Fashion and fetish have had a longstanding love affair. Influential designer Dame Vivienne Westwood first came to the world’s attention in 1971 when she opened her SEX boutique with Malcolm McLaren that specialised in punk clothing, fetish and
Fashion and fetish have had a longstanding love affair. Influential designer Dame Vivienne Westwood first came to the world’s attention in 1971 when she opened her SEX boutique with Malcolm McLaren that specialised in punk clothing, fetish and bondage wear. Westwood famously said: "My son has followed fashion since he was a punk. He and I agree that fashion is about sex".
Over 40 years later and the relationship between fashion and fetish is going stronger than ever: in April the erotic paperback magazine Baron printed its inaugural issue; SHOWstudio recently launched their series of fashion films, performances and multi-media pieces entitled Fashion Fetish; and an increasing amount of designers are creating collections inspired by the wilder side of life – incorporating fetish fabrics and S&M detailing into their collections.
This week on AnOther Loves the most loved product is Atsuko Kudo Luxury Latex Collar chosen by Mélanie Crété, Dazed Group Digital Marketing & Social Media Manager and founder of This or That?. Peter Pan in shape and latex rubber in material, the kinky accessory wouldn’t look out of place teamed with Louis Vuitton’s A/W11 The Night Porter and French maid inspired collection. Also a key trend for A/W12, Peter Pan collars dominated the catwalk (and sidewalk) notably at Marc Jacobs, Thom Browne, Ralph Lauren and John Galliano. Latex has also made its way into the mainstream with designers exploring the rubber fabric’s skin-tight, second skin effect, restrictive and waterproof qualities (see here for our London Latex fashion shoot Photographed by Stefan Heinrichs and styled by Agata Belcen in which latex designer Atsuko Kudo features).
Here we speak to Crété about why she chose to love this Atsuko Kudo Luxury Latex Collar, what she would wear it with and the fetish in fashion...
What made you choose to Love this Atsuko Kudo Luxury Latex Collar?
I recently hosted a French Maids versus English Gents party extravaganza for my 30th birthday. I was looking for a statement piece; something sexy and a bit different from the classic maid attire you can usually find in costume shops. The Dazed fashion team introduced me to Atsuko Kudo and I fell in love. After hours of browsing the collections on the site I eventually visited the shop on Holloway Road which is the best thing I've seen in a long time! I ended up getting a latex maid’s hat.
What would you wear it with and where to?
I would wear this collar with a black transparent Woolford bodysuit, my favourite pair of Acne wide legs black trousers and a pair of patent wedge sandals from YSL. Simple and chic.
What’s your favourite shape of collar?
Nothing compares to a black rollneck!
The Peter Pan collar cropped all over the A/W12 catwalk, however was most prominently featured in Louis Vuitton’s A/W11 Night Porter themed collection – are you a fan of fetish in fashion?
I think I've became a pretty good fan... It definitely inspired my birthday party theme!
Do you own any fetish pieces?
I don’t want to give out too much information...
What are your thoughts on latex garments and do you think they are acceptable for daywear?
They look great – it is all about mixing everything up and finding a good balance. They look as comfy as my Nike gymwear!
Do you own any latex garments or wish to own any?
I'd love to own a simple black pencil jacket. I would wear it all the time with everything.
Which fashion icons do you think pull of the S&M/ fetish look well?
I don’t like when things are over the top and done in a very obvious in your face kind of way, like Madonna and Rihanna. However I loved the fashion exercise from Rooney Mara when she promoted the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo: basically Rooney Mara in Givenchy couture is my idea of the ultimate chic subtle fetish look.
Text by Lucia Davies
