FetHistory: Irving Klaw’s MASKED WOMEN!

Whoa! Stop the press. What’s going on here? Could it be another bizarre fantasy scenario enabled by psychodrama theater impresario, Mr. Irving Klaw?

In fact, it is!... Welcome back!

Here again we have Shirley Levitt and Ruth Field in another look at the impressive 1950 series, referred to in the past.

The D-400 series, as you’ll recall, also features Loraine Durane in some early, striking Klaw images.

Loraine Durane, Shirley Levitt, Ruth Field

This is Loraine Durane. With the paddle.

What is it about a mask that lends such arresting interest and power? Seems to tip the viewer into an alternate dimension. Masks rule!

And while we're on the subject, here we have Eric Stanton's masked fantasy interpretation, commissioned by Klaw and presented in 1953. (Duchess of the Bastille … later renamed Cruel Duchess of The Bastille, in Nutrix book form.)

Coincidentally, right away we can see the advantage that artwork has over "real life" enactments. For one thing, no one ever needs to be hurt when we play in the theater of the imagination.

Eric Stanton, Duchess of the Bastille, Irving Klaw

But back to 1950 and live models!

Irving Klaw's masked ladies would not end with the D-400 series. His HK-1 series*, advertised in the 31st Edition of Cartoon and Model Parade, also featured masked shenanigans. See below:

Irving Klaw, Jackie Jones, Betty Whitney, Amy Lane

Mystery woman unmasked!

Turnabout is fair play.

Of course, the image of the masked woman in leather was, like most "bizarre" iconography, of European origin, which may account for part of its exotic strangeness to American sensibilities. The image below was among those sold by Irving Klaw's predecessor, Charles Guyette. (Before he was sentenced to prison.) Quite beautiful, wouldn't you say? Yes, those boots are insanely cool.

Until next week! Cheers!

—Richard Pérez Seves

=> Index ~ of FetHistory ~ From the Beginning:

http://fethistory.blogspot.com/p/1.html

>> Peek inside the Charles Guyette tribute <<

Charles Guyette: Godfather of American Fetish Art
** 2018 Expanded Second Edition **

>> HERE <<

* * * * * *

Peek inside with Dita Von Teese:

==>> HERE <<==

Dita Von Teese, Instagram, Charles Guyette: Godfather of American Fetish Art

Reviews:

"If New York collector, writer and fetish historian Richard Pérez Seves had not decided to assemble what he knew about Charles Guyette (along with a substantial selection of images) into this paperback, this influential forerunner of the genre's better known exponents would have continued a lot longer as the great unsung hero of American fetish art."—Tony Mitchell, thefetishistas.com

"If you're at all a fan of fetish art ... then this book will be right up your alley." —kinkweekly.com

"I've often cited John Willie's gals as my biggest fashion inspiration but I'll have to start tipping my hat to Guyette as well."—Dita Von Teese