Nadya Does Mer

Not like that, you perverts (though, I admit, she is my type). But here’s a photo I took of my beautiful Coilhouse co-editor Meredith Yayanos, which I’ve been dying to post for quite some time. We did this shoot back in December, and it was pretty much my only big shoot of 2008. We did two looks that day, light and dark. Above is Angelic Mer, but there’s also the more sinister Rocky Horror-meets-Caligari Mer (“Mergenta Mernau”), which you may have seen before on my site, her Flickr or via Warren Ellis (drink up, bitches!). Note the necklace in this picture; Mer made it herself out of keys that she’s been collecting all her life (here it is, up close). Mer did her own makeup, the hair here was done by the inimitable Holly Jones – who also did the styling for our Issue 02 cover – and the ruffalicious garment was styled by Mildred.

Mer is a total chameleon. I’ve done a lot of shoots in my life, and it’s hard even for me to believe that these two pictures of the same person were done literally within an hour of each other:

There will probably be more from the white set on Mer’s Flickr on the days to come. Stay tuned!

25 Responses to “Nadya Does Mer”

  1. Vivacious G Says:

    Absolutely beautiful gorgeous work as always, Nadya! And that hair – so amazing.

  2. Andrew Says:

    These pictures basically made my day. So beautiful. Thank you so much!

  3. Mark Says:

    Bravo, guys. You’re all ace whichever side of the camera you’re beavering away on. A++ people, would buy again etc. ;)

  4. Tanya Says:

    Gah!! She looks amazing in that first one! I mean, she looks great in both – good job, you!!!! – but the 1st one is my favorite. I like that light look.

    Gorgeous photos, Nadya! Can’t wait to see more Mer.

  5. Kale Kip Says:

    That necklace looks absolutely lovely. Never thought of keys that way, but it makes a lot of sense. Must be really heavy to wear, though.

  6. Jessica Says:

    GORGEOUS!!! Stunning work Nadya (stunning face, Mer!)
    I must say, I am SO loving your recent work…more please…MORE!!! xoxo!

  7. foxtongue Says:

    Eee! Finally! I’ve been waiting to see what else you’d done to darling Mer, ever since that first glorious image.

  8. choklit Says:

    Absolutely floored, by all of it – brilliant styling, incredible photography, breathtaking Mer… MOAR! And damn if that isn’t the neck ruff to end all neck ruffs!

  9. What's in a name anyways? Says:

    I get a Guinevere/Fata Morgana vibe from the photos cool stuff. Ahem… “MEOW MEOW PRETTY DRESS MEOW MEOW.” – Henrietta Pussycat. (Mr Roger’s)

  10. Shay Says:

    Holy wow PRETTY!

  11. Paul Komoda Says:

    Simply exquisite!

  12. Mer Says:

    Waaaauuugh!

    *blush blush blush*

    Lev, you steenker! (She didn’t tell me she was going to do this.)

    I ruv you. Thank you. You are a soopergenius.

  13. bunny Says:

    SUCH a pretty lady!! (she never will see it but I just keep tellin her) GORGEOUS PHOTO!!!!

  14. Tequila Says:

    Ah, so pretty pretty!

    Great shots…all involved do beautiful work and it’s quite the joy to see it all come together like this.

    But the question must be asked…were are the outtakes with Mer making funny faces?:P

  15. whittles Says:

    Good lord! That first picture was stunning enough. Mere, you really are a loverly lady.
    I just love it.

  16. Luai_lashire Says:

    Hooray for fellow key lovers! Though I can’t say my collection is nearly as impressive as Mer’s, I’m proud to say I also wear mine as accessories (and have for years)! I have them tied in my shoelaces, for everday wear, and some days when I have time on my hands I also tie them in my hair. I had them in my hair the first time I met my boyfriend/handfasted husband, and the sight made a pretty big impact on him.
    It takes most people around a month to notice the ones in my shoes, though. A much more subtle accessory.

    I’ve been hoping to find a nice pair of similar sized small keys to make earrings out of, but I hadn’t thought of a necklace. I’ll probably start toying with that idea now….. :)

  17. Glossolalia Black Says:

    My goodness, you look like a beautiful flower!

  18. David Forbes Says:

    Mer, you’re stunning! Great work, Nadya.

  19. Jerem Morrow Says:

    Everything they already said and more.

  20. R. Says:

    That is beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.

  21. Angeliska Says:

    Sigh. These are so heartbreakingly beautiful.
    The light one just slays me- Mer is so stunning.
    Truly one of the most photogenic creatures I have ever known.
    Dreamyville ultraruff, too.

  22. Jon Munger Says:

    Mer, you are a secret ninja, capable of changing costume and becoming another creature entirely. Like a vampire, or a little kitty cat.

    Yes, Nadya, that last one was a suggestion. Cat ears for all, yes?

  23. Seth Says:

    Magnitude 8.0 on the Schwing Scale. (Kinda like the Richter Scale, though twisted to more perverse ends.) Gives us fanboys hope that we may someday actually MEET an absinthe-drinking, corset-wearing, cannibal queen of our own. If not for those pesky restraining orders. *wink wink nudge nudge*

  24. Zoetica Says:

    You made magic together. I adore both of these! MEGARUFFLES.

    Or should it be MGRFLZ??

  25. James Shearhart Says:

    Well done! Those so need to be put onna wall somewhere. Say, how about a Limited Edition Coilhouse Editor Portrait offering for Teh Shop?