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Newsgroups: alt.sex.fetish.fashion,alt.answers,news.answers
Subject: alt.sex.fetish.fashion FAQ (2/5): Background, guides & reviews
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Date: Wed, 21 Sep 1994 01:00:00 GMT
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Summary: This FAQ serve both as a general introduction to the world of
fetish fashion, an information package to make life with it much
easier and trouble-free, and last (but not least) a guide to
products, magazines and shops all over the world.
Keywords: fetish, fashion, latex, rubber, PVC, leather, high heels...
Archive-name: alt-sex/fetish-fashion/part2
Alt-sex-fetish-fashion-archive-name: FAQ-Part2
Version: 2.1
Last-modified: 21-Sep-94
Lines-excluding-headers: 1810
F R E Q U E N T L Y A S K E D Q U E S T I O N S
(and other information)
for
((( alt.sex.fetish.fashion )))
Posted bi-weekly (on the 8th and 22nd) in
alt.sex.fetish.fashion, alt.answers and news.answers
- or when significant updates require it.
Created and maintained by:
Per Goetterup
Your input is *very* welcome!
Send suggestions, additions, updates and corrections
to me and it'll be included in this document.
The contents of this document is a compilation
and paraphrasing by me of the information supplied by
the readers of this newsgroup.
====================
The latest version of this FAQ is (along with countless others) available
by anonymous ftp from rtfm.mit.edu [18.181.0.24] in the directory
/pub/usenet/news.answers/alt-sex/fetish-fashion - where the parts will
simply be titled part1, part2, part3 and so on - or in the directory
/pub/usenet/alt.sex.fetish.fashion, where the three parts will be titled:
FAQ-Part1, FAQ-Part2, ... FAQ-Part5.
You can obtain it by E-mail as well if you have no ftp access, by sending
an E-mail message to: mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu containing the single
word 'help' (without quotes) in the message body to receive instructions.
Alternatively you can request it by E-mail from me by sending me
(pg@login.dknet.dk) an E-mail message with a subject containing the words
'faq-request' (the message body will be ignored). An automatic reply demon
will then send you the complete FAQ in return to the sender address.
Use a 'Reply-To' header if you want the FAQ sent to another address than
the one the request was sent from, as this takes precedence over the
'From' header (RFC-822). Please do not include messages to me in the
message body of your request as I'll never see the contents of messages
processed by the reply demon.
You can also view it (and *many* other FAQs) via WWW using the URL:
http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/hypertext/faq/usenet/FAQ-List.html
and proceed through "Alt Sex" and then on to "Fetish Fashion".
====================
Dedicated to the late Thorkild Borup of Avantgarde (She-An-Me),
Copenhagen, who made me aware of the fetish fashion world.
R.I.P.
====================
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Editorial, Copyright and Disclaimer.
<< Part 1/5 >>
1. General.
1.1 FAQ Revision History.
1.2 Legend.
1.3 What is this newsgroup all about?
1.4 Netiquette on alt.sex.fetish.fashion.
1.5 Credits.
1.6 Other related newsgroups.
1.7 About the FAQ maintainer.
2. Frequently Asked Questions and other information
2.1 Questions and answers.
2.2 Jessica - Wearing high heels for an extended period of time.
<< Part 2/5 >>
3. Vocabulary.
3.1 UseNet jargon.
3.2 High heels.
3.3 Outfits.
3.4 Bondage fashions.
3.5 The materials.
4. The people behind the fashions.
4.1 The designers.
4.2 The models.
4.3 The photographers.
4.4 Advocacy groups.
4.5 Fetish Ball organizers.
5. Fetish fashion in literature, comics, on movies and TV.
5.1 About fetish fashion.
5.2 Containing or using fetish fashion.
5.3 Fetish videos or films.
6. Guides.
6.1 Product Guide.
6.2 Magazine Guide.
6.3 Shop guide - Reviews
<< Part 3/5 >>
7. The big shop list.
7.1 England
<< Part 4/5 >>
7.2 Europe and the Far East
<< Part 5/5 >>
7.3 North America
====================
EDITORIAL.
This document was originally written by Per Goetterup, but has
been expanded again and again with the interesting stuff surfacing in
the newsgroup - and stuff mailed to me directly - all edited and still
maintained by Per Goetterup.
I will add all material posted in alt.sex.fetish.fashion or
related newsgroups that I feel has a general relevance for new users or
which is simply interesting, and I'll naturally add a note as to who
wrote it. If you do *not* want your name in the FAQ (for whatever
reason) when posting to the newsgroup then you must add a note to this
effect to every article you post, or contact me directly by E-mail.
I will also add stuff mailed to me directly, and as I'm often
unable to verify the correctness of the supplied information, I'll add
it and rely on *you* for verification. If you mail me stuff, I'll not
always write a 'thank you' note in return as I'm often busy doing other
things than just maintaining this document. This doesn't mean that I'm
not grateful! - I am! - Very! - I'm just very busy and don't have the
time to write these notes.
You are always welcome to ask me to remove your name from the FAQ,
or to use a pseudonym or an anonymous id instead. I respect and comply
to such wishes, but I will not consent to remove the information itself
unless it is invalid, incorrect, outdated or similar.
COPYRIGHT!
This FAQ is Copyright (C) 1993, 1994 by Per Goetterup
and the members of the UseNet fetish fashion community
for their individual contributions.
All rights reserved.
Permission to use, copy and distribute this FAQ, or parts thereof,
by any means and for any purpose EXCEPT PROFIT PURPOSES is hereby gran-
ted, PROVIDED that *both* the above Copyright notice and this permission
notice appear in all copies of the FAQ itself, that the parts used are
totally unaltered contents-wise and that information as to how to obtain
the newest and most current release of this document is included, in
particular when dealing with a published media inheritly outdated at
time of release, like a printed publication or CD-ROMs.
Also, in case this FAQ is published in a book, on a CD-ROM or
similar, a minimum of one free copy of the final product delivered to
the author free of any charge is required for permission to use anything
from this document.
Reproducing this FAQ or parts thereof by any means, included, but
not limited to, printing, copying existing prints, publishing by elec-
tronic or other means, implies full agreement and consent to the above
non-profit-use clause, unless upon explicit prior written (non-electron-
ic) permission of the author. It also implies full consent to the above
one-free-copy-clause with no exceptions.
DISCLAIMER!
This FAQ is provided by the author ``as is'', and any express or
implied warranties, including, but not limited to, the implied warran-
ties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are dis-
claimed.
In absolutely no event shall the author be liable for any direct,
indirect, incidental, special, exemplary, or consequential damages
(including, but not limited to, procurement of substitute goods or
services; loss of use, data, or profits; or business interruption)
however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract,
strict liability, or tort (including negligence or otherwise) arising in
any way out of the use of the informations herein contained, even if
advised of the possibility of such damage.
I'd also like to emphasize that I'm in no way connected to any of
the businesses mentioned in this document, and that I'm doing this work
purely for the benefit of the numerous people of the fetish fashion
community and that I do not receive any kind of payment for any part of
the work contained - and I don't want to.
