Q: Who is Kerosene Deluxe?
A: Kerosene Deluxe is a plus sized /full figured model specializing in Retro Pin up, Alternative, Glamour and Fetish imagery.
Besides that I am also a Make Up Artist, Size Positive Activist, Horror movie nerd and wife.
You can read my full biography here

Q: Where are you from and what is your background?
A: I was born and raised in Amsterdam, Holland. My father is Dutch and my mother is Thai and Japanese.
I've lived in Holland, Thailand and England but am currently settled in Vancouver, BC. Canada.

Q: How did you get started in the modelling industry?
A: To be very honest , I've never planned to be a 'model'. I was studying to become a Cosmetologist.
I frequently hung out at Goth, Punk, Rockabilly and Psychobilly shows and was one day approached by a photographer who liked my look and wanted to do a photoshoot.
It was a great way to express myself and to celebrate my love for Horror Movies, Film Noir, Vaudeville and Low Brow Art.
When I first started I had little interest in being 'pretty' in front of the camera and was doing mostly Horror and Gore themed shoots. (this is how I earned the nickname 'Queen of fright' which is tattooed on my chest)
With time grew confidence and I branched out to Pin Up and Glamour. I had always been a big fan of Artists like Enoch Bolles, Gil Elvgren, Alberto Vargas and George Petty but also the photography of Bernard of Hollywood and Hurrel.
I continued networking (both online and at events) and travelling to do photo shoots. Today I'm lucky enough to have worked with many amazing artists and photographers. I have even been featured in an on several Magazines.
I thank everyone who has been openminded enough to work with me because without them I would not have been able to share my art.

It was also important for me to promote the fuller figured female form in a positive way and to be a role model for woman (of any age) to embrace who they are regardless of their size (big or small). I think it's time for woman to stop hating their bodies and celebrate their unique beauty..

Q: I would like to book you as a model, where can I find further information?
A: Thank you! Any information on booking me can be found here.
I am also represented in Vancouver by Morrismore Models, you can book through them or myself directly.

Q: Where do you buy your corsets from?
A: Most of the corsets you see in my photo's are made by Lovesick Corrective Apparel and Sweet Carousel Corsetry who are 2 of my personal favourite corsetiers and who I work with closely. I also highly recommend:
Versatile Corsets, 
Puimond,
Electra Designs

Q: What Make Up brands do you use?
A: A lot of Smashbox, Make Up Forever, Illamasqua, Nars, Stila, Cinema Secrets, Dior & Lancome for mascara, and Guerlain (best bronzers!) I also really like Cover FX for foundations.

Q: Where do you find your Pin Up inspired clothing?
A: Pinupgirlclothing.com has super cute Pin Up and Vintage inspired clothing for all shapes and sizes as well as Stopstaringclothing.com. I sometimes get pieces custom made. Other then that I find my stuff all over the place (from thrift stores, online, mall, boutiques etc), I often just customise them to suit my style more. I regularly update my blog on my latest finds!

Q: Do you have any advice for new and aspiring models?
A: I think every model who get's asked this question will offer different advice, as things work differently for everyone but here are a few of my tips:

Network, network network! (use sites such as modelmayhem.com and other social network sites, modeling events and conventions etc), don't be afraid to invest in your work (for example, if you don't know how to do your own hair and make up, hire a pro! Poorly done hair and make up can seriously ruin your shots,paying an amazing and reputable photographer will also give your portfolio a great headstart. Practise posing in front of the mirror, you will feel silly but it's the best way to learn what works for you and what doesn't. Pay attention to details, your hands and the pointing of your feet...Same with facial expressions, practise them. Have a friend take snapshots of you posing and review the pictures afterwards.

Care about the quality not the quantity of your images (it's better to have 5 amazing pictures in your portfolio then 100 average or poor ones), be humble, friendly and professional (show up on time, be prepared), be realistic of your goals, have other reasons then money to do modelling, don't take critique too personal, HAVE FUN.

