and name, so decided to use it for my electronic project.
 

 

It seems that your music draws influence from several different genres, how did you come up with your sound and what are your biggest influences?
 

 

I grew up in NC where I witnessed and was the vocalist/ frontman in a number of these bands in a scene full of hybrid experimental metal mixed with a raw hardcore sound. These were some of the weirdest and most brutal sounding bands I had ever heard.  On stage they destroyed each other and it wasn’t a good show if people in the crowd weren’t bleeding by the end.  As for my band’s stage presence, I feel like if you are on stage and aren’t getting into the music yourself, how do you expect your audience to. 
 

 

I got my first synth and left my metal bands before moving to WA.  I have been going to goth/ industrial clubs regularly since I moved to Seattle in 2008, so the club music has been a huge influence as well.  I wanted to merge what I was hearing in the club with my metal background.  Once I learned more about synths I got a drum machine, then started piecing together songs.  Adding vocals to it was a whole world of trial and error to get an overall sound I was happy with.
 

 

It’s hard to name a few but my biggest influences are Depeche Mode, Misfits, Gary Numan, Cradle of Filth, Skinny Puppy, John Foxx, and Scarlet.  
 

 

You are moving to LA? What inspired this move and what do you plan to do once you make the move?
 

 

During the last tour through California, LA just seemed like it had more going on with this scene then anywhere else in the US.  A club night that is packed every night of the week, bands coming from all over to play at Bar Sinister and Das Bunker, seems like the perfect place for Prehumanity to move to.  I also would like to score more films and do more photography.  Unfortunately there just isn’t enough of that kind of work in Seattle.
 

 

We also hear you are planning to open a store? Where will it be located? Is there a specific theme or product mix you will be focusing on?
 

 

I currently do graphic design (t-shirts, ads, stickers, patches) and co-vend for a clothing line called Chainsaw Mouth.  It’s primarily run by Seage who makes the majority of the things on the ChainsawMouth.com website. 
 

 

Once we move there we plan to scout out a spot to open our first retail location.  The store will sell horror themed graphic shirts, hand made accessories, and clothing made by both independent artists and a select few name brands as well. 
 

 

Do you have any up coming tours, gigs or releases?
 

 

Just released the first full length album, “Not So Becoming”   
I am currently working on getting a few CA dates booked for the months of October and January.  Also booking a short East Coast tour for the month of November. 
 

 

Where can people find your stuff?
 

 

At the official site, Prehumanity.com.

Want to be in our next Lip Service collection or costume catalog?

Do you meet our Model Requirements?

• You must be at least 18 years of age for Collection and Costume Vault shoots
• Models 13-17 may submit photos to be considered for the new Lip Service Teen Cosumes collection.
• You must be in the Los Angeles area and available during the time-frame of the shoot.
• Women must be near a size 5 and be between 5 ft. 5 in. and 5 ft. 10 in. tall.
• Men must be approximately a size 32 in. pant and slim to medium size top.

Are you in Los Angeles or will be in LA at the end of September for testing and scheduled photo shoot days?

Models MUST be in Los Angeles and available for all scheduled shoot days, plus prior test shoot to be considered. (Did we say that already. Well, that’s okay, because it’s very important. )

Now is your chance!

We’re looking for models for upcoming photo shoots of all of our Lip Service Collection divisions plus Costumes.

Alt models!
We need men & women of all genres! Our upcoming Divisions’ collections are more diverse than ever and we want new faces to go with our new styles. We’re looking for male and female models with eclectic alternative style in all genres.

Commercial models! (Plus teen commercial models!)
We‘re shooting new costumes! Commercial models (with print/packaging experience preferred) are needed as well as 13-17 year-old models for our new teen costume line.

Sound good? Submit your photos now through our Model Submission Form! Who knows? You might find yourself in the next Lip Service catalog!

Please note:  Only submissions sent through our online Model Submission Form will be considered. Please do not send model inquiries via email or through any other Lip Service contact form or comments page. Designers will contact selected models for tests and fittings.

