With a mammoth site of kinky photography and appearances at fetish events from coast to coast, RubberDoll is unquestionably a doll with style. Her exotic beauty and the fun, anything-goes attitude of her work makes her a fetish model of distinction.
After waking up with perfect hair and outrageous make-up, RubberDoll took a break from doing her daily chores to speak to Eros Zine -- though we kept getting distracted by her tight rubber outfit and eight-inch heels.
Eros Zine: First, where are you from and where do you live now? Is there a fetish community where you live, or do you find yourself travelling to be able to enjoy such a community?
RubberDoll: I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. My parents are from Cuba, so the section of Miami that I grew up in is an area known as "Little Havana". It is almost entirely made up of people with Hispanic backgrounds. Growing up there was a very interesting experience in that I was exposed to both Latin and American cultures simultaneously. At home, I would speak Spanish and enjoy traditional Latin culture. But when I would go to school and hang out with friends, we spoke English and did regular American activities like going to the mall and the movies. I think being exposed to that kind of diversity so early in life has helped me to be a more open-minded person. A few years ago, I moved out of that area and I now live a little further north, near Fort Lauderdale. Where I live now is less hectic and a lot more Americanized, but I really enjoy it here and wouldn't want to live anywhere else (well...except during hurricane season).
One of the best things about living in South Florida is that
there is a very active fetish community here. I have traveled
to a number of other major cities throughout the US and I have
come across very few places with the same level of interest
in fetish as I have found right here at home. I don't know if
it's something in the water or maybe just the hot weather that
gets people so pervy, but I've definitely noticed a difference.
A lot of the scene is centered around the Fetish
Factory, which is a retail store that also hosts one of
the longest running monthly fetish events in the country. So,
even when I'm right here at home, I never have a problem finding
places to get rubbered up and party at.
Eros Zine: You write quite eloquently on your site about how you first discovered your interest in fetishwear through the goth community. Are you still involved with that community?
RubberDoll: When I was still in high school, I got very involved in the goth scene. I would go out with friends every weekend, sneak into the goth clubs that were popping up on south beach and then dance the night away. I really loved the music and the dark atmosphere, but most of all it was the clothing and style that drew me to the scene. This was before every mall had a Hot Topic with ready-made goth girl outfits, so every week I would make the rounds and hit all the thrift stores in search of dresses. Then I would go home and spend hours altering them until they were just right.
As I got a little older, a lot of my friends started attending the fetish clubs that were starting to become more popular. I decided to go along and check them out and once I did I was instantly hooked. I found that the fetish scene had the same dark feel as the goth scene but with much more sexuality involved. That was really powerful to me and I knew I wanted to be part of it. Of course, the fashion aspect of the fetish scene also really drew me in. I was totally blown away by the latex clothing that people were wearing. The way it clung so tightly to the skin and the super-shiny finish that it had when it was polished looked sexier than anything I had ever seen. So, I switched my routine from hunting for goth dresses in thrift stores to saving my pennies for rubber.
It's really hard to say how much I'm still involved in the goth community because the goth and fetish scenes have seemed to merge so much in the past few years. At least in my area, the two scenes are kind of hard to separate at this point. When I got to fetish clubs, the DJs spin goth/industrial music and you see a lot of gothic-inspired styles, especially with the hair and make-up. And by the same token, in the goth clubs you also see a lot of styles inspired by fetish themes.
So, I really try not to say I'm more part of one scene as opposed to another. I think that it's a totally natural progression. Both goth and fetish invovle a similar aesthetic that is rooted in the darker side of things, so why not mix them up a little. I think that putting up boundaries only limits your ability to express who you are, so why not put a little goth in with your fetish and vice versa? The whole thing is about having fun and being creative so the less boundaries there are, the better the result.
Eros Zine: Some of your photo shoots have dark, gothic, horror or sci-fi themes. Do you enjoy such things in your private life? Do you read or watch science fiction, horror, fantasy? If so, what are some of the works from which you draw inspiration?
RubberDoll: I currently operate two websites where I exclusively produce almost all of the content myself, so I am constantly searching for new themes for shoots. I really pride myself on not just repeating the same old thing over and over again, so I try to draw inspiration from as many sources as I can. Of course, a lot of them are based in the areas you mentioned because those lend themselves to fetish scenes, but I really can get inspiration from just about anywhere. A lot of times, it starts with something as simple as a certain chair that I want to include in a shoot, or a certain type of background that I notice in another photo, or a particular rubber garment that catches my eye. Then I will take time to work on building from that simple idea to create an entire scene.
Oddly enough, I don't really watch or read much horror or sci-fi for my own enjoyment. When it comes to mainstream movies, I tend to prefer comedies. And when it comes to TV, I love watching true-crime documentaries, home decorating shows, and animal planet. Most of my taste in movies and TV is pretty normal and, dare I say, vanilla. I guess I get my fill of "sick and twisted" entertainment from the fetish side of my life.