Please do *not* offer any kind of bribery or 'special services' in
return for favorable mentioning or recommendations. I'll not accept it
and I will continue to do my very best to keep this document as objec-
tive as possible.
I do not mind accepting favours *without* strings attached... ;-)
====================
<< Part 2/5 - Background >>
3. VOCABULARY.
3.1 UseNet jargon.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Delurk, v.: The process of becoming an active participant
on the newsgroup - to stop lurking. Some people
add "(delurk)" to the subject when they post to
the newsgroup for the first time. This simply
indicates that they're posting on the subject
for the first time, and that they've collected
enough courage to go 'public'.
Lurk, v.: To read the newsgroup without ever showing ones
presence. In particular on the alt.sex.* news-
groups there are always a lot of lurkers, some
simply because they're curious about the sub-
ject without having enough interest to partici-
pate, others because they're shy or want to be
anonymous but doesn't know how.
Lurker, n.: One that 'lurk's! ;-)
3.2 High heels
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Baby dolls: Shoes with a type of toe box that is very
rounded like a little girl's shoe.
From: margo@netcom.com (Ms. Margo)
Ballet Shoes/boots: Shoes and boots in various designs with the
common specialty that you stand on the tip of
your toes instead of on the balls of your feet
as with ordinary high heels. These are almost
exclusively used in scenes and/or in the bed-
room.
Ballet heels: They are heels which are so hign that the only
part of the toe that touches the ground is the
tip, much like a ballet dancer's toe shoes.
The heels are usually 7" high, but with a tiny
platform under the toe they can be as high as
17" (custom made). You can't really walk in
these shoes, they're just for enjoyment.
From: margo@netcom.com (Ms. Margo)
Bottine: A boot with a moderate height, usually reaching
to somewhere between the ankle and the calf.
From: 'Pamela'
Dianette: A form of sandels, where you have a strap be-
tween your big and your second toe.
From: 'Pamela'
Heel heights: Centimeter <=> Inch conversion: 1" = 2.54 cm.
This gives: 2"= 5.08 cm
3"= 7.62 cm
4"= 10.16 cm
5"= 12.70 cm
6"= 15.24 cm
7"= 17.78 cm
8"= 20.32 cm
9"= 22.86 cm
10"= 25.40 cm
Heel types: Louis XV: The typical form of a 'high heel':
(
\ /\
V \
I \____>
Queeny: Like the Louis XV but the tip of
the heel is placed more to the toe:
(
\
\/\
I \_____>
Block: Massive heel (opposite of stilet-
to), usually used for platform
shoes:
(
\
I I\
I I \
I__I \_____>
Bell bottomed: Begins like a normal heel but
ends wide:
(
\ /\
X \
/_\ \_____>
From: 'Pamela'
Mules: They have no back at all. The upper ends at
mid-arch, much like clogs do. Mules are usually
high-heeled and often are open-toed. Maribu
feathers are optional. :)
From: margo@netcom.com (Ms. Margo)
Opera Pumps: Slender straight heel. Closed, slightly pointed
toe. Without straps or decorations. Vamps that
don't show much toe cleavage. Sides cut fairly
high. Opera pumps are usually black patent or
black kidskin. Just think of your typical re-
presentaion of a fetish shoe and you've got it.
From: margo@netcom.com (Ms. Margo)
Also, no straps or adornment of any kind, self
(ie. one) colored, frequently jet black or at
least a dark color, and (strict interpretation)
the sides are of one piece with no stitching
half way between heel and vamp.
From: jhurwit@netcom.com (Jeffrey Hurwit)
Oxfords lace up:
(aka. 'Old Oxfords') A classically designed shoe originating in
Oxford, England. It's pretty much an ordinary,
closed shoe, dark or plain black, with an ordi-
nary 3 or 4 point lacing, but with the excep-
tion of the heel height, that can be anything
up to 6".
High heeled Oxfords will have a closed toe box
and lace closed with a tongue that extends to
the ankle.
From: Ms. Margo
Platforms: Any shoe that has extra height added under the
toes. It's a cheaters way to have very high
heels. A 6" heel with a 3" platform feels the
same (has the same rise) as wearing a 3" heel.
From: margo@netcom.com (Ms. Margo)
Pumps: An open shoe usually without any straps (except
perhaps an simple ankle strap). Can sometime
also be toeless.
A pump is a high-heeled shoe with a full back
and toe box. There are also open-toed pumps
which have the end of the toe box cut out so
the toes show.
From: Ms. Margo
Pump D'Orsy: The toe box ends at instep. The heel is held in
a heel cup. Along the sole from the toe box to
the start of the heel cup is open space about 1
to 2 inches depends on size. Toe box and heel
cup are seperate from each other. The most sexy
of pumps. Usually patent leather.
From: G. Spelvin
Saddle shoes: More or less the inverse of spectators,
although one rarely finds high-heeled saddle
shoes.
From: margo@netcom.com (Ms. Margo)
Sandels: They have straps for the upper. They are usu-
ally flat heels, but can be high-heeled as
well. Some people refer to any shoe with ankle
straps as a sandel.
From: margo@netcom.com (Ms. Margo)
Shoe locks: Usually a simple system of straps, one going
under the foot (between the heel and the in-
step), the other around the ankle. These are
locked together, preventing the wearer from
removing the shoes without the key to the lock.
Sometimes a shoe or boot is equipped with lock-
ing ankle straps per design, serving the same
function.
Pantolette: Like mules but mostly made of wood, - a sort of
high heeled clog.
From: 'Pamela'
Sabots: A kind of mules, but with closed toe box.
From: 'Pamela'
Shoe size conversion: US shoe sizes are roughly two full sizes more
than those in the UK (for example, I take a
size 4 1/2 in the UK therefore making me a size
6 1/2 in the US). Oh..and incidentally....I've
found that the Canadians follow the same sizing
pattern as in the States.
However, it should also be noted, that this
"two sizes more" rule is general -- as we all
know, sizes vary slightly from manufacturer to
manufacturer.
From: Rachel Marriott
Also note that high heeled shoes tend to feel
smaller than flats. If you've never worn high
heels before and know your size from flats, you
should probably add a half (minimum) to your
size in high heels. This is not always the
case, but often. Just keep it in mind when mail
ordering. Shopping in person the first time
might be a pretty good idea.
