Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmin King, Trap Pin Up The Diamant Duchess.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’m known as Trap Pin Up The Diamant Duchess. I am an African-American Pin-Up model. I’m originally from Cleveland OH, but ended up in Atlanta. I grew up with heavy influences of classic rock, blues, and heavy metal, on top of having a deep unrelenting love for the Japanese culture, J-Rock and J-Pop, video games, and of course anime. All these thing, at the time of my teenage years, was unheard of for a African-American female to be interested in, let alone become a die-hard fan of. My father raised me under the principle “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” With these thing instilled in me, I became a very unique, well-rounded, intriguing individual. I’m lying. In the time of Club 112, apple bottom jean, and the early stages of trap music, I was and art geek, who played final fantasy, listened to Slipknot, and wore everything from Hot Topic. As I entered adulthood, I quickly learned that being goth out does not read well with the general public. And… BAM, I had an identity crisis. will seemly being on my period and trying to find something appropriate to wear for an night out, I broke down in tears from not feeling comfortable in my own skin. My husband saw me crying and ask a very simple but life changing question. “What do you want to dress like?” The 1st thing that popped into my mind was Carmen Jones played by Dorothy Dandridge. I told my husband this and said: “But you can’t find clothes like that.” I which he said, “I know a place.” Then, my husband took me to a vintage store and bought me my 1st circle skirt. And I have been in vintage and 1950 clothing and culture ever since.
Please tell us about your art.
Although I’m a traditionally trained painter, what I am most know for is my alter ego, Trap Pin Up The Diamant Duchess. I recreate 1920’s-1960’s fashion, make-up, and hairstyles. Most of this is done using vintage clothing, traditional make-up and hair styling methods. The reason I do this is to bring African-American women and women of colour to the forefront of this style of fashion and bring more inclusive culture into the Pin Up community. I want all women of colour not only to be comfortable in the own skin but to know that we are part of all fashions across all eras. And that no matter what, you should dress it what makes you feel beautiful. In working in this community, the most recognized face is Marilyn Monroe, but she is not the only one. There is an amazing spectrum of Pin Up figures and all you have to do is look for them.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing artists today?
One of the biggest challenges facing artists today is waking the fine line of art and being condemnable. When we as artist recorded or recreate the things we are affronted with throughout our daily lives, how do we send out our message without it being completely torn down? With more and more people becoming very reluctant to hearing out people with opinions that don’t coincide with their own, trying to get people to see the other side of things extremely hard. We have to keep creating a thing that opens up a different conversation while minding that there are people that don’t like what we are doing and will do anything to stop us for endorsing the change.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Follow me on Facebook The Diamant Duchess.
Instagram: @trappinup_duchess
Twitter: @trappinupduches
YouTube: Geeky life with Duchess
To show some support, subscribe to my YouTube.
Contact Info:
- Email: matsurika.aka@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trappinup_duchess/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDiamantDuchess/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/trappinupduches
Image Credit:
Tara Leavitt- Brooklyn Brat, Tori Rodriguez-Bettie Page Fitness, Lux Lumen
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
