You’ve always wanted to do a boudoir shoot, but you’ve convinced yourself that boudoir shoots are only for people in their twenties and you’re too old. Does this sound familiar? This is a statement I see all the time on my social media, so I am absolutely THRILLED to be bringing gorgeous burlesque performer Pupin DeVert to the blog today to prove that stereotype wrong! After joining Miss Victory Violet and I on our vintage pinup makeover shoots at Berwick Lodge in Bristol last September, I caught up with Pupin DeVert to find out more about this incredible performer and the inspiration behind this boudoir shoot…
Pupin DeVert / Judith Vandepeer Delgado
Occupation: I run my own business finding accommodation for junior language students visiting the UK, I also perform Burlesque as Pupin DeVert.
How would your best friend describe you? Outwardly a bit shy and reserved, but inwardly a rebel
Name three things that you always carry with you? Something to read, music and headphones, a lucky silver pixie.
What was the last book you read? The People’s Act of Love by James Meek. Set in the past in Russia, but very much a contemporary style of fiction. I really enjoyed it.
What inspired you to book a photoshoot? I started doing Burlesque about two years ago at the age of 55, and I absolutely love it. I have always found having photos of me taken difficult, especially if they are posed rather than shots of me in movement or on stage, but I wanted to find a way to get beyond that and enjoy the experience. I started researching and found that I loved the photos Tigz produced, as they are so glamorous yet also full of character and life. I really wanted to capture something about myself and to show a glamour which fully embraced my age, my size and my newly grown out natural grey hair. I also wanted the support I knew she would offer in helping me to know which poses would work for me.
Who would play you in a movie of your life? Helen Mirren
Whats the most interesting thing about you that the internet doesn’t know about you yet? I travelled alone and worked in different countries in Europe/South East Asia/South America for over 15 years. I think it gave me a certain resilience and an appreciation for time and space on my own.
Tell us about one of the outfits you wore for your shoot – why do you love it? I wore my favourite corset for the shoot, I have always thought it didn’t quite fit correctly, but Tigz was able to help lace it in a way which made it fit perfectly! I wanted to cover my upper arms a bit and found a fluffy feather bolero in a small boutique in The Lanes in Brighton called Pretty Eccentric which added a touch of softness and was the perfect shade of grey for my hair. My shoes were a vintage find which I have always loved but seldom wear – I have always struggled to walk in heels, but thankfully that doesn’t matter for a photo shoot! My stocking were from What Katie Did – my favourite brand for stockings and I love the contrast seams
Describe your shoot experience? Honestly it was everything I had hoped for! It was the first time I have had my hair and make-up done professionally, and I learnt so much from Miss Victory Violet, especially tips on how to style my short hair in a vintage style. I was delighted with how I looked and this got the photos off to a perfect start. Very early on in the shoot, Tigz showed me some images from the back of the camera and I was so excited by them that I felt full of confidence. Tigz guided me through poses and showed me how to perfect them with little tweaks such as how to position my hand or foot… seemingly tiny changes which made such a difference to the final image. I was able to try all the ideas I had come with and more. The experience on the day, and seeing how amazing the photos looked a few days later, has stayed with me and I have taken this with me to go on to actually enjoy being in front of a camera and to carry on modelling.
What song gets you on the dancefloor? Groove in in the heart by Deelight.
What is your top body confidence tip? As Dolly Parton says ‘Find out who you are and do it on purpose’. This has grown in me with age and is something I wish my younger self had fully appreciated. Understand yourself and own it
What will your autobiography be called? Random Acts of Polite Rebellion
If you could be a model for any brand, which brand would it be and why? What Katie Did or Playful Promises – I love both brands products and their use of older models and plus-size models.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about booking a session of their own? DO IT! For me especially, I am at an age where my body and facial features are changing and I love that I captured a moment in time in such a wonderful way. Practically speaking, make sure you try on everything you are planning on wearing and make sure you are 100% happy and comfortable with it… but bring a few options just in case you are suddenly not feeling it on the day. Sleep and hydrate as much as possible beforehand. And then just enjoy…
What exciting project are you working on right now? My plan this year with regards to burlesque is to apply for more festivals, international shows and to represent older performers on a wide a stage as possible. I aim to show that burlesque can be for EVERYONE, and that 50+ plus performers have the sass, creativity and sexiness to shine in the burlesque scene. I am also really hoping to model more too, and would love to improve in that area, and hopefully to join the every-growing ranks of the ‘grey revolution’ models. I already have shows booked all over the UK in 2020, and am working on new acts which I will be debuting soon too.
Inspired by the incredible Pupin DeVert? Book your own boudoir makeover shoot with me right now – select your perfect shoot package here and then get in touch via the contact page with any preferred dates. I can’t wait to pamper you to perfection!
0 Comments