Bodysuit

2016 - Design, Construction, and Hand Embellishment

Worn by: Ernie von Schmaltz
Photos: Rick Priest, Meneldor Photography

Elsa/Ernie Von Schmaltz is a veteran performer with two distinctly gendered personae - both Ernie and Elsa regularly appear among Seattle’s premiere burlesque emcees and performers. Ernie developed an epic reverse-strip act, and suddenly needed a more complete comedic male body illusion. 

The "skin-suit" is made from a breathable, high-performance sports mesh, with hand painted shading, realistic silicone nipples, and individually hand-knotted body hair. The interior structure has a soft sculptural lining of the same performance mesh, weighted with custom shaped panels filled hypoallergenic beads that provide a natural sense of movement.