From: PG
Shoe Size Table: mm. Europe USA England France
=== ====== === ======= ======
117.0 20 - - -
123.1 21 - - -
130.0 22 - - -
136.5 23 - - -
143.1 24 - - -
150.0 25 - - -
156.9 26 - - -
163.1 27 - - -
170.0 28 - - -
176.8 29 - - -
183.0 30 1 - -
188.0 - 1.5 - -
190.5 31 - - -
192.4 - 2 - -
196.8 - 2.5 - -
197.1 32 - - -
201.2 - 3 - -
204.0 33 - - -
205.6 - 3.5 - -
208.3 - - - -
210.0 - 4 - -
211.0 34 - - -
214.4 - 4.5 - -
217.0 35 - - -
218.8 - 5 - -
220.0 - - 2 35
221.5 - - - -
223.2 - 5.5 - -
224.0 36 - - -
227.6 - 6 - -
228.1 - - - -
231.0 37 - - -
232.0 - 6.5 2.5 35.5
234.7 - - - -
236.0 - 7 3 36
237.2 38 - - -
238.0 - - - -
240.8 - 7.5 - -
241.0 - - 3.5 36.5
244.5 39 - - -
245.0 - 8 4 37
247.9 - - - -
248.0 - - 4.5 37.5
249.6 - 8.5 - -
251.0 40 - - -
254.0 - 9 5 38
257.2 41 - - -
258.0 - 9.5 - -
259.0 - - 5.5 38.5
261.1 - - - -
262.7 - 10 - -
263.0 - - 6 39
264.0 42 - - -
266.0 - 10.5 6.5 39.5
267.7 - - - -
269.0 - - 7 40
271.1 43 11 - -
274.0 - - 7.5 40.5
275.8 - 11.5 - -
277.6 - - - -
278.0 44 - - -
279.0 - - 8 41
280.2 - 12 - -
282.0 - - 8.5 41.5
284.0 45 - - -
284.6 - 12.5 - -
287.5 - - - -
288.0 - - 9 42
289.0 - 13 - -
290.8 - - - -
291.0 46 - - -
292.0 - - 9.5 42.5
293.4 - 13.5 - -
294.1 - - - -
295.0 - - 10 43
297.8 - 14 - -
298.0 47 - - -
301.0 - - 10.5 43.5
306.0 - - 11 44
310.0 - - 11.5 44.5
314.0 - - 12 45
321.0 - - 12.5 45.5
Conversion from male --> female sizes...
----------------------------------------
Male size Female size
========= ===========
Narrow Medium
Medium Wide
Add:
Your size + 1/2 --> + 1 Any feminine
style shoe with
an open toe.
Your size + 1 --> + 1 1/2 Any feminine
style shoe with a
closed toe.
From: Tina H.
Suit and shirt sizes: Conversions... Women.
(DRESSES AND COATS)
US 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
UK 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
(Blouses and sweaters)
US 30 32 34 36 38 40 42
UK 32 34 36 38 40 42 44
(Shoes)
US 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
UK 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
This is from Fodor's so it should be pretty
accurate.
From: Ms. Lisbetta
Sling-backs: They are exactly what they sound like. They
have no back, and have a strap the runs from
the sides of the shoe around the back of the
foot. This "sling" holds the shoe on. They can
be open-toed or close-toed.
From: margo@netcom.com (Ms. Margo)
Spectators: Pumps which have a different colored toe box
and (usually) heel. Popular spectator color
combinations are white and blue and tan and
cream.
From: margo@netcom.com (Ms. Margo)
Stilettos: Often the same as 'spikes'. Stilettos are are
type of heel that is extremely thin and point-
ed. Named after the very thin bladed knives.
Spikes: Very thin heels, often almost ending in a point
at the tip (like a nail).
Thigh Highs: Long boots reaching al the way up to the
thighs, thus the name.
T-strap Pumps: Usually, this is in the style of a D'Orsay,
with a strap extending up from the vamp, along
the middle of the instep, to join an ankle
strap.
From: jhurwit@netcom.com (Jeffrey Hurwit)
3.3 Outfits
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Body: Garment that covers the body from the crotch to
just below the neck, sometimes with the arms
included. Can be made out of anything, usually
something see-though or latex/PVC. Has some-
times a snaplock at the crotch for easy bath-
room use.
Bodystocking: Like 'body' but also covers the legs and some-
times the feet (like 'stockings' added to the
'body').
Catsuit: An all-over body suit. Usually without feet and
hands, but these can be included, leaving only
the head free. Most materials are used, in
particular lycra, nylon, PVC and latex.
Corset: Garment intended to create an ideal hourglass
figure on a woman, either permanent through
long training or by simply creating the illu-
sion while wearing it. Usually it covers the
body from the hips to the breasts, with a long
lacing in the back. Some versions went all the
way from the knees to the shoulders, often
extra stiffly boned, intended to enforce a
stiff posture if worn in the daytime (making
the wearer unable to sit down), or as training
corset worn during the night.
Garter belt: A belt (goes around the waist) with attached
garters which hold up 'stockings' or similar.
Leotard: Almost the same as a 'body' but always without
the snaplock at the crotch.
Pantyhose: Like a pair of stockings with a panty built in.
Comes in many materials. See also the newgroup
alt.pantyhose.
Stockings: Covers the feet and legs up to the thighs.
These can either be the stay-ups type or the
kind that needs a 'garter belt' to stay up. See
also the newsgroup alt.pantyhose.
3.4 Bondage fashions.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hobble Skirt: A tight skirt usually made of leather, PVC or
thick rubber, going from the waist to the an-
kles. Leaves only very little space to move the
legs in, thus acting as a hobble.
Single Glove: Much as the name implies, it is a single glove
to put both arms into. Made of many materials
(usually leather though), it laces the arms
together on the back, with straps going over
the shoulders to prevent it from slipping down
and off. Some versions are intended to be
slightly loose, only trapping the arms, others
are literary skin-tight, making the elbows
touch behind the back. Zippers and buckles
sometimes complement/replace the lacing.
Discipline Hood: A hood usually made of leather, thick rubber or
PVC with only a hole for the nose. Usually the
subject is gagged with a ball-gag or similar
under it. It is usually laced tightly in the
back of the head.
3.5 Materials.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cire The term is french an means literaly "Waxed".
It is made from lycra and is created by passing
the fabric against a hot roller to melt the
surface slightly, resulting in a 'wet-look'
finish.
Lycra An elastic fabric often used in numerous types
of close-fitting sport outfits - and naturally
as a less expensive fetish material.
Spandex Trade name for lycra.
====================
4. THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE FASHIONS.
4.1 The designers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jean-Paul Gaultier French designer, considered to be the "bad boy"
of Paris fashion. He's best known for designing
Madonna's "bullet-cone" corsets for her videos
and Blonde Ambition tour, and for designing
similar clothes for the movie _The Cook, the
Theif, his Wife, and her Lover_.
From: Allison Thurman
Vivienne Westwood English designer who created the PVC and rubber
"punk" look at her shop, Sex, in the 1970's,
and one of the first women to use lingerie as
outerwear.
From: Allison Thurman
Pam Hogg I dont know much about her work but ive read in
some English magazines that some of her cloth-
ing is PVC.
From: Allison Thurman
Lip Service, Inc. A Los Angeles label that (if its still in busi-
ness) does lots of lycra-spandex wear, usually
with lacing and/or little daggers on it. I've
not seen much of the mens wear, but the womens
is moslty leggings and minidresses.
From: Allison Thurman
4.2 The models.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Anette Kellendonk: Born 1965 in Wuppertal near Dusseldorf,
Germany. She's 1.70 m high (without heels!) and
weighs around 50 kg. Used to work closely with
Peter W. Czernich as photographer but now works
with several others. Her pictures has been in
Playboy, Bild and in particular in early issues
of <>.