Q: How do I get a hold of you?
A: You can use the 'contact form' on this site or email me directly.

Q: Who maintains this website?
A: This website is maintained and built by me, Kerosene Deluxe. All questions and bookings through this site are also handled by myself.

Q: How do you dress in everyday life?
A: On a casual day some black skinny jeans, cowboy boots and a cute v-neck top. I love wearing dresses and pencil skirts too with either a girly trench or leather motorcycle jacket. I like to walk the line between Pin Up and Retro glamour with a sprinkling of Goth and Rock N Roll. Dark glamour so to speak! I do care a lot about how I present myself. I always take my time to make sure my hair and make up is done, not for anyone else but myself. I believe that if you look good you feel good (and visa versa!)

Q: Where did you learn to do hair and make up?
A: I've always loved cosmetics and studied cosmetology at Else Le Comte, School for Make Up Artists in Amsterdam, Holland. Hair I've learned mostly by trial and error and being an apprentice at fancy, snooty hair salons as a teenager. (even lousy jobs can teach you a great deal)

Q: You model a lot of Burlesque type images, do you perform?
A: I don't perform Burlesque but am a huge supporter of the Burlesque community and have many friends who are incredible Burlesque performers. I myself am far too clumsy to perform. I'm pretty sure I'd trip and fall of the stage in seconds! I would love to try it one day though!

Q: What is your beauty regime?
A:I don't drink or smoke and have never done drugs, MOISTURIZE, I eat healthy but don't believe in dieting (I don't deny myself anything if I crave it, I just do so in moderation) I stay out of the sun and wear sunprotection, I mask once (or twice when needed) a week and exfoliate twice a week and get enough sleep. (at least 8 hours a night when I can) Most importantly I'm a happy and positive person...Nothing is more damaging (to the inside and out) then stress and misery.

Q: You have great skin, what type of skincare do you use?
A: Aww thanks! I stay away from skincare that has perfume in it and a lot of chemicals. I like botanics based skincare lines a lot. (skincare that uses plant and flower extracts) I exoliate my face (and body) twice a week and use a face mask 1 to 2 times a week. I'm a big fan of Clarins and Nuxe for skincare. I also take an Evening Primrose Oil supplement every day to keep my skin, hair and nails healthy. I avoid tanning and try to stay out of the sun.

Q: Would you ever model nude?
A: I do, very occasionally, pose nude should the project be tasteful and artistic. These shoots are generally only done with those I already have an established working relationship with.

Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: I have a passion for traveling and absolutely love being able to see different places and cultures.
I also love going to concerts and the theatre, watch movies, listen to music and paint/draw.

Q: What's your favorite music?
A: I like all kinds of music: Doo Wop, Big Band Swing, Rockabilly, Psychobilly, Goth Rock, Deathrock, Batcave, Post Punk, New Wave, Horror Punk, Dark Wave, Reggae, Ska, Rocksteady, Metal, Motown/Old School Rythm & Blues, Chicago Blues, Honkytonk, Celtic Punk, Oi, Surf, Industrial...
'Scenes' are not for me..Good music is good music, regardless of genre. 
My favourite band is The Cramps. My favorite singers are Tom Waits, Nick Cave and Johnny Cash.

Q: What is your favorite kind of shoot to do?
A: I like doing conceptual shoots with a strong theme and elaborate styling and Beauty (portrait) work. But I enjoy all kinds of shoots:)

Q: What are your weaknessess?
A: A man in a military uniform, pie, corsetry, Christian Louboutin shoes and Irish accents.

Q: I'm an artist an I would love to paint/draw you, is that okay?
A: I'm very flattered that you like my look and am more then happy for you to use my image for your personal use/portfolio. I also ask that you credit me as a model as well as the photographer of the original image (if applicable)
Images can not be used for commercial and monetary purposes without my written consent.

Do you have a question you'd like to see answered?
Drop me an email!