Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Inspiration: Vampira

I first discovered the glamorously ghoulish beauty that is Vampira through Tim Burton's incredible biopic Ed Wood, an inspiring tribute to the Worst Director of All Time.  Vampira stole every scene the way only a vampy vixen can and I had to know more about the character.




This siren made a name for herself by slinking across television screens as a late night horror movie hostess on The Vampira Show.  Her waspy waist, eyebrows that exist nowhere in nature, and fingernails more resembling claws were just three of her trademarks.  At the beginning of every show Vampira would sulk toward the camera, let out a bloodcurdling scream, then seductively purr "Screaming relaxes me so!"

She provided sarcastic and double entendre commentary on the films, talked to her pet spider, sipped cocktails from her Poison bar, and encouraged viewers to write her for "epitaphs instead of autographs."  Vampira was all at once witty, spooky, and glamorous, and the audience loved her for it!  In the middle of America's conservative and uptight 1950s, the vamp was a hit.  




Feeling a little glamour ghoulish yourself?  Here are a few modern day beauty essentials to vamp up your vanity.
vampira beautyNARS Trio Eye Shadow, $45
For smoky, beguiling, glittering eyes in vampy colors
Too Faced Close-Up Coverage Foundation, $36: 

Flawless smooth skin in a gorgeous bottle
Hourglass Onyx Film Noir Lash Lacquer, $24: 

To emphasize your long, spidery lashes and accentuate and define your dark eyebrows
NARS Cruella Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, $24: 

Blood red lip crayon inspired by another iconic villainess
Bvlgari Jasmin Noir Eau De Parfum, $98: 

What's a vamp vixen without a seductive scent?
Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser, $28

Requisite black and strong enough to dissolve your stage makeup
Chinoise Nail Polish by Rescue Beauty, $18

For glorious blood red talons
Shahnaz Husain Shaeyes Herbal Kohl, $5.98

Line your eyes with cosmetics the ancient Egyptians used...spooky





















Maila Nurmi, the woman who created and acted as Vampira herself, explains her inspirations in molding this iconic femme fatale.  Theda Bara, Snow White's Evil Queen, and Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard were all influences.  Maila also explains her theory on Vampira's appeal and how such a scandalous character thrived in the conservative climate of 1950s America.  This interview is a treasure!

1 comment:

  1. Awesome post lady!!! LOVE her too! Man, I wish I could rock that look....ha

    xo

    ReplyDelete