Eros Zine: What's your favorite thing about being a famous fetish model?
RubberDoll: Well, fetish modeling has quite a few things that I would classify as favorites. I get to travel to lots of unusual places and meet interesting people. I get to attend a lot of very wild parties and see things I've never even imagined. I get to wear clothes made by some extremely creative and talented designers. I get to do very naughty things to lots of sexy girls and boys. And I get to support myself doing something that I absolutely love.
But, if I had to narrow it down to the one thing that I enjoy the most about fetish modeling, it would have to be hearing from people who really enjoy seeing my work. I put a lot into trying to provide a quality experience to my viewers and when I get emails telling me how much someone appreciates a particular scene, or I meet someone at a party and then tell me that I inspired them to try something new, that is really what makes me feel the most rewarded.
Eros Zine: Do you enjoy appearing at fetish events? Do you plan to appear at more of them in the future? What are some of the upcoming events where we can expect to see you?
RubberDoll: Traveling to new cities to appear at fetish events is one of the most enjoyable parts of what I do. I really love visiting new places and going as part of a fetish event allows me to see a side of a particular place that most casual tourists would never experience. I also get a lot of satisfaction from putting together stage performances and participating in fashion shows, so I usually get to work some of that in too.
So far, I've mostly concentrated on events in the US, but I plan on branching out and doing more international stuff in the coming year. For instance, I recently got back from a week in Jamaica where I was a featured performer at Kink in the Caribbean, and I will soon be heading to Amsterdam for Absolute-Kink. In between, I may try to include Fetish Evolution in Germany or a return trip to San Francisco for the Fetish Ball, but I'm still working out the details on those. On the one hand, I'm so glad that there is such a huge variety of events to attend around the world. But the choices do get a little overwhelming after a while. It seems that every month there is another big party going on in some other corner of the globe and it does get tricky to figure out which ones to attend.
Eros Zine: Who takes the photographs on your site? Who are some of your favorite photographers to work with?
RubberDoll: Almost all of the photos on my site are shot by my boyfriend, RubberRuss. He does most of the webmaster chores and technical stuff on the websites as well. Back in 2000, shortly after we had hooked up, we started talking about doing a site together. At the time, I already had a little freebie site on Geocities and people were constantly bugging me to put new pictures up. Neither one of us knew the first thing about photography or web design, so we got a cheap digital camera and a copy of HTML For Dummies and launched our site. We've learned a lot through trial and error over the past five years and there are still new lessons every day, but I'm proud of how far we have come and I can't wait to continue the trip.
I really don't shoot with that many outside photographers for the main reason that I like to keep a lot of creative control over my shoots and I also like to keep them exclusive to my own sites. However, I have shot with a few others because I admire their work and trust their vision. Some that I have enjoyed working with include the late Bob Zak from GwenMedia and Ashley Fontenot, both of whom did a marvelous job.
Eros Zine: How about favorite clothing designers? Who do you think is doing really original, innovative work in the fetishwear field?
RubberDoll: Obviously, I'm a huge fan of latex clothing design and I am constantly checking to see what designers have new designs coming out. I've got a lot of favorites since there are so many people doing great stuff that its is hard to narrow it down. Torture Garden would definitely have to be on that list. They are really pushing the envelope on latex design and make pieces that are fun and fierce at the same time. And after having a chance to finally meet them at the Fetish Factory 10th Anniversary party last year, I was impressed with how down-to-earth and approachable they were too. I'm looking forward to wearing more of their clothing in the future.
I also really enjoy Absolute Danny's work. Her pieces are so well made and her use of non-traditional components, like feathers, really makes her stuff stand out. She is really doing very beautiful work. Then there is Marquis, with Peter Czernich's extra kinky designs. When I'm looking for something with a really pervy feel, that is where I head first. And of course, you can't forget a classic stand-by like DeMask, who always delivers top-notch rubber.
And the list goes on. I also really admire the work done by Inner Sanctum, House of Harlot, Polymorphe, Simon O, Syren, and so many others.
Eros Zine: One thing I love about your site is that you don't stick to the predictable black rubber or latex outfits -- you enjoy a variety of colors, styles and textures. Where do you get your outfits? Do you get them on loan from the manufacturers, or do you have to buy all those amazing items?
RubberDoll: It seems to me that the traditional all-black latex look has already been done to death by fetish artists and there isn't a whole lot left to do with it. Plus, with all the new colors and patterns that designers are coming out with, there is just so much more that can be done with rubber now. You aren't stuck with just a black catsuit and a gasmask anymore. So, if the options are there, why not take advantage of them? Don't get me wrong, there are still times where I love getting totally outfitted in shiny black latex and I love the way it looks, especially against a sterile white background. But I like to give my viewers variety and try to take rubber fetish in as many new directions as I can.
