Behind The Scenes: Heroine’s & Vixens Series


Text by Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

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Gina Iannece

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Gina would become the 23rd woman to be cast for the Heroine’s & Vixens series. Casting subjects for the series over the past few years has been decidedly  organic. One subject generally leads to the next when more of the work has gotten published on social media and the web. Gina initially contacted me via Instagram. At first, I thought the message she sent was spam so I didn’t respond to her request to model for me. As time went on I noticed her IG handle liking various photographs that I posted on my feed which moved me to take a second look at her earlier message. There were also some photos that accompanied the original message so I looked at them a little more carefully as well.  I observed that one of the photos that she sent was a picture of herself looking through Best of Erotica, a book I had published in Germany back in 2003, so I followed up knowing she was for real and immediately started a dialogue.  Oddly, when I initially responded to her message, she didn’t believe it was me.  Friends of hers suggested that it probably wasn’t  me and that somehow she was being duped. Gina went as far as to check my authenticity sending a  friend request on my LinkedIn account. I obliged while being quite amused at the same time.

Now that we both knew we were being sincere I contacted KVaughn, my creative director so that he could begin styling the shoot scheduled for a February 1, 2025 release date.  In the weeks leading up to the shoot, Gina was very attentive and professional in her response times to all requests and worked collaboratively with the entire team during her shoot.  Michael Connor did a fantastic job on hair & makeup.  Tony C. was on point with keeping the light on set just right and KVaughn was as magical as always in creating different looks to accommodate the complexity of the scenes we produced in studio.  

Thanks as always to an amazing crew and Gina Iannece.

 

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Great Locations: History of Fonthill Castle

STYLISH woman seated in the yard at Font Hill Castle in Doylestown Pa.
Glamour at Fonthill. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

History of Fonthill Castle

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Model: Gina Iannece

Photo: Tony Ward

Stylist: KVaughn

Hair & Makeup: Michael Connor

Lighting Grip: Anthony Colagreco

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Nestled in the heart of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, Fonthill Castle stands as a testament to the creativity and vision of one of America’s most eccentric and influential figures, Henry Chapman Mercer. Built between 1908 and 1912, this unique structure is not a traditional castle in the medieval sense but rather a sprawling, concrete mansion that reflects Mercer’s passion for history, art, and innovation.

Henry Chapman Mercer (1856–1930) was an archaeologist, anthropologist, and tile-maker who sought to preserve the craftsmanship of the pre-industrial era. Disillusioned by the rapid industrialization of the late 19th century, Mercer dedicated his life to creating works that celebrated handmade artistry. Fonthill Castle was his personal residence and a canvas for his artistic expression. The castle’s design is a whimsical blend of Gothic, Medieval, and Byzantine architectural styles, featuring 44 rooms, 18 fireplaces, and over 200 windows, each uniquely shaped and placed.

The construction of Fonthill Castle was groundbreaking for its time. Mercer insisted on using reinforced concrete, a relatively new material in the early 20th century, to create a durable and fireproof structure. The castle’s interior is adorned with Mercer’s handmade tiles, which depict historical scenes, literary quotes, and personal motifs. Every corner of the castle tells a story, from the intricate tilework to the hand-carved wooden furniture.

Fonthill Castle was more than just a home; it was a living museum. Mercer filled the space with his vast collection of artifacts, including prints, books, and tiles, which he used to educate visitors about history and craftsmanship. He often hosted guests, offering them tours of his eclectic creation and sharing his passion for preserving the past.

After Mercer’s death in 1930, Fonthill Castle was bequeathed to the Bucks County Historical Society, which continues to maintain and operate the site as a museum. Today, visitors can explore the castle’s labyrinthine halls, marvel at its artistic details, and gain insight into Mercer’s remarkable life and legacy.

Fonthill Castle remains a beloved landmark in Doylestown, attracting thousands of visitors each year. It stands as a symbol of Mercer’s dedication to art, history, and innovation, offering a glimpse into the mind of a man who dared to dream differently. The castle’s enduring charm and historical significance ensure that Mercer’s vision will continue to inspire future generations.

Glamorous woman on the grounds of Fonthill Castle
Gina at Fonthill. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2025

The Allure of Latex: Transforming Contemporary Fashion and Markets

Beautiful asian woman modeling for Tony Ward wearing latex corset
Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2024

The Allure of Latex

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Transforming Contemporary Fashion and Markets

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Latex, once confined to niche subcultures and avant-garde fashion, has emerged as a material of choice for contemporary designers and luxury brands. Its distinctive sheen, sculptural properties, and undeniable sensual appeal have propelled it from fetish wear to the forefront of mainstream fashion. This evolution has significantly impacted fashion markets, carving out a unique space for latex in the broader industry.

