Anyone catch the lastest video from Danny Fernandes called “Automatic”? I like the song, like the video but I especially like the bodycages (body cages) in it. Yup! The hot dancers are wearing bodycages. Check it out:
Bodycages on backup dancers in Danny Fernandes “Automatic” video
For this particular shoot, it was a collaboration with Sonia Photography from Kelowna, BC and a beautiful model named Exotic Vixen, based out of Vancouver, BC. The outfit that Vixen is wearing is made from “wetlook” Spandex. The flame details are in silver and encircle the bottom of the bell sleeves and the bottom of the bell on the sheer jacket. The bodycage (body cage) style is called “Zena”.
Many of my costume designs are done in a non-conventional way in that they have components to them that allow a slow reveal of the body underneath. In this particular costume, there is an outer sheer bell coat with fitted sleeves. Underneath that there is a top that laces up the back and a skirt. Below that there is a padded bra with under-wire and a t-bar with side clasps. Next, there is a choker with sleeves attached (another signature of mine). The sleeves have an open “cage” area in the bicep area that then attaches to a tapered bell. This particular outfit has a Gothic appeal to it.
So, here are the results from this photo shoot. I hope you like them! Feel free to post a comment.
Bodycage and flame detail custom costume
If you are looking to order something for Christmas, the deadline is Dec. 15th. I am filling orders right now in 3-5 days and it can take up to 3 days to ship across Canada. So, order early to guarantee you can get your order in time. Of course, if my time fills up quickly, I may have to move the deadline up. I’ll only commit to the orders that I know I can certainly fill. I wish I had an army of seamstresses but it’s a one woman show right now. Maybe Santa will lend me some elves? 
Happy holidays! All the best to you for 2011.
I get asked sometimes about how I can custom fit these garments without ever meeting the person. When I create a design, I also create templates in various “standard sizes”. We all know that we are not all “standard”. From there I develop a formula to resize the garment to accommodate different body types (ie. different measurements). I don’t put a design “out there” until I know that I have secured this formula. The stretch factor of the fabric also has to be considered. It can get fairly complicated but I’ve had a few years to perfect it.
So, I’ll post the measurement guide that I usually send out. There are other measurements that I will need if you want an outfit but these are the basics for the bodycages (body cages).
Measurements Needed For Custom Fitted Bodycages.
I have long been a member of the Naked Truth forum/community. The membership there has been a wonderful support for me, not only when I was a performer but when I retired from the business 6 years ago. So, thanks to the TNT community! 10% off for all members over there. I have posted the discount code in the forum for my Etsy store, you just have to go get it. Say hi while you’re there.
Currently I am selling my bodycages (body cages) on Etsy and by private referrals. I have always wanted to test the Etsy market so I finally added some items to my store. I added 12 bodycages (body cages). You can view them at Etsy here.
The year was 1996…
The summer was hot and I was working at Slack Alice’s in Penticton. I had some elastic (lots of elastic actually), some grommets, a pair of scissors, a hammer, and a block of wood. I worked on the roof-top patio all week, hammering away until I had come up with a full 2-piece bodycage (body cage). The torso was one piece and then the legs had suspenders that came from the middle of the back and around the front of my shoulders to fasten behind my neck. I wore it for the first time during my very last show of the week. I had troubles getting out of it and had to go into the shower with it on (I was encored). The guys didn’t care, it was a huge hit. From that experience though, I learned that I had to find a better way to make them (my hands were killing me from bruises and blisters), the edges of the elastics were all frayed (from wearing it once) and it needed to be MUCH easier (and more graceful) to get off. Back to the drawing board I went.
Over the years, I made a bodycage (body cage) to match all of my costumes and it became a signature thing for me for 9+ years while I danced on stage. The response from agents, clubs, customers and other dancers was HUGE. I kept them exclusive for many years, while perfecting the styles, before I slowly started making them for my closest friends and family. The demand for them grew. That’s how my little “business” got started.
My first bodycage design.
EDITED: as per requested, I added a larger pic.
