Cultural Resources


What follows is a select listing of pertinent Links & Resources for Music, Models, Fashion, Dance, & Mistress Mayhem. All entries are relevant to the alternative culture & are local to the general region.

Resources have been segmented by their area of focus: Music, Dance, Fashion, Models, & Mistress Mayhem. We then categorize each entry by its general focus: Alternative & Music in Rust -
BDSM & Fetish
in Red - Lifestyle & Swinger in Green - Gay, Bi, & Transgender in Purple


Local Dance & Performance Art:

Artists with Pride (www.awp.tc): Local resource for artists, DJ's fire performers, dancers, models, events & more. Primary
postings are made through Facebook: Facebook.com/Artists.W.Pride  Managed & maintained by DJ Cosmo Kunkle.

Electrocute (Facebook.com/xELECTROCUTEx): Exposing their audience to new & innovative acts, they offer a dazzling array of visual impact which takes the concept of performance-art to entirely new heights. They offer everything from circus performance, aerial acts, juggling, hoops, & tandem gymnastics to a host of high energy possibilities such as their signature "Glow-Show." 

Cosmos Crew (Facebook.com/CosmosDolls): Rave influenced young bunch offering a sense of flair to any party or event. Acting as go go dancers, stage performers, or just an extra visual element to develop a higher degree of energy to your crowd. Please note: Cosmos' Dolls are Not affiliated w/ DJ Cosmo.

Mortifera (www.MortiferaDance.com): The style & elegance of traditional Belly Dance is brought to new heights by this goth inspired troupe. With performances centered around goth, horror, & death-rock they bring to light true beauty & blend it with just a touch of frivolous camp. This is GREAT entertainment for any club night, event, or gathering in the scene.

Mavi Dance (www.MaviBellyDance.com): Offering dark fusion belly dance with a compelling presence, sensuality, & connection to her audience. Mavi was a member of the first Gothic belly dance troupe in the U.S. & performed extensively with the renowned dance company Römká. She has shared the stage with national & international acts including Peter Murphy, the Dresden Dolls, Android Lust, and Corvus Corax. Currently she co-hosts DCTribal Cafe & Belly Horror among others.  Also see: Facebook.com

Bella Donna (www.BellaDonnaDance.com): Tribal fusion belly dance with a cutting edge. Native to DC, Bella Donna performs & teaches her unique style of dance both locally as well as throughout the U.S. Honoring the ancient & contemporary, fusion style dance makes for a captivating performance. Also see: Facebook.com/BellaDonnaDance

Deanna Danger (www.DeannaDanger.com):  From Richmond, Deanna is best known as a burlesque performer & instructor, but also works as a model, aerialist, makeup artist, & holds her own line as a burlesque accessory designer (DeannaDangerDesigns.etsy.com). In addition, she is headmistress of the Dr. Sketchy Anti-Art School:  www.drsketchy.com/branch/Richmond.

Gilded Lilly Burlesque (GildedLilyBurlesque.com): Voted Best of Baltimore by City Paper, they are highly regarded as one of the area's premier burlesque troupea. Bringing a style that is both fun & thought provoking, they offer a different kind of live entertainment.

Candy del Rio (Facebook.com/CandydelRio): Burlesque sensation for the DC area & highly active promoter throughout the east coast.

Lil' Dutch (www.LilDutch.com): DC Based burlesque performer & co-producer of Capitol Tassels & Tease. Self-described as an aficionado of mid-century entertainment, style, cocktail and lounge culture, she is available for bookings throughout the Mid-Atlantic. 

Eroticacy Inc (www.EroticasyInc.com): Hosted by the ever crazy Stormy Vain. Providing Drag Queens, Nude Houseboys, & Dancers.  Shows or services are available for any occasion.  See website for info.

