MASUIMI MAX TRIBUTE/3
OLIVIA DE BERARDINIS pin-up artist
I PAINTED MASUIMI Max for almost 25 years. She was one of the most creative models I ever had. She epitomised the badass woman whose personality could not be contained. I loved painting Masuimi.
The first time we saw her, in ’99, Julie Strain was rolling up my driveway in a large black Ram truck and inside were Masuimi, Dita and Devon, all made-up. The back of the truck was filled with props, stiletto shoes, bras, boots, boas, corsets, make-up, glitter and feathers. The latter would drift through our house for months.
We did many shoots with Masuimi. You
needed a lot of energy to keep up with her as she burned-up roll after roll of our film. She was lightning quick about changing poses and all of them were unique and exciting. She would wear us out with her creativity.
She had bags of props from which she quickly mixed up a lot of her own looks. Masuimi was an artist. She created herself and a Masuimi world. She also created her own websites and businesses and did them with such amazing style.
Ms Max was a sweetheart — we loved her and will profoundly miss her. Rest in peace Masuimi. Olivia De Berardinis/Facebook
IAN DUTTON globetrotting fetish scenester
Intro by Tony M: Ian Dutton was first to tip me off about Masuimi’s death on January 25, and we had a discussion on Messenger about the emerging theory (as yet unproven) that Masuimi was an unwitting victim of poisoned party drugs. Here are some extracts from the thoughts Ian shared in that chat…
I DIDN’T KNOW Masuimi as well as I wish I had. Both Evilyn13 of Vancouver and Ashley Bad had worked (and played) with her recently, and of course she had history with nearly all of the major models in the fetish world.
It’s really overwhelming to see how many people she knew and hung out with and took photos with and was an inspiration to. She touched so many people.
People suspect that poisoned drugs were involved as that’s becoming a huge issue over here, and … Masuimi was known to be a hard partier who enthusiastically embraced the fun side of life.
Just last weekend in LA, two rising dark-music stars and the wife of one of them all perished from Fentanyl-tainted drugs. It’s just not possible to do drugs recreationally here in the US without playing a game of Russian roulette.
Masuimi also recently separated from her husband Morat and both seemed to be having a hard time emotionally, though her social media presence kept things positive and she continued to attend and promote events in Las Vegas.
I can’t say whether that factored in at all. Certainly a very sad situation.
Ian also posted about this on Facebook, setting the tone for a grown-up thread discussing the current crisis with Fentanyl-adulterated drugs in the US and beyond.
Ian Dutton/Facebook
ISAAC TERPSTRA DJ, Sin City Fetish Night co-host
THIS PICTURE SHOWS me clowning around with the one and only Masuimi Max at Fetish Factory’s 19th Anniversary Weekend. Nine years ago, I commented about Masuimi:
“This lady is a HAM and then some – gorgeous, hard-working and funny as all hell! Out of all the fetish performers, Masuimi is easily one of the most rock & roll! This is one of the main reasons she was our #1 choice to be the very first international performer we brought up two years ago!”
My Facebook and Instagram are now 75% posts about Masuimi and people sharing stories and photos of and with her. Very few people can live a life that has that kind of impact and connection to so many.
Isaac Terpstra/Facebook
JOHN FEENEY Masuimi Max Memorial Fund organiser
I AM ABSOLUTELY at a loss for words. We have lost a legend. My friend, manager and favourite Soldiers road warrior is no longer with us. We love you Masuimi. You were an amazing person and I will never forget you and the impact you had on my life.
Please consider helping the family and my dear friend and bandmate Cameron Mouat during this time of need.
(Text of the GoFundMe Memorial Fund):
In tribute to the iconic Masuimi Max who has left an incredible mark on our lives, we’ve established this GoFundMe memorial.
Masuimi unexpectedly passed away on January 25th, 2024. We are incredibly devastated and overwhelmed by the passing of our dear friend. It is impossible to replace what a beautiful, loving, talented, clever and artistic visionary she was.
Masuimi had such an unquestionable presence and unique essence that captivated
fans across the world. She truly had the energy, glamour and charisma that elevated her to the status of a preferred model for a diverse range of brands, photographers, and artists in the modelling, film and fashion industries.
Your contributions will support funeral and memorial expenses, assist in covering remaining housing expenses, aid in closing her beloved business, and settling any debts with her estate.
The beneficiaries of your generous donations will assist mainly her husband Morat and her immediate family to give her the proper send off she deserves.
Let’s unite to honour the legacy of a true icon and provide comfort to her loved ones during this challenging time. Your generosity will forever be a part of the enduring tribute to Masuimi’s impactful, incredible life.
John Feeney/Facebook
Masuimi Max Memorial Fund
JUSTIN FORTE photographer – last Masuimi photo shoot
WHEN THIS PHOTO was taken (January 13 2024) it was the first photo shoot of 2024 for both of us. Little did I know that this would be Masuimi’s last photo shoot forever.
During our shoot she was warm and welcoming with a mountain of conversations, laughter, and stories.
After our shoot she brought me to a punk show and made some new friends along the way.
I was able to edit and get this photo to her with many more to come. She loved the next one and we had planned to post even more. It’s such a strange concept, that unknowingly
this turned from a simple photo shoot to the immortalisation of a person in their final days.
We never know when it will be our time and when it will happen for any of us. Take a moment, reach out to a family member, a friend, a loved one, someone who was special. Just a moment is all that is needed. Take a breath and a moment for yourself as well.
Masuimi, thank you for the brief time we spent making this art and I wish you the best in your next life. Justin Forte/Instagram
JOHANNA CONSTANTINE
DJ, model, performer
MY DEAR MASUIMI, you could do anything and you did it all! Your spirit, power and creativity are unparalleled. I will miss you so much! Rest in power.
Johanna Constantine/Facebook
MORAT666 husband of Masuimi Max for 17 years
TONY MITCHELL WRITES: I’m sure those viewing this tribute article will understand that the devastating effect of Masuimi’s death on Morat (Cameron Mouat) has made it harder for him than for anyone else featured here to conjure up words in response to the loss of his wife of 17 years.
However, what he has done, both on Facebook and Instagram, is post a wonderful
selection of photos (by others) of him with Masuimi over the years. And the old adage that a picture is worth a thousand words could not be truer here. So above are just a couple of examples from that selection (photo, left: Jonny Coffin) to add to Morat’s own photographs featured in this article. Do check his whole selection via these links:
Morat/Facebook
Morat/Instagram
PHILIP WARNER Lithium Picnic photographer
THIS IS ONE of the very first photos I took of Masuimi, 20 years ago. Our paths would intersect many times over the following decades… in London at the Rubber Ball and a few times in Florida at Fetish Con. But most of our shoots took place in LA. I’m still kind of
stunned by the news — at a loss for words. She was an archetype, a hurricane, and she was trouble. She did it her way. Godspeed, muse.
Philip Warner/Facebook
STEVE BEECH
Westward Bound CEO
IN MEMORIAM: WESTWARD Bound in the USA, 2013, with Masuimi Max, who tragically left this world on January 25 2024, at the tender age of 45. As a model, she was iconic and a legend. Our heart goes out to her memory and loved ones.
Steve Beech/Facebook
Photo: Holly Randall/Facebook
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