Tell me a bit about yourself. Who is the girl under the makeup?
Well, I was born in Stockholm but raised in the middle of Sweden. I would say on the countryside where everyone knows everyone and I just couldn't wait to get away! I later fell in love with vintage clothing and girls like Bettie Page and slowly turned into the person I am today. I really enjoy spending time with my boyfriend and close friends and travel whenever I get the chance.

How long have you been a model?
Since 2005, it started as an interest of pinup girls and I pretty much wanted to try it myself. I was contacted by Elin Strigå (one of the founders of this agency) and she asked if I wanted to apply. At that point I've never done a professional photo shoot. So I tried it out with two photographers and I had so much fun and really liked the result! I later send in the images and I was in! For me modeling is a part of my lifestyle and what I enjoy in life. Why only look and adore the pretty pinup girls on the photos and painting when I can be the pinup in the pictures myself *smiles*

Is this something you always wanted to be when you grew up?
Well, a part of me. I always known I am to short for regular modeling and I'm not into mainstream fashion so I don't mind that, but I always loved performing and to be in the spotlight since I was a kid so modeling is quite natural to me. But I never planned to be a model or thought I actually would BE modeling, it just happened! I guess that even if I wasn't signed to an agency I would still be modeling just for fun!

What would you say is your personal style as a model?
Well, I hope no one really needs to ask *smiles* I'm a pinup girl at heart and I also love burlesque so that is my main focus. All photos shows a little part of me, what I like and my lifestyle. I enjoy do latex and fetish stuff too! It's fun and exciting!

If you can define alternative modeling, what does this mean to you and what do you think it means to the rest of the world?
For me it is quite basic: not following any rules by any means. That means model type, style of the shoot and editing in the end. Create images that are something extra and has an edge.

Do you have a favourite photographer to work with?
I loved working with Spooky Sally who runs Cherrymuffinstudios in Berlin, she knows exactly what she is doing and the result is always amazing. I dare to say that she is one of the best pinup photographers out there! I hope to do a shoot with her again!

Where do you get your clothes for your shoots? Is there a designer you'd really love to model for?
I usually buy stuff online or when I'm abroad. Oh so many! I LOVE Stop Staring, Vivien of Holloway, Pinup Couture, Velda Lauder, Versatile Fashions, What Katie Did and many many more, there are so many great designers out there and I'd work with them any day!

You have been working a lot lately. Tell us what you've been up to.
Well the most recent thing is modeling lovely hats by Van Asch. They are really something! And recently I did a thing for Naucler Design, but those shoots are not up yet so keep your eyes open. There been quite some interviews lately, recently with UK rockabilly magazine Milkcow, it's not published yet but I hope so see it in print soon!

If someone wants to get into modeling, what is your advice to them?
Try it it out and just have fun with it! Make sure that you are comfortable and just enjoy it. Modeling should not be about pressure and stress! Try out what styles and looks works best for you and practice practice practice!

What's been the most rewarding experience you've had since you began modeling?
I think it has made me more secure as a person and I've had so much fun while I been getting there. If you would have told me ten years ago I would be walking down a runway in Berlin wearing latex in front of loads of people I would have doubt it, or performing burlesque, that is another thing that I wouldn't have been expecting myself do. I might have wanted to but never got around to do it! Travels, meeting new people is something I really enjoy and modeling has given me a chance to do so!

What are your future plans?
More burlesque performances is definitely coming up, I also hope to work with some great designers!

What do you enjoy to do when you're not modeling?
I mostly hang out with my boyfriend since a bit more then one and a half year (Core model Iazt), meeting friends and just have a good time! I love travel and have been both to Egypt and USA this year, next month I'm leaving for Spain! I also love watching old movies, reading biography about stars of the golden era. Shopping, yes that happens to!

Any final words for your fans
Thank YOU! I appreciate all nice words and encouragement I really love hearing from you people!

Find out more about Tifa DeLeone by looking at her model or performer profile here at The Core.