Krystina Kitsis

Ectomorph started as an experiment, born out of a casual conversation at the first underground fetish club Maitress in Soho in 1984 between myself and Tim Woodward and my observations of a scene ripe for a fashion make-over. I had gone there with a model friend Sue Scadding who knew the proprietor David Claridge otherwise known as Roland Rat. There i met Tony Mitchell and Tim Woodward who were to become seminal figures in my life. Myself and my partner at the time suggested to Tim that we organise a a rubber ball which we did in October 1985 at The Embassy Club; a splendid location in Bond Street. Surprisingly we got excellent coverage in the broadsheets which started the passage of fetish from subculture to mainstream where it is today. I helped set up Skin Two club but retired after a couple of years to concentrate on Ectomorph and have strong memories of carving out a niche for a wide range of people driven by the need to have somewhere social to wear latex.However, It was Thatchers Britain and we encountered a lot of opposition especially by the police authorities who wanted to clean up Soho and the huge event we had organised at Stringfellows at the Hippodrome with fashion show, pony girls, bands was unfortunately cancelled. Clubs now are more varied and there is much more choice about dress codes and sexual orientation .

I launched my first collection on this night in Bond Street initially to use my design skills having studied fashion at St Martin's and then cultural history at the Royal College of Art. I Found the process of making latex clothes quite difficult to begin with. Not being a "born" a fetishist i found the smell of latex unusual too and somewhat imposing. I now can't even smell rubber , although it is now the overriding scent in my home where i also work from .


Vivienne Westwood and McClaren were huge inspirational figures for me when i was at St Martins , which at the time was based in a building around the corner from seedy Soho where punks, prostitutes and pimps walked the streets. Covent Garden nearby was also an undeveloped area with only PX as a destination shop . I had been at St Martin's during the flourishing of punk and the beginnings of the New Romantic era these twin influences fuelled my creative juices . I was fascinated by subcultures and at that time also met Derek Ridges who was a regular figure at nightclubs photographing interesting people. He was one of the first to photograph my collections. My time at the Royal college had been spent studying the history of fashion photography and for a time after i left i lectured on Fashion Photography. It has always been an important part of my creative development. They say that behind very great man is a great woman. In my world there was always a great photographer with whom i collaborated to produce innovative images.

I started with two great talents: Trevor Watson and Alistair Thane. The former captured exactly the look i was after: semi Helmut Newton like but using younger voluptuous models in slightly seedy locations . Simultaneously i met another influential figure in my life at an art private view Iain Henderson who owned a boutique on the Kings Road Quasimodo and he offered me space in there if i produced a latex collection. And so Ectomorph was born out of a desire to take latex out of the closet and into the realms of fashion. Quasimodo was a haven for quirky and sexy clothing and its clientele a combination of the famous and young street kids who just wanted to be different. He employed page three girls to run the shop which resulted in a lot of coverage in the red top dallies.Spreads of page three girls and soap stars as well as helping sales made fetish more familiar and then acceptable to the general public. This series of serendipitous events spiralled my ascent into fetish. What started as a naive experimental idea became a lifestyle from which i have never looked back.

My starting point in 1985 was propelled by the desire to overturn a scene governed by tradition,staid catsuits made in the main by Sealwear a scene untouched by fashion concepts. . I knew the industry was ripe for an overhaul. My first collection was in white latex. I introduced the peplum shaped jacket, then an unknown concept in latex design. I chose white because i thought it would be received better and less threatening. Ironically when i was approached by Vogue and Elle magazines they chose simple black dresses to publish. The gateway was open and fetish was never viewed in the same way.

