Ritchie Figueroa

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Latex-Mania

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Humble Beginnings

Latex-Mania was created by artists Ritchie and Tina in the fall of 2000, just weeks after they met. When asked how it all began, their only response was, “It wasn’t planned or thought-out at first. It just kind of happened one night at Cheetah nightclub (NYC)- the mix of latex body paint and glitter was sort of an accident that looked awesome in the club!” Since that time, Latex-Mania has developed special techniques and tools to create logos, mock shirts, and unique designs for people to wear.

Becoming Rich and Famous

Latex-Mania’s work has been seen on models advertising company logos for corporate and fashion events; bartenders, wait-staff, and go-go dancers for theme parties; and patrons in nightclubs for fun and excitement, throughout the East Coast. Events Latex-Mania has appeared at include: Marc Jacobs Christmas party and LA store grand opening party, Mayor Bloomberg Fundraiser for Education, Puerto Rican Pride Day, Biz Bash, AVP volleyball tournaments, various liquor expos… Venues showcasing Latex-Mania body painting include:Webster Hall, Black/Exit, NV, Avalon, The Supper Club, Jacob Javitz Center, and Tavern on the Green, Show, Cain, Posh (NY), Tilt at the Palace, Felt, The Diplomat, Ultra (Boston, MA & Providence, RI), Club Abyss, The Mixx at the Borgata Casino/Hotel, Taj Mahal, KatManDu, and Joey’s Surf Club (NJ), El San Juan Hotel and Casino, Puerto Rico.

Distinctive

Latex-Mania is very different than other body painters for a few reasons. Typically, they don’t have all day to create beautiful artwork for gorgeous models to pose in, which is what people usually see on the Internet, in magazines, and on TV. “Throughout the night we paint dozens of people with all body types, in almost no light and with cramped space- all within ten to fifteen minutes, while the people move around to the music!”

Latex-Mania body-paints with liquid latex, which is a very different medium than airbrush and water-based body paint. Liquid latex goes on as a liquid paint, but dries to a flexible, skin-tight rubber material. Once it dries, the paint will not rub off, but rather peel off when ready to remove. Glitter is added to the designs to provide a beautiful sparkle in the nightclub lighting, as well as to make patrons feel comfortable about being topless.

Mission

We have all seen people wear body paint, but few actually get to experience it for themselves. Latex-Mania’s primary goal is to give as many people as they can a chance to wear body art and express their daring and fun side for a night. It’s not exactly fetish, art or fashion, but it certainly has those elements. Guests at an event or nightclub are transformed into sexy performance art and fashion within moments!