In recent years, fashion icons and celebrities, such as Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, and Lady Gaga, have embraced latex garments on red carpets and in music videos. High-end designers like Atsuko Kudo, known for her intricate latex couture, and Richard Quinn, who incorporates latex into his experimental designs, have further legitimized the material. Their work demonstrates latex’s versatility, from body-hugging dresses to bold outerwear.

Latex’s appeal lies in its ability to combine structure with fluidity, offering a second-skin aesthetic that emphasizes the human form. Unlike traditional textiles, it provides a glossy, futuristic look that aligns with contemporary tastes for bold and innovative fashion statements. Designers often pair latex with contrasting materials, such as silk or leather, to create dynamic visual effects.

As latex gains prominence, the market has expanded to accommodate a broader audience. Traditionally associated with custom designs, latex clothing is now more accessible through ready-to-wear collections. Fast fashion brands have begun experimenting with latex-inspired fabrics, providing a more affordable alternative for consumers who want the look without the hefty price tag.

The material’s popularity has also spurred advancements in production techniques, making latex garments more comfortable and durable. Innovations like chlorination—a chemical process that smooths the surface—have addressed issues of stickiness and difficulty in wearing. These developments have made latex more appealing to a wider demographic, from trend-conscious millennials to eco-aware Gen Z shoppers.

Despite its allure, latex poses challenges for designers and brands. Its production is labor-intensive, and natural latex, derived from rubber trees, raises concerns about sustainability and ethical sourcing. However, many brands are responding by adopting eco-friendly practices, such as using FSC-certified rubber and minimizing waste during production.

Latex’s association with body positivity and inclusivity has also contributed to its cultural relevance. By celebrating diverse body types and emphasizing the beauty of the human form, latex fashion resonates with contemporary values.

As fashion continues to evolve, latex is likely to remain a symbol of boundary-pushing creativity. Its impact extends beyond aesthetics, influencing market trends, consumer expectations, and even material science. With designers continually reimagining its potential, latex stands as a testament to fashion’s ability to transform the unconventional into the iconic.

In the modern era, where individuality and innovation are prized, latex serves as both a material and a metaphor for contemporary fashion’s bold, experimental spirit. Its rise from underground culture to mainstream acclaim underscores the dynamic interplay between design, technology, and cultural shifts, shaping the future of style.

Beautiful asian woman wearing full length latex cat suit
Photo: TonyWard, Copyright 2024

Behind The Scene: With Kasheem “The Dream” Peterson


Photographs by Al B For, Copyright 2024

Text by Tony Ward, Copyright 2024

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Behind The Scene:  With Kasheem “The Dream” Peterson

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This shoot brought back a lot of memories.  It started with a text from a very good friend of mine that recommended that I take a call from a guy who he thought I would find interesting to photograph.  His name is Kasheem Peterson.  I said ok I’ll respond should he try to contact me.  Sure enough he did. Within minutes after responding to my friend’s recommendation Kasheem did indeed reach out.  He said that he needed some new photographs and that he was in the adult film business.  That statement was what brought back the memories of decades past when I was producing content for Penthouse and other high end adult magazines.   Kasheem was well up to the task and made the transition from clothed to unclothed in the blink of an eye.

He arrived ahead of schedule.  Which is always a good sign.  He was polite, friendly, confident and ready to rock the set with a body that was defined by years of conditioning, discipline and lots of work in the gym.  Instead of making him feel comfortable, he made the crew feel at ease while we produced some fabulous photographs for an industry in which he has become a Star.

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To learn more about Kasheem Peterson, link here: https://tonyward.com/feature-kasheem-the-dream-peterson/

Behind The Scenes: Kareem Black Feature


Behind The Scenes: Kareem Black Feature

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Text by Tony Ward, Copyright 2024

BTS Photography: Steve Feldman, Copyright 2024

BTS Video: Ted Kawalerski, Copyright 2024

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I’ll never forget when I first met Kareem Black in 1997. He was a student at SVA School of Visual Arts in New York. While finishing up his photography training at SVA he made an appointment to visit me at my studio in Philadelphia to ask my advice on becoming a professional photographer.  He often reminds me that I was the first real photographer that he met. During one of his visits, I asked him to model for a picture for an upcoming book, called Tableaux Vivant’s. The picture is one of my favorites from the book, of which Kareem received a copy during his visit.

Kareem Black in The Figure. From Tony Ward's book of Tableaux Vivants
The Figure. Photo: Tony Ward, Copyright 2024.

Our meeting had an impact because when he left SVA and started a career as a pro, he took off! Kareem and I have stayed in touch remarkably 25 years later, and this month of May 2024 I’ve decided to reach out and celebrate his success by inviting back to his home town for a feature shoot.  Kareem was thrilled.  So was I and the results of the cover shoot speaks for itself.

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To access more behind the scenes with photographer Kareem Black, check out our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/0UEYAERF1IM