To mark the release of Fifty Shades of Grey, we talk all things fetish
Whether you've read it or not, there's no doubt that you've heard of Fifty Shades of Grey – the erotic novel and now movie, to have supposedly unleashed every woman in the western hemisphere's sexual prowess. However, away from the context of mousey students and high-powered businessmen, the fetish community has been steadily growing. Some say that due to the "Fifty Shades effect", previously "vanilla" women are joining in the empowerment; enticed into exploring their own sexuality through both the lifestyle, and the look. Fetish clothing is often made from sensual, rubbery latex, but it’s not all gimp suits and ball gags – there are now designers making latex collections that are elegant, artistic, and in an entirely different league of their own. So, to mark Fifty Shades’ much-talked-about release, we get the fetish low-down from three of our favourite London-based latex designers – Libidex’s Marnie Scarlet, Am Statik’s Amy Day and MEAT's Alis Pelleschi and Boadicea Claridge – alongside our favourite sexy shots from AnOther Magazine’s archive.
Libidex on the word "fetish"... "To me, 'fetish' means dressing up, living out a fantasy, and being whatever you want to be – whether that’s a glamazon or a fabulous fantasy creature."
Libidex on latex love... "It’s versatile, and can transform the wearer into their ultimate fantasy, whether through slinky dresses or inflatable costumes. In the 90s, latex was more underground and mainly focused on typical black designs. Now it’s moved on, coming in every colour of the rainbow and designs varying from sleek and sexy, to cute and colorful."
Am Statik on "the Fifty Shades effect"... "I don't see it as negative, but people need to be respectful, and not see it as ‘dirty’ or ‘weird’ to want to go to a sex party or try out some S&M. If it interests people into exploring their own bodies and sexuality it could never been seen as negative."
Am Statik on latex love... "I would definitely say more women are interested in latex, and once they try it on they feel sexy, and want to try it again. Being able to create clothes that make women feel comfortable about their body and sexuality is an incredible job to have. As a performer, I’ve also brought latex into the more accessible burlesque and artistic world, and have even used it for commercial clients like hairdresser’s collection shows."
MEAT on the future of fetish... "The future of fetish is full of latex, empowerment and fun! The lines between fetish and fashion are constantly blurring and becoming more acceptable and so in turn, kind of create this hyper-real anytime sexy future. Fetishes will always exist, we can't control our desires – hopefully mainstream society will gradually accept and celebrate, so people won't feel sexually supressed and can be confident instead."
MEAT on latex love... "We were both fascinated with latex but found most of the designs available weren’t our style. Then Nicola Formichetti commissioned us to do a piece for Azealia Banks, and we suddenly noticed the gap in the market for fun, refreshing latex designs."
