If, like me, you’re a total fan of all things vintage – especially vintage lingerie – then you’re going to LOVE today’s Virtual Boudoir Shoot interview with Philadelphia burlesque performer and total femme fatale Hedy West. Featuring a true vintage peignoir and inspired by glamorous icons of stage and screen, Hedy’s virtual photography session is a visual feast for the eyes! I’m SO excited to be able to feature her on the blog today, along with some of my favourite images I’ve taken of her work over the years…

Hedy West

Occupation: Muggle world HR/Talent Development & Management | Baby Burlesque Performer in Philadelphia 

How would your best friend describe you? Total babe and the main event 

Name three things that you always carry with you? Lip balm, hand sanitizer, extra mask

What was the last book you read? Good Omens by Neil Gaiman (re-read for the umpth time)

Do you remember how you originally found me? Yes! Dirty Martini posted a stunning picture on Instagram and it was one of yours

What inspired you to book a virtual shoot? A boudoir shoot is something that I have always wanted to do but never felt I had “permission” to do it. Starting burlesque in the midst of a pandemic pushed me to book. 

Who would play Hedy West in a movie of your life? Let’s go back in time, pluck Jane Russell in her prime and bring her back to present day. That would suffice. 

Whats the most interesting thing about you that the internet doesn’t know about you yet? I’m a huge weird history nerd. Whenever I travel, I have to find the most unusual thing to see in that city.

Tell us about one of the outfits you wore for your virtual boudoir session – why do you love it? My vintage robe. I couldn’t find the shape I wanted and I scoured the internet to find exactly what I saw in my mind. I was so happy to find it on Etsy and under $40! 

Describe your virtual photography experience? I was so nervous the morning of the shoot, I wasn’t feeling pretty and felt like my outfit didn’t look right. Once I started speaking to Tigz I felt totally at ease and decided to just shake off how I was feeling and be in the moment. It was an incredible experience, how often in our lives as women do we get to feel pumped up by another woman for a solid hour? Having Tigz just say “beautiful” over and over again was magical. I felt so good after the shoot and was so excited to see the end results. 

What song gets you on the dancefloor? You give me Britney Spears “Toxic” and I will be on the dance floor. 

What are you most proud of in your life so far? Building a life that I’ve wanted 

What is your top body confidence tip? If you think you’re a total babe, no one will argue with you about it. 

What will your autobiography be called? It’s not fully written yet!         

If you could be a model for any brand, which brand would it be and why? Bettie Page Clothing (presuming I would get loads of free dresses & shoes!) 

What advice would you give to anyone thinking about booking a Virtual Boudoir Shoot of their own? First of all – do it! There is no reason to wait for a “right” time – now is the right time! Secondly, relax and be in the moment, Its not often in life that we get to feel beautiful and have someone telling us how beautiful we are!

What exciting project are you working on right now? I’m currently applying for some virtual shows but people can find me on Facebook or Instagram

Looking for some brand new social content to keep your burlesque profile fresh?

No matter where you are in the world, be like Hedy West and book in for a Virtual Boudoir Shoot with me right now. I can’t wait to hear from you!