Ectomorph was a concept coined from my fascination with Robert Mapplethorpe and the obsession with the body in the eighties . I also loved the body-hugging clothes of Azzedine Alaia and i wanted to replicate that aura in latex. Ectomorph is one of three biological body types; the ideal, a slim, tall body type . At the same time i wanted my clothes to merge in with daily reality and seem "normal" so i stitched my latex using it as one would dress fabrics . Some people assumed it was leather because it resembled leather from the distance and that was most people's only "kinky reference point!. It was only when i exhibited for several years at fashion week buyers would feel the latex then snigger at the clothes and say who on earth wears that!. My stitching of rubber became my trademark along with the studding detail i peppered many of the garments. I was determined to incorporate and change the image of fetish menswear and designed a fashionable bikers jacket and levi inspired jeans that got included in the street style exhibition in 1989 at the V&A. They along with mens shirts became best selling items for men. Most men that i now design for are cross dressers or those that incorporate an element of femininity into their fetish wardrobe. Things have certainly changed.

More recent collaborations with photographers have been Grant Ibtasama Masruuq who is obsessive about his images and ideas. He and i worked on a series of garments using semi transparent latex. I have over the years been interested in combing latex with other fabrics like mesh, netting and lace. My most recent latex collection features laser cut latex lace to form sexy dresses .This collection was photographed beautifully by Aidan McCarthy in a clear and catalogue like manner in a studio setting without clutter to focus on the design and beautiful model Liza Licence wearing the outfits. A recent theme i explored was to combine different weights of latex to produce voluminous frilly skirts to get away from the traditional association of latex with a tight fit. Over the years i have found that many older people want their latex loose they don't want to be constricted by tight latex. They like to wear it lounging around in the privacy at home . They are attracted to the sensation of the feel of the fabric. I met many of these people at Mach2 which is a club that meets a couple of times a year in a hotel where the wearing of latex whilst wining and dining with friends is encouraged Many of these people have become my friends. As a twenty something when i first started and was approached by Jim who was the then chairman to put on a fashion show at their event which was held in Epping at that time. I just sneered and said it was far too old fashioned for my company to be associated with and just generally not my kind of thing. I had a lot to learn , now i look forward to these events and they spur me to design a collection often with them in mind. Not everyone wants to bare all. But they too have changed and in the last couple of years have actively welcomed cross dressing amongst some of its members, which hitherto had been against the rules! There i met and collaborated with another photographer, Keital creating storyboard scenarios in suburban settings. Each photographer i have worked with brought their own vision and influence on me.

I now of course have to share the fetish stage with hundreds of other designers . I was lucky to have reaped the rewards of being one of a handful of companies in the eighties who changed the face of fetish for the better. Now the market is flooded with cheap inferior chinese copies as well as our own British produced designers some of whom have contributed greatly to the look of latex. The scene has gone the way of fashion splintering into different categories catering for different needs and areas of specialisation. It is in fact the preferred fabric of the rich and famous and no longer just the preserve of an underground secret , hidden subculture.

Murder Mile Studio is a great location for a shoot with different stage sets already set up that one can use. Phil Kehoe and Kash recently used the bondage studio set up to great effect . They both used Ectomorph clothing on models Zara DuRose , Vea Luz and Bethany Jane, some of which are new pieces from our new Back to Black 30 year celebratory collection.

Participated in the Runway show at Erotica last month and featured some lovely new faces like PG seen below.

Photo : Kash R Photography

Had a series of great pictures published by Rankin in his fashion magazine "Hunger" taken both on Hampstead Heath and in a studio. Pictures were taken by Dima Hohlov and are very daring for a fashion magazine being closely influenced by fetish imagery. For full article look at a copy . Issue no05 Autumn/Winter 2013

Just made a couple of Sissy dresses for a customer who prefers to remain anonymous. Thought they turned out well. Seem very reminiscent of my dolls dresses. Love them.

