Written By,
Miss Luna LoveLee, Director of Cultural Performance
Hollywoodland News
On July 17 the pillars of the California pinup and burlesque scene assembled at St. Felix, a beloved fixture in the Hollywood nightlife scene, for a grand celebration that still felt like an intimate gathering and it was all to celebrate the new Susana Vestige book. Tucked into a corner of the venue, DJs Devil One, Madame X and Boppin Beppo kept the vibe alive all night, spinning vintage vinyl that perfectly complemented the event’s retro glamour.
At the center of the room, artist McBiff held court with a display of his signature MOD-style art and glassware. A towering poster of pinup megababe Sabina Kelley, his striking collaborator for their Tattoo Barbie piece, was the crown jewel of the display. Both McBiff and Kelley were on hand signing artwork and chatting with attendees throughout the night.
Susana Vestige Book Is a Love Letter to pinup Photography
At the back of the room stood the true star of the evening: a stunning display of a new Susana Vestige book. In an era dominated by digital media, releasing a physical publication might seem like a gamble, but this was anything but. Published by Wonk Press Books, the first run completely sold out, proving that timeless glamour and tangible art still hold powerful sway.
The book is the culmination of Susana’s two-decade journey in pinup photography. Yes, you read that right: twenty years. She began her career at just 15 years old and with heartfelt humbleness she credits the early talents who believed in her vision, even during the days when she had no car, no license and only her passion to guide her. Those early years laid the foundation for the iconic work celebrated in this book. She lovingly refers to these first models as her muses and it’s clear how grateful she is to these pioneers of modern pinup who took a chance on her and helped shape her artistic voice from the very beginning.
Why Models Trust Susana’s Vision
One thing to know about pinup models: they have high standards when it comes to photography. Representing your personal brand is everything, so the fact that well-established icons trusted Susana from the very beginning speaks volumes about her talent. From the start she had a rare gift for capturing models exactly as they wanted to be seen—empowered, radiant and unforgettable.
One of my favorite moments of the night came during a conversation with Susana, when she told Hollywoodland News exclusively what moment first made her stop and think, “Wow, this is really something special.” Without missing a beat she smiled and said, “I feel that way about every photoshoot.” That genuine passion has always been there. Some of her earliest collaborators include Bernie Dexter, Sabina Kelley and Masuimi Max—true hall-of-famers in the world of pinup.
Rewriting What Pinup Looks Like
This world, especially in decades past, hasn’t always been known for its diversity. But you’d never know that flipping through the pages of Susana’s book. It’s a vibrant celebration of beauty in all its forms, featuring models of all body types, ethnicities and gender identities. Every page feels like a love letter to representation and proof that glamour knows no single mold.
When asked how she ensures such rich diversity in her work, Susana shared that travel is key to her process. She makes a point to bring her photography to people who might not have easy access to the glitz and glam scenes of California. As a woman of color herself, she’s intentional about creating space for all flavors of beauty and making it her prerogative to highlight models of every background, identity and shape. It’s not just about aesthetics and it shows in the Susana Vestige Book. It’s about access, representation and rewriting the visual language of pinup.
Dressed to the Nines With Personality to Match
In the time we had to chat, Susana was repeatedly approached by admirers eager to offer their congratulations on the success of her book.
Speaking of admirers, let’s talk about the guests. In a city where sweatpants can pass for fine dining attire, this crowd was a major exception. Everyone was dressed to the nines for the Susana Vestige book release party but with their own personal flair. St. Felix was a vibrant mix of style: vintage formalwear, eye-catching tiki two-pieces, high-glam drag, retro-inspired ensembles and avant-garde looks that could’ve strutted straight off a runway.
The crowd wasn’t just beautiful. They were each uniquely themselves—a reflection of the diversity and flavor of Susana’s muses featured in the book. Susana herself wore a luxurious black gown dress from her collaboration with Elle Rebel.
Collaboration at the Core of Every Shoot
Speaking with several of Susana’s models, one thing stood out across every conversation—they’ve all been working with her for years. Each one emphasized the same core value: collaboration. As a small player in the community myself, I’ve experienced shoots where the photographer’s vision completely overshadowed my own, leaving little room for personal expression. But with Susana, the process is different. She makes space for her models’ identities to shine through and turns each shoot into a true creative partnership. It’s no wonder so many stunning talents return to work with her again and again.
Burlesque legend Vanessa Burgundy, a longtime collaborator of Susana’s, is featured in the book alongside fellow showgirl Mila Molinari in a perfectly pink spread.
Vanessa shared how the iconic photos came to life—not through meticulous planning, but through a spark of spontaneous collaboration. She noticed that all models booked for the location had coordinating outfits and what began as a solo shoot quickly transformed into a vibrant group session. The results were pure magic and a testament to the creative energy Susana brings to every set.
The Artists Behind the Scenes and in the Spotlight
Self-proclaimed flower witch and Susana’s best friend, Nathaly Aguilera, originally reached out through her business, La Casa De Flores, known for its breathtaking floral headpieces. What started as a creative partnership quickly bloomed into a lasting bond. Not only did Nathaly’s creations become a staple in Susana’s shoots, but she also appears multiple times in the book as a model. That night she wore a gold orchid piece that took my breath away (and definitely had me mentally adding one to my wishlist).
A touching detail: during the uncertain times of the pandemic, Susana and Nathaly were a lifeline for each other. It’s a beautiful reminder that art doesn’t just create images—it creates community.
Speaking of hair, stylist supreme Lizette Garza has been collaborating with Susana for over a decade. Through her business, Silver Screen Vanity, Lizette is known for crafting stunning vintage glam hairstyles that elevate every image. Her work graces countless photos throughout the book—a testament to her skill and long-standing partnership with Susana. Lizette shared how much she values the trust Susana places in her to care for her clients and bring each look to life with confidence. And in Susana’s world, the artist often becomes the art—Lizette herself is featured in the book as a model. Susana even included an excerpt honoring their creative relationship.
Frankie Fictitious Closes the Night With a Bang
Based on opposite ends of California, burlesque celebrity Frankie Fictitious first connected with Susana through Instagram. That digital spark turned into years of collaboration. Frankie was an undeniable highlight of the release party, signing copy after copy of the book for excited fans. As if that weren’t enough, she brought the house down with a jaw-dropping performance of her signature red western burlesque act. Frankie had the whole room hooting and hollering with her trademark floorwork—a perfect finale to an already glamorous evening.
Two Decades of Glamour and Still the Susana Vestige Book isJust the Beginning
The evening was made even more memorable by the presence of several of Susana’s featured models, who generously signed books and delighted fans all night long. Among them were cover girl Doris Mayday, Miss Miranda, Mila Molinari, Love Bailey and so many more—each adding their own sparkle to the celebration and making the night unforgettable.
Throughout the event I spoke with many of these models and the pride they shared in their partnership with Susana was undeniable. Hearing these icons—who are usually the ones being admired—speak so openly and affectionately about her was a true testament to Susana’s impact. Not just as a photographer, but as a friend and creative force.
This stunning retrospective marks 20 years of her artistry and the Susana Vestige Book deserves a place in every vintage culture enthusiast’s library. And if this is what the first 20 years look like, I can only imagine the brilliance still to come.
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