 
      A.W.P.             Deanna               Mavi                           Mortifera                              Bella                Dolls           Eroticacy 

 
                                                Gilded City                           Electrocute                                Candy 

Local Fashion:

Renee Masoomian (www.ReneeMasoomian.com): Mistress of Design Renee Masoomian raises the level of fashion to outright art as she puts her heart into every piece she creates. Individual outfits are created to work as a unified ensemble or as individual pieces - an ideal way to augment your wardrobe. Offering an entire array of high fashion ensembles, any one of her diverse lines can all but guarantee you'll be the toast of the ball. Also see: www.Facebook.com

  

Bunny Made (BunnyMade.Storenvy.com): An independent operation based in Baltimore, Bunny Made Studios offer handcrafted accessories, jewelery, & items of intrigue to add a touch of glam to any wardrobe. Kerri puts her heart & soul into each one-of-a-kind piece she creates & is available for specialty couture. Also see:  www.Facebook.com/BunnyMadeStudios


The Kilted Nation (www.KiltedNation.com): Offering an array of top quality kilts, utili-kilts, accessories, their own line of attire, & garb perfect for any mainstream or alternative function. Available for both men & women - online & often found vending at area events. 

 

Brute Force Studios (www.BruteForceLeather.com): Offering top quality accessories, corsetry, leather goods, steam punk, & more. Each piece is hand crafted, one of a kind, & made with the best of materials.


Joe the Shoe Guy (www.TheShoeGuy.com): The ultimate in fetish foot wear. Great deals & a well stocked inventory. Visit online, find him vending at any one of the east coast conventions for the scene, or call (732) 485-9833.  


Zatch Creations (www.zatchcreations.com): Unique hand-made leather, chainmail, & crochet accessories in a range of styles. Ranging from fine silver evening wear to hard core spiked leather, Zatch Creations has something to suit your needs. Beyond a continually evolving inventory, they also do alterations, repairs, and custom items as per your request. 

 

Girdle Bound (GirdleBound.com): Featuring vintage styles for today. Offering a full line of girdles, corsets, lingerie, stockings & gloves. 


Rabid Crow (www.zazzle.com/rabidcrow): Offering specially graphics, art, & designed apparel for the dark & alternative cultures. Presented by Robert the Merciless & available for sale exclusively online.


Clothes That Kill (www.ClothesThatKill.com): A special offshoot of Scheduled Shirts (see below), & offering original designs that incorporate several alt. brands to create a fun & witty statement of personal style. But honestly, screw the explanation - they're a cool addition to any wardrobe, so just check 'em out!

Passional (www.Passional.net):  Formally Fetishes Boutique, Passional offers a wide array of fetish-based attire, garments, & scene appropriate garb for any occasion. Available online, via brick & mortar in Philly, & through regional vending. See Website for details.

 

SLYX Fashion (www.SLYX.com): From vacuum beds to body suits, if it involves latex then SLYX Fashion is at the heart of it. For both men & women, Slyx is the benchmark for latex design. No question, no denial...


Gloss Couture (GlossCouture.com): Latex model Esmeray has launched her own line of Latex Couture - from fanciful, fun, & artistic to enticing, erotic, & sexual. She can also be reached for photo shoots through her main site:  MissEsmeray.com


Dream-X-Streams / DXS:  From floggers & crops to full blown dungeon equipment, DXS has an extensive line to offer a deeper sense of intrigue for the scene. You'd have to go to the Towers of London to find a more authentic line of hand crafted workmanship & innovative design. Email: DXSRapture@gmail.com

 

Night Dreams (www.NightDreams.com): With two locations in Rockville & Tysons, Night Dreams stands as one of the area's premium boutiques for the region. Featuring a huge selection of lingerie, adult toys, BDSM gear, & a variety of adult enticements they cover a full array of adult enticements. Staff is pleasant & helpful, & they offer online as well as onsite shopping.

    

Pleasure Place (www.PleasurePlace.com): In operation since 1979, they offer an expansive selection of lingerie, erotic gifts, adult toys, fetish & novelty items. Located in the heart of Georgetown, they are self-described as "a toy store for sophisticated adults."


Le Tache (www.LeTache.com): With a full selection of lingerie, toys, fetish gear, & an array of DVD's - all in the heart of Old Town - one gets the impression that times are changing as tolerance finally catches on. Located at 210 King Street, Alexandria Va. or online.

 

Sugar (SugarTheShop.com): Baltimore's premier boutique for adult materials, educational workshops, & occasional events (including a 1st Friday's Reception in line with the merchants of Hampden Hall). Located at the corner of 36th Street & Roland Ave. Baltimore, Md.