Barbora Gazurova Sharuzen has just styled this gothic inspired session of herself in her native country bringing together Ectomorph latex and her own fantasy to produce these new images taken by her partner Michal. Barbora is a make-up artist and specialises in creating amazing tattoos. The last dramatic image was put together in Rome by Maurizio Matteucci

Ectomorph launched some new styles at Rubbercult 3 on May 4th at a fantastic venue MaryJanes in EC3. Though the venue was difficult to present a fashion show we decided to make the most of the locations beautiful staircase and have the models walk through the crowds similar to the way in which department stores stage fashion shows. The models reflected our customer profile: maid's , larger women, older women , scene celebrities as well as the traditional fashion profile of younger girls.






Images Zac Zenca

Great little film put together by dirtboxmedia on Rubbercult 3 which included snippets from the EctoMorph fashion show held there:
"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1d2piaJ9u8E&feature=youtu.be"

A new german magazine featuring the work of photographers and designers has just been published called "Trend Prive" published by Catalina Magee w. Inside Ectomorph has a privileged mentioned in conjunction with the work of Grant Ibtasama Masruuq. The magazine is both an online publication and as a hardback copy.
https://www.facebook.com/trendprivemagazine?fref=ts
The article features this image:

Synth borrowed some clothes to go cake shopping at Patrick Cox"s cake shop in Soho. She naturally attracted a lot of attention.

Shot some new garments in the beautifully conserved Rivoli Ballroom in South London. Used the lovely Juliette October who came to do the shoot despite feeling extremely unwell that day . It was a difficult location in which to shoot as the rooms were quite dark which added atmosphere but didn't necessarily illuminate the black latex to its best contours were sometimes lost. Darren Birkin did an amazing job with the location which he found. The venue is currently used for films and as a dance and music location.

Ectomorph received another commission to make a set of pillow cases, duvet cover and fitted sheet for a client's bedroom. It turned out rather well and may now be offered as a standard accessory items. The items are stitched and so differentiate themselves from the many glued versions on offer.

Just made my first latex Burkha for a customer. It was a challenge but i think worked out rather well. The customer wanted it made with the shiny side in and matt side visible , hence the dull appearance. Not the kind of thing EctoMorph normally does butit was great to do something different and the stitching on the seams give it our trademark look. The item is for personal use only and so won't been seen out in public

See all the lovely girls modelling EctoMorph:Ella Kros, Ellegy Ellem, Milla Vie,Noise Noire, Señorita Pepita, Yolinda Vixen, Aurore Petite Sukub, Psylocke and Ramsesa Eros.

On her recent visit to London Ella Kros stepped into Matt Christie's studio and shot a series of photographs wearing EctoMorph Latex. Her tiny frame was perfect for the short dresses and she was the inspiration behind the new military dress as military was her preferred choice of style Krystina had to design a new dress for the occasion.

Cynth Icorn was EctoMorph's model at Mach2 Autumn 2012 in Leicestershire. Boundaries were broken with elements of cross-dressing hitherto frowned upon openly flaunted and enjoyed . Synth too innocently wore her masks to the pre-dinner get-together another sacred rule transgressed. Her bombastic style was a great addition to the normally low-key atmosphere at Mach2. The event was a great success and leap forward. Photographs taken by FetishClubPix

Met lots of fabulous models and people at the Dominatrix spectacular event in November in Amsterdam. Had the honour of model Sister Sinister walk down the catwalk for EctoMorph. She was the winner of the European Model 2012 that same evening. Other models who were first time EctoMorph representatives were: Ella Kros, Ellegy Ellem, Milla Vie,Noise Noire, Señorita Pepita, Yolinda Vixen, Aurore Petite Sukub, Psylocke and Ramsesa Eros. And all had their outfits beautifully shot by jacco ( cojac-photography.com)as seen below:

Shot some new styles in an abandoned factory in suburban north London on a crisp Autumn day with two lovely red-headed girls. one with a slight resemblance to Mary Portas Queen of Shops. Both were delightful and showed off the new lines beautifully. A new pale blue trench coat worn over the classic EctoMorph high waisted pants superbly modelled by Sara Scarlet whose legs seemed to go on forever. Sophia St. Villier looked amazing in the red Riding Jacket and pink Skating dress. Another vintage session in a remarkable London Location.

