Many of you have already probably already seen her around the internet. Clad in a full-body black latex mermaid suit, The Permaid has become something of an internet phenomenon. The Permaid- a portmanteau of Persian and Mermaid- exists in a uniquely internet-bred environment: That which requires no context. Her Instagram (@permaidpermaid) provides us with a loose narrative that can only be pieced together through the brief glimpses we're given into her life. It's exactly like stalking a person who you used to go to school with on social media. You have a vague idea what they've got going on, but you also have pretty much no clue. "That might be their boyfriend?... It could be their brother, I don't know."
From what I can gather, sometime before July 6, 2014, the Permaid washed up on the crystal shores of Malibu and was taken in by a Persian host family. She is, despite all preconceptions, surprisingly human. She goes on vacation, has Tinder dates, and hangs out with friends. There is the occasional wild party shot, but what else could be expected from a young twenty-something Persian mermaid?
In real life however, the woman behind the Permaid mask is fashion designer Nicolette Mishkan. She is photographed by Photographer and friend, Aeschleah DeMartino. DeMartino, who actually received the latex costume as a gift, is the one who carries a suited up Mishkan on her shoulders to various pools, oceanfronts and Tinder dates all in the name of self-exploration. She says her work is intended to explore themes of identity and self discovery. As is commonplace with most art, the message is difficult to discern from just the work alone. All I know is how The Permaid makes me feel. She's cool. She's fun. She's weird. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
I've collected a few of my favorite Permaid shots here, for more check out her Instagram @permaidpermaid. If you want an opportunity to get involved in the project it's eventually going to develop into a gallery show and book- so keep your eyes peeled on their social media (and The Permaid's L.A. Tinder account).
