The Velvet Hammer Burlesque: The Book

Al_Palooka · #1 (**permalink**) 09-14-2008, 10:55 AM

Ok, Michelle Carr's book "The Velvet Hammer Burlesque" is now in our household (Anniversary prezzie from my lovely Wife X).
We have many many books on Burlesque but this is without doubt the most superior OF THEM ALL!
Michelle created the (in my opinion) genre as it stands today, and I don't think anyone has even come close to creating the magic that happened at a Velvet Hammer show- This book is a fantastic and beautiful insight into the most famous/notorious Burlesque Club in the World, wonderful posed pin-up shots of the Original stars along with jaw-dropping backstage/live/candid shots and look closely at the costumes - These performers made all their costumes and they look a million dollars.
If you've seen the Velvet Hammer:the Movie then you know what I mean when I say their shows were something to aspire to, If ever We at the Candy Box get cranky we put the Movie on and it all becomes clear, We have hosted a few of the Velvet Hammer Stars at the CB : Dirty Martini, Kitten Deville, world famous *BOB* and have met most pictured in this fabulous book, We have even tried to get Michelle Carr aka Valentina Violette to come and perform for us - who knows?
Out of the hundreds of great photos in this book there is one that stands outa for me as the greatest Burlesque photo of all time - The equivelant to "The Clash" London calling Album cover - Its a side view of Valentina Violette on the Catwalk of the Velvet Hammer stage holding her corset open - This doesn't sound like much but you must see this pic, It sums up the whole genre - fantastic!
Buy it now!
By the way - If you haven't seen the Movie then shame on you.

Warren · #2 (**permalink**) 09-14-2008, 10:58 AM

I hang my head in shame - I will hunt down both the book and the movie right away Sir !!

Ive heard sooo much about the Velvet Hammer ....

x

Al_Palooka · #3 (**permalink**) 09-14-2008, 11:03 AM

Have a look on the Velvet Hammer movie-The Velvet Hammer Burlesque-a new documentary for more info on the movie. For anyone with any interest in how the 'new' burlesque resurged this is a must-see!!

tempest devyne · #4 (**permalink**) 09-14-2008, 11:06 AM

The Book is on my Christmas List (blimey I'm going to put Father Christmas's back out with everything I want) after I heard Lili Von Schtupp and Chris beyond extolling it's virtues and then finding it on the top shelf at Waterstones.....but I have to admit even though I've got it at the back of my head that I might have seen a trailer or clip of the film on youtube a while back, I haven't seen the film either.....forgive me....

(runs off to youtube to find out whether she dreamt this)

No here it is - Velvet Hammer Burlesque, it's in three parts on youtube - is this the same thing Al?

Warren · #5 (**permalink**) 09-14-2008, 11:55 AM

Hmmm ... Al, is the book pictures only?

No text?

Warren · #6 (**permalink**) 09-14-2008, 11:59 AM

I can find 4 parts on youtube ...

x

Cherry Bomb Rock · #7 (**permalink**) 09-14-2008, 06:21 PM

I leafed through this in Urban Outfitters yesterday, I've wanted a copy for ages but £30 is a lil out of my broke-as-broke current status! It's on the Christmas list....
Beautiful book tho

Al_Palooka · #8 (**permalink**) 09-14-2008, 10:44 PM

Hi just saw the clips on youtube, no these aren't the movie but great clips all the same, yes the book is a photo coffee table book x

Beatrix Von Bourbon · #9 (**permalink**) 09-15-2008, 11:57 AM

I saw this book when I was browsing a discounted range of pin-up art books in Denmark. It's just beautiful! I'll be getting myself a copy as soon as I have some spare pennies.