Received this lovely photo from a couple who finally replaced an EctoMorph jacket after 10 years. A testament to EctoMorph"s durability and quality!

Shot some new and revamped latex clothes in a run down old factory which provided a great contrast to the polished latex. We used two redheads with very different looks to show off the versatility of latex.





Model: Sara Scarlet Photo: Darren Birkin

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Cynth took a trip to Soho dressed in latex to gauge the reaction of passers-by. Few seemed perturbed by her appearance. Many enjoyed her visual display.

Another two little images put together in Mendoza's studio using a very versatile model Raynor Terror.

Darren Birkin, Stephanie and myself used the Houses of Parliament, the River Thames and the Lloyds building as a backdrop for my business inspired suit. It was a freezing cold day , but with all location shots one takes a chance and hope that the weather will be on our side. Stephanie was fantastic and didn't complain at all. She was stealthily photographed by tourists and stood in a corridor of wind whilst Darren photographed her in two locations fabulous London Landmarks.
www.darrenbirkin.com

Mike recently ordered a safari suit in sand coloured latex to wear on his holiday in Egypt. The outfit looked great. It was made with the matt side out and according to him" the only way to keep cool was to take loads of water and get soaked about every 5 minutes !....................

"I also wore the sand trousers all round the city on 2 separate occasions... and the black thin ones to a top restaurant for a very expensive evening meal. The thin black pants look EXACTLY like classic Armani silk pants, which we saw and photographed on a model in the Emporio Armani shop in Caesars palace .
So yes, more reserved blokes can definitely wear reverse rubber anywhere."

I thought it was very brave of him to wear latex in the blazing heat...........

A shoot has just been published in the online magazine sublimerush of Amy"Synth" who made the radical decision to shave her head. We met through a mutual friend and she decided to borrow some clothes for a shoot she did themed with balloons because of their use of very fine latex. Amy is still studying.

A new direction for Ectomorph is to use unconventional models, novices and girls who are a little larger than the standard size 10. Hope you like them.

The first was shot by Jac Depczyk using two really fun goth-looking girls from Toulouse, Bloody and Lili who were very dynamic to work with. They had their own circus inspired costumes which were shot in conjunction with EctoMorph outfits in a studio setting. Neither had worn latex before and were amazed at the transformative effect on their body image by wearing the stuff! But i hear they are too shy to put the images on their Facebook pages!

Recently Krystina went to Sunny Surbiton to do a shoot of new garments with Mark Perry whose idea it was to shoot an american model Deanne along with make-up artist Leanne in a fabulous dilapidated house that acted as the perfect backdrop for spanking new rubber clothes freshly polished in a dank, dirty, dark abandoned formerly palatial mansion. It was freezing inside for
poor Deanne and as all rubber wearers will know latex accentuates the temperature of the ambient setting. She was a great sport, shivering between takes!

Grant took some fantastic shots of Belinda Anthony, Eileen Daly and Sue scadding in a studio in Essex using a beautiful female lion. Jules of Ghoulia's Peculiars provided some of her magical wigs and Mark Benson set the scene with his excellent lighting.

Roxy looking spectacular wearing a new Ectomorph creation that was a suggested design. It was a great evening on HMS President where the river Thames provided the perfect backdrop for images. Roxy is a long-standing Ectomorph subscriber who has lots of ideas about clothing and a particular penchant for clothing made from shower curtains.

photo by Tony Betts

A last minute change of location from London Landmarks to a fabulous indoor location turned what could have been a disastrous scenario into a positive outcome. The model at the 10th hour decided it was too cold to shoot outside in latex and so an indoor location, other than a studio, had to be found. A house in central London provided the perfect backdrop for the new pastel shaded Ectomorph designs plus one MUST HAVE black tutu. Where would latex be without our little black numbers?