She released a techno-dance maxi-single enti-
tled "The Fetish" in 1991. Ido Amin writes: The
label is BOO RECORDS. I have "The Fetish" on
BOO 00512 (12") and on its cover it mentions
it's also available on BOO 00507 (7"), BOO
00515 (12"PD), BOO 00505 (5"CD). On the cover
it also says GEMA LC 6559. Distributor is Dis-
covery, Pf 1255, 4044 Kaarst., Germany, which
is also A.K.'s fanclub.
Quality? Not rec.music.materpieces stuff, being
two years old, and not up to current MTV or
dance standards. I kinda like it anyway.
Has now begun a career as designer with a shop
appropriately named 'Anette K. Fashion' in
Dusseldorf, Germany (see details elsewhere).
Info on other models much appreciated!
4.3 The photographers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Peter W. Czernich: Very active. Has worked primarily with Anette
K. but now works mostly with varying models.
He's the editor and publisher of <>.
Trevor Watson: British photographer who works primarily with
black & white photography. Among his best works
are the series he made for Ectomorph.
4.4 Advocacy groups.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
These are organizations or groups of equal minded people who work
actively to communicate our interest and way of living to the rest of the
society, fighting for it in court or on the battlefield of the media if
nessesary.
National Leather Association.
They promote the "leather lifestyle", which includes DFP
and some BDSM. It is the only sort of U.S. Nationwide advocacy
group, so it is important for people in the US to know about it.
From: knewt@world.std.com
NATIONAL LEATHER ASSOCIATION
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
- To establish and maintain a national/worldwide communication,
information, education, and support network for sisters and
brothers of the Leather/SM/Fetish community.
- To promote with power and pride the right of all adults to
engage in Safe, Sane, and Consensual sexual expression.
- To increase communication and understanding among women and men
in Leather/SM/Fetish.
- To facilitate political activism, visibility, and education in
order to destroy stereotypes, misconceptions, and media misrep-
resentation about the Leather/SM/Fetish family in the community
at large.
- To provide, through our publications, educational material, and
"LIVING IN LEATHER" conferences, a forum for the sharing of
knowledge, viewpoints, and practices of a diverse network of
women and men.
- To build, strengthen, and defend individuals, organizations,
publications, and businesses within our community, especially
against threats to their freedom of expression, freedom of the
press, right to free association, and right to equal protection
under the law.
- To develop outreach to women, people of color, transgenderals,
the deaf, the physically challenged, and other minorities who
have traditionally been discriminated against or poorly repre-
sented in the Leather/SM/Fetish community.
- To facilitate fund raising for deserving projects, clubs, orga-
nizations, defense funds, and/or charities which have given
direct service to the Leather/SM/Fetish community.
- To fight for decriminalization of all sexual acts between con-
senting adults.
- To preserve a record of our history, traditions, and culture.
They publish a periodic newsletter (I don't know how frequently)
called FIRST LINK. As of the date of this brochure, which is
dated November 1990, their mailing address is:
P.O. Box 17463
Seattle, Washington, 98107
USA.
Tel: (206) 789-8990.
Annual membership dues are $25.00 US, or $30.00 US outside of
North America.
From: Jeffrey Hurwit
SMil
Sorgenfrigade 8b, 2.
DK-2200 Copenhagen N.
Denmark
Phone: (+45) 3181 0550
They are an organization for BDSM and fetish oriented
people in Denmark. They provide counselling, club facilities in
four major danish cities (Copenhagen, Aalborg, Aarhus and
Odense) which are open 1-3 days a week, parties (both theme-
oriented and more regular social gatherings) and both an inter-
nal newspaper and an external magazine (called SMil-bladet).
(myself, with additional information by Heikko Levanto)
AXIS,
P.O. Box 27,
Stalybridge,
Cheshire SK15 2ED
AXIS provides a newsletter 10 times a year of around 30 -
40 pages which contains advice, reviews, stories and anonymous
personals. Subscription is 45 pounds sterling for a year.
The stated aims of the society are "To assist our members
to fulfill their dreams and fantasies through contact with
others or merey by reading about the subject dealt with by other
enthusiastic members."
Further information about AXIS can gained by sending a SAE
to the above address.
From: Monty
4.5 Fetish Ball organizers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
These are the people or organizations setting up fetish theme
balls/parties locally or in specific areas.
USA:
====
Dressing for Pleasure.
(usually the last weekend in Oct.)
Dressing For Pleasure
Constance Enterprises
Box 43079
Upper Montclair, NJ 07043
Phone: 201-746-0072
From: jdblock@ic.sunysb.edu (Jonathan David Block)
Boutique:
590 Valley Rd
Upper Montclair, NJ 07043
Phone: 201-746-5466
From: ixion@mindvox.phantom.com (leonard)
Club Fuck!
3909 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
(213) 463-7868
Has regular fetish/bdsm/debauchery nights, Sundays, 9pm - 2am.
Sin-A-Matic
7969 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
Has pervery and fetishism on a regular basis. Info from James
Stone at: (213) 463-7868.
The above information was cribbed from Skin Two, issue 13.
From: Bill Lemieux
JAPAN:
======
Ms. Yumi or her husband Jean-Marie at Azzlo (fetish fashion store).
Ms. Yumi organizes fetish fashion parties throughout the year. You can
reach her at her shop:
21 Sakamanchi,
Shinjuku-ku,
Tokyo 160.
Japan
Tel: 03-3356-9267
They are open from noon till 10 every day.
From: margo@netcom.com (Ms. Margo)
====================
5. FETISH FASHION IN COMICS, LITERATURE AND ON MOVIES AND TV.
High heels are pretty common in many movies and TV-shows, and
particular german, english and italian TV-shows often feature the
female presenters wearing 3" or 4" heels.
Some TV-series and movies have characters wearing various
fetish-related items as well, both in the regular cast and on the
special guest stars. Music videos often have some form of fetish wear
included in the visual attraction, in particular the bands from the
techno scene use fetish fashion *very* often in their videos and stage
shows.
5.1 About fetish fashion
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dianne Brill: "Boobs, Boys and High Heels"
Published by the Penguin Group, Viking Penguin which
is a division of Penguin Books USA Inc. New York: 375
Hudson Street, New York 10014, U.S.A.
London: Penguin Books Ltd, 27 Wrights Lane, London W8
5TZ, England.
From: Cecilia M Tan
In Europe published by:
Vermillion (imprint of Ebury Press)
Random House UK Ltd.
20 Vauxhall Bridge Road
London SW1V2SA
ISBN: 0-09-177387-3
From: besten@faculty.chem.ruu.nl (Remco den Besten)
Susan J. Kaplan: "The sexual perversions of women" (title translated
from german).
The german publisher is HEINE Verlag.
From: Evelyne Pichler
5.2 Containing or using fetish fashion elements
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A list of TV-show/series or movies or shows with particular
memorable scenes featuring some form of fetish wear, or persons having
used some form of fetish wear.
Some of these entries were taken from the alt.sex.fetish.feet
FAQ, written by Mark Amann.
A Fish Called Wanda: Movie. During the whole movie Jamie Lee Curtis
is wearing knee-high patent-leather boots with
4" heels. Contains one scene with her 'brother'
breathing in and blowing up her boots before
making love to her.