 

Lady Clankington's Cabinet of Carnal Curiosities (LittleDeathRay.com): Offering the world's first line of steampunk adult novelty. Currently available are the Little Death Ray Gun & Butt Rogers Uranium Pistol (Each is a limited edition & includes a certificate of authenticity). Coming soon will be a collection of Steampunk Sexual Machines & Victorian Bondage Novelties.

The Leather Rack (www.TheLeatherRack.com): Although promotions heavily target the gay community, the store is absolutely relevant to all. Conveniently located just off Dupont Circle at 1723 Connecticut Ave, they offer shopping either on site or online. Indeed, they carry one of the most impressive inventories for leather-wear, BDSM items, & specialty goods of any retailer in the area.

 

G Books (1520 U St. NW DC): As posted on Yelp: The store is cramped & messy with shelves overflowing everywhere with merchandise. But that means if you're looking for any sort of gay literature or DVD then they probably have it. They also sell toys, tools, & offer some of the best prices anywhere for poppers, lube, etc. FYI - the owner is helpful & often gives you a 'pretty face' discount.

Model Mayhem:

 
                Rudari                 Rhus                    Esmeray               Jessica            Sharon TK                    IO                      V Nixie 

 
                             Kallia                  Nicotine                          LiiLii Lipstick                              Evie                Cassandra


Phobia                   Mike                       Cynnamon                    Valerie                        Am-X                    Akuma

Photographers:

PhotoVance (photovance.com): At the forefront of the local scene for fetish photography, PhotoVance has recently published a stunning journal of some of the most erotic & beautiful images ever put on film: "On Location, photos by Vance."

 

Ken Tiscenko / Total Discretion Photography (KenTiscenkoPhotography): Offering an array of projects, Ken does scene photography, model work, & a wide variety of mainstream projects as well. He is a full time professional & a true talent behind the camera. 

   

Johnny B. Photography (www.JohnnyBPhoto.net): A mainstay in the local scene, Johnny offers work in still life, fashion, events, artful nude, & a spectrum of other possibilities. He offers an impressive body of work & truly brings out the deepest beauty in he engages.

  

Larry Bradby Photography (www.LarryBradbyPhotography.com): As much a local personality as talented photographer, he specializes in fashion, glamour, pin-up, fetish, & events. As a professional photographer, he also diversifies by working with weddings, landscapes, nature, wildlife, & even pets. Recently moved to Arizona, he still remains a force in the scene. Also see:  www.Facebook.com

    

Demian Wolfe (www.DemWolfe.com):  Trained at the Art Institute of Chicago, Dem has developed an impressionistic overtone in much of his craft. Indeed, blending art with photography he offers a unique style that allows his subjects to extol a surreal sense of imagery.


Patrick's Site "Putz" (JustaPutz.Multiply.com): The keeper of memories for the DC Goth Scene & a mainstay at every event for the underground. We thank him for his tireless efforts in preserving the moments that we have all come to treasure.

    

Mistress Mayhem: 

Mistress Tyler  (www.MistressTyler.com):  A mainstay for the regional scene & one of the most poised, elegant, & well respected personalities in the business. Tyler also maintains a private studio in downtown DC.

Lady Shazz (DominaLadyShazz.com):  Specializing in tickle torture, spanking, flogging, & bondage - Shazz is also a staff member for
DXS Rapture as well as a highly visible & well loved personality in the DC scene. 

Madam Ember (Fetlife.com): Resident Domme & co-host to DXS Rapture, Ember is a mainstay in the underground scene. Besides her lovable nature, she is a true professional in her craft & an important personality for underground scene.

Mistress Fawn (www.MzFawn.com): Specializing in heavy bondage & control, Fawn is a fetishist with a private facility in Maryland. 

Mistress Lynn (FootFetishDC.com):  One of DC's more respected pro Domme's. Lynn also runs one of the area's only foot fetish parties. Parties feature drinks & a club type atmosphere. See website for more.

Domina Vontana (www.Wix.com/DVontana):  Working with a variety of interests including rope bondage, impact play, & cross-dressing which tends to be her specialty. She also does traditional slavery & edge play.

