It’s no secret that many in Steampunk fandom are drawn to the community for the dress code. Not that there is a set of rules, as such, but there are those lovely costumes we all know and enjoy seeing at events, online, and even hanging in our own closets. There are also those lovely people who wear them. I had the pleasure of chatting with Madame Adriana von Frisque about her project, the Gentlemen of Steampunk Calendar. She shared a few sneak peeks from the photo shoots, and a surprise for all you Vernian Process fans out there.
Doctor Fantastique’s: Tell us about the Gentlemen of Steampunk project. Where did the inspiration come from and what are your goals with the calendar?
Madame Adriana von Frisque: The inspiration came from Ladies of Steampunk. The Seans [Sean Makiney and Sean McCaffery - producers of the LoS calendar], as a lot of us call them, are very dear friends of mine. People had been asking for sometime when the gentlemen would be spotlighted. Earlier this year I decided to take it on with their help. After a little while we decided that their hands were full and I would carry this one on my own.
My Goals? That is a good question. I want to showcase the different flavors of Steampunk. I love that my version of it is not your version and may not be his version or hers either. All of my models are volunteers at this point and I try to showcase their individual Steampunk aesthetic. I just want to have fun and give our amazing men the credit they deserve. In fact, as a side note, if anyone out there would like to be a Gentleman of Steampunk or know someone who would please feel free to contact me via Facebook. I am always looking for great people to connect with whether it be photographers, models, or vendors that want me to showcase their product or want to sell mine.
DF’s: The LoS project was started in April 2011. You’ve been a model for that project, is that correct? Have you done other modeling, or was that your first foray into the field?
Madame Adriana: I have not yet modeled for the LoS calendar, no. But I recently finished up a shoot with them for their new magazine that will be debuting next month. We did a layout for Butterfly Frillies Corsets and we had a blast. Four women, two men, and a ton of clothing and makeup. I have also done miscellaneous creative projects in the past with friends who were photographers but that seems like a lifetime ago.
DF’s: The calendar will be available for purchase through the Ladies of Steampunk. For readers local to the Sacramento, California, area will there be an opportunity to meet some of the models, maybe get an autographed calendar?
Madame Adriana: I am actually in the process of publishing my own website so hopefully I will be satisfied with it sooner rather than later so that I can show it off to the community. Currently the majority of my models reside in or around the Seattle area but I have a few locals that I will be working with soon. My hope is to put on a fundraiser with a few of the models in attendance. In fact…The bass player from Vernian Process has outed himself as one of my future models so hopefully I can convince them to put on a show.
DF’s: Wow! I’m sure our Sac area readers are excited to hear that. Fingers crossed that we can see a Vernian Process date added locally. I know they’re busy in advance of Steamstock, but maybe after that…While we’re on the subject, how about for the LoS calendar? Any publicity dates coming up? If not, is this something you and “the Seans” are considering? Any thoughts about where you might host such an event?
Madame Adriana: I know that Ladies of Steampunk will be vending at Steamstock and I am hoping to accompany them if my schedule allows. Other than that you would have to ask them. They are great guys, so they’d be more then happy to do an interview.
DF’s: Do you have an anticipated release date? And can we expect a trickle of images on the Facebook page, similar to what LoS gave us?
Madame Adriana: Unfortunately my release date has had to be pushed back to 2014. This is a big bummer for me but I am expecting a call to schedule a much needed surgery. Do not fret, it’s fairly non invasive, but will keep me away from anything major for probably a few months while I fully recover. In the meantime I have posted sneak peeks of my Seattle shoots. I will release more as they happen.
DF’s: Thank you, Madame Adriana. We certainly hope everything goes smoothly and your recovery is an easy one. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for new pics, and our readers can keep up with your progress on the calendar’s Facebook page. Readers should also check back here for more on the Ladies of Steampunk calendar. I hope to be in touch with Sean and Sean soon.
