Cat on a Hot Red Dress

Aretha Franklin – Ain’t No Way

Dress: vintage.  Shoes: Payless.  Earrings: Surf Beads Guam.  Ring: Macy’s (similar).

Photography by Jessica Peterson

The Inspiration

I didn’t realize until after I shot these that this is a very Elizabethan look. Liz Taylor, that is. Sometimes the influences are deep in my brain and I don’t even recognize them. Taylor is not one of my favorite actresses, but she was an indisputable betty.

Kashmir Kitty often makes a cameo in my photos. What can I say? She’s a natural.

The Music

This is my absolute favorite Aretha song. She will always be in a league of her own. Pathos? Check. Brass? Just enough. Raw emotion? Oh yeah.