Shots by Grant Ibtasama Maasruuq. Model June October. Hair & Make-up : Goshka. Lighting Mark Benson.

Juliette October borrowed some Ectomorph clothes and came back with a great portfolio of shots by Mendoza.

Sharuzen shot some EctoMorph clothing wearing the clothes herself. She is a tattoo artist by profession but also an excellent photographer and model with the most amazing Rapunzel-length hair.

Keital Shot a Bond -Style Scenario with Anita De_bausch and Gemini Rayne. The scenario has retro overtones , it was shot on a thirties set with the girls having great fun sending-up the whole idea of a kidnap and hold-up .

Mach2 celebrated their 15th Anniversary weekend at Horwood House in Buckinghamshire in a beautiful house and location, the perfect setting for a fetish fashion event that included a dinner and dance, mask parade and fashion show. The fashion show was splendidly graced by models and members who showed off my new designs in their customary idiosyncratic fashion. Boundaries were extended this year by a competition for the best mask. There was also the sneaky wearing of elevated heels by a few male members another extension of the dress codes which in previous years was frowned upon!

The event was magnificently captured by Keital who has now been appointed Chairman as well as Magazine editor,just as well he is retired!

A satisfied customer Vampire Kitty sent me some lovely pictures of her having fun at various nightclubs wearing EctoMorph in her own inimitable way.

pic by Janfetishclubpix2011
post production Rachel May

photo JanFetishclubpix2011

pic by Janfetishclubpix2011 post production Rachel May Model Dirtydollbaby

Grant Davis professionally known as Grant - Ibtasama Masruuq meaning stolen smile is the preferred name that he goes under when publishing his photographs. His work is informed by a anti-conformist rebellious streak developed in childhood and early adult life,  as a result of personal experiences. It is in opposition to him becoming a photographer that he brings out in his latex inspired work. There are many biblical references, characters like Eve the fallen one and the Scarlet Whore of Babylon. All the sessions start as an idea with specific references and they are then visualised. For instance the white latex bridal picture had gun references, a play on the shotgun wedding. They were part of a series of images that he is developing for an exhibition that will have latex /fetish themes. He likes using strong images of women, with what he feels is a seductive look,  and so has a perfect affinity with the fetish world.
For me he is a perfect working companion because he likes to use "conventional" garments like the wedding dress whose conformism is inverted by the fact that they are made in latex and photographed in a quirky way. My clients are a lot of people who like to wear their latex in the privacy of their own home and therefore may have loosish clothes like shirts, track suits , catsuits , dressing gowns, for men and swishy long dresses and fifties dirndl skirts for women as well as the fashion range. I also sell to a lot of women who are not standard size 10 and they get put off by the skinny model that dominates in fetish related images. I have started using a lot of unconventional models to bring an element of "street" and "individual" to the fetish woman. What was so fantastic for me about Rayna Terror apart from her being so beautiful is the fact that she has a fuller figure and is not 6ft tall. Fashion , in general, needs to be more aware of 'real' people , the people that actually buy the clothes rather than idealized types.

Planned a shoot in a public park in August with Mark Perry and Sharuzen. Sharuzen is a Slovakian model, who also works as a Tatooist and photographer. She has the most amazing Rapunzel-like long hair which looks stunning in photographs. And being a photographer too needs no direction, she is a natural!
Rain was predicted and it pored but this added to the drama of the photographs that was so well captured by Mark. Unfortunately our time there was curtailed by the head honcho who objected to our presence as we did not have permission and had not paid to use this public place. It seems no one can use our public spaces anymore without paying vast sums. But i hope you agree what we captured was worth the trouble we got into. We then finished the shoot in another location without being evicted but that was more luck than plan.The shoot launched my new pinstripe styles.

Shot mainly in Jac's studio, but also managed to squeeze in some great outdoor shots outside a Church door in Islington. Magda loved wearing the clothes. so much she took one of the outfits home with her to Paris. Magda travels all over the world modeling often to her native country Spain.