From: Hayo Schreijer
Angel (I-II-III): Movies. Both the main character (in Angel III
played by Mitzi Kapture, also starring in "Silk
Stalkings") and several of the others wear 4"
heels several times during the movie. PVC
clothing is also seen in many street scenes.
Babs, Lil: Swedish singer. Usually wear 4" or 5" heels
when on stage.
BatMan II: Movie. We see Michelle Pfeiffer playing Cat-
Woman wearing a full latex catsuit (!) and
boots with 4-5" heels throughout most of the
movie.
From: an59752@anon.penet.fi
Dallas: TV-series. Both Pamela Ewing (Victoria Princi-
pal) and Lucy Ewing (Charlene Tilton) often
wore 3" or 4" heels.
Demone, Gitane: Singer. On the dance cd-single, "Heavenly Mel-
ancholy" she's lying on what looks like a latex
sheet, dressed in a full-length latex catsuit,
with gloves and heels. "Lullabies for a Trou-
bled World" she sports what looks like a PVC
jacket and thigh-high boots.
From: an70925@anon.penet.fi (twist id)
Dickinson, Angela: Actress. Often wear high heels in most movies
and TV-series she's been in.
Eleniak, Erika: Actress. She wore a black spandex body suit and
4" heels in the movie "Under Siege".
En Vogue: Band. "Free Your Mind". Music video where the
four girls of En Vogue appear in nice black
shiny high heeled boots. Two of them have thigh
high boots, one has about knee high boots and
one has ankle "high" shoes. They wear also
spandex suspenders, miniskirts, and stretch
pants.
From: an59752@anon.penet.fi
Full House: In one rather early episode we see a backing
singer in Jesse's band wearing 5" heels while
rehearsing in the Tanner family living room.
Groove Kissing: Dance band. In the video to the song "Rhythm of
Saliva" they use lots of fetish fashion - both
PVC and latex outfits and other avantgarde
fashions.
Heartbreakers: Movie. One of the main characters is an artist,
Arthur Blue, who does fetishistic paintings
featuring 6" heels, nylon stockings with seams,
PVC or rubber clothing etc.
Hagen, Nina: Singer. She almost always wear 5" or 6" heels
in her videos, stage shows or appearances in
talkshows. On the front cover of her latest
album ("Revolution Ballroom") she's tied up in
a chair wearing red pumps with 6" heels and a
black PVC catsuit.
Henry, Pauline: Singer. On the cover of both her album "Pau-
line" and all the singles taken from it, she
wears a black full-body suit in latex or leath-
er with black 4" heeled boots to match. The
booklet contains a bigger fold-out picture of
her in the same outfit as on the cover. Has
anyone seen any of the videos? - Does she wear
this outfit in them as well?
Jesus Jones: Band. In the music video "Devil You Know" there
are quite many shots of various persons wearing
some sort of leather/rubber clothes. And one
girl for sure wears thigh high boots.
From: an59752@anon.penet.fi
Last Action Hero: Movie. In the imaginary movie world, almost all
women wear very sexy PVC or spandex outfits and
high heels. [I want to live there!]
Minogue, Kylie: Singer. In the "Confide in Me" video, she wears
a PVC catsuit and other fetishistic outfits.
O'Conner, Sinead: Singer. Wore shoes with 5" heels on the cover
of one of her albums.
Once Bitten: Movie. With Lauren Hutton as a sexy vampire. A
long shot of her high heels and black stockings
at a school dance.
From: mamann@Nimitz.mcs.kent.edu (Mark Amann)
Page, Betty: The queen of fetish-wear in my opinion. She's
an hot item in Holland at this moment. Several
of her 50'ties movies of Irving Klaw are sold
here and lot's of girls having that particular
hair-look. Not to forget the high-heeled
patent-leather shoes with the 'baby-doll' noses
that are sold here with somewhat lower heels
unfortunatly.
From: Hayo Schreijer
Parton, Dolly: Singer. Always wears 4"-5" heels and a tight-
laced corset on stage, in her videos and her
movie appearances.
Pretty Woman: Movie. Actress Julia Roberts wears knee/thigh
high black shiny high heeled boots for 45 mins.
From: an59752@anon.penet.fi
Rally Round the
Flag, Boys: A very pre-Dynasty Joan Collins seduces a baby-
faced Paul Newman with her feet in high-heel
sandals.
From: mamann@Nimitz.mcs.kent.edu (Mark Amann)
Right Said Fred: Band. In the video for "I'm Too Sexy", at the
very end are a few shots of a lady dressed in a
PVC cat suit (even had a tail).
From: Kris
Robin S: Singer. In the video for "Give Me Love" numer-
ous persons wear PVC and rubber outfits.
Robo Jocks: Science Fiction movie from 1989 with Gary Gra-
ham and Anne-Marie Johnson (from the series "In
the Heat of the Night". Some of the soldiers
wear VERY tight suits that look like PVC in
this movie, INCLUDING Anne-Marie...
From: Tina H.
Rozalla: Singer. She wore red PVC pants and 3" heels in
the video to her song "Are You Ready To Fly?"
Scandal In a
Small Town: Raquel Welch plays a cocktail waitress. During
the opening credits she is painting her nails,
putting on stockings and slipping in and out of
high heels. She wears tight clothes and heels
throughout the movie.
From: mamann@Nimitz.mcs.kent.edu (Mark Amann)
Single White Female: Movie. Very good shots of the high heels of
Jennifer Jason Leigh and Bridgette Fonda.
From: mamann@Nimitz.mcs.kent.edu (Mark Amann)
Steele: Singer. Wore a tight laced corset, a name col-
lar with a D-ring and high heeled boots in some
scenes of the video to Felix' "It Will Make Me
Crazy". In other scenes she wore a full body
catsuit of black PVC.
Straight Talk Movie. Nice shots of Dolly Parton's feet in
high heels.
From: mamann@Nimitz.mcs.kent.edu (Mark Amann)
The Three-Inch
Golden Lotus: Book by Teng Jicai. It is translated by David
Wakefield, and is published by the University
of Hawaii Press ($28 cloth, $12.95 paper). The
book is a fictional novel, the first in a new
series called Fiction From Modern China (pub-
lished by the UH Press). The heroine, Fragrant
Lotus, has her feet bound from when she is six,
and rises in social stature because of the
beautiful three-inch foot that she gets.
From: Lani Teshima-Miller
Turner, Tina: Singer. She wore 5" heels in the video to the
song "What's Love Got To Do With It?", and
often wears similar on stage.
2 Unlimited: Dutch techno/dance band. Features fetish wear
in latex, lycra or PVC in most of their many
hit videos.
Under Siege: Movie. Erika Eleniak wears a black spandex body
suit and 4" high heels.
Wilde, Kim: Singer. Wore a skintight outfit and 6" heels on
the cover of her maxi-single "The Second Time"
5.3 Fetish videos or films
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hidden Obsessions:
Director: Andrew Blake
Distributor: Ultimate
Year: 1992
Actresses: Janine Lindemulder, P.J. Sparx, Deidre Holland,
and others
Actors: -
Fetish: Latex/leather/PVC garments, thigh-high boots
Unveiled:
Director: V. Nye
Distributor: VCA
Year: 1986
Actresses: Krista Lane, Erica Boyer, Patti Petite, Alex
Greco, Nikki Knights
Actors: Mike Horner, Jake Scott, Jason Riley, Billy Dee
Fetish: Thigh-high boots, few leather garments
Freaks of Leather:
Director: ?
