Here’s why: Raquel’s book is a compilation of drawings she made when she was 11 years old (that would be in 1991, young thangs). They’re drawn out on that familiar blue and white paper, and inked in ballpoint and colorful marker. There’s four on a page, and the book is substantial. This was obviously something Raquel labored over for a long time when she was younger. She was devoted to a vision!
I was immediately taken with the fact that Raquel’s “models” looked so fantastically uber-femme: busty, big lips, moles, and huge hair. They were clad in clothing that looked like it would be just at home on ladies right now. She even had themes to go along with each set of outfits!
I made sure I procured Raquel’s contact information that evening, and then promptly emailed her the next day. I didn’t know why, or how, or what we would do, but I knew we needed to work on something together relating to her amazing book.
We decided to do a photo shoot based on Raquel’s drawings. Raquel selected items from her our wardrobe to mimic three of her “models”: Lisa, Angelina, and Roxy. She also put together her hair and makeup, based on the looks of her girls. Here’s what we came up with!
Lisa’s look:
Lisa is casual. She sports overalls and a flirty, fluttery top, paired with a scarf around her hair.
Angelina’s look:
A sleek black top, hand painted, colorful skirt, and high heeled boots. Sha-zam! Don’t forget the sassy bow perched in the hair!
And finally, Roxy’s look:
Of course, Roxy is a rock’n'roll girl! Concert shirt, little jean cut offs, rocker tights, and those high heeled boots again. Sling back some badass attitude and she’s ready to go!
And here’s a little extra: a q and a with incredible fashion oracle, Raquel Rodriguez!
Who/ what were your fashion influences at age 11?
My biggest beauty influences at the time were probably the women in my family and community. There were so many gorgeous women around, aided of course by perms, Aqua Net and Maybelline. But I knew that they were devastatingly beautiful and daring with or without makeup. And they were probably influenced by the Fly Girls from In Living Color, Paula Abdul and Janet Jackson. Pop and R&B music videos were big influences. I was also into the show Style with Elsa Klensch on the weekends, so I did soak up some high fashion influences. That was where I learned about Adrienne Vittadini, Claude Montana and Giorgio Armani.
The motivation for the initial book of drawings 20 years ago was just…obsession! Obsession with glamor, a burning passion and love for fashion. I mean, I was obsessed with fashion, just on my own – I don’t remember there being a lot of issues of VOGUE or Bazaar lying around ever. I was lucky enough to often visit someone who had cable and that’s where I watched Style with Elsa Klensch. Otherwise, who knows what would have become of me! Obsession with one day being a woman like all of those that I saw on TV and in real life. I wanted to absorb all of their positive traits and beauty as my own. I consider the book an homage to all of these women.
Can you tell us how you came to decide to turn your drawings into a book? Who is your audience?
…….
Thank you so much, Raquel! You’re a gem.
For inquiries or information on obtaining a copy of Raquel’s book, email her at artfoxrox@yahoo.com. She’ll also have an Etsy store up soon, called Imnotyourpuppet.
