Op-Ed: Priscila Magossi on Why Your Outfit Matters on Cam

“Contextualization is an essential condition of the efficiency of [cognitive function]" — BASTIEN, Claude. Being a powerful cam model means being a powerful woman. This must be expressed all the time. Visual apprehension is much faster and more direct than words. The New Camming Perspective takes on the endeavor of trying to understand the Social Aspect of Camming and we have noticed that it pays off to invest in key areas connected to how a model’s image is perceived. This image attracts a specific consumer, one that can afford to spend more in order to have very specific requests addressed; especially ones that are not sexual but behavioral and suit their mental demands.  And what kind of mental representation of a woman are we talking about at this moment? Let’s think about a camming model wearing garments such as corsets, nylons, and heels. Doesn’t this kind of look imply the power to the models who wear it? The fact that these clothes are delicate and show body contours help women who desire to stand out elegantly. Because these products are status symbols that can easily be seen by others, and if they carry the elements of distinction, they demonstrate the good taste and social position of the bearer. Dress to impress is a constant motto among fashion coaches and headhunters, why should it be any different in the camming scene? Choosing the right outfit could make all the difference. For example, the image of a powerful woman: audacious and self-confident like Madonna wearing Galeano’s corset. Nothing can stop her, a true superstar.  Writing about models’ outfits in the camming scene is the chance to talk about glamour, sexuality, fetishes, but not only that: it is also an opportunity to refer to the desire women have to express themselves through their image and attitudes in this market segment. In other words, the attitudes they feel are represented in their outfit. Empowerment is definitely a lifestyle and all the details of a model’s outfit matter. Social-historical perspective considerations Since 1935 synthetic fabrics have been available to design all of the innovative fashion that we have come to love. As with most tech, its popularity is connected to history-changing moments; for instance, synthetic fabrics replaced silk which was not available during and after World War II. Economic forces are always detrimental to force changes like this. Later the simple fact that it was easier to maintain supplies of this modern material, and made to look exactly as the designers had intended meant that it found its way into many different products, luggage, toothbrushes, carpeting materials, and nylons just to name a few.  Back then it was a moment in history when women did not have any voice, they were not allowed to make their own decisions. The gender equality struggle by women had begun in the middle of the XIX century. However, even a hundred years later, women were still seen as excessively passive, as well as the image of this kind of outfits (one that highlights body contours) was connected to the ideals of subservience, serving male desires.  In order to escape from such forms of patriarchal control, feminists had to fight for their liberation from male domination. During the 1960s many changes took place in the world. Free love during the 1960s, especially after the birth-control pill was invented, led to feminism in the hippie movement having an iconic moment—the burning of bras. In a certain way, enjoying life was enjoying nature. So everything had to be natural, fabrics included.  Furthermore, history teaches us that many times one radicalism is replaced by its opposite. Such as fashion, which is cyclical and the 1980s saw the supremacy of nylons and similar fabric and the attitudes it portrayed. Regarding the difference between wearing provocative garments in the 1930s and after the 80s is in the choice of the decision and not as an imposition upon them. In other words: female empowerment is having the right to make our own choices. Final Considerations Camming as a reflection of one’s attitudes demands to consider how the model is perceived. An empowered model leads to higher visitor engagement and visual clues are evidence of such traits. It is easier to incorporate the attitudes that relate to how we express what we feel. The decision to be sexy and powerful should be up to the person who desires to be like that. Because of the right over their bodies, women should be able to dress however they want and reflect their attitude and their individual qualities and personality. The whole business gains from a more professional approach to delivering the service of premium camming.  NCP as a training program offers a complete consultancy solution for premium models, both for those who are starting and those who desire to take control of their career, emancipating themselves from the traditional understanding that camming is only showing instant sexual action. We also offer specialized services for specific demands, that include: (1) choosing a stage name, (2) writing up profile texts; (3) assisting with photographs choices; (4) advising about props, outfits, and makeup; (5) customizing the scenario; (6) social media management.  Success is related to the ability to use information as knowledge, to be able to put in practice what has been observed. That’s why it matters to know the context of what we work on; otherwise, we will only follow rules without understanding where and what they are meant for. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Priscila Magossi is a Brazilian journalist (Mackenzie-SP), Master and Ph.D. in Communication and Semiotics (PUC-SP), a scientific researcher (ABCIBER/CENCIB-SP) and the author of the book “Ritualidades e vida cotidiana na cultura digital” (Portuguese Edition only). Magossi’s expertise is in the field of Communication and extends into media theories and virtual culture, with an emphasis on the dynamics of social bonds in post-modern society. Regarding her main activities in the camming business, Magossi is the founder & CEO of the New Camming Perspective (NCP): an innovative project based on applied social sciences that seeks damage reduction in the live cams market segment, focused on the “Social Aspect of Camming” through the “Building Connections” approach.