As for where I get my outfits, I guess the best answer would be "wherever I can get my hands on them". I do most of my purchasing online these days for the mere fact that the variety is so much better, but I also occasionally get pieces from retail outlets too. I spend hours every week hunting for latex on eBay and checking out all the designer's sites looking for the perfect pieces to complete my outfits.
I typically purchase all of my own outfits and don't get them on loan. The primary reason for this is that I don't just use the clothing for myself, but also use it on other models that I shoot for my ShinySluts.com website. So, I like to have a large collection at my disposal because you never know when you will need something. It isn't cheap and I end up pouring a lot of my budget back into clothes, but I think in the long run it pays off to have a nice collection that can be used over and over again.
Every once in awhile, I go through all my old stuff and auction off the pieces I no longer need. But then I always end up just buying more rubber with the money I make and before long my closet is just as full as it was when I started. I guess that's just the price I have to pay for being a rubber addict.
Eros Zine: What's your single favorite item of clothing that you own?
RubberDoll: Wow, that is a tough question. There are so many favorites to pick from and my tastes are always changing. If I had to pick one right now it would probably be my latest medical-themed outfit. It is made of white and red latex and is a combination of pieces from Torture Garden and Absolute Danny. I also had a custom pair of white and red dreadlocks made, which give my hair a totally different look than I've ever done before. The whole combination came out really great and I think it makes a really big visual impact. Sadly, white latex doesn't hold up too long without discoloring, so I'm trying to be extra-careful with this outfit to get as much life out of it as I can. But then again, rubber is just temporary clothing and its meant to be enjoyed while it lasts.
Eros Zine: From your site, I have this impression of you, as I'm sure many of your fans do, that you hang out around your house on an average day all done-up in latex, high heels, and makeup, and that you go to the grocery store wearing an anime-inspired catsuit or something. I hope you'll tell me it's true?
RubberDoll: Oh, it's 100% true. I wake up every morning with perfect hair and outrageous make-up. Then I do all of my daily chores while wearing tight rubber outfits and eight-inch heels.
But seriously, I don't want to burst anyone's bubble, but getting completed made up and dressed for my photo shoots is a pretty long process and its not one that anyone would want to do before heading to the grocery stores (although I'm sure the bag boys would appreciate it).
I have gone out in public all dressed up a number of times and most people are actually really cool about it. They are typically more curious than anything else and ask a lot of questions. One of my favorite times was when I was visiting LA and I went out on Hollywood Boulevard in the middle of the day wearing a black latex catsuit, a rubber corset, 7.5" platform boots, and my full hair and make-up. I think people thought I was part of the entertainment and that I was there pose for pictures with the tourists. A bunch came up and asked for a photo with me ... and then even tipped me afterwards! I thought it was hilarious.
Eros Zine: Following on the last question, do you ever get dressed up merely for your own pleasure, or is it always about the excitement of showing off? Do you dress up and go out with friends?
RubberDoll: Yes, I often get dressed for my own pleasure, but the excitement of showing off is usually involved in that too. If I'm not getting dressed up for a photo or video shoot, then I'm probably getting dressed to go out to a club or a party. A big part of the enjoyment for me is the exhibitionist thrill of shocking and impressing other people with my appearance. So, wearing the clothes for my own pleasure and wearing them to show off are usually one in the same.
Eros Zine: What plans do you have for the future? Any plans for further development of Rubberdoll.net? Any other projects you would like to let our readers know about?
I've got quite a bit planned for the future and I'm hoping to see a lot of new developments in the coming months. Of course, my primary project will remain RubberDoll.Net and I will continue to faithfully update the site with new photos and videos every week. I haven't missed a weekly update in 5 years, so I don't think there is any reason to start now. In the coming year I'll be focusing on making the site even more interactive, with features like a user forum (LatexNation.com), blog entries, and more frequent live webcam shows.
I also plan to continue working on the production end of things. My ShinySluts.Com website has been active for about a year and a half and is really shaping up nicely. That is the site where I showcase work that I produce featuring other models in latex. My boyfriend does the photography and I'm in charge of the styling for all the shoots. At first I was unsure how I would like being behind the camera, but I've really found it to be a wonderful creative outlet for me and I can't wait to transform more cute girls into shiny sluts!
And I'm also looking into launching my own line of DVDs this year. I've got tons of video footage that I've shot for both of my websites and I think it would be great to make some of that available on DVD for viewing at home. I'm currently in the process of putting that project together and will hopefully be unveiling it in the coming months.
Aside from that, I plan on enjoying the future of RubberDoll.Net as much as I've enjoyed the past. Which means more rubber, more kink, and more fun! What more could I ask for?
Eros Zine: Amen to that! As RubberDoll mentioned, our readers
can get more rubber, more kink, and more latex at RubberDoll.net.
• EROTICA / ZINE
