The words embellished couture have the power to instantly set my magpie tendencies tingling. If its glittery, sequinned, rhinestoned or beaded, I either own it, plan to own it, or want to photograph it! Back in 2011, I had my first opportunity of many to shoot with one of the sparkliest burlesque performers I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting, internationally renowned burlesque performer Banbury Cross. By this point, I had been working in the burlesque industry for several months, predominantly at Proud Cabaret in Tower Hill, where I had bumped into Banbury backstage during one of their regular burlesque shows. I was blown away by the textures and detailing of Banbury’s costumes and approached her to see if she would be interested in collaborating on a photo shoot. Thankfully, she said yes and we booked a shoot date in the diary for a couple of weeks later.

Wearing a made to measure embellished couture sequin dress in nude and smoking a cigar, the Bulletproof Blonde herself was photographed on a Chesterfield in front of the fireplace in the listed ballroom she previously called home in the North of London. Complete with ornate high ceilings and dark wood fixtures, it was the most perfectly decadent setting for all of the designer lingerie, couture dresses and burlesque costumes we shot on the day. This particular photo has been a firm favourite over the years, although I can’t help but wish I’d done something about the join in the curtains at the times it didn’t cut through the cigar…

Want to see more embellished couture? Why not check out my Klimt inspired tribal fashion shoot with Leah Debrincat

Inspired by Banbury Cross? Fancy your own moment in the spotlight? Book your own boudoir shoot with me today – view my boudoir photography packages here and drop me an email with your preferred date. I can’t wait to hear from you!