Every so often, we at the ‘zine like to give our stage over to an artist whose work we love to share their brainchildren and thoughts with all of you. Similarly, the designers and stylists at Lip Service also like to give a spotlight to artists who create jewelry, accessories, and other fashionable goodies in their catalog shoots. Sometimes, these two worlds collide in exciting and beautiful ways, as in the case of John Harris.

Preparing for the (then) upcoming catalog shoot for the new Fall collection, the designers put out the call for steampunk goodies to include in their Step In Time editorial photos. Well, as you have probably already guessed, everyone involved fell in love with John’s wonderful work (some of which can be seen in the photos accompanying this article). Fortunately, they contacted your faithful webmistress (that’s me!) and suggested that we might like to feature him and his art in the ‘zine. I couldn’t have agreed more happily.

So, without further ado …

Ladies, gentlemen, and assorted fashion freaks, it is my distinct pleasure to introduce John Harris.

With multiple artistic disciplines under his belt, as well as a degree in Anthropology, John approaches his works as both artist and scientist. While applying research methods toward technique and design concept of varying cultures, his creative abilities spin these ideas into a new form of visual art, balancing rigid constraints of metalwork with free organic forms of nature. Shining metals act as foils to the natural organic feel of leather, light and dark contrasting brilliantly. Art is, in John’s words, an amazingly accurate depiction of what it is to be human.

If you think John’s art is just intricately precious steampunk pieces of beauty, you’d be sorely mistaken. His muse also takes a walk on the wild side with his work for Eerie Productions, one of the most successful special effects companies in New York, designing horror props, costumes, and haunted houses. Every day, his life-sized installations delight and terrify his customers at the award-winning Frightworld: America’s Screampark.

I could continue to expound on John’s accomplishments and philosophies of art and the creative process, but would rather let him tell you himself. From his home in Buffalo, NY, John was kind enough to answer some probing questions for the LS webzine.

First, I must say … Your work is absolutely gorgeous! Where can we see more of it? Where else has your work been exhibited?
Thank you, Mich. The best place to see my work is right on my website at JPHii.com. I keep it pretty updated with new pieces, and the News section of the site is actually a feed directly from my Blog which contains process images, concept designs, and works in progress. Aside from that, I have pieces in and out of exhibitions on a regular basis. Usually the exhibitions are in the greater Western and Central NY regions, but I try to branch out as often as possible. My work has been featured in Runway 4.0 which is an awesome runway show in Buffalo. I’ve also been involved with the Buffalo Infringement Festival (infringebuffalo.org) in the past. There have been many small exhibitions left and right, but those are the bigger ones.

Can we buy pieces directly from you? Will you take on commissions or collaborate on special designs?
I do have an Etsy store which I link to on JPHii.com. There’s a constant flow of new work going up on there, as well as occasional discounts and sales which I announce on the JPHii Design Facebook page. I do take on commissions, and actually prefer those over more commercial work. Anything that pushes my skills, technique, or concept is always fun. The best way to contact me for a commission or collaboration is right on the Contact page of JPHii.com. I check my email fairly often, so I usually respond within 12 hours. I love tight deadlines also, as the people at Lip Service can probably tell you. I made the Mechanical Eye of Aman-Ra (the telescope) in less than a week specifically for this photo shoot.

When creating new pieces, where do you get the inspiration for the unique forms your objects take?
Inspiration can really come from any place at any time. I spend a lot of time reading and researching different ideas. I guess intellectual curiosity can really help an artist! Sometimes inspiration actually comes from the technique used rather than the object itself. I’ve been known to decide randomly to use a new technique, or one that I hadn’t used in a while, and the technique ultimately decides the outcome. But sometimes I just see something I like and try to improve on it.

On your website, you mentioned your philosophy of art, in which life influences set the artist’s path. Can you elaborate more on the influences which have shaped your creative direction and vision?
Many things have influenced me over the years that have set me off in odd directions. Just the fact that I work in metal is, in and of itself, a tangent in a long path. I accidently fell into this medium when an Anthropology professor of mine, named Dr. Dennis Gaffin, recommended that I use my artistic background to inform my cultural studies and that I should take another design class. I saw in the Buffalo State College course catalogue that they offered Introduction to Jewelry Design, so I took the class. I was hooked. My jewelry professor, Stephen Saracino, convinced me to take the next level of Jewelry Design to decide wether or not I’d stick with it, and I never turned back. But aside from just the medium and technical aspects of design, I grew up as a dedicated Catholic and even wanted to be a priest! The spirituallity I took away from the church essentially set me up for a life of wondering and questioning, which has been a major portion of my design process. Every little thing that a person encounters in life is a chance to learn. I have met many great artists over the years, my brother Kenny Harris, Vincent Pontillo, Rachel Timmins, Tara Nahabetian, Stephen Saracino, Dave Koszka, and Chris Graham just to name a few, and every single one of them has left their mark on me. But at the end of the day, an artist is displaying something bigger than just themself; they are displaying part of all of our greater humanity.

What is the origin of your studio name, Hallway 7?
This is actually an interesting question, as I’ve never really been asked it before. The name Hallway 7 comes from my adolescence. When I was a teen, my friends, my girlfriend, my twin brother, and I were a group of mall rats at a small mall in Syracuse, NY called Shoppingtown Mall. There used to be a small hobby store in the mall that we all hung out at. Next to the hobby store was a hallway leading out to a parking lot that no one ever used, so we used to hang out in the parking lot. This was Hallway 7. I use the name Hallway 7 to refer to the fact that every experience in a person’s life is a chance to learn and develop. I probably learned as much around Hallway 7 as I have in my 6 years of college. A person just has to look for the chance to learn.

What are the most unexpected factors which have significantly shaped your art?
There have been a lot of “wow” moments to occur to me, and each have been significant. I have to say that the single most influencial aspect of my life has been my job at Frightworld: America’s Screampark. Frightworld is a world-famous haunted attraction here in Buffalo, and has become part of the Halloween tradition in the greater Western NY Region. In 2008, I applied for a job at Frightworld as an actor to make some extra cash. Little did I know that this would become such a huge part of my life. In the following years, I became an artist working on different aspects of the attraction, which features 5 haunted houses in one building. Ron Doherty and Jason Anderson, the two owners of the company, took a chance with me and allowed me to get more and more involved with the company. I was promoted to the house manager of Return of Mummy’s Curse, and started working more closely with the design team and special effects team. The special effects team became a huge part of my success. Arick Szymecki and Andrew Lavin have always been a great asset to me as an artist. Arick has been a boss that has gone out of his way to support my work, and give me feedback. Arick and Andrew have both taught me so much as far as mixed media goes, but have also never been too good to sit down with me and discuss a concept or give me a tough, but real, critique of something that I was doing. Really, Frightworld has to be the most unexpected factor to shape my artwork because of the fact that they became my home away from home. Frightworld has truely become my family in WNY, and that feeling of belonging in a city where I didn’t know anyone really made a difference. It gave me confidence and support.

How has your background in Anthropology informed your creative process?
Anthropology has become a huge part of my process. The main reason: Research! Many artists don’t do enough research on a concept to fully understand the imagery or symbolism that that are employing. Honestly, human beings have been around for a long time and the odds of coming up with something brand new are fairly low. I look to the people of the past to help me solve problems of the present. This can be done with technique, like making fine silver filigree or figuring out seemingly impossible math to mix a Tumbaga alloy, or it can be done with concept, much like we see in Steampunk design where the refferal goes back to Victorian and Edwardian design concepts. Artists shouldn’t be afraid to read.

You often combine the machine-works of steampunk metal with organic forms and natural materials like leather. How did that aesthetic juxtaposition come to be a consistent theme of your work?
This became an interest to me through my Anthropological studies. I came to a slight realization that it seemed that the ultimate question to an Anthropologist, to me, is “What does it mean to be human?” I argued and fought with myself over this question, seeing it as my Philosopher’s Stone. At the same time I was struggling in my metalwork. Conceptually, I preferred to work on organic designs. However, my hands seemed to prefer meticulous mechanical designs. My hands were fighting my head. After much frustration, I realized this is actually part of the answer to the question! What does it mean to be human? We are both mechanical and organic creatures. We rely on technology, yet we still eat, sleep, and live organically. Humans are a combination of two completely opposing forces. I try to depict this through my work.

Speaking directly to aspiring artists, what is the most critical piece of advice they should keep to heart, no matter what stage of their career or development?
Work. Work hard. I’ve spent many nights in the Jewelry studio working. I’ve slept on floors, on work benches, and in my car on many naps to achieve personal goals. Set a goal for yourself, and work towards it. Don’t take no for an answer, just work for it. Nothing worth having is easy.

Is there is anything you’d like to add before we sign off?

If anyone is interested in reading more on philosophy and art, I recommend reading The Mission of Art by Alex Grey. I’d also like to thank the Buffalo State College Design Department, especially Tara Nahabetian, Stephen Saracino, Robert Wood, and Sunhwa Kim, as well as the Buffalo State College Anthropology Department, especially Dennis Gaffin, Lisa M. Anselmi, Lydia Fish, and Susan Maguire, for their amazing support and education over the years. Also my parents, brothers, and wife. Really, you are all an inspiration to me.

Thank you again for taking the time out to talk with us, John, and for adding a special bit of extra magic to the new Lip Service catalog with your works.

If you’d like to find John online, here’s where to do it:

official John Harris Hallway 7 website: jphii.com
John’s etsy store: etsy.com/shop/JPHiiJewelry
John Harris on Twitter: twitter.com/#!/johnjphii
JPHii Jewelry on Facebook: facebook.com/pages/JPHii-Jewelry/208246699200767

Remember our friend Sean Burns? He’s been keeping busy, creating mayhem in his wake … and doing this! … Check out Sean shredding it up(in some awfully familiar looking gear) in Bone Deth (the Movie)!

Sean Burns – ‘Surfin for the Ugly Broads’ from Bone Deth Video WasteLand on Vimeo.

We are so happy to have been a part of the Studio Servitù opening! Congratulations to co-owners Jane Jett and Miss Crash and thank you for a remarkable and memorable night in your gorgeous new creative playground!

The party started off with a viewing of documentary “The New Erotic”, giving way to VJ sets by Ginger Fish as the crowds kept coming and performances by The Lizardman and Rudy Coby. Then, of course, there was the sort of NC17 fun you’ll just have to imagine for yourselves (Thank you, in particular, to Sex & Metal for some stunning demonstrations of your deviously wicked handiworks!)  Here is a little taste of what you would have seen if you were lucky enough to be there, with much thanks to photographer Andy Hartmark for sharing his shots with us!

Let’s face facts. It’s often a pain in the ass to live an independent artists’ existence. Sacrifices, though, usually balance out with the perks, at least enough for otherwise-mainly-rational adults to stay out of the cubicles and keep at it. Sometimes, those perks tilt the scales so much they make even the most arduous sacrifices for the life of a full-time creative degenerate seem minute.

 

This spring is one of those times.

 

There is a feeling of renaissance in the air in the Los Angeles creative underbelly, but not your history books’ sort. This is a new breed of artistic expression cast in leather and latex instead of bronze and etched in flesh, not marble. Seething beneath the surface, there has been a growing lust among mainstream artists to explore their deviant sides. While they pined for the darker side, erotic artists touching on the beauty of deviation came to the fore.

 

Where these two creative communities meet has been an explosion of collaboration between parts of a very diverse underground. Revolutionary ideas are meshing in strange and unexpected ways. Even the recession has pitched in, playing its own strange part in the karmic shift. Just that little stretch of economic panic gave a lot of artists the last excuse they needed to pack in the suits and commute to commit to their craft. It also gave many of us a taste for taking creative risks, as well as an innate sense of camaraderie among artists of all stripes. In the end, we’ve discovered, we’re all one big band of brothers who have survived it together rather than competing creative philosophies or mediums. We found common ground and started exploring it.

 

For a while, all these factors were growing, multiplying. The only missing link was a place such diverse communities would be attracted to and, thus, be able to come together on a larger scale.

 

Then, last August Jane Jett and Miss Crash opened Studio Servitù. From the moment they welcomed the first guests to their still-talked-about Grand Opening, Servitù became a major creative hub. Not only was it a go-to location for mainstream and erotic photographers and filmmakers, it was also the site of everything from gallery benefits and fetish events to art mainstays like Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School. One couldn’t go to an event at Servitù without meeting a fascinating range of artists and creative minds and leaving with a head full of fresh ideas.

 

In no time, the studio was getting press in LA Weekly and major blogs (not to mention a certain alt fashion legend’s webzine *ahem*). The sheer crush of popularity threatened to overcome the (admittedly) small space. The promise of “what could be” compelled the co-owners of Servitù to do something a little crazy. Less than six months after opening the original Studio Servitù, the doors were temporarily closed to build a bigger and better space from scratch. Luckily for everyone in the LA underground, Crash and Jane were game to take on this seemingly Quixotic quest.

 

If the original Servitù was a labor of love for the creative underground, this new space qualifies as an undying pledge of devotion.

 

Honestly, I am trying rather hard not to lapse into gushingly adoring tones but, in all fairness, I’ve seen the new studio. Every time I’ve walked into it and seen the latest progress in build-out and décor, Shakespearean thoughts of “we lucky few” spring to mind. After all, I am one of the lucky few to be able to call this place a creative laboratory and playground.

 

As you might (or might not) be wondering by now, there is a method to my madness, a reason this creative degenerate’s fancy turns lightly to thoughts of Servitù and creative collaboration.

 

The new Studio Servitù hosts its Grand Opening this Saturday night!

 

It doesn’t take a genius to know this promises to give the artistic underground a goodly rumble, possibly the kickoff of a seismic shift. It also doesn’t take a lot of brain juice to know Jane and Crash will make the first official act of Servitù to dazzle, amuse, and shock us just a little in unexpected and (of course) sexy ways, altering our perception of where the line between mainstream and underground lies, if it exists at all. We kind of like that about them and, apparently, so do a lot of other creative Angelenos.

 

Including Lip Service, who is an event sponsor (Did you have any doubt? Really?).

 

I said it the last time and those who may have scoffed or doubted missed one hell of a memorable event. I will merely repeat myself …

 

This is an invitation you really want to get.

 

From what I know of the night’s plans, it should be huge … a  thoughtfully naughty amuse bouche, a viewing of the documentary “The New Erotic”, will launch into a full-tilt red carpet party with VJ sets by Ginger Fish, as well as appearances by magician Rudy Coby and emcee The Lizardman. Knowing Crash and Jane, I assume there will be tasty surprises beyond the announced … that’s just how they roll.

 

Granted, entertainment is the icing … the REAL draw of a night at a Servitù event is the crowd.

 

Beyond the cream of the creative crop of photographers, filmmakers, artists, and models, there promises to be an even more eclectic crowd on hand at the new studio. Not to mention, some famous faces are expected as well. Plus, there will be coverage from various segments of media. Like the studios, the new Grand Opening is set to a bigger and better scale. If my intuition is any judge, which it usually is, it will be an event you don’t want to miss. To cheezily paraphrase one of my favorite movie quotes, this opening is going to go to eleven.

 

Just trust me on this one.

 

We are living in very interesting times, my dear degenerates, and they’re about to get even more so this weekend.

 

Hope to see you there!

 

Want to see your works featured in the Lip Service catalog?

We’d love to show off your best jewelry, hats, belts, bags, telescopes, and other killer accessories when we shoot photos for our upcoming catalog (mid-April). We’ll have badass hardware to coordinate with our new collection and you’ll have great photos to use in your own promotion (plus a feature here in the LS webzine), with all items returned after the shoot.

Contact Autumn@theoriginalcult.com with images or links.
THANKS!

Yes, it’s that time again! We’re shooting our upcoming collections next week and the 2nd week of April, so submit your photos and info now to be considered.

A few notes:

Please ONLY submit through the linked form.

Our stylists, if interested, will contact you to schedule a test fitting, so make sure to provide your most current info.

If you’ve submitted previously, it is still not a bad idea to re-submit with more recent shots and info.

Model size/height requirements are based on fit sample production sizing. If you are not sample size, please don’t take offense. Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes but fit samples, sadly, don’t.

requirements:

• You must be at least 18 years of age.
• You must be in the Los Angeles area and available during the time-frame of the shoot.
• Women must be near a size 5 and be between 5 ft. 5 in. and 5 ft. 10 in. tall.
• Men must be approximately a size 32 in. pant and slim to medium size top.

Best of luck to all!