Distributor: ?
Year: ?
Actresses: Wendy Whoppers, Lisa Lipps
Actors: -
Fetish: Leather/PVC outfits, thigh-high boots
====================
6. THE GUIDES.
6.1 Product Guide.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Not written yet. Your input would be most appreciated!
6.2 Magazine Guide.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Magazines about fetish fashion.
<> Fashion, Fetish & Fantasies
----------------------------------
107 pages, Full color, English language. Fetish designs,
stories, artwork, readers own input, interviews and much more.
80-90% female fashions.
Editor: Peter W. Czernich
Published by: TECHCOM Verlags- und Vertriebs GmbH
Kronprinzenstr. 30
D-42655 Solingen
Germany
Tel: (+49) 0212/56626
Fax: (+49) 0212/549094
Distributors: UK/Ireland: UNA DEVA
P.O. Box 1426
Shepton Mallet
Somerset, BA4 6HH
England
North America: DREAM DRESSER, Inc.
1042 Wisconsin Av. N.W.
Washington D.C., 20007
U.S.A.
Tel: 202 625 0373
Japan: TOKYO BOEKI SHOKAI LTD.
5-7 Shinjuku 1-chome
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Japan
Att: Mr. Matsumoto
Switzerland: FANCY BOUTIQUE
Haltinger Str. 59
CH-4057 Basel
Switzerland
Att: Mr. Burgisser
Benelux: SCALA B.V.
Contactweg 28
1017 Amsterdam
Holland
Tel: 020 828 900
Italy: CYBERCORE
Via Lame 57/G
I-40122 Bologna
Italy
Pricing: DM 30 / $20 / #10 / FF 120 / hfl 35 / Lire
28000 / Yen 4000 / oS 280 / dkr 150
Latest issue: No. 22 (March 1994). Next (no. 23) expected in
June 1994.
Quality rating: Very good.
Negatives: The bad binding method in the most recent is-
sues (glue) makes the magazine fall apart after
only a few readings, reducing it to a collec-
tion of loose pages.
Skin Two (UK):
--------------
132 pages, Full color, English language. Very art-like photogra-
phy, lots of ads and useful addresses, lots of fetish related
background including interviews with relevant people.
Editor: Tim Woodward
Published by: Tim Woodward Publishing
BCM Box 2071
London WC1N 3XX
England.
Tel: 081 968 0234
Fax: 081 960 8404
Distributors: Australia: Studio Strak
Box 4838
GPO Melbourne 3001
Australia.
Tel: 03 809 2632
Holland: DeMask
Zeedijk 64
1012 BA Amsterdam
Holland.
Tel: 205 603
Japan: Azzlo
B1, 16-24 Arakicho
Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo
Japan.
Tel: 03 356 9267
Pricing: #10 (pounds). Add for p&p #1 (UK), #2 (EC) or
#5 elsewhere (airmail).
Latest Issue: Number 15.
Quality rating: Very good.
Negatives: Publishing is (currently) very irregular, mak-
ing it hard to wait for the next issue.
Skin Two - Deutsche Ausgabe:
----------------------------
Not released anymore. This magazine was a german language
predecessor to <> and back issues might be available from the
same publisher or distributors as <> (see this). Only issue 1
to 7 was ever released before the name and language was changed,
and issue 8 became <> no. 1.
Atomage International:
----------------------
I'm not familiar with this - Review needed!
Pussy Cat, the essential magazine:
----------------------------------
Hayo Schreijer writes:
64 pages, 8 pounds, format like 'SHINY'.
The magazine is mostly into Female Domination, but the ladies
are wearing lots of pervy clothes. In my issue #8 is something
on 'St. Michael's Emporium', erotic rubber and a beautiful
red-headed rubber-mistress.
Published by: Black Box Productions Ltd.
52 Bermondsey Street, London Bridge
London SE1 3UD, England
Quality-rating: I don't think it's worth 8 pounds, but I got it
on a sale for 3 pounds (that's good).
Boot Lovers Digest:
-------------------
Hayo Schreijer writes:
48 pages, $9.00, issue #3 RARE!
Very nice magazine, completly filled with ladies on thight-high
boots. In this issue 'Mistress Stephanie Locke' shows her col-
lection of boots (hundreds of them!) and more. Also in issue #3
a list of Shoe/Boot-sellers over the world. I like this kind of
magazines very much: just sticking to one fetish at a time and
my favorite. According to the local-salesman these issues are
very rare. I've got issue 2 and 3, can't find issue 1. I don't
know if there are more...
Publisher: Stricly Speaking Pub. Co.,
Quality Rating: Very nice.
Bizarre O:
----------
Published by: Bizarre Spartacus,
13331 Garden Grove Blvd., Suite G,
Garden Grove, CA 92645
USA
Master Art Director: Mistress Cyntia.
Pricing: $8.95 (for issue #3)
The magazine is focussed on erotic fantasies and fetish (sic).
It's complete (letters, drawings, lots of pictures in B/W and
color and video and book-reviews, agenda with fetish-parties).
Although it's from the USA the magazine is mostly oriented on
the scene in Europe. In number 3 par example an article on
'Steve English's (Demask) Bewitched Party' in Amsterdam, article
on fetish fashion by Chanel and Gianni Versace and on Eric
Kroll, a fetish photographer. And..lot's of good pictures with
beautiful ladies. The magazine is almost as good as <> or
Skin Two.
From: Hayo Schreijer
Shiny International:
--------------------
43 pages, Mixed color and black/white, English language. Lots of
dominant females both in regular photography and in comic
strips. Both readers and publishers stories.
Editor: Not listed.
Published by: G & M Fashions (Leisure) Ltd.
PO Box 42
Romford, Essex RM4 1QT
England
Pricing: 6 pounds.
Quality rating: Okay (I'm not into female domination, so...)
Dressing For Pleasure:
----------------------
Same as Shiny.
The Rubberist:
--------------
I'm not familiar with this - Review needed!
6.3 Shop guide - Reviews
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This section contains a few reviews of some of the many fetish
shops listed in the big supplier lists. They are not the absolute
truth but the personal opinion of the reporter. Perhaps the visit
reviewed occured on a bad day for the shop - or a good one. Use this
information only as a... guide. ;-)
Dream Dresser: Reviewed spring 1994 by Ms. Margo
I had called before I came down to see if they had any
garter belts in a 38" waist for one of submissives, I had been
told that they had one in reversible black and red. When I got
there I spoke with Jackie. She was very polite and helpful
without being pushy or in my face. I noticed that the store had
started to stock a lot more "racy lingerie" and less fetish wear
since the last time I was in there a year ago. But it still is a
very nice and very comfortable store. It's very well lit, well
organized, not sleazy, and you won't feel like some sicko going
in or coming out. One couple and a bunch of unaccompanied men
floated in and out during the time that I was there. There was
one gentleman there trying on a red satin maid's outfit ($156.00
US) with matching red crinoline ($59.00 US). I suggested that
green was more his color, but he ended up buying the red one.