Bella Bliss (www.BellasBlueRoom.com): As a professional lifestyle Domme w/ years of experience, Bella describes her style of interaction as 'Seductrix.' The Blue Room is a Parisian inspired Salon offering an oasis of relaxation, serenity, & ecstasy. 

Brendan Lear (Fetlife.com): Host to DXS Rapture & Owner of Dream~X~Streams. Mentor, Dom, & long-time member of the scene.

Professor Oni (OniSensei.org): Shibari Master, Presenter, & Mentor to select parties. Nationally recognized & often in DC.

DC Dominatrixes (Groups.Yahoo.com/Group/DCDominatrixes): Yahoo group for the DC metro area & offers promotional initiatives & announcements for the Dominatrix & BDSM / Fetish Scene in the DC Metro area.

                  
                     Mistress Tyler          Lady Shazz          Lear-DXS         Professor Oni          Madam Ember 

         
                      Lynn                                  Fawn                                      Domina Vontana              Bella Bliss

Regional DJ's: 

Mighty Mike Saga (www.MikeSaga.com): Representing one of Philadelphia's most prolific DJ's & a tireless promoter for the scene, his credits include Shock Therapy, Defcon, Drac's Ball, Nocturne, Treffen, Black Sun Festival, Capitol Punishment, & Smack! (to name but a few). In our opinion he is one of the most talented DJ's on the entire East Coast.  

Cosmo (Facebook): A DC native & regular in the DC Goth/Industrial scene since 1993. Currently a resident for Bound & very active in both the DC Alternative Music & Rave Cultures.

Dirty-B (Facebook): Former promoter of Alchemy & Arcadia, Brian is one of the area's most noted DJ's & a powerhouse for the Goth, Industrial, Power Noise, & Underground Metal scene.

Vlad (Facebook): Well known throughout the scene, Vlad has been filling dance floors for more than a decade. Seen behind the decks for Spooky, Chiaroscuro, & the inaugural Drac's Ball in Philly! He is currently a free agent, writes for Re-Gen & Sideline Magazines, & is active with Deep 6 Productions. And yes, his name is actually 'Vlad.'  :-)

MindCage (Facebook): A fixture in the DC scene, Mindcage was a former resident of Bound, Exile, & Delirium. His guest spots include Nation, The Edge, Insomnia, Asylum, 9:30 Club, The Cage, & Bohemian Caverns to name but a few. His current interests have taken him into live music with the band Mindless Faith, Chemlab, & Ego Likeness.

London Shadows (Facebook): Goth / Industrial DJ, her credits include Capitol Punishment, Stimulate, FetishCon, Alchemy, Bound, & Fallout among others. Also an alternative Model & Make-Up Artist who's credits include such notables as Marqius Magazine & can be found on Model Mayhem. Email: pvcxxgoddess@gmail.com

Hardware (Facebook): A resident for Bound & Dunkelheit, his talent has been carried throughout the DC scene for over 16 years. He has also appeared in NY, Paris, LA, & for major events across the US & Europe. Today his focus is a love for Industrial & Power Noise. 

DJ MissGuided (DJMissGuided.org): Entering the scene back in the early 90', DJ MissGuided was a resident for DollHouse & was frequently seen behind the decks for Alchemy. She has also spun for such notable events as Convergence, the Black Sun Festival, & Freaks United. She even served as the opening DJ for Das Ich in London.

VJ Umbris (Facebook): Talented with both lights & sound, Umbris is a long-time mainstay for the Baltimore Scene & tireless promoter for a wide variety of nights hosted throughout the calendar. 

Loss of Signal (Facebook): A truly dedicated DJ in the Goth, Industrial, & Synthpop scene. Formally the promoter of Section-9, he is now a resident DJ on Saturday Nights & does guest appearances throughout the scene.

DJ Medusa (www.MedusaPromotions.com): Previous resident for Wasteland & the lead promoter for Medusa Promotions, she's been a DJ in the scene for over 15 years now. In fact, she's been at it so long that you could say it's just become a second nature. 

Steve Archer (EgoLikeness.com): Lead for his band Ego Likeness, he & his wife are a force within the scene. Currently a resident DJ in Baltimore & DC. Guests spots, appearances, & performances are just too numerous to name.


 

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