I was out of town for the weekend seeing family and when I got back I was shocked to hear the news of Nicci Tristan’s passing. At first I couldn’t really believe it and a part of me thought it must be some kind of crazy rumor. She was apparently just facing her 50th birthday, still relatively young and looking fantastic. But then I saw an announcement over on Fetlife for an upcoming memorial service for her in Australia. So I have to assume sadly that it must be true.

As a model she truly was amazing and took dressing to a whole other level that very few could ever reach. There was something unattainable about her look and presence, the way she was so polished and perfect. To be honest, I didn’t know Nicci well. We met only briefly a couple times and I found her a little intimidating. I was lucky enough, though, to have the chance to tie her up once, about eight years ago when we took some pictures at the tail end of a shoot she was doing for Transformation Magazine. But the time was really limited, so we had to crank it out and I never felt we were able to really take advantage of the opportunity. But she was a nice person, rather quiet she seemed to me, although that hurried shoot was the first time we’d ever met. I suspect of course with those who knew her well that she was much more open and unguarded. She truly will leave a void in the scene, as she was insanely talented and one of a kind. I just wish the best for her friends and family and hope that they may eventually find some peace with their loss.

(The photo below is of course the cover shot from Marquis magazine, photographed by Peter Czernich, and the other two pictures I’m fairly sure are a couple of her numerous self portraits, of which she has many on her site, RubberNicci.com)