Jackie told me that they sold quite a few of them. (Colors
available in the store vary, and it's only available in pink
from the catalog.)
They didn't have the reversible satin garter belt in black
and red in size 38, but they did have it in black and pink
(which I doubted that he would like). It was very well made.
Heavyweight stitched satin with elastic only at the hook in the
back. There were 8 adjustable garters, no lace or other edging.
The cost was $47.00 US. It was an item that wasn't in their
catalog. They had a black satin garter belt with black lace trim
in an extra-large, but I doubted that it would fit him. I asked
if they would be getting more of the red and black ones in, but
these were all they had. There were matching bras to the revers-
ible garter belts as well. (Go visit soon if you would like
one.) I poked through the racks of lingerie, and although I
found their range of sizes to be wide and range of styles to be
good, I didn't find much that I was interested in giving as a
gift.
I looked for some things for myself. They had some fetishy
boots and shoes on display - predominantly in red, black, and
white patent - but they were very expensive. The 7" heel ballet
shoes in red and black patent were $350.00 US. They had a pair
of 5" heel thigh-high black leather boots that I had seen in
their catalog, but the quality of the leather was not quite what
I would have expected for the price of $390.00 US. I checked
through the rack of leather skirts. I found a leather version of
Stormy Leather's famous spanking skirt, which had elastic in the
back instead of the buckled straps, but was still quite attrac-
tive. However, they only had it in a large and an extra-large.
(I'm 5'2" (156 cm), a US size 8 - definitely small.). Jackie
found a laced back leather skirt ($110.00 US), and PVC copy of
the Stormy spanking skirt ($149.00 US) for me to try on. The
laced back skirt was a good design, fit well, but didn't really
thrill me. The PVC was O.K. quality, but PVC in general doesn't
do much for me. There was a lot bigger selection of PVC (which
they also call stretch patent) than there was of leather or
latex. The dressing rooms are fair sized, located well in the
back of the store down a short hallway, had large mirrors, but
could *really* benefit from having something to sit down on.
Fetish fashions are not always the easiest to get into and out
of. Paper panties are provided for trying on items. I checked
out a leather halter top that I had seen in their catalog. It
has unusual sickle shaped clasps in the front. I expected these
to be metal, but they were metallic hard plastic. I was a little
disappointed; if the clasps had been metal I would have bought
the halter. The leather clothing selection was small. The de-
signs were nice, but I would like to see them use a better grade
of leather. The selection of latex was very good and I was quite
taken with several of the latex mini-dresses with zippered
fronts that either buckled over the zipper, or locked over the
zipper, and latex dresses with fabric linings, but I didn't want
to drop $200.00-$350.00 US on a whim. The latex was available in
a variety of colors - with black and red predominating - and
several pieces were in natural transparent latex. They had a
pair of pants in black latex with transparent latex over the
hipbones and over the butt. These were called "Peek-A-Bum"
pants. There was a matching halter top with a large transparent
latex circle in the middle of the chest.
They have a small amount of bondage gear available. It was
average quality and mostly standard designs with a few really
interesting items thrown in. I particularly liked the men's
pouch with the footlocker lock on the front, which when opened
would leave a hole big enough for a medium sized penis. There
were chest halters and a few average-low average quality whips.
They have a wall of collars over the cash register, and some are
quite attractive. The case in front has some small items such as
cock rings, dildoes, tit clamps, and ball weights. There is also
a standard selection of dildoes and other adult toys on the side
wall in the back.
It was the first time that I got to see their chain mail
in person. The links are very fine, about the diameter of the
stick on a Q-Tip, and flowed like silk. It was well worth the
price of $175.00 US for the bra/halter. I also got to see the
steel breastplate that is featured on the cover of their current
catalog ($450.00 US - covers one breast, $550.00 US - covers
both). I was very surprised by how light in weight it was. I
expected it to be much heavier and cumbersome.
I ended up having Jackie find me a pair of latex panties,
($45.00 US), which had just come in a shipment. She didn't mind
letting me check each pair and pick the ones I liked best.
These ended up being my only purchase, although I had been
hoping to find something more.
OVERALL: Dream Dresser
Service: Great, relaxed, not pushy
Atmosphere: Excellent
PVC: Big selection, average prices
Leather: Small selection, high-ish prices for quality
Latex: Small, but very good selection, prices on par
with quality.
Shoes: Small, but nice selection, high prices
Bondage Gear: Small selection, but might be worth a look
Lingerie: Big selection, average prices
Extras: Stockings, cards, adult toys, nipple and clit
jewelry, spandex dresses, feather boas, TV
wear.
Store:
Dream Dresser
1042 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
(Georgetown)
Washington, DC 200007
U.S.A.
Phone: (202) 625.0373
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 AM-8 PM
Catalog:
Dream Dresser
Post Office Box 16158
Beverly Hills, California 90209-2158
U.S.A.
(Don't ask me why the store is on one side of the country and
the catalog address is on the other side - I don't know why.)
Phone Orders: (202)625-0377
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 AM-8 PM
Fax Orders: (202)625-2761
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Note: Some prices are from memory and are subject to the fail-
ings of that system. I verified those prices that I could with
their current catalog.
The Pleasure Place: Reviewed spring 1994 by Ms. Margo
The Pleasure Place used to be part of The Pleasure Chest
chain, but the two Washington stores - the other is in Dupont
Circle - broke off on their own. The stores themselves haven't
changed, despite the change of name. The Georgetown store is the
sort of place that one might go to buy a gag gift or bachelor
party tidbit. The front of the store has a selection of lubes
that is fairly good along with the "novelty "items, such as
"pussy in a can" and wind-up jumping penises. Even though the
store has a lot of that sort of stuff, they manage not to be
overtly sleazy. The sales help is pleasant, but every time I'm
in there I get the feeling that they really don't know their
stock very well. Next to the gag gifts is a selection of adult
toys, with the standard packaged dildoes, vibrators, and butt
plugs, along with blow-up dolls. In a case near the front door
is a very small selection of piercing jewelry. I was surprised
that some of it was in unlabeled bags - no maker indicated. This
certainly isn't where I would go to buy body jewelry, but it
might do in a pinch.
There is a low glass display case that has silk underwear
for men and women, as well as some of their sequined items. The
wall behind the cash register has their T-shirts. Most have a
gay theme, but they had a nice one with silk-screened nipple
clamps on it, which I ended up buying for one of my submissives.
The counter near the cash register is scattered with condoms of
various types along with condom cases, condom jewelry, and
condom key rings.
The racks on the wall opposite the cash register have a
small selection of lingerie, which leaned heavily to spandex. I
did find some Catherine Coatney clear vinyl items, though. The
prices were well in line with what I would have paid through
catalogs. The size selection was small. Prices seemed to be in
line with the quality. A clothing rack in the middle of the
store has lingerie on one side, T-shirts on the other. The
lingerie was mostly of the lace, tulle, and net variety. There
is a large selection of greeting cards and postcards in the back
of the store. I bought a number of really nice black and white
cards with fetishy themes to send to friends. The very back wall
has an assortment of blow-up dolls and sex-related party items.
The display case that reaches from the cash register to
the back of the store has an assortment of items in it. There
are a few stacks of T-shirts, some cock rings, nipple clamps,
collars, and small leather restraints, some videos, but most
notably there are books. I saw The SM Safety Manual, Leather-
folk, Coming to Power, and a few other good titles all in one
glance. Again, the accent is gay, but many are very applicable
to straight play as well. I was happily surprised to find that
they carried such quality titles.
In the very back of the store is a small area that is
closed off with a chain. This is where the serious fetish wear
is kept. I took a quick glance and immediately saw something
that caught my eye. In the middle of one of the racks full of
black latex and black leather were three leather bras. One was
white, one was bright yellow, and one was blue. The best thing
though, was that hanging down from one of the bras, a tag with
the French flag could be clearly seen. This was no ordinary
leather - this was Pierre Balmain! Couture leather. I didn't
think that they were being imported into the US anymore, so
these must have been hanging around somewhere for a while.
You need to ask someone to unlock the chain, but the (very
attractive) lesbian woman at the register was happy to open it
up for me without making me wait. She hung around a bit in the
back room with me until she was reasonably sure that I wasn't
going to steal anything. The bra was a long-line blue leather
bra. Everything on the bra, including the straps, was leather.
The price was $110.00 - a little steep for the item. I have been
assembling a blue-leather outfit, and this might be just the
thing. It was a size 34, so it may or may not have fit. I asked
to try it on and the saleswoman showed me to a dressing room in
the back of the store, next to the back room.
The dressing room was large, with a mirrored wall and a
stool to sit on. However, it was part of a pair of dressing
rooms, one of which was being used to hold extra boxes, bags,
and general junk. It felt a bit like changing in a warehouse. I
was really hoping that the bra wouldn't fit so that I could say,
"Awww. Can't get it." But of course, it fit perfectly. I looked
at it in the mirror for quite some time - which caused the
saleswoman to poke her head in to check that I wasn't stealing
shopping bags - and finally I decided that it was just the wrong
color. The rest of my blue leather outfit is bright jewel blue,
and this bra was a dusky cornflower blue. Since the saleswoman
was busy with someone else, I hung it back up in the back room
and looked through the rest of the items. There was a small
amount of latex available, and a large amount of XTC leather
lingerie. There were some chest harnesses, some hoods, and a few
whips. There was basically enough items in the back room to fill
an average household closet. Not a lot, but certainly much more
than your average adult shop. I didn't spend as long looking as
I would have liked, since I did have a plane to catch.
My purchases at The Pleasure Place were a dozen cards and
a T-shirt. This isn't the best fetish wear shop in the world,
but it is a "standard" among adult stores, and has the advantage
of being open late in the evening. You may not find anything
wonderful here, but you will find good quality items at fairly
reasonable prices. The store in Dupont Circle is more gay ori-
ented, and has a larger selection of leather goods - at least it
did the last time I was there 5 years ago.
OVERALL: The Pleasure Place
Service: Pleasant, but observant.
Atmosphere: Dark and slightly tawdry, but not sleazy, more
gay oriented.
PVC: A few scattered pieces.
Leather: The basics, prices are average.
Latex: Small selection, average prices.
Shoes: None.
Bondage Gear: Standard items, prices in line with most
"adult" shops.
Lingerie: Moderate selection, mixed bag on quality. Aver-
age prices.
Extras: Stockings, cards, adult toys, piercing jewelry,
condoms, key rings, lubricants, videos, books,
gag gifts.
Georgetown Store:
The Pleasure Place
1063 Wisconsin Avenue, NW
(Georgetown)
Washington, DC 200007
U.S.A.
Phone: (202) 333-8570
Hours: Monday-Tuesday 10 AM-10 PM
Wednesday-Friday 10 AM-10 PM
Sunday Noon-7 PM
Dupont Circle Store:
The Pleasure Place
1710 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 200009
U.S.A.
Phone: (202) 483-3297
Hours: Monday-Tuesday 10 AM-10 PM
Wednesday-Friday 10 AM-10 PM
Sunday Noon-7 PM
Note: Some prices are from memory and are subject to the fail-
ings of that system.
Regalia: Reviewed by Kris Davidson
They had very little latex, mostly PVC, leather, lycra and
lingerie. The people, however, were horrible. I walked in around
18:40 (they close at 19:00). I looked over the few items of
latex they had and decided to try something on. By this time it
was 18:45, still plenty of time. After asking I was told "we
close at 7. And besides we really don't have a place for men to
try things on." To which I replied, "how about I come back
tomorrow. What time do you open?" Response: "Well...we don't
have any place for men to try anything on."
Needless to say, I then left the establishment. First, the
clothes I was looking at were unisex. Second, since when does a
dressing room care wht gender you are? Third, is the New York
economy, or more precisely this stores sales, doing that well
that they can just turn away a potential several hundred dollar
sale?
Address and phone numbers to be found in the supplier list.
RIPPLESMOOTH: Reviewed by an anonymous reader in august 1994.
This is a small mail order operation based in Birmingham,
UK. It does four forms of rubberwear - moulded (presumably
bought from a large supplier); made-to-measure conventional
clothing; rubber restrictive garments; and garments made to
customers' own designs. Taking these in order:
There are two groups of moulded latex wear. There are
items of conventional wear such as corsets, bras, tights,
skirts, gloves, etc. and what they call "unusual" items. These
include pants with various kinds of built-in stimulators such as
dildos or sheaths (for men and women), erection pants, bras with
built in stimulators, etc. All these are reasonably priced
between $20 and $60 (1993 prices).
The made-to-measure list includes skirts, trousers, jack-
ets, nighties, and various dressing up outfits - nurse, maid and
school girl. They are available in a variety of weights and
color. As you would guess, these are considerably more expen-
sive, ranging from $74 for a shirt to $132 for an evening dress
and to almost $300 for the full nurse's outfit (dress, apron,
surgical mask, cap, and cape).
The made-to-measure restrictive garments are interesting
if you are keen on bondage and rubber. There are sheaths for arm
and legs and strait jackets. A loose-fit body sheath with at-
tached mask costs $150 while the same, fully covering body and
head, inflatable with a breathing tube will set you back $330. A
restrictive leotard with strait jacket sleeves is $150. There
are also inflatable gags.
Finally, Ripplesmooth make items wear to their customers'
specifications. The range of items that they make is very wide,
from the conventional to the truly bizarre. As an example of the
former, my wife has a favorite nightgown. I sent it to Ripple-
smooth who made a copy in dark blue latex without even having to
take the original apart. It was pretty stunning in the original
but fantastic in its new incarnation. They will also work from
photographs or drawings. The latter are important for the more
bizarre creations - they will attempt to make anything and
regard the more unusual as a challenge!
Ripplesmooth has customers throughout the world including
the USA and Australia. The owner is a real enthusiast and I
recommend Ripplesmooth if you have the money and patience to
wait for your specialist order to be filled.
Address and phone numbers to be found in the supplier list.
====================
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