We hope you enjoy getting the know the wonderful @bettina!
How did you discover SuicideGirls? What inspired you to apply?
I discovered SuicideGirls first through the website MakeOutClub.com, anyone remember that thing? It was the earliest form of social media that I remember, way before Myspace or even Friendster, mostly punk kids talking about shows and showing off their cute style. I saw ads for SG featuring that iconic photo of Mary and I was so curious. Then I read an article about SG in Punk Planet, and got talking about it with friends. My friend @Tiamat wanted to submit to the site and encouraged me to as well. I took her pics and had someone take mine, and we both got accepted which was a big surprise to me, not having any tattoos.
What is the significance of your SG name?
My name is a tribute to my Great Auntie Bettie who was the type of lady to wear pants before women did that sort of thing and traveled the world, was a natural redhead, never had children and wore fabulous caftans and statement jewelry. She continues to be a big inspiration to me.
Which of your sets is your favorite and why?
I think my favourite set is Heist because I was really able to tell a story with it. I loved scouting the locations for it, and putting the vintage outfit together too. At the time I was still doing Coquette Faux Furriers, making cruelty-free vintage style accessories like the black faux fox stole I'm wearing at the start of the set, so it was great to be able to showcase that too.
If you could shoot with any current team photographer who would it be?
I would love to be able to shoot with @Sawa again, I really love the photos we've created together and she's cool as hell.
Who are some of your best friends in the SG community?
I've met so many amazing people through SG, and it's been such a long time that I sometimes forget where we've met, but @S5 and @Reagan really top the list. I've known them both since the first year I started, in 2003, and meeting them at the HBO RealSex shoot. @S5 and I connected right away as fellow vegans, and he introduced me to kombucha that weekend! @Reagan and I keep bumping into each other all over the world, and reconnected when I moved to New York, randomly seeing each other at a show one night, and then I ended up subletting her apartment when I was trying to get my Green Card (I got it, by the way). They have both helped me out so much in my career and I'm so glad I got to meet them here!
Coffee or tea?
Tea all the way, and never caffeinated if I can help it. My fave brand is earthsherbal.com, loose tea all the way!
What is your hidden talent?
I sew all my own burlesque costumes, even making my own vegan fans out of hair weave.
Of all the places you’ve traveled to, which is your favorite?
It would have to be Portugal, the whole country is so beautiful and the people are so in love with their homeland. One day I'd love to live there, probably in Lisbon.
Do you have any pets?
No pets, but I love to enjoy all my friends' dogs when I visit.
What’s your favorite movie of all time?
Swing Kids was such an important film to me growing up. It may be a bit cheesy in parts, but the story is an important one, and